Richard Michael Weckermann, May 17, 1956 - December 19, 2014
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Rick, devoted husband, father, grandfather and beloved friend. He is survived by his loving partner Nicki, his children Shannon, Patrick, Francis, Mike, Dylan and Carly, his grandchildren Ryan, Kylie, Ayden and Taylor and by his faithful companion Akia.
A celebration of life will be held at noon Saturday, January 3, in the Arbutus Room at Powell River Recreation Complex. No flowers by request, donations may be sent to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Your presence we miss
Your memories we treasure
Loving you always
Forgetting you never.
Cornelia “Corrie” Rowe (née Dijksterhuis), August 25, 1928 – December 24, 2014
Corrie passed away in Courtenay, BC, on the eve of her 86th Christmas. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Jacques and sister Ati. She will be very much missed by her daughters Rebecca (Richard) and Katherine (Paul), her husband of 51 years Ken, her brother Menko and sister Tineke, numerous nieces and nephews and her two beloved cats, Bib and Pickles.
Corrie was a true independent spirit, ahead of her time. Her experiences growing up in Holland during the Depression and World War II were a start of a life filled with unique experiences and challenges. After learning her trade as a dog groomer in the 1950s, she moved to Kenya, spending a number of years managing a successful dog kennel business.
In 1963, while still in Kenya, she met and married Ken. In 1966 she made another life-changing journey, immigrating with Ken and infant daughter Katherine to her new home in Terrace, where Rebecca was born a few years later.
Mom spent many happy years in BC, blazing more trails in Terrace, Smithers and Powell River. She started and ran two businesses—dog grooming in the 1970s and an antique store in Telkwa in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She built an extension onto the family house in Quick almost singlehandedly and raised up to 50 head of sheep at a time on the farm. In between, she honed her skills as a talented painter of the beautiful Bulkley Valley and was an active member of Smithers Art Gallery.
As her family, we are truly grateful to have had Mom in our lives.
Rest well, Mom. We hope you are surrounded by the many cats and dogs you loved over the years and that there is no end of new Antiques Roadshow episodes for you to watch.
There will be no service, at Mom’s request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA, Plan Canada or the charity of your choice.
Norman Nelson Winegarden, February 9, 1931 - December 23, 2014
“Gone Fishing”
No services by request.
Kenneth Walter Grimley, March 4, 1925 - December 14, 2014
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing our father, Kenneth. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years Emma, his sister Joan and his son-in-law Stu Richardson. Ken is survived by his daughter Sherry Richardson, his son Russell (Sandra) Grimley, his grandsons Andrew (Lilliane) Grimley, Mark (Dani) Grimley and Michael (Nino) Richardson and his great-grandchildren Emma, Annika and Desmond.
Our dad was a man’s man, happiest working on his land, in his garden, fishing with his buddies and enjoying a pint or two with his Friday afternoon FAD club. His heart always remained in Powell River and this is where, as a family, we will celebrate his life, in the springtime by the sea.
He was a beloved father and will be forever missed by us all.
Ralph “Ralphie” Norman Ashton
Ralph passed away on December 23 after a long struggle against cancer.
Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Mabel Ashton, Ralph leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years Louise and their five children Tommy, Heather, Mary-Lou, Janice and Robert as well as grandchildren Sierra and Shyanne.
Ralph was born in Toronto, ON on November 5, 1928. He was educated with Northern Electric and employed with Bell Canada for his whole career as an engineer in the communication field. Upon retirement in 1983, Ralph and Louise moved to Powell River.
In his retirement, Ralph volunteered with Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 55 in Powell River. From Crewman, he aspired to Unit Leader, Director and then President of Pacific Region. His compassion toward his fellow man, life and the wilderness was second to none—geology, hunting, camping and above all fishing. From Lake Nipigon to Costa Rica to the Arctic and many waters of BC, Ralph had a passion for catching fish while in the great outdoors. With his many interests, he always listened with genuine intrigue as to what others were doing. Ralph’s intelligence, wry wit and love of learning were exemplar. He loved cooking and associated gadgetry, computer technology and compelling documentaries. He never stopped learning new things that interested him.
Ralph embraced so many friends and had a gift of making each person feel so valued and special.
Thank you to Dr. Sally Watson.
A celebration of Ralphie’s life will follow in the spring.
Helene Bezanson (née Renaud)
Helene went to be with Jesus on December 28, 2014. She was born on August 21, 1934 in Englehart, Ontario. She will be joining her husband Al who she sadly missed. Her four children Brent (Marita) Haase, Susan Haase, Holly (Bill) Stroomer and Myles (Renee) Haase mourn her passing. She leaves behind three generations of grandchildren.
Sweet dreams and lots of love, Mom.
A service will be held at 1 pm Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Salvation Army Church.
Jeanil (John) Andre Belanger, July 23, 1941 - December 28, 2014
Born in Temiscamingue, QC, eldest of 15, Jeanil worked in Montreal before moving to Powell River in the mid-1960s.
Left to remember his joyful, positive and humorous nature are his wife of 46 years Linda, his daughters Laura (Mark) and Alice (Chris), his grandchildren Alicia, David, Claire, Robert, Kyle and Vito, seven brothers and six sisters, numerous nieces and nephews, a rich extended family and a lifetime of dear friends.
Jeanil’s joy could be felt in his willingness to help others. His passion for carpentry was shared with others, with his vast experience and knowledge to his artistic wooden pieces. After his cancer diagnosis one year ago, Jeanil was determined to make wooden jewellery and treasure boxes and he finished his project just prior to his condition changing.
Jeanil loved to travel and he treasured his cruise with Linda to the Panama Canal.
Jeanil enjoyed the summer months, to work in the garden, going on hikes and could be seen riding his bike throughout the community. He loved to listen to music, especially the Bee Gees, where the music was often turned up. Jeanil treasured eating out with the family and one of his favourite restaurants was The Laughing Oyster.
Jeanil was always so appreciative of acts of kindness and generosity given to him and he was humbled by the love of others.
Prayers to be said at 7:30 pm on Friday, January 2 at Church of the Assumption. A Mass of Christian Burial is to be held at 10 am Saturday, January 3 at Church of the Assumption with Father Dass officiating. A reception will follow the graveside service at St. Joseph’s Hall.
Jeanil loved a very happy and full life to the end of his journey.
“Father, I have finished the work you have given me to do…into your hands I commend my spirit.”