Edward Irving Dunn
June 13, 1922 - May 23, 2016
Born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Ed served in World War II in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a wireless operator. He was stationed in the Queen Charlotte Islands and overseas in Germany.
Ed came to Powell River in 1947 and worked as a papermaker for 40 years. While working at the mill, he also had a farm in Courtenay, producing tons of hay.
In 1993 , Ed built “our shack” on Texada, of which he was extremely proud.
Left with memories are his wife of 63 years Sylvia, children Alastair (Kathy), Michael (Chris) and Susan (Lindsay Louie), grandchildren Kelsey (Mariel), Brandon, Michelle, Cameron and Matthew, and siblings John (Erma) and Mae (Wally Wachta).
Special thanks to the staff of house six at Willingdon Creek Village for their care and compassion for Ed and our family the last seven months.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Franz Kals
Born in Australia, March 1, 1944, Franz passed away with family by his side on May 9, 2016 in Powell River at the age of 72.
Left to remember Franz and cherish a life well-lived are his daughters Marixa and Ingrid, as well as those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Let’s raise a glass in remembrance on Saturday, June 11, at 2 pm at Shinglemill Pub and Bistro.
Donald George Pellegrin
March 1, 1954 – May 25, 2016
Don died of a heart attack at Dodd Lake; a place he loved to be. He is survived by his children: daughter Gina Pellegrin and her children Damon and Olivia; son Dave Pellegrin; and brothers and sisters Brian and Sandi Pellegrin, Gwen and Darren Mills, Rhondda and Bill Schreurs and Pam and Bill Olejarnik.
Don will now be able to join his mom and dad, who passed away in the last year.
Don loved the outdoors and passing away at Dodd Lake would be what he wanted.
Don worked in the mill for 41 years and was an invaluable and caring member of the stock prep department. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life takes place from 1-4 pm on Saturday, June 11, at Beach Gardens Resort and Marina.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon.
Capt W.R. (Russ) Wiggs
Russ passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27. He was born in Victoria on November 1,1933.
Russ was predeceased by his wife Barbara in 1996 and his sister Helen Irvine in 2007. He is survived by his sons Scott (Freda) and Big Ian, grandchildren Joey, Andrea (Christian), Little Ian and Roderick (Lacey) and great-grandsons Tobias, Owen and the newest, at three weeks, Bowen.
Our dad will be sadly missed by his many friends (especially Karen and Jodi and their families), colleagues and shipmates.
Dad sailed and worked in the marine industry all his life. He sailed from the South Pacific to the Arctic. His claim to fame, among many, was being a seaman on the Princess Kathleen when it sank off Lena Point, Alaska, in 1952. He met Mom while she was working as a stewardess with Canadian Pacific Railway Steamships; they married in 1957.
In the ’60s, Dad sailed with Tidewater Marine on the Min Tide, towing oil rigs up and down the BC coast and to New Zealand, where he assisted in teaching New Zealander seaman in the art of how to tow and anchor-handle an oil rig. He sailed with the Canadian Navy Auxiliary Vessels in Esquimalt, sailing on ships such as CNAV Laymore, CNAV Whitethroat, CNAV Endeavour, CNAV Dundurn and CNAV St. Anthony.
Russ was captain of the Texada Queen from 1969 to 1976, between Blubber Bay and Westview, and then became the marine superintendent for BC Department of Highways ferries. After leaving the government of BC in 1984, he went on to Yellowknife and the government of the Northwest Territories as director of marine operations. During his time with the GNWT, he was an active member of the Canadian Ferry Operators Association. He retired in 1994.
Russ was a member of CP Coasters and Company of Master Mariners. He had a passion for golf, softball, fishing, the Monkey Tree Pub and telling stories that changed slightly, depending on who he was telling them to.
A special thanks to staff at Parkwood Court for their care and support. No service by request but something will be planned for later on. Donations to BC Lung Association may be made in remembrance of Russ.