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Obituaries: March 14, 2012

Trudy Rooyakkers, July 30, 1916 - March 3, 2012 It is with heartfelt sadness and many wonderful memories that the family of Trudy announce her peaceful passing at Olive Devaud Residence with her children at her side.

Trudy Rooyakkers, July 30, 1916 - March 3, 2012

It is with heartfelt sadness and many wonderful memories that the family of Trudy announce her peaceful passing at Olive Devaud Residence with her children at her side. She was predeceased by her husband Gerry in 2006 and is survived by her four children, Mary (Roy) Vizzutti, Gerry Rooyakkers, Helma (Rick) Morris and John (Dianne) Rooyakkers, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

We especially would like to thank the staff at Olive Devaud Residence for their wonderful care and compassion. A family service was held on Monday, March 12. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to BC Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.


Pietertje “Pia” Stroomer (Kolle)

On March 12, 2012, Pia passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 24, 1930, in Haarlemmermeer, Holland. She met, fell in love with and married her lifelong soul mate Cornelis Stroomer on August 2, 1950. They immigrated to Powell River in 1952 with two small children, followed closely by seven more children.

Her family was always the most important thing in her life. From darning socks, early hockey games to clothes pin race tracks and family camping trips she made it all happen with love. She taught us all by example to never prejudge anyone, to have an endless supply of patience, love and acceptance. She enjoyed her many trips in her RV with family and friends. Her family will fondly remember her meatball and chicken noodle soup and perfect chocolate milk. She loved to knit for her grandchildren and many local organizations. She became an avid baseball and hockey fan. She especially enjoyed being a long-term Powell River Kings season ticket holder.

She leaves behind her husband of 61 years Cornelis, children Hendrika (Hugh), Jacob (Mary), Bill (Holly), Casey (Jenny), Ted (Louetta), Tony (Lucy), Jerry (Debbie), Helena (Byrne), daughter-in-law Glenda, along with many grandchildren, many, many great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Richard in 2002.

Prayers for the faithfully departed will be Friday, March 16, at 7:45 pm at the Church of the Assumption. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 17, at noon at the Church of the Assumption. Celebrant: Father Dass. Celebration to follow. In lieu of flowers,  donations may be made to BC Children’s Hospital.


Olive B. McKenzie, May 19, 1919 - March 1, 2012

Olive passed away peacefully on the morning of March 1. Her daughter Melanie (Doug) Lott and son Ian and their families wish to thank Drs. Maguire, Hoffert, Delport and Hocking, along with the Powell River General Hospital emergency room and fourth floor nurses for their wonderful care given to Mom. We also express our appreciation to the nurses and staff of Olive Devaud Residence (second floor and Sunshine Unit) where Mom resided for the last two years.

No service at her request. A family celebration of her life will take place at a later date.


Thomas Albert August, June 14, 1943 - March 4, 2012

The family of Thomas August is announcing that he passed away at his home in Vancouver. A memorial service for him will be held on Saturday, March 17 at 10 am in the Sliammon Salish Centre. A traditional luncheon will follow.


Ernest Albert Silvester, June 1, 1923 - March 7, 2012

Ernie passed away peacefully with his family nearby. He was born in Powell River and lived here all his life except for a short period when he served in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII. He took an apprenticeship as a pipe-fitter with Powell River Company and worked in the mill for 42 years. He met the love of his life Agnes, and they spent 65 happy years together.

He was predeceased by his brother George, sister Edith and wife Agnes. Left to mourn are their children Bill (Angela), Don (Penny), Christine (Bill), Bob (Dot), Dave (Jackie), Joanne, Ernie (Kim) and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law Bill (Mary), Walter (Bea) and sisters-inlaw Isobel, Margaret (George) and nieces and nephews.

Dad was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, president and director of the Sunset Homes Society (Olive Devaud Residence) and in his younger days had been a member of the Powell River Pipe Band and a volunteer fireman.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 16 at 1 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164.


Theresa Elizabeth Bourassa, January 27, 1928 - March 9, 2012

It is with sadness that the family of Theresa Bourassa announces her passing at Evergreen Extended Care Unit while surrounded by her family.

Theresa was born in Powell River in St. Luke’s Hospital. She was the eldest child of Patrick and Marian Behan.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband Paul, sister Mary, brothers Jerry and Joseph, sisters-in-law Lorraine and Patricia, brothers-in-law Edmond and Willy, and son-in-law Patrick Heslin. She is survived by her daughter Veronica and son Danny (Tracy) Bourassa, grandchildren Mark, Danielle, Vincent and Megan, brothers Patrick, Thomas (Macy), Tony (Lorraine), Daniel (Carmel), sisters Kathleen Squissato, Monica (Albert) Martin, Dorothy Tiessen, Yvonne (Joseph) Morrissey and sister-in-law Lorraine.

Prayers will be held on Wednesday, March 14 at 4 pm from the Church of the Assumption. Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated by Father Dass and Father Vincent Nguyen on Thursday, March 15 at 11 am from the Church of the Assumption. A reception will commence immediately following the  graveside service.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made specifically for research purposes to the BC Schizophrenia Society, 201 - 6011 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V7C 4V4.


William Marriott Brown, April 27,1921 to March 7, 2012

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, William M. Brown, who died at Powell River General Hospital after a short illness.

Bill Brown was born in Saskatchewan and moved as an infant with his family to the Okanagan Valley where he grew up in Armstrong, BC. In his early 20s, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was posted to the Shetland Islands during WW II. On return from overseas he married Marjorie Lorna Berge and completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering at University of British Columbia. After Bill's graduation, they moved to Deep River, Ontario, where he worked for Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL) on the design for the National Research University nuclear reactor in Chalk River. He stayed with AECL until the late 1950s when the family moved to Peterborough, Ontario and Bill took a position with the Atomic Energy Department at Canadian General Electric where he remained until his retirement in 1983.

In 1993, Bill and Marjorie moved to Powell River, BC to enjoy their retirement by the ocean and mountains they loved. After Marjorie's death in 2010, Bill stayed on in the condo they had shared and was often surrounded by family and friends. Bill was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Powell River until shortly before his death.

Bill is survived by his four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He left the world as he lived in it, with humour, intelligence and generosity. He will be sorely missed.


“Chris” F. Grietje Bloeming, December 12, 1921 - March 11, 2012

With a deep and abiding love, the family and friends of Chris Bloeming announce her peaceful passing from this world into the next on March 11. In her final days she was encircled with the love and fellowship of those who were a big part of her life.

Chris was predeceased by her loving husband Bill on April 24, 2011. She is survived by her daughters Treyntje Ploeger and Florence Koning and their families. Chris will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 21 at 1 pm at the The Church of Jesus Christ of  Latter Day Saints, 6952 Courtenay Street.