Roland Mark Huetzelmann
August 7, 1965 - January 15, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that the Huetzelmann family announces the passing of Roland, or, “Rollie.”
Rollie was involved in a tragic workplace accident in Saanich, BC, on January 10, that ultimately resulted in his passing at Victoria General Hospital.
Rollie was the youngest of six boys. Born in Victoria, BC, he was raised in James Bay as well as Powell River, where he graduated from Max Cameron Secondary School.
Rollie will be remembered for his contagious million-dollar smile, his ability to make you laugh, his happy-go-lucky and free-spirited attitude, his sense of adventure and his enthusiasm for his bike.
Rollie is survived by his parents Gerhardt and Hildegard Huetzelmann, his brothers Gary (Sharon), Roy, Brian, William and Joe (Brenda), numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his partner Coreen Desjarlais, her son, Isaiah, and her mother, Dolly.
A drop-in celebration of life will be held at Rollie’s brother Joe’s place, 3904 Manitoba Avenue, on Saturday, January 28, from 12-6 pm. All those who knew and loved Rollie are welcome to attend. Those who wish to attend may call Joe at 604.483.8119 or email him at jhandco@telus.net for further details.
Mary-Lou Vella
July 12, 1939 - January 14, 2017
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary-Lou Vella, on January 14. She is joyfully gone to be with God; Domenic, the love of her life; and, in her words “Elvis.”
Mary-Lou was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba, in the summer of 1939. She moved to Powell River in 1958 after meeting and falling in love with Domenic on a visit. They kept in touch via love letters for eight months until she and her mother moved to Powell River in 1959. Three short months later, Mary-Lou and our handsome dad were married in September of 1960. Less than five years later, by May of 1965, this prolific couple had four children.
When her youngest was school age, Mary-Lou became secretary at Assumption School, a position she held for 39 years. She loved her job and it showed. In the words of a recent Facebook post by a former student:
Mrs. Vella’s beautiful smiles were one of the aspects that lit up Assumption School and days of the students who attended. The warmness of her heart helped to create that magical family-oriented environment that made Assumption School a beautiful place to be.
Mom was blessed with boundless energy. This manifested itself in daily five-mile walks, knitting, baking bread and desserts, winemaking and always trying new recipes at her frequent gourmet dinners. Her infectious “joie de vivre” knit our family together.
The thread that ran through Mary-Lou’s life was her love of family. She was happiest when she could say, “I have all my children around me.” This is exactly how she passed away.
Mary-Lou was predeceased by our dad, her husband of 47 years, and is survived by her children: Gay, Dan (Pauline), Jo, Sam and Marc (Nancy); her grandchildren: Aeryn, Braden, David and Zandra; Colin, Chris, Dehl, Leo, Victoria, Miranda and Sophia; her great-grandchildren: Kaydence, Hazel, Nya, Livia and Fynn (with another due in March!); and four of her siblings.
The family has tremendous gratitude to the following: first and foremost, Teresa Bennett, for her tireless dedication to both our mother and ourselves; to the medical community: Doctor Dohm and Doctor May; the homecare nursing staff, including Sheena and Kathleen; occupational therapist Jennifer, the home support staff; and finally to all her friends who visited, sent cards, flowers, goodies and prayers. Mom so enjoyed the time spent with each and every one of you, and we enjoyed the goodies!
Mary-Lou’s funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Assumption on Saturday, January 21, at 1 pm, followed by a celebration of life at Carlson Community Club at 2:30 pm. Mom wanted a casual, blue-jean affair for her celebration of life.
Lydia “Mam” Young (Dyck)
Lydia “Mam” Young passed away Saturday, January 7, surrounded by family at Willingdon Creek Village. She is survived by her husband John (Harry, Papa) Young; children Patsy (Bruce, Roy), Peter (Pennie), Rockie (Linda), Hannah (Doug), Chris (Julie) and Tim (Joanne); grandchildren Suzanne, April, Vanessa, Rachel, Emily, Peter, Jason, Kiley, Zach, Mark, David, Travis, Luke, Curtis, Amber, Scott, Brittany and Allyssa; great-grandchildren Jordan, Evangeline and Lydia; and three siblings: John, Mary and Jack. She was predeceased by three grandchildren (Jennifer, Michael and Jesse).
Lydia was born in Saskatchewan in 1932. Her parents were Mennonite refugees from the USSR who found freedom and a home in Canada in the 1920s. This was a part of Mam’s identity that shaped her values, her faith and her amazing Mennonite cooking.
Lydia’s family moved to Yarrow, BC, in 1938, where she grew up on a farm and attended school, with her sister Mary, and later Bible school. As a young woman, Lydia left the countryside and moved to Vancouver, where she worked for the owners of McGavin’s Bread. It was during this time that she met Harry. They married April 18, 1953, after which Lydia moved to join Harry in Powell River, where they remained ever since.
In addition to parenting, Lydia’s life in Powell River included building two family homes, raising chickens (her “girls”), growing vegetable gardens and becoming a grandparent, which earned her the cherished title “Mam.”
Faith was at the centre of Mam’s life. “Devotions” (daily Bible reading and prayer) were an essential part of her day. She prayed daily for each and every member of her family. Her faith gave her joy in the high points of life and kept her going through the struggles. It gave her hope, peace, and most importantly, selfless love for others. Her legacy testifies to the difference Jesus makes when he is put at the centre of our lives.
Mam was determined to do whatever it took to bring good into the world, no matter how thankless or unglamorous the work might be. She spent years raising money by collecting cans for Mercy and Caring Children’s Homes, work that only ended when her health declined. She raised more than $50,000 over the years through recycling, proving that anyone can make a difference. The family is grateful for Patsy and her husband Bruce who continue this work.
Lydia has touched the lives of many. She loved seniors and would regularly visit many in their homes at Olive Devaud Residence and the hospital’s extended care wing. She would often take her children and grandchildren with her and has passed on her passion for caring for the elderly to many of her descendants.
Mam will be deeply missed. Her love was unconditional and never needed to be earned. She listened without judging and loved everyone she knew in a way that made them feel unique and special; this is what we will miss most of all.
A celebration of Mam’s live will be held at Westview Baptist Church at 1 pm on Saturday, January 21.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy and Caring Children’s Homes. To donate, please visit mercyandcaringhomes.org or send a cheque to: Donna Ball, treasurer, 285 Glassford Road, Gibsons, BC, V0N1V8.