It is with great sorrow that the Passchier family announces the sudden and tragic passing of Michael “Mike” Theo Passchier
For our family, Mike has always been the sunshine in our lives. From day one Mike gave joy and brought smiles to our faces and hearts. Just his presence brought comfort peace and warmth and you just felt better and happier than you did before. His gifts were many and he treated all as equals. He cared about your day, whether you were family, friend or stranger. Mike walked this earth with a heart full of compassion, understanding and with respect for all, an ear to listen and to really hear what you had to say. If he didn’t have the time, he made time for one and all. He was generous to a fault as anyone whoever met Mike would attest. When Mike left your side, you felt it. One could never have enough of Mike, at least for us it was always so.
Full of wisdom and good cheer, Mike made you feel important because he knew you were. His love of life, of nature, of people, of all that life had to offer, he made the most of it all. Fishing, golfing, camping, sports or a quiet spot on a rock, overlooking the ocean to landscapes ahead where he would take the time to gather his thoughts, re-energize and make a plan. So full of life he loved to build, he was a master of his craft. He was a leader, a teacher, a guide. If you never met Mike, you really did lose out. He loved to dance and sing, he loved his home and Powell River. He gave freely of himself with no thought of recompence.
Yes Mike, “a rare individual,” a man of your “word” and as “solid” as they come. Your pesence and your grace, our friend, our brother, a son. You are missed far more than words can say.
We know and you know, you don’t leave here alone, you take a huge part of each of us.
You were born with special gifts, which you embraced and shared. You take with you our crying hearts. You learned from your mistakes and grew and grew.
Hey Mike, it’s okay, it has to be. God was ready, maybe even you? We weren’t and aren’t, but you leave each and every one of us rich with memories and undying love that fills our hearts and souls which we will hold dear forever. Till we meet again, and we will, say hello to Dad, Bella, our friend and animals and we say to you what you always said to us. Cheers! Cheerio!!
God Speed.
Mike would stress today, “Life jackets must be worn when on the water.”
Left to mourn is Mom, brother Ron, sisters Kathleen and Tracy and faithful companion Roxy. Mike is now joining Dad and Bella.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us.
Irene Richardson ~ March 11, 1935 - January 24, 2014
Irene was born in Scotland and moved to Powell River in 1960 with her husband George. She worked at Powell River General Hospital and Evergreen Extended Care Unit doing work she thoroughly enjoyed as did the patients around her.
Predeceased by her son Ed and husband George, Irene leaves behind her son Robert (Cindy), daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Connie and Glen, her brother Edward, sister-in-law Joyce (John), brothers-in-law Ed (Raymonde), Eric (Penny) and her very close friends Nan Dunn and Nan Cornwall as well as many other family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, February 5 at Royal Canadian Legion, 6811 Alexander Street. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mom’s favourite charity, BC Children’s Hospital.
Verna Bogoslowski ~ July 17, 1931 - January 26, 2015
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Verna Bogoslowski (née Ganczar). She was born on a farm in Sifton, Manitoba. She went to Dauphin and worked at the bus depot where she met the love of her life John. They moved to Powell River where they raised their wonderful family.
Verna was an inspiration and testament to keeping a loving family together which is evident when you see that John and Verna were married 62 years and raised five children. She was well-loved and respected in the community and also known for her excellent culinary skills. Verna enjoyed trying new recipes as well as developing her own.
Verna was predeceased by her daughter Rosaline, her parents Steve and Nellie Ganczar, brothers Walter, Charlie, Paul, Chris, Felix and Albert, sisters Helen and Sophie, sister-in-law Linda Gancher, brother-in-law John Gornik and sons-in-law Pat Charbonneau and Paolo Ritossa. Verna leaves to mourn her loving and devoted husband John, her children Irene, Linda, Bobby (Debbie), Mark (Emy), son-in-law Dan Trafford, 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also left to mourn are her sisters Eleanor (Tom) Reid, Frances Gornik, Josie (Mickey) Chernecki, Anne Mechan and Jean Moher, brother-in-law Irwin Parr, sisters-in-law Stella Gancher and Nellie (Wes) Archer and many nieces and nephews.
Prayers and viewing will be offered for Verna at 7 pm on Tuesday, February 3 at Church of the Assumption. Funeral service will take place at 11 am on Wednesday, February 4 also at Church of the Assumption with an informal luncheon afterwards in the adjoining hall.
Verna will be forever in the hearts of her loving family.
We miss you, mom. We love you and we know you are at peace with the Lord’s arms around you.
CUSCHIERI, Gerald (Gerry) W. ~ March 28, 1926 - January 14, 2015
Born in Malta March 28, 1926, Gerry passed away peacefully on January 14, 2015 surrounded by family.
Gerry came to Canada in 1952 with his wife Mary and three young daughters to work in the Pulp and Paper Mill. They raised a family of seven (six daughters and one son).
He had a passion for motorcycles, refinishing furniture and always had
a dog at his side.
Gerry was predeceased by his wife Mary and survived by his daughters Esther (Dennis) Munson, Anna (Al) Heinrichs, Carol (Noel) Agius, Sandra Cuschieri, Christina Cuschieri, Geraldine Gelineau and his son Rodney Cuschieri, 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
He is with our lovely mother again, however, will be missed by many other family members and friends.
David Hughes ~ December 20,1924 - January 19, 2015
David Hughes passed away peacefully in Victoria early on January 19. He was born in Powell River to Stanley and Leah Hughes. Dave was a loving husband to Florence (Laite) for over 67 years, father of Linda (Bruce) MacMillan and Cathy (Bob) Forst, dearly loved Grampa Dave to Kristi (Stuart Walsh) and Todd MacMillan (Sarah Geung) and Jeff (Lisel) and Kevin (Anna) Forst, great Grampa to Evan Forst and Kai and Tait Walsh. He was predeceased by sisters Sheila Trainor and Francis Rennie.
After a brief experience in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he earned his wings just as the war ended, Dave attended University of British Columbia and graduated as a professional electrical engineer. The young family spent 16 years in and around Toronto before returning to the west coast where Dave joined the new BC Institute of Technology as instructor in the Electrical Power program. Dave and Florence renewed his connection to Powell River in 1973 at their oceanside cottage, “Hughesview,” where they welcomed their grandchildren, family and friends for many years. More recently they resided in South Surrey where, after retiring, Dave designed and built a complex HO train layout over which he bonded with his great grandsons.
Through their different homes and many travels, Dave and Florence made many lifelong friends, many of whom became an important part of their family. Dave and Flo resided in Victoria for the past two years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Frederick (Fred) Charles Rhodes
Mass of Christian Burial for the late Frederick (Fred) Charles Rhodes will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, January 31 at Church of the Assumption. Prayers will be said at 7 pm Friday evening, also at Church of the Assumption.
Robin Clifford Thom ~ September 27, 1959 - January 14, 2015
Robin passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his mother and his brother Fred. He is survived by his spouse Rhonda Romanyshyn, his son Clayton, daughter-in-law Charlotte, step-daughter Chantel, granddaughter Hallie, his father Jim Thom, his family in Kitimat, BC, as well as his many friends.
A celebration of life will be held at noon Saturday, January 31 at Cranberry Seniors’ Centre.