Debra Ann Bentley (Tonks)
June 17, 1957 - April 29, 2017
Debby passed away peacefully at her home in Nanaimo with her long-term partner Don Armsworthy at her side.
Debby had a recent brief battle with cancer and a long history of serious health issues, including lupus. She is survived by her loving son Kevin Tonks (Amanda) and their children Austin, Ava and Asher, of Ottawa, Ontario. Debby also leaves behind her parents Joyce and Gordon Tonks and her brother Brad (Lisa) and their children Jessica (Allan) and Graham Tonks, all of Powell River.
No service by request.
Alexander Siegfried Dobler
August 6, 1946 - April 21, 2017
Alex was born in Vilshofen, Germany and was predeceased by his parents Tosca and Erhard (Max) Dobler.
Alex enjoyed the cabin he built up Powell Lake for over 50 years. The family had many holiday memories there. He loved the outdoors, especially kayaking, quadding, windsurfing, fishing and hunting.
As a founder, innovator and champion of salmon, his passion was working with fish at the Powell River Salmon Society hatchery for over 30 years. His contribution to the world of nature, through the use of his creative genius, is unprecedented. His legacy will live on forever, not only through his family, but through the incredibly valuable knowledge and expertise he applied to the propagation of several of nature’s most magnificent species and the education of children and adults to continue into the future.
Alex leaves his wife Ione, sons Shane (Holly) and Ryan (Tara), four wonderful grandchildren Kirsten, Owen, Sophia and Mathew, all of whom he was very proud of, as well as brothers Deiter and John (Deb) and nieces and nephews.
No service by request. Donations can be made to Powell River Salmon Society, 5775 Ash Avenue, Powell River, BC, V8A4R3.
Peter de Jong
May 9, 1947 - April 29, 2017
It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Peter de Jong after he fought a battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He leaves to mourn his wife Estelle, son Jackson, daughter Michelle (George) and three grandchildren Tyler, Emmalyn and Rylee, brother Jack (Betty-Lou), sister Johanna (Bert) and many nieces and nephews.
Pete was born in Amstelveen, Holland, and immigrated to Canada with his parents at the age of five. After four years in Ontario the family settled in Powell River, where he grew up. As an adult Pete lived in Campbell River, working for the municipality until his retirement.
There will be no funeral at Pete’s request.
Margaret (Peggy) Alice MacLean (née French)
September 20,1926 - April 25, 2017
In her 91st year, Peggy MacLean passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years Norman Murdoch MacLean (d. January 7, 2016), her sister Norma Chartres, brothers Everett and Raymond, baby sister Gwendolyn, and parents George and Effie French of Oliver, BC.
Peggy will be dearly missed by her three children: Ross (Lorna) of Boulder, Colorado, Susan (Victor) of Vancouver and Mary of Comox, her grandchildren James (Kara) and Andrew of Boulder, Emma and Benjamin of Comox, and great-grandchildren Porter and Elora of Boulder. Peggy also leaves her niece Lynn Chartres (Owen) of Vancouver, sisters-in-law Eileen MacLean of Comox and Joan MacLean of White Rock, and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Princeton, Peggy finished high school in Oliver and pursued her nursing training at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster and School of Public Health at UBC. Peggy received her RN in 1948 and worked as a public health nurse. She met her life partner Norm in Bralorne, BC, and they were married in Vancouver in 1953. Peggy devoted herself to raising her three children, then renewed her nursing qualifications and became the volunteer coordinator for the Canadian Cancer Society in Ottawa.
Norm and Peggy retired to Gillies Bay, Texada Island, in 1982 and Peggy worked at the Texada Health Clinic. She contributed tirelessly to the community by running the food bank, volunteering with RCMP Victim Services, sitting on the community policing board and the Texada Health Society. Most cherished, Peggy was the go-to person for anyone on the island who needed help and support. In 2000, she was recognized as Citizen of the Year.
The onset of Alzheimer’s disease forced Peggy and Norm to move to Comox Valley Seniors Village in 2010. They missed their beautiful seaside cottage, but made new friends and found the support they needed. Norm and Peggy were blessed to have spent their final years together.
The MacLean family wishes to thank Doctor Nikova and the nurses, care aids and staff at Comox Valley Seniors Village who cared so compassionately for our mom. Thank you, especially to the nurses, who treated Mom as a colleague and gave her the respect and professionalism she deserved.
Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of BC at Alzheimerbc.org. A memorial page is open at piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com.
Stanley (Sonny) Edward Bruce Tupper
On Friday, April 28, 2017, Stan Tupper passed away at the age of 81 years. He was predeceased by his wife Jeanne, his brother Ernie Willigar and his sisters Joyce Harrison and Dorothy Niles.
Stan will be fondly remembered by his son Robert (Karen), daughters Brenda/Ryvvr (Lance), Marie (Rudy) and Janice, grandchildren Michelle (Drew), Brian (Ashley), Tyler (Jen), Melissa, Blake, Jessie (Sarah), Phillip and Emma (Mike), and great-grandchildren Calley, Adalyn, Kadynce, Mila, Caleb, Ophelia and a baby on the way, as well as numerous other well-loved family and friends.
A celebration of Stan’s life will be held between 1:30-3:30 pm on Saturday, May 6, at Old Orchard Community Hall, 646 Bentley Road, Port Moody, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon or a charity of your choice.
Stan’s love, laughter and generosity will be dearly missed by all.
Stan (Dad), we love you. Enjoy the good life, bye for now.