Skip to content

Obituaries: August 5, 2015

Franklin Harold Johnson, January 4, 1924 - June 30, 2015 Longing for another adventure, Frank slipped anchor in his sleep, just as he’d hoped. He joins his wife Irene, his son Steve, grandson Jordan and sister Dorothy Hancock.

Franklin Harold Johnson, January 4, 1924 - June 30, 2015

Longing for another adventure, Frank slipped anchor in his sleep, just as he’d hoped. He joins his wife Irene, his son Steve, grandson Jordan and sister Dorothy Hancock. Left to grieve and celebrate his life are daughters Delores (Bill) Harrison, Carol (Paul Guiton) Johnson, his sister June Frache, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, a large extended family and countless friends. From early childhood, Frank led an unconventional life growing up on the shores of the Fraser River. At 16, he worked at Powell River pulp mill, he cut cedar blocks on Powell Lake, cut salal, fished and logged along the coast, moving his family into float houses, beach shacks and vacated coastal homes. In the early 50s they relocated to St. Vincent’s Bay where Frank worked as head boom man. The family’s vagabond lifestyle ended with a move to Garden Bay for the kids’ schooling. But Frank didn’t settle. He worked for a variety of gypo outfits before signing on with Pacific Towing in Vanguard Bay eventually ‘retiring’ to his home on Nelson Island. His bucket list contained one item: find his birth mother. That wish was fulfilled a few years ago and last summer his ‘new’ sister Dorothy (three months his senior) flew to Powell River where they spent three glorious days together. Dorothy predeceased Frank by six weeks. His most significant life accomplishment: being loved by so many. The sign of a life well lived. A celebration of life will be held August 29 from 1 to 3 pm at the Beach Gardens Hotel.


Joanne Doretta Smith, December 31, 1934 - July 20, 2015

It is with deep regret and sadness we announce the loss of Doretta. She passed away quietly in Evergreen Extended Care Unit after a losing battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband Stanley, sons Robert, Donald, Lionel and Lloyd, daughter Joanne, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her love, strength and courage leave us a legacy to cherish. There will be a memorial service at Texada Island United Church, Saturday August 8 at 1:15 pm. A celebration of life will follow at the Texada branch No. 232 Royal Canadian Legion. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to the BC Cancer Society in Doretta’s memory.