Ruth Allan
“The Credit Union Lady”
August 8, 1914 - January 20, 2017
Ruth passed peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 102, and a half. An inspiration to all who knew her, Mom was out and about enjoying all life had to offer until her stroke a week before she passed.
Ruth was predeceased by her husbands Alexander Fear, Peter Aalten and Sydney Allan, son Norman, sisters Pearl, Clara, Evelyn and Priscilla, brothers Douglas and Norman, grandson Christopher Hawkins and great-grandson Dustin Clark.
Left to celebrate Ruth’s life are her youngest brother Stan (Gert) Lawrence, sons Don (Vera) and Roland (aka Skip) Fear, daughters Barb (Ole) Bai and Lynn (Tony) McCann, grandchildren Sandra (Dan), Bev (Darren), Marci (Matt), Tom (Akiko), Kathy (David), Sid (Natalie), Michelle (Pat), Tina, Wanda, Shawn and Laura (Dereck), 20 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren and a multitude of loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Mom spent her last phase of life at Kiwanis Court and Willingdon Creek Village, where she (and her family) appreciated the loving care and attention lavished on her by the staff.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will take place at Powell River United Church on May 13, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary for the comfort of Willingdon Creek Village and Evergreen Care Unit residents.
Estella Ruth Brown
October 14, 1938 – January 17, 2017
Loved by all who met her, Ruth’s greatest accomplishment, the one she was most proud of, was raising her four children. She was born in Port Alberni, BC, where she met and married the love of her life, Kip.
In 1964, Ruth and Kip, along with their children, relocated to Powell River for their next big adventure. Who knew that adventure would last 52 years?
Ruth was the quintessential soccer/figure-skater mom. Her taxi service, shuttling her four children wherever they needed to be, was non-stop and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Ruth had a real zest for life and a deep love of family, friends and community. Her early years were spent supporting Kip in Rotary through the Rotary Anns. Her many hobbies included sewing, crocheting, ceramics, fundraising and entertaining. She loved a good progressive dinner party. There were many times when she was sewing a costume for an event, selling you the ticket for that event, and wanting to know what dish you were bringing to the event. Many of these events would be centred around her four children, eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Family meant everything to her.
Even after her stroke in 1994, Ruth’s Pupu parties in Maui were legendary; many were enjoyed over the years. She also became a lifetime member of Powell River Stroke Recovery Club.
Ruth’s love for the outdoors often found her near a body of water: growing up on Sprout Lake, life in Powell River, trips to Kildonan, a family cabin on Powell Lake, and eventually a home on the beach in Maui. It is where she found her greatest happiness.
Ruth has joined her love, Kip, and they now walk the beaches of Heaven together.
May you find yourself with sand between your toes and a shell in your pocket.
A celebration will be held in Ruth’s honour at Carlson Community Club on Sunday, January 29, at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Powell River Stroke Recovery Club would be greatly appreciated.
Garry Gomez
July 9, 1951 - January 4, 2017
It was with sad hearts that we had to say goodbye to our brother, uncle, friend and Santa Claus, Garry Gomez, on January 4, 2017. There was never a larger heart than the one he shared with us all.
Garry was born in Prince Rupert on July 9, 1951. The family moved from there to Vancouver when Garry was four. Then, in 1966, his dad moved the family to Powell River to work in the mill. Garry followed in his father’s footsteps and became a pipefitter. He worked in both Alberta and BC until recently retiring.
Garry was predeceased by his dad Alexander and mom Shirley, brother Shane and great-nephew Dyson. He is survived by his sister Diane (Jim), brother Brian (Nicky) and sister Sandra (Andy), as well as nieces and nephews Krystal (Chris), Shelby, Jacquelyn (Gentry), Richard, Jennifer and Brent. Garry will also be missed by his great-nieces and great-nephews Padn, Noah, Trey, Madison, Chase, Taylor, Nathan, Gemma and Austin.
Garry, we will carry you in our hearts forever.
There will be a celebration of Garry’s life upstairs at Carlson Community Club on Saturday, January 28, at 3 pm.
Esther Adeline Lowe (Spani)
August 10, 1930 – January 17, 2017
Esther passed away at Cumberland Lodge with family by her side. She was born in Birch Hills, Saskatchewan, and was the eldest daughter of Leo and May Spani.
After finishing grade 11, Esther went to work at the Anglican Church Indian School in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and then moved to Saskatoon to work at Woolworth's and Cafe 5 Corners. She met the love of her life, Howard, while they were at church camp and started dating him a year later. They were married on July 16, 1950.
Esther helped Howard with his students in the one-room schools he taught at in Saskatchewan, working summers at Woolworth's while Howard continued his education at university. In 1963, they packed up the family and moved to Powell River.
Esther started work at Fairweather's Store shortly after the move and then became deeply involved in foster parenting. She and Howard had more than 50 children go through their home, with some staying with them all their lives, becoming their children.
Esther was lovingly known as Mom, Aunty, or Grandma. There was always room for one more. She was also involved with BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations and Canadian Foster Families Association and held several positions on the executive.
In 1991, Howard and Esther received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award to Foster Parents in Victoria, honouring their dedication to foster parenting. Both were made Honorary Life Members of the BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations.
Esther received numerous other awards that she was proud of, including: her honour ring for Junior Auxiliary of the Anglican Church; 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal; Heart of Gold Award (one of 15 in BC) for volunteering; United Way Gold Award; and several appreciation awards for fostering from local, regional and national foster parent associations, and from first nations.
Esther’s fondest memories were when all the family was together, especially Christmas in Calgary and at Mount Washington, the family reunions in Saskatchewan and the numerous trips around Canada and the United States.
Mom always said that dad knew what was best for her and encouraged her to start fostering. She cherished her time with other foster parents, sharing stories and supporting each other. The greatest accomplishments in their lives were seeing children in their care blossom and grow under their support, encouragement and unconditional love.
Esther was predeceased by her husband Howard, parents Leo and May Spani, son Glenn Phillips, daughter Laverna Lowe and grandson Christopher Welde. She is survived by her loving children: son Harold (Tracey) Lowe and daughters Berri Lynne (Rod) Peters, Leslie Ann (David) Welde, Flora Phillips and Rose (James) Henry. Esther is also survived by extended family members Lorraine and Ron Henderson, Steve and Emily Crowther, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister Joyce (Robert) Lee, brother Stuart (Marjorie) Spani and their families.
We would like to thank all the care workers who helped Esther at home; Doctor Andreae and Evergreen Care Unit in Powell River; and Doctor Sand Russell-Atkinson and staff at Cumberland Lodge for the kindness and compassion.
A service will be held in early April. Notification will be sent out.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Powell River Salvation Army, 4500 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC, V8A 3A6.
Condolences can be sent online to Stubberfield Funeral Home at stubberfieldfh.com.