Jeana Bowlby
August 10 1921 - December 31 2016
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate the life of Jeana Bowlby will held at 1pm on Saturday, March 25, at the Stubberfield Funeral Home chapel. Following the service, a reception will be held in Stubberfield’s reception hall.
Joan Gemmell (née Malarkey)
We are sad to announce the death of Joan on Friday, March 10, 2017, in Powell River. She was predeceased by her husband Donald Gemmell on April 11, 2011.
Joan leaves her daughter Linda (Terri), sons Bruce (Sharon, deceased) and Gordon (Karel), grandchildren Tory and Adam (Becca), Daniel and Katie, step-grandchildren Tara (Rachid) and Erin (Ryk), borrowed granddaughter Lynn and great-grandchildren Evelyn, Alice, Adela, Ellerie, Emmy and Luke.
Joan’s family and her many friends will feel the loss of her loving kindness and the light she brought to our lives. May light perpetually shine upon her.
The immediate family will gather in Joan’s memory later in the spring. As Mum was a volunteer for Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary, we ask that any donations be made to the auxiliary.
It is hard to explain how deeply Mum enriched us, but a poem Bruce wrote for her some years ago expresses some of what we feel.
Just as an experiment, stop for a minute and see yourself as I do
Notice how brave you are, how good, and how strong
Can you see it?
Now look deeper. There’s more
A light about you, almost
There is magic inside you.
Esther Lowe
A celebration of Esther Lowe's life will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 1:30 pm at the Salvation Army Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army Missions Fund would be gratefully accepted.
Andrea Massullo
Andrea was born May 9, 1930, in Bagnoli del Trigno, Italy, and passed away peacefully on March 19, 2017. He is survived by his loving wife Emilia, son Sandro (Tina) and grandchildren Andy, Nicholas, Emily and Christopher.
The family wishes to thank staff at Willingdon Creek Village and former Olive Devaud Residence for their wonderful care during the past three and a half years.
A funeral will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, March 23, at Church of the Assumption. Prayers will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 22, also at Church of the Assumption.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Alzheimer Society of BC.
Barbara Ann Meraw
One of Powell River's very own died suddenly on March 15, 2017. Barbara Ann (Annabelle) Meraw (née Mundigel) was born in Powell River on February 23, 1917.
Free of the shackles that most recently held her back, Ann is now onward and upward, crossing into a new frontier. Perhaps another watery world awaits her where she can once again be free to explore the depths of her imagination, all the while seizing opportunities to make life better for those around her. For those of us left behind, we will join you soon enough. But we will not be in hurry, making the most of this life, much as you did during your 100 years. No tears will pass, only smiles, deep inner reflection and marvel at the humanity you brought to the fore.
Leader and role model: Vision, initiative and creativity
Ann had a vision when she was a small girl, to swim as far as she could see. Such a vision became a life-changing moment. For her, it was about being the best she could be, to push limits, in some cases ones that no human has ever duplicated (speed/endurance records in long-distance swimming).
Community builder:
In 2008, Ann was inducted into the Order of British Columbia. Former premier Gordon Campbell et al. recognized her: “Ann (Mundigel) Meraw became Canada’s first female registered life guard (1943) and the only woman coach ever in the World Professional Federation of Swimming. She earned her living as a lifeguard, swimming coach, instructor and examiner (Vancouver Parks Board, 45 years). Over the years, she saved 63 people from drowning. She obtained seven world records in long-distance swimming, four of which still stand today (she was never beaten in competition). Member of the Royal Lifesaving Society (78 years), founding member of the Ridge Meadows Hall of Fame (RMHF) in Maple Ridge, president of her strata council, Block Watch captain and a community policing volunteer, among many other community activities. An elite athlete, a coach, a tireless community activist, Ann has a storied past and an involved present in Maple Ridge.”
Broke new ground:
In 1934, Ann and three other women started what was to become known as synchronized swimming, all with the aim of creating entertainment. In 1939, she did a lifesaving performance for King George VI and the Queen Mother. In 1958, upon completion of her world-record breaking, non-stop, 55-mile swim (32 hours and 12 minutes), Ann was invited to meet Princess Margaret, who flew to BC to meet her. In 1945, Ann founded the Canadian "water babies" swimming program.
