Dr. Peter Baltzer
December 18, 1952 - April 3, 2016
Dr. Peter Baltzer, DDS, passed away after a long battle with ALS, which he suffered with great dignity. He maintained as much independence as possible and his astounding will was an example to us all.
Peter was generous, loyal, loved to laugh and was a born teacher. He had many good friends from all over the world who stayed connected throughout his remaining difficult years. Well known in the dog show world, Peter won many awards, both local and international, with his beloved Scottish Deerhounds, including the National Specialty in the United States and also best of breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York.
Peter was a true warrior and will be missed and fondly remembered by his sister Pat, nephew Darcy, nieces Erin and Helen and his many friends.
No service by request.
Myrtle Yvonne Dahl (Christensen)
Born: May 28, 1934 in Elk Point, Alberta
Died: April 14, 2016 in Parksville, BC
Myrtle is survived by her children Del (Shirley) Christensen, Arlene (Allan) Langner, Julie (Lance) Malet Veale, Sherrie (Dave) Lambkin, Tammy Christensen, Glenn (Lesley) Christensen, Terry (Carmen) Christensen, Larry (Natanis) Christensen and Denise (Carey) Wieler, 22 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, her sister Betty and brother Albert.
Myrtle was well-known as one who took advantage of opportunities to share her faith and speak of comfort that our Creator, Jehovah, gave her. The love she had for Him, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the reasons she got out of bed every day.
The family would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers over the years, who not only looked after Mom’s physical needs, but helped meet her emotional needs as well. She truly did develop a love for you, especially in her final days at Trillium Lodge Hospice in Parksville. To our dear Dr. Marlene Van der Weyde: the medical profession is truly blessed to have you in its fold. Thank you so much for what you do and how you do it.
As well, we have to thank the many friends and families who have had a share in comforting Mom and her family; for that we are truly thankful and blessed. Mom had made friends wherever she has lived and we know you share our grief at the loss of a wonderful human being. We send our love and thanks to you all for your loyal love and friendship.
We will miss you, Mom, and look forward to seeing you again in the promised paradise that Jehovah has planned for the near future. Thank you for the courage and dignity with which you faced the last enemy; death. You have given each of us the courage to carry on. (John 5:28, 29; Rev. 21:3, 4)
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, April 23, at the Parksville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1069 Smithers Road, Parksville, BC.
For more information about the wonderful hope for the future that Myrtle entertained, please visit jw.org
To send a condolence to the family, please visit yatesfuneral.ca; Yates Funeral Service & Crematorium in care of arrangements, 1.877.264.3848.
Linda Florence
February 3, 1943 – April 16, 2016
Linda died peacefully at home after a three-year fight with progressive supranuclear palsy, complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Born and raised in Powell River, Linda excelled at piano and school in the 1950s. She began her lifelong interest in reading, writing and editing with projects including her school annual and a series of pioneer stories in the Powell River News. In the 1960s, after a degree in education at University of British Columbia, Linda taught at elementary-level schools in Prince George and Ottawa.
Married in 1964 to Dave Florence, Linda began travelling life with the Royal Canadian Air Force. After bearing children in 1969 and 1971, Linda returned to writing in 1974, first as the prison-beat reporter for the Kingston Whig-Standard in Kingston, ON, and later as assistant editor of the Der Kanadier in Lahr, Germany. On return to Ottawa in 1980, she became editor for 13 years of The Leader, Scouts Canada magazine, and edited its newspaper at several scout jamborees.
Returning to Powell River in 1993, Linda did several writing projects for School District 47 and served on the Powell River Public Library Board from 1994 to 2002. She then enjoyed retirement with hobbies including gardening, reading, bird watching, clarinet performance and travelling; including semi annual visits to family in Ontario and five-month stints for many winters to the southern United States.
Predeceased by her parents Earl and Babe Courte, Linda is survived in Powell River by her husband Dave, brother Terry Courte (Alice) and half-sister Mavis Beatty (Lin); and in Ontario by her son Scott (Louise), daughter Lisa (Adam) and three grandchildren Jared, Erica and Raphael.
The family would like to thank Dr. duToit and his staff and all the home support workers at Vancouver Coastal Health and PR Home Care Services for their skill and kindness to Linda during her last few months.
Memorial gifts may be sent to the Powell River Public Library new library fund.
No service by request. A celebration of life will be held July 2, 2016.
Gordon Gilbert Forrest
Gordon Gilbert, born in Powell River on March 31, 1968, passed away suddenly on April 14, 2016, at the age of 48. Gord was predeceased by his father Chuck and is survived by his son Erick, mother Gladys and sister Shelley.
Gord was a third-generation logger, born into a pioneering family in Powell River. He followed his father’s footsteps, working in the bush his entire life. Gord was a loving father, son and brother, and was liked by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army or Powell River Logger Sports would be greatly appreciated.
A service will be held Saturday, April 23, at 2 pm at Beach Gardens Resort and Marina.
Loggers don’t sit around much discussing church, religion or prayer, but a wise man once said, if you ever get to heaven, you’ll be surprised who you’ll run into there. And when the last trumpet’s been sounded and all life’s secrets unfold, we’ll find more than one set of caulk boot tracks on those streets of solid gold.
Roy Fraser
December 18, 1929 - April 08, 2016
It is with heavy hearts that our family grieves the loss of a wonderful father and grandfather. Roy was predeceased by his partner of 30 years, Juanita James, and is survived by his daughters Sharen and Dorothy, son Adam and stepdaughter Sarrae. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael, Alicia, Jeanetta, Sara, Mary, Will and Evan, great-grandchildren Kaylee, Jake, Lakai, Karina, Callie and Chloe and one soon-to-be-born granddaughter.
Roy was always known for his sweet and kind soul and will be missed by his family and friends. As a young man, Roy served his country as a merchant marine, sailing throughout the world during his service. Retiring with over 30 years at the Port Mellon pulp and paper mill, he enjoyed his golden years, frequently out on the ocean fishing for that giant elusive salmon or gathering prawns or oysters on the beach. Truly a West Coast man.
A celebration of life will be held in the lower hall of Powell River Legion Branch 164 on April 30 at 1 pm.
Howard Lowe
May 9, 1927 - April 17, 2016
Howard passed away peacefully at Evergreen Extended Care Unit with his wife, Esther, and family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents John and Daisy Lowe, brothers Johnny, Billy and Leslie, sister Hilda Denke, brother-in-law Harold Denke, son Glenn Phillips, daughter Laverna Lowe and great-grandson Christopher Welde. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Esther, son Harold (Tracey), daughters Berri Lynne (Rod), Leslie Ann (David), Flora and Rose (James), extended family members Lorraine and Ron Henderson, Steve and Emily Crowther and numerous special grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Howard was born in Montreal Lake, SK, to John and Daisy Lowe; the youngest of four boys and one daughter. Growing up he was sent off to boarding school in Prince Albert, SK, to continue his education. He went on to teacher's college and started teaching at the age of 18 in 1946.
Howard met the love of his life, Esther, at church camp and started dating her one year later; they were married on July 16, 1950.
Howard taught in numerous one-room schools in Saskatchewan, until it was time for his own children to go to school, and then the family moved from the country to town. In 1963, Howard packed up the family and moved to Powell River, where he started his teaching career at Wildwood School, then JP Dallos and Gordon Park elementary schools, where he retired in 1987.
Esther and Howard also became deeply involved in foster parenting; they had over 50 children go through their household, with some staying all their lives, becoming their children. Howard was also involved with BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations (BCFFPA), holding 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 honourary lifetime members of BCFFPA. Their door was always open to anyone who wanted to stop by, whether for a coffee or a bed to sleep in.
We would like thank all the care workers who helped Howard at home, staff at Evergreen Extended Care Unit and Dr. Andreae, for their kindness and compassion expressed toward Howard, Esther and family.
A service will be held Tuesday, April 26, 1 pm at Salvation Army Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Howard's name to Powell River Salvation Army, 4500 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 3A6 or BCFFPA, 131 - 8th Street, New Westminster, BC, V3M 3P6.
Condolences can be sent online to Stubberfield Funeral Home at stubberfieldfh.com.
Edith Marin
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Edith Marin on Tuesday, April 12, at the age of 88 years. Predeceased by her husband Aldo (Red) Marin, she leaves behind her five children Fred (Pat) Marin of Kelowna, BC, Susan (Jim) Inglis of Halifax, NS, Sandra (Bill) Mayenburg, Barb (Jim) Simonetta and Becky (Fred) Pannell, all of Powell River.
Edith will be fondly remembered by her nine grandchildren Brent, Ken, Rodney, Carolyn, Tara, Curtis, Laura, Melanie and Megan and her one great-grandchild Jacob. She also leaves behind one brother Louie DeVito.
Mom was born in Powell River on August 20, 1927, and spent her entire life here. She had fond memories of working at Bosa General Store in Cranberry and Bell’s General Store in Wildwood. In later years she especially enjoyed her trips to Reno. Always surrounded by the family she loved, she lived a long and happy life.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 14, at 1 pm at the Italian Hall. Memorial donations may be made to Powell River Hospital Foundation.
Owen "Gary" Roberts
1943 - 2016
Owen passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, April 15. He was predeceased by his wife Carol and is survived by his son Dan (Megumi) Roberts and two granddaughters; and stepdaughters Debra, Cindy and Sandi. Owen also leaves his loving, devoted partner Gerri Kinrade.
Owen will be remembered for his dedicated work promoting the Powell River community. He was deeply invested in his political party, the NDP, and as a community organizer.
Owen had a positive, humourous spirit and an optimistic outlook on life; always with a twinkle in his eye. He will be greatly missed.
There will be a celebration of life on Friday, April 29, from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164, Powell River, 6811 Alexander Street.
In lieu of flowers, for those who desire, donations to the Legion for the meat draws that Owen so fondly won each weekend will be accepted.