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Obituaries: April 8, 2015

Winnifred Beatrice Sauve (née McKay) Winnifred of Winnie’s Ceramics died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 30, at her home in Nanaimo, BC.

Winnifred Beatrice Sauve (née McKay)

Winnifred of Winnie’s Ceramics died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 30, at her home in Nanaimo, BC. She was born in Ontario on July 11, 1930 where she lived until moving to Powell River in 1967 and then to Vancouver Island in 1990.

Predeceased by her son Paul in 1977, Winnie is survived by her children Rod (Barbara), Francis (Patricia), Dean (Jude), Jeff (Michele), Candace and Kenneth (Ivy), 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A private family service will take place at a later date.

We are truly blessed to have had such an amazing example of a giving and loving mom and grandmother.

God needed another angel. You will always be in our hearts.


John MacKinnon, October 22, 1937 - March 12, 2015

It is with sadness we announce the passing of John MacKinnon of Powell River after a motor scooter accident and surgery. He was born on his maternal grandparents’ farm in Matsqui, BC to Murdock and Joy MacKinnon, attended by his maternal grandmother Jane Baillie Whitson who was a registered nurse.

John spent his primary years in Abbotsford then moved with his parents and sisters Fiona Kirk and Pat Forsberg to Powell River in the 1940s. He worked at MacMillan Bloedel for many years and then enjoyed his retirement.

John was an avid photographer, and kept a lot of family history intact with his photos, as well as Powell River’s history. He will be missed by his dear friend Lulu and family and his sisters Pat Forsberg and Jane Barcelonne.


Rita Marie Cody, July 8, 1929 - March 23, 2015

Rita passed into God’s hands after a lengthy illness at age 85. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years Jerome Cody and her son Daryl Cody. She is survived by her daughters Audrey Cody, Valerie (John) Lane and Shelley (Dave) Beckman as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. Rita will be missed by all.

Many thanks to the nurses and staff at Powell River General Hospital and Evergreen Extended Care Unit for their amazing care, and to special friends and family members who helped with Rita’s care over the past year.

A service will be held Saturday, April 11 at 10 am at Sacred Heart Church in Sliammon. Fellowship to follow at 11:30 am in St. Joseph’s Hall at Church of the Assumption.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Holy Cross Cemetery Society would be appreciated.


Kenneth “Kenny” Ross McRae Lynn, June 25, 1937 - March 22, 2015

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenny. He was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Lillian Lynn, sister Betty and brother Albert. He is survived by his sister Trudy McCracken, brother Bob (Almeda) Lynn and several nieces and nephews.

Kenny lived most of his life in Powell River, except for a short time spent at Bevan Lodge in Cumberland. He worked for the municipality at the Willingdon hill incinerator and for Powell River Employment Program recycling on Duncan Street.

In his younger years Kenny won several gold and silver medals at Special Olympics games, most notably in 1979 when he won gold at the International Special Olympics in New York. He was also on the Special Olympics Bowling team.

In the last few years Kenny was the guy who sat in his scooter at the north end of the mall, collecting bottles and cans. The family wishes to thank Powell River Association for Community Living, now known as inclusion Powell River, for the help given to him over the years. Thanks to his friends and staff at the Sweet Shoppe and Moose n’ Eddies for the time spent over a cup of coffee and lunch. Special thanks to Olive Devaud Residence staff for the care given to Kenny and his cat G-G over the last year.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 11 at 11 am at Salvation Army Church on Joyce Avenue.


Greg Strueby, March 12, 1959 - March 31, 2015

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Greg. He passed away suddenly at his home in Edmonton, Alberta. Greg was predeceased by both paternal and maternal grandparents, his brother Russell and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his parents Midge and Gene, his brother Darrin (Susie), his sister Leanne and his beloved nephew Jordy and niece Brittany. He also leaves behind numerous friends and his best buddy “Elvis” the dog.

Greg will be remembered for having a great sense of humour and for his love of sports, especially the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Steelers, and his love for NASCAR and golf. He was born and raised in Powell River but spent most of his working life in the oil sands of Alberta.

A service will be held Friday, April 10, at 1 pm at Church of the Assumption with reception to follow at St. Joseph’s Hall. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the SPCA or a charity of your choice.