Inductee BC Sports Hall of Fame (1985), sport: swimming, category: builder. Commemorative 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal (1992) in “Recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada.” Visit her display: BC Place, Gate A, Vancouver, BC. YMCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Award, category: health, wellness and active living, 2012. Wrote a memoir entitled Marathon Swimmer (Maple Ridge: Waite Publishing, 2004).
Ann also made a splash on the small screen when she became a technical advisor on the CBC TV series The Beachcombers. She served as the double for actress Juliet Randall in the show's swim scenes.
From 1940 to 1982, Ann co-trained field-trial dogs with her husband (Joseph Thomas Meraw), who was renowned for training championship dogs.
Predeceased family members:
President Ulysses S. Grant (great uncle, mother’s side), Joe (husband), William (father), Phobie (mother), John Grant (Jack, brother), Norma Marie (Pat, sister), Delores, Thelma, Marcia, Kay and Jean Earl (cousins) and William (Bill, grandson).
Surviving family members:
Kathy and Kathy (nieces), Larry and Don (nephews), Christine and Mike (grandchildren). Mike writes, “Grandma you were my dancing and drinking buddy! We have some unfinished partying to do with John Bao in Vegas (look for us at one of your previous haunts: The CatHouse, Luxor Hotel next month). Birgit sends you a BIG HUG also. We love you! Vegas won’t be the same without you.”
Prayer, funeral service, burial:
To be held at 10:30 am and 12 pm respectively on Friday, March 24, at St. Luke’s Church, 20285 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge. Ann will be buried in Maple Ridge Cemetery, next to her husband Joe, later that day at approximately 2 pm.
Wally Pence
September 15, 1942 – March 18, 2017
A legendary man who would light up any room with his big personality, laughter and jokes, Wally’s adventurous spirit meant he lived life to the fullest.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Sandy; friend and first wife, Carol; daughters Cindy (Les) and Carma (Ray); sons Brett (Jane) and Matt (Pam); stepdaughters Michelle (Andy) and Wendy (Jerry); and stepson Doug (Kristi). Wally will also be lovingly remembered by 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister Lee (Keith); many nieces and nephews; stepmother Mary; and countless friends. He was predeceased by parents Don and Harriet; brother Roy; and granddaughter Cassidy.
Wally’s zest for life included sports: curling, baseball and skiing, and an enthusiasm for hunting, which started young and turned to a passion for trapshooting. A competitive trapshooter, he stood out as the best for many years, even earning a spot in the all-star provincial competition.
With his love of fishing and cooking, many will remember Wally as the host; sharing many meals, and a few scotches, with friends and family. Personable and social, he belonged to many organizations including Elks, Masons, Rotary and various gun clubs, including Powell River’s for 47 years. He contributed many volunteer hours and especially loved the local projects with Rotary.
Wally was always proud of his business. Helping the environment with his reclamation methods, he received awards and acclaim for his endeavours.
Many thanks to Dr. Charles Van Zyl, hospital staff and palliative care for the loving support provided to Wally and family.
A celebration of life and informal reception will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, March 25, at Carlson Community Club, 4463 Joyce Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Rotary Club of Powell River-Local Projects, Box 74, Powell River, BC, V8A 4Z5.
Gary Picken
1962 - 2017
It is with great sorrow the family of Gary David Picken announces his passing in Taber, Alberta, on Tuesday, March 14, at the age of 54, following a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
A celebration of Gary’s life was held at Royal Canadian Legion in Taber on Saturday, March 18. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting southlandfuneral.com.
Besides Corinne, his loving wife of 20 years, Gary is survived by his son David, daughters Anita and Tasha and grandson Keagan. He is also survived by his mother Pat Picken; siblings George Picken, Gail Cole (Larry) and Grant Picken (Jerry); niece Chrissy Cole (Joe) and their family Candice, Bailey, Brice, Skye and Levi; nephew Matthew Rayfield; father-in-law Larry Radford; mother-in-law Dorry Dougall; sister-in-law Terri Radford; nephews Marcus and Austin Radford and numerous other family members.
Gary was predeceased by his father George Picken, niece Sarah Cole and brothers-in-law Wayne Radford and Glenn Radford.
He was born in Dundee, Scotland, on November 6, 1962, the second son of George and Pat Picken. The family immigrated to Canada in 1970 and eventually settled in Powell River where Gary attended school, worked at the mill and later welcomed the birth of his son David.
Years later, Gary moved to Burns Lake, where he met and married Corinne Radford. They welcomed the birth of their daughters Anita and Tasha while in Burns Lake. Eventually they moved to Alberta to start a new life and settled in Taber, where Gary gained employment with Lamb Weston, a career he thoroughly enjoyed.
Gary had many wonderful friends. He enjoyed time with them and with his family. He loved Harley Davidson and “church” in his garage. He will be remembered for his unique sense of humour and kind heart. He enjoyed trips to visit his family but his heart always remained in Taber.
Gary will be greatly missed.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Avenue, Taber, Alberta, T1G 1R8, 403.2238778, southlandfuneral.com.
Orris Franklin Sage
December 17, 1929- March 18, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Orris Franklin Sage. He was born into the Dirty Thirties in the small town of Melfort, Saskatchewan, to Russell and Myrtle Sage, with siblings Glen, Phyllis, Lorne and John.
Orris grew up apparently walking uphill both ways to a one-room prairie schoolhouse where his abilities at sports soon became a passion. He spent his summers playing baseball and winters clearing snow from ice ponds to play hockey from dawn to dusk.
It was not long until a spot on the iconic Flin Flon Bombers was offered to Orris, where his reputation as a hard-nosed defenceman was forged. He carried on to become the Canadian Gold Rush Canoe Derby champion, but missed out by four seconds in becoming North American champion of the 100-mile race down the Mississippi River. Later, after a cup of coffee with both the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, Orris took his skates across the pond to Scotland, where he quickly became a crowd favourite at the rink in Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It was there he met a fresh-faced Scottish lass who he would bring home to Canada and love for the next 63 years.
Orris became an ironworker in bridge construction all over BC, including the Granville Street and Second Narrows bridges.
Hockey again came calling as he was asked to lace up for the startup of the Powell River Regals. He took this opportunity to relocate, raise his family and build his home in the new subdivision of Grief Point, all while pursuing a 31-year career in the welding shop with MacMillan Bloedel.
Orris was avid in the community by coaching many pee wee, bantam and midget hockey teams to Vancouver Island championships. His oldest son, Russell, would become the first son of an original Regal to play for the green and gold; later his second son, Wayne, served as president of the club, establishing a 50-year family legacy with the team.
Orris loved to hunt on Pocahontas and was often seen fishing off Harwood Island. He was active in the Powell River Golf Club, a founding builder of Mount Diadem Ski Club and later found his passion as a trapshooter with Powell River Rod and Gun Club. Humbly he became a Western Canada doubles champion and BC singles champion; he cherished his 100/100’s.
We loved when he pulled out his smoked salmon and award-winning blackberry wine. No matter the adventure or pursuit, you would always find his biggest fan, Irene, at his side cheering him on.
Orris was predeceased by his parents, brothers Glen and John and sister Phyllis. He leaves to mourn his wife Irene, brother Lorne (Joan), sister-in-law Connie, sons Russell (Belinda) and Wayne (Gisele), daughter Donna (Brian) Stobbart, grandchildren Megan, Reid, Mariah (James), Garrett, Caitlin and Samantha, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Our family would like to thank the compassionate and warm staff at Willingdon Creek Village-Orris loved it there, and the people who surrounded and cared for him. Thank you to the nurses on the fourth floor, we are forever grateful for your incredible care.
To honour his humble ways, no service will be held and a celebration of life will be enjoyed by family.
Okey Dokey, Dad.