Ivy Richards (née Mannion) April 26, 1918 – July 16, 2014
A longtime resident of Powell River, Ivy was born in Seaham Harbour, England and passed away peacefully at Olive Devaud Residence at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband George Richards (1920-2001) and her brother Frank Mannion (1921-2013). She was much loved by her family and her many good friends.
Ivy left England with her mother and brother on the S.S. Regina, sailing from Liverpool to Quebec City in 1924 to reunite with her father in Nanaimo, where he had worked in the mines for a year to save money for their passage to Canada. In 1927, Ivy’s family moved from Nanaimo to Powell River where her father started working for the Powell River Company. Ivy and her family initially lived by the Shinglemill at Powell Lake and then settled in Wildwood Heights.
After her father had an accident in the mill, Ivy started working in Gordon’s store at the Rodmay Hotel when she was 17. Her outgoing and friendly personality was a perfect match for serving customers in the ice cream parlor and for selling records in the music store–a dream job for a young woman in the 1930s! She continued to work for Emil and Kay Gordon for many years. Ivy then moved to the main floor of the Rodmay Hotel where she worked for Doug Taylor at Kipp Taylor Drugs when Mr. Kipp joined the RCAF. Now making five times the salary that she made before, with a great job and thoroughly enjoying a very vibrant Powell River social life, Ivy couldn’t believe her good fortune and often thought at the time, “she had died and gone to heaven!” However, as we know, that actually didn't happen until this month. Photos of Ivy from those days in Powell River are presently hanging in the diner at the Rodmay Hotel.
During WWII, Ivy’s brother Frank served in the RCAF and introduced her to her future husband. Ivy married George Richards in 1944 at St John’s United Church in Townsite and then moved to Victoria where George was stationed with the RCAF. At the end of the war, they moved back to Montreal for two years where George continued his previous employment with the Northern Electric Company. They then returned to settle in Powell River where George initially worked for Kingcome Navigation Company and then the Powell River Company.
Ivy was delighted to become a mother in 1956 and later revelled in the joys of being a mother-in-law and a “Nana” to her three granddaughters. Throughout the years, Ivy had the opportunity to travel extensively both with George and with her son and his family. Ivy always appreciated that she had a very long, socially active and happy life.
Ivy is survived by her son, Chris (Lisa) Richards and three lovely granddaughters Anna (Adam), Kara (Allan) and Jenna. She is also remembered fondly by her many good friends (both old and new) whose friendships she truly treasured and cherished.
A special thank you is extended to the wonderful staff of Kiwanis Garden Manor and Olive Devaud Residence who provided a very caring and supportive environment for Ivy during the past five years. Special recognition goes to Ivy’s friend and caregiver, Sheri Moloughney who provided much friendship and assistance during Ivy’s final years.
In lieu of flowers or other commemorations, the family requests that you just take a moment to reminisce about some of the good times you may have shared with Ivy (and George). If desired, any donations in Ivy’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.
A private celebration of Ivy’s life will be held with family and close friends at a later date. Cards may be sent to Chris Richards #1147 Burgundy Lane, Orleans, Ontario, K1C 2M9.
Wayne Victor Roy Nesbitt, April 17, 1937 – July 2, 2014
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad, Wayne Nesbitt, with his loving wife, Joan, by his side. Dad fought a short courageous battle with lung cancer; he maintained his sense of humour with his strength and determination unparalleled through his final journey, continuing to plan one last adventure with Mom.
Dad was an educator. He obtained his bachelor of science and later his masters of education from University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He coached many sports teams, taught many subjects and was principal of many schools throughout BC over a span of 30 years. He took great pride in knowing every student in his school. After retiring, he and Mom made their summer home in Vernon, BC and their winter home in Pharr, Texas, USA. Dad loved to travel and during the winter months Mom and Dad had many adventures motorhoming throughout Canada and the USA. They even travelled to faraway lands including China, Europe and Australia. During the summer months Dad returned to his love of agriculture and became a cattle rancher and as late as last summer he was a long haul truck driver.
Dad was a loving and dedicated man. His outgoing and friendly personality with his sense of humour made him many friends from all over the world. He was a Freemason, a Rotarian and member of the Lions Club. Dad was always helping people. While in Pharr, he especially loved driving the Shriner’s van to transport ill children to the hospital in Houston, Texas. As a husband and father he was loving and caring – always there to help, to listen, to encourage and to be our friend.
Dad is deeply missed by his wife of 55 years Joan Nesbitt and their five children, Pat (Debbie), John, Kathryn (John), Brenda (Robert) and Michael (Jennifer); 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother Peggy and father Victor Nesbitt.
A heartfelt thank you to all the doctors, nurses and care aides who helped us care for Dad these past four months, especially the staff and volunteers at North Okanagan Hospice House.
To the numerous friends that have been there for Mom, we cannot thank you enough for your support and kind words. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North Okanagan Hospice House.
Heaven was in need of a Hero – Dad, you are forever in our hearts.
We love you.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand…
Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end,
It simply means I’ll miss you, until we meet again.
Cremation is in the care of Vernon Funeral Home 250.542.0155. Memories and condolences at www.dignitymemorial.ca/vernon-funeral-home.
Carole Elizabeth Rogers, December 7, 1937 - July 16, 2014
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mum, Carole Rogers. On Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 12:59 pm, Carole took her last breath and