Yvette Avril Peggy Bennett (Dr. Y. Franklin)
April 20, 1926 – November 12, 2016
It is with sadness we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother at the age of 90.
Yvette was born in London, England, the youngest of four sisters. She lived through the blitz of World War II, writing her final exams in bomb shelters, and was one of two women in a class of 200 medical students at King’s College, London, graduating in 1949. She married in 1951, and continued training in paediatrics at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London.
In 1955, much to her surprise, Yvette found herself in Twillingate, Newfoundland, when her husband accepted a surgical post. They moved to Swift Current, then Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where they had a family and shared a medical practice for 15 years. The final move was to Powell River, where they settled on beautiful Pebble Beach and enjoyed practising medicine and being members of the community for many years. Yvette was involved in the Sailing Club, Power Squadron, Homemakers Society, and even designing costumes for the school musicals. Her wonderful Thursday hiking group was central to her life, where she made some of her closest friends.
Yvette was predeceased by her son Alan in 1988 and husband Dr. W. Bennett in 2012. She was the last of the four Franklin sisters. She is survived by her daughters Mary (David), Susan (Chris) and six grandchildren. Also mourning her loss are many extended family members in England and New Zealand.
The family would like to extend special thanks to John and Mike DeVries and Garry Anderson for all the care and support they provided Mum in Powell River. We also want to thank Dr. Duncan Etches, Susan Emanuel and the wonderful staff at South Granville Park Lodge in Vancouver for the loving care in the last months of Mum’s life.
A celebration of life will be held in Powell River in the spring, when her flowers are in bloom.
Clifford (Kip) Harry Brown
April 2, 1934 - November 8, 2016
Loved and admired by many, Kip Brown was a man of his word. A handshake was a handshake and a promise was a promise. He was born in Stockton-on-Tees England.
Kip was an admired businessman within the community, an integral member of both the Rotary Club of Powell River and Powell River Stroke Recovery Club and a longtime friend to many extraordinary people. Over the years, he and Ruth raised a beautiful family with four children, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom valued his never-ending supply of Kleenex.
Kip and Ruth always had their little piece of Shangri-La, whether on the sugar beach coast of Maui or up the lake at their float cabin. There was always a place to call home for their many friends and family to share their slice of paradise.
Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, Kip himself was a businessman at heart, admired and respected by all those who had the pleasure of working with and for him. It didn’t hurt that he always liked to be in charge. This too he instilled in his own family; his love for business, importance of honour and integrity, and deep-rooted control issues. We love and utilize them all with his mentorship and insatiable sense of humour. Above all else, he taught us how to love. His heart was open to all who needed him. His wife Ruth was the love of his life and through all the good memories and hardships, their partnership truly stood the test of time. We are all privileged to have known him, and he will be greatly missed, most of all by his loving wife.
A service will be held in Kip’s honour at Brooks Hall on Saturday, November 19, at 1 pm. A shuttle service will be provided for those who are travelling from the island on the 10:10 am ferry.
Dale S. Cramb
June 25, 1935 - October 31, 2016
Resident of Cupertino, California, Dale Samuel Cramb, born in Powell River, BC, June 25, 1935, passed away peacefully on October 31.
Dale graduated Brooks class of '52 and enjoyed returning home for reunions. He earned his flight wings through Powell River Air Cadets Squadron 22. He was an Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and retired as a United Airlines 747 captain. Active in his retirement in California, he was a past president of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, Royal Canadian Legion and Retired United Airlines Employees Association. He was also an area representative of the Retired United Airlines Pilots Association, and a proud member of the Gliding Geezers.
Dale was predeceased by his parents Sam and Irene Cramb and his brother Milton. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Billie, son Graham (Denice), daughter Laura and grandson Ian.
A celebration of his life was held at the Alameda Family Funeral Home, Saratoga, California, on November 12. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his honour to the International Alzheimer's Association, alz.org.
Major James Allan Cratchley
1938-2016
Jim passed away on Remembrance Day, 2016, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He died at home with his loving wife of 53 years, Bonnie, his son Stan and his daughter Michelle by his side. He was predeceased by his brother Stan, his mother Cecile and his father, Bill. He leaves behind grandchildren Ryan, Brody, Paige, Ethan, Lauren, Tyler and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Jim was born and raised in Powell River, BC. He joined the RCAF in 1957. Jim earned the respect of his colleagues during an extensive flying career, both as a fighter pilot and a flight instructor. As a staff officer this respect continued as he was asked to establish and command the Air Force Indoctrination School (AFIS) in 1980. In 1983 he was called to serve in a challenging post at the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. It was there that he was awarded the Canadian Airman of the Year. This award recognized his outstanding performance both in his role with AFIS and the Armed Forces. He retired from the Air Force in 1986 and went on to run a salmon fishing resort for the next 18 years with his wife Bonnie. He truly loved what he did in the military and then up at Stuart Island, BC.
Jim loved golfing, hunting, fishing, cruising with his wife and friends, drinking red wine, the Toronto Blue Jays and most of all being with his family.
He will live forever in our hearts and be missed beyond words.
Fly high Jim, until we meet again.
Arrangements entrusted to Comox Valley Funeral Home, Courtenay, 250-334-0707.
Gregory John Frey
July 21, 1945 – November 05, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our husband, father, brother and friend.
Greg John Frey passed away at his home in Sorrento, BC, at the age of 71. He was a true fighter and showed his strength, bravery and dignity until his passing. He was predeceased by his father John Frey and his mother Bertha Frey.
Greg will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife Cindy, brother Chris, daughter Dana (Shane), son Curt (Tai) and grandchildren Meila and Griffin; stepson James (Jess) and grandchildren Cody and Thea; and stepson Jason (Amy) and grandchildren Carter and Kayla, as well as numerous other close family and friends.
Greg was born in Victoria, BC, and moved to Prince George in 1950, where his love of sports and the outdoors thrived. He spent most of his working years at CN Railway but he truly just worked to play and have fun. There is nothing he loved more in life than playing and spending time with family and friends.
After Greg retired, he and Cindy moved to Powell River in 2007 to continue the adventure and enjoy life by the ocean. In 2013, they moved to Sorrento and spent winters enjoying time in Arizona.
“Deuce” was truly “Greg’arious” and made many friends in whatever activity or adventure he participated in. He loved his family and friends dearly and will be truly missed by us all.
A celebration of life to be held in late spring in Prince George will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Fischer’s Funeral Services and Crematorium, Salmon Arm, 250.833.1129.
Email condolences and share memories at fischersfuneralservices.com.
Stanley Donald Lockstead
May 12, 1957 – November 6, 2016
It is with deep sadness we announce the death of Stanley. He lived on Texada Island from birth until moving to Vancouver after graduating from Max Cameron in 1975.
Stanley was predeceased by his father Donald F. Lockstead, mother Leita Simard-Lockstead-Falhman and nephew Nicodemo Donald Agostino. He is survived by sisters Sylvia, Gina and Jennifer, nieces Kristyn, Stephanie, Teresa and Makayla, several much-loved aunts, uncles and cousins, his dear friend and brother-in-law Damiano Agostino and longtime family friend Cicelia Savage.
Stan was a kind-hearted, gentle soul whom we will always love and whose memory we will keep close to our heart.
No service by his request. Thank you to all our family and friends for their support and kind memories of Stan.