John Darbyshire, May 6, 1936 - December 9, 2013
John passed away at age 77 in Powell River after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He had his loving wife, Stamatia, by his side.
He is also survived by four children, Eric, Troy, Cheryl and Sharon (Trevor), their mother Lois, his five grandchildren Jinnice, Shae-Lynne, Taylor, Kaylee and Jacob, Stamatia’s three children Todd (Julia), Kelly (Terry) and Keith (Annette) and her five grandchildren Ryan, Jack, Larry, Melanie and Robyn as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. John was the second eldest of eight children and is survived by his sisters Hazel (Peter), Iris (Terry), Cynthia (Arif) and Elaine (Ron), all of England, Rosemary (Harry) of Ontario and his brother Colin (Christine) of Powell River. He was predeceased by his parents Jessie and Edward Darbyshire and his elder sister Sheila.
John was born in London, England. He joined the Royal Navy as a boy seaman at HMS Ganges at the age of 16. He served two years on two aircraft carriers and was a submariner for five years serving on several boats, “T” class and “A” class in the Mediterranean. He came to Canada in 1960 and settled in Montreal. After several jobs, he secured a position at Foxboro Company in Ville Lasalle, building and calibrating industrial instruments.
John moved to Powell River in 1967 and worked for 33 years for MacMillan Bloedel Ltd., eventually Pacifica, as an instrument mechanic. John loved leading a quiet, simple life and being at home with Stamatia. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 21 at Town Centre Hotel from 2 to 4 pm.
Norma Jean Fleury, September 31, 1933 - December 7, 2013
Norma passed away at her home in Powell River. She leaves to mourn three cousins in Canada and three cousins in Britain.
A memorial service will be held at St. David and St. Paul Anglican Church on January 6 at 2 pm, tea to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Powell River SPCA or a charity of your choice.