George Thomas Pryde, March 5, 1921 - January 3, 2014
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, whom we all knew as Geordie or in Pipe Band circles, “Faither.”
Geordie was born in the coal mining village of Newton Grange in the parish of New Battle, Midlothian, Scotland. As many boys did at that time, he started digging coal at age 14 and was proud to have his mother call him the “breadwinner,” as his father had been injured in a mining accident and was off work for years.
The war took Geordie out of the mines to the White Cliffs of Dover, where he was Lance-Jack on an anti-aircraft squad, shooting down the bombers that blitzed South England until he was returned, unhappily, to the coal mines, as a necessary service.
Geordie admired the kilt so he took up pipe band drumming to procure one. He was an avid multi-faceted drummer whose talent and drive earned him worldwide renown. This also got him out of the coal mines as the Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band lowered the constables’ height requirement briefly to add him to its drum corps, where he aided the band in attaining world championship status. As drum sergeant, he personally won the Scottish Solo Championship commonly known as the Worlds. With ECP, he travelled as widely north as Scandinavia and proudly participated in the Rhodes Exposition in South Africa.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Powell River Company advertised worldly for pipers and drummers to re-build its band. Geordie immigrated to Powell River in 1957. His wife and their three children followed months later, crossing the Atlantic by boat and Canada by train. His police experience placed him in mill security until he retired to Paradise Valley, where his many joys included his grandchildren, dogs and ponies. He also travelled widely teaching and judging at drum schools and tattoos.
Some may remember Geordie at the many Powell River beaches where he swam 365 days of the year, including winter, jogging through the snow to warm up.
Geordie is predeceased by his father Geordie, mother Nancy, wife Mary and youngest daughter Nancy. He is missed and remembered by his children Roddie (Sheila), George and Margaret (Terry, his good son), brother Tommie (Madeline), sisters Peggy, Nessie and Betty and many grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Thanks to Dr. Schweitzer and many, many thanks to all of the nurses and aides at Evergreen Extended Care Unit for the fine care and compassion shown to my father during his stay with them. We would also like to thank the folks who visited and especially Freddie MacLeod and his bagpipes.
No service by “Faither’s” request.
When praised for his talent and achievements, he would say, “Don’t forget. We’re just plain folk.”
Alfred James Norris, September 19, 1918 - January 4, 2014
On January 4 our beloved father said goodbye to this world and journeyed onward into the cosmos. He lived a long and happy life. A man with many talents, he had the mind of a scientist, the heart of an artist and the soul of a poet. His paintings and sketches, some of which won awards, live on in the homes of family and friends and a large piece is on display at Thunder Bay Historical Museum.
He married the love of his life, Inez, after meeting her at the Cascades in Ontario and had three children who joyfully cherish his memory: son Donald (Leona), daughters Sharon and Stephanie (Wayne) and grandchildren he was so proud of Jeff, Eileen and Allison. He also leaves behind his family in Australia, sister Elizabeth, niece Lynn (Peter) and greatnieces and nephews Nicole (Brenden), Michelle (Kym) and Peter Jr. (Tahlia), who have enjoyed his many descriptive letters and their wonderful visits. Also left to celebrate his life are his family in BC Maggie (Ian) and family and Cleve and family, dearest friends who are as family, Kati, Nada and Dana (Richard) and many relatives near and dear to him. He loved you all.
His favourite quote of many was, “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” We would like to think, as we ponder the starry skies, that he now embraces those vast dreams and philosophies unknown, to now understand the depth of and breadth of all mysteries.
As one great scientist said, “My brain is only a receiver, in the Universe there is a core from which we obtain knowledge, strength and inspiration. I have not penetrated into the secrets of this core, but I know that it exists,” Nikola Tesla. Dad had obtained much in knowledge, strength and inspiration and his greatest love for us was in teaching us not what to think, but how to think. His family always came first and some of our best memories were the many years we had at a cottage he built on a lake he loved, filled with the calls of loons.
Lastly, he shared another Tesla trait. “Of all things, I liked books best.” Indeed, he had his own large library having spent many years as a boy reading and contemplating.
He was predeceased by his wife, brothers, parents and many good friends.
We wish to thank Dr. Watson, Dr. Hoffert and the Home Care nurses for their outstanding compassion and dedication in helping our Dad. A special thank you to Wayne, Read and Hanna for caring. He knew.
Thank you, Dad, for being our father. We have wonderful memories filled with laughter and the “oddities” that make genius so special. We will miss you.
Ronald Taylor Keller (aka the Flute Man), October 12, 1939 - January 10, 2014
Ron entered the Kingdom of Heaven at the age of 74. As a young man, Ron served in the Royal Canadian Navy and later moved to the US where he began his career as a photographer. Later, Ron became a master native spirit flute carver and was eager to share his love and passion for this instrument with everyone he met. He also enjoyed playing his sax, flute and drums and dancing to Salsa.
He is survived by his mother Rae, brother Kerry, daughter Kecia, grandchildren and one niece. He also leaves behind his dance partner, friend and companion Anna Maria.
Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Nassichuk Road, on March 19 at 1 pm.
Donations may be made at a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements by Westcoast Funeral Services.
Walter (Wally) Herbert Berge
Walter passed peacefully at home on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at the age of 81. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wally and his family moved to Vancouver, BC where he spent most of his early years. He met Helen and they were married in 1958 and moved to Powell River a year later.
Wally was known fondly for his love of airplanes and flying and was a long standing member of Westview Flying Club. He worked for several companies in Powell River, including Powell River Parts and Speed and Stan’s Automotive. His last working years were spent with the Forestry on the newly constructed canoe route and happily helped to maintain it until his retirement.
He was very appreciative for the fine care he received at Powell River General Hospital, Home Care and BC Ambulance Service.
Walter is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years Helen, his children Valerie (Tony), Janet (Jacques) and Lawrence and grandchildren Caitlin, Hannah, Rachel, Jonathan and Samantha.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Powell River General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. A memorial in Wally’s memory will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 11 am at Westview Flying Club.
Ole Qvistgaard Pedersen, June 7, 1941 - December 31, 2013
The great patriarch of the Pedersen clan, Ole, is sadly missed by long-time partner Viveca; daughters Angela, Rebecca and Kristin; stepdaughter Georgia; grandchildren Justin, Joshua, Jesse, Levi and Tristin-Joshua; greatgrandchildren Ethan, Cameron, Claire and Emily. He also leaves behind family in Denmark. Ole will be missed by his friends and community in Lund and Powell River.
Memorial date to be announced.