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Obituaries: January 26, 2011

Clara Nellie Kirschner, October 14, 1917 - January 18, 2011 Born in Cabri District, SK, Clara Nellie Kirschner passed away January 18, 2011 in Powell River, BC, aged 93 years.

Clara Nellie Kirschner, October 14, 1917 - January 18, 2011

Born in Cabri District, SK, Clara Nellie Kirschner passed away January 18, 2011 in Powell River, BC, aged 93 years. She is survived by her son Ron, of White Horse, YK and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Judy in 1962 and her husband Frank in 1993. No service by request. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Powell River Hospital Foundation if desired. Arrangements entrusted to Stubberfield Funeral Home, Ltd.


Brenda Jean Koopman, January 2, 1961 - January 22, 2011

Brenda passed away on January 22, 2011 in Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her husband Dan, children Rebecca, Sara and Danny, grandchildren Brody, Brittany and CJ as well as numerous family and friends.

Viewing will be held on Sunday, January 30 at 4:30 pm at Sliammon Salish Centre. A service will be held on Monday, January 31 at 11 am at the Sliammon Sacred Heart Church.

A loving mother, so gentle and kind,

what a wonderful memory she left behind.

Long day, long nights, she bore her pain,

To wait for cure, but all in vain.

Till God Himself knew what was best,

he took her home and gave her rest.


DR. ALDO J. VIZZUTTI, September 16, 1926 - January 18, 2011

Dr. Aldo Vizzutti passed away peacefully in his sleep, losing his battle with cancer on January 18, 2011. Aldo was born in Powell River BC on September 16, 1926 to Joe and Rosina Vizzutti who immigrated to Canada from Italy in the early 1920s. He lived there until he completed grade 13 at 19 years of age. Aldo graduated with honours and was accepted to the University of BC where he received his bachelor of arts after four years. He then went to the University of Toronto where only three students were accepted from BC into their dental program, graduating in 1953. He practised in White Rock, BC and Powell River then retired after 24 years of dentistry in Whalley, BC.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be remembered and missed most of all for his wonderful sense of humour, generosity, courage and love of family. Aldo is survived by his wife Joan (Rogers), son Ron, daughter Sandi, grandson Joe, granddaughter Jessie, and sister Dolores (Thompson) as well as a large extended family.

A service will be held on Saturday January 29 at 1 pm at Valley View Memorial Garden, 14644 72 Avenue, Surrey, BC. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation or Make A Wish Foundation.


Wally Benner, August 21, 1930 - January 18, 2011

With a tear in our eyes and peace in our hearts we lay to rest Wally Benner. Following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, Wally passed peacefully on January 18 at 9 am with family surrounding him. Wally will be remembered for his sweet smile and wonderful personality. He is survived by his wife Marja and twin sister Katherine Burton along with daughters Laurie (Frank), Carlene (Greg), Karen, and Shelly (Scott); grandchildren Damian, Fred, Dwayne, Aaron, Alisha, Zoe, Marina, and Cassandra, and great-grandchildren Brandon, Jada, Russell, Cody, Damien and Lacey. Wally was predeceased by his daughter Linda and grandson Ben Machin, brother Bob Benner, and brother-in-law Ed Burton.

We invite those who would like to join us, to a celebration of life on Saturday, January 29, at 2 pm at the Carlson Community Club (or as Wally and others over 70 know it as “the Moose”).

Special thank you to Dr. Naude and the staff of Olive Devaud Residence and Evergreen Extended Care Unit.


Carole Diane Passenger (née Turner), January 5, 1941 - January 17, 2011

Passed away peacefully in her home Monday January 17, 2011, aged 70 years. Predeceased by her loving parents Gordon and Muriel Turner. She was survived briefly by her loving husband Bill, and by her beloved son Paul.

My beautiful mother was born on January 5, 1941, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She soon came to British Columbia as a young child, first living in Ladner, and then moving to Powell River, where she graduated high school at Max Cameron School in 1959. She soon moved to Vancouver, where she worked as a secretary. She gave birth to me, Paul, in 1967 and moved back to Powell River shortly afterwards. She married her husband Bill in 1971, and we lived south of Powell River ever since. She lived in her home ever since then, and it was her sanctuary. She stayed home and raised her family without complaint. She worked part-time outside of the home to help support the family. As I moved away from home to make my way, she was ever supportive of all of my endeavours whatever they may have been. She continued to be supportive until the end, no matter what I was involved with.

Thank you to Dr. Toole, Dr. Takhar and Dr. Hoffert, and all other health care professionals here in Powell River and Vancouver who were so helpful to her during her trying last year.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Powell River SPCA would be greatly appreciated. Service to be held on Friday, January 28 at 1 pm at the Westview United Church.

"Mum, you were my best friend, my one and only, my confidante, and my rock. I will always remember how strong and brave you were when overcoming adversity of any kind. You made my life worthwhile, and I can only hope I gave you as much happiness as I could. I love you more than anything. You will always be my best girl.” Love, your son, Paul


Charles Benson (Tim) Hill, September 15, 1917 - January 23, 2011

Passed away peacefully with family by his side on January, 23, 2011 at the age of 93. Tim was born in Sydcup, Kent, England on September 15, 1917 though he grew up in Kelowna, BC. He was always interested in sports. He was a well known rower and also enjoyed cross-country skiing, and curling. Tim was a proud member of the RCAF serving in Canada and Europe. Tim married in 1947 and had three children. He retired from the military in 1968 and moved to Powell River shortly after. Tim worked in Powell River for Burg and Johnson’s for many years. During this time he met the love of his life, Betty Gwilliams. They were married in 1980 and loved to both fish and golf. In retirement they moved to Comox, BC and continued to enjoy both. Tim made friends easily. He enjoyed dancing and activities at the Filberg Senior’s Centre. Tim was not only the best host but was known for his gentlemanly ways and loving care. He loved to entertain his grandchildren and to do things with them. His kindness was legendary.

Tim was a family man whose enormous love and support will be lovingly remembered by his children Brian (Christine), Tim (Dale) and Sherry (Daren) and his stepdaughter Gail (Dennis). Tim was predeceased by his stepson Wynn (Magi). He is also survived by his two sisters Kay and Norma of Kelowna. His grandchildren were the light of Tim’s eyes. He delighted in them all, Matthew, Katie, Hillary, Jordon, Chase, Sean (Leigh Ann) and Meghan (Eric).

We wish to thank the wonderful, amazing staff at Oceanview, The Views. Tim was known there for his blue, blue eyes and ready smile. The kindness and care given by the staff were exceptional. Please join the family for a memorial service for Tim on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 1 pm, at the Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Rd, Courtenay, BC. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation earmarked for The Views.


Otto Pfister, February 1, 1929 - January 20, 2011

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father Otto Pfister on January 20, 2011. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Hermine. He will also be greatly missed by his sister Trudel Schmidt of Leimen, Germany and his brother Alfred (Delores) Pfister of Powell River, his children Monika (Richard) Greenwood, Michael and Barbara, his grandchildren Franz, Ian, Paul, Andrew and Maria Greenwood, Kayla Pfister, niece Simone Kutz, nephew Ronald Pfister, and great-grandson Kolby.

Otto immigrated to Canada from Leimen Germany in 1951. He was greatly respected by staff and coworkers during his 40 years of working at the Powell River mill, where he finished his career as electrical supervisor.

Funeral will be held on Thursday, January 27, at 1 pm at Stubberfield Funeral Home, 7221 Duncan Street with burial at Cranberry Cemetary to follow. A reception will be held after the burial at Assumption Hall next to Church of Assumption, 7109 Glacier Street. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.