Antoni J. Marciniak, March 19, 1954 – April 17, 2015
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, partner, friend, counsellor and teacher Toni.
Despite the heroic efforts of Powell River EMS and hospital staff, Toni died of a massive heart attack in the wee hours of the day, leaving a shocked and grieving family, and a vast network of Brooks Secondary School colleagues and students at School District 47.
He was born and raised in Manchester England, the youngest of four brothers. Toni was predeceased by his father Jan, his mother Kitty and his oldest brother Paul. He is survived by his brothers Stan and Steve (Margaret) and his many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his three children Katie, Hillary and Jordan whom he loved dearly, Sherry (Daren) and their son Chase whom Toni loved to spend time with, and his long-time love and partner Anna Marie Maguire and her two children Sean and Josie.
Toni immigrated to Canada in 1983 to take a teaching job in Grand Cache, Alberta, later moving to Vancouver to pursue his master’s degree at University of BC. He relocated to Powell River in 1988 where he joined the team at School District 47 to start his career as a counsellor.
Powell River quickly became home to Toni, where he met and married Sherry Hill in 1988 and had their three children. Toni had tremendous pride and admiration for his kids and lived his life with them in mind every day.
Toni was a huge part of this community. His involvement with the youth of Powell River has had a huge impact on many people’s lives over the past 27 years. His door was always open for anyone who needed to talk and he was always there to listen, day or night.
Toni was highly involved with Powell River Youth Soccer Association. Over the years he was a coach, division manager, referee, and pioneer for starting the mini girls’ soccer league in Powell River. In his spare time Toni was an avid hiker, kayaker, golfer and outdoors enthusiast and was always looking for a new adventure. His most recent accomplishment, that he was very proud of, was his hole in one on the 4th hole at Myrtle Point Golf Course.
Although Toni is gone, the impact he made on this community and his love will not be forgotten. He has left us to join Matt Busby, where he will be overseeing Manchester United’s anticipated rise to the Premier League Championship and on… GO MAN U!!
A Catholic mass at Church of the Assumption will be held Friday, April 24 at 2:30 pm, followed by a celebration of life at Brooks in Max Cameron theatre at 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers the family has decided to set up a Toni Marciniak Scholarship fund; donations can be made at Brooks.
Patrick (Paddy) John Behan, June 25, 1930 - April 15, 2015
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad. Paddy was born in Powell River, the oldest son of Patrick and Marion Behan.
He began his life at the Shingle Mill on Powell Lake with his 11 siblings. In 1950 he met and married the love of his life, Lorraine Mary Arsenault. He then built his family home on Chilco Avenue in Wildwood and together they raised eight children. He was a logger, the manager of the Rodmay Beer Parlour and then went on to start Behan Cedar Products with his brothers. Following that, he and Lorraine bought and ran Klahanie Store until retirement. He was a past Grand Knight and fourth degree with the Knights of Columbus, a volunteer fireman, and a dedicated Santa for Assumption School events for many years. Never one to complain, he was a very hard worker, and he loved his fishing, his prawning, his faith and most of all, his family. He kept his sense of humour until the end. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life.
Paddy is survived by his siblings Tommy (Macy), Kathleen, Monica, Dorothy, Tony (Lorraine), Danny (Carmel) and Yvonne (Joe) and in-laws Lorraine Behan, Yvonne, Ernie (Laura), Valmont (Margaret), Leo (Delores) Arsenault, and their families. Also left to mourn are his children PJ (Barbara), Donna (John), Laura (Brad), Don (Jeannette), Bernadette (Paul), Warren (Christine), Glenda (Robert) and Kelly (Susan).
He was blessed with his many grandchildren: Launi (O.J.), Ryan, Jordan, Wesley (Elaine), Janis (Michael), Mandy (Rob), Heidi, Garrett (Jody), Gord, Justine, Bryce, Zachary (Sheena), Brittany, Matthew, Cameron, Michael, Danielle (Arden) and Ty. As well he had his great-grandchildren: Levi, Kira, Quinn, Jaxon, Ava, Gavin, Ocea, Mia and one due on his birthday! He is also survived by his many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Lorraine, his siblings Theresa, Mary, Jerry and Joe, as well as his in-laws Patsy Behan, Willy Tiessen, Ed Squissato, Albert Martin, Paul Bourassa, Hector Arsenault, Bill Arsenault, Lillian and Alfred Miller, Alphonse, Joyce and Nola Arsenault.
Many thanks to Dr. Naude, Dr. Ochoa, Dr. Takhar and Dr. McDonald, as well as the nursing staff. Special thanks to the amazing staff at Kiwanis Manor for their years of genuine love and care. Dad loved living there and loved all of you.
A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, April 25 at noon at Church of the Assumption followed by a reception at the Italian Community Club. Prayers will be held Friday, April 24 at 7 pm at Church of the Assumption. No flowers by request. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the BC Lung Association.
Dad is with Mom now, doing an Irish jig or a prairie polka.
I love you… “Yup!”
Gerald (Gerry) William Springer, 1928 - 2015
Gerry passed away in Inglewood Care Centre, West Vancouver, on Saturday, April 11. He was predeceased by his wife Elsie. He is survived by his children Rick (Jeanne) and Lin, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Gerry and Elsie spent 50 years on Savary Island, 25 of which as full-time residents.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 26 at 1:30 pm at West Lynn Baptist Church in North Vancouver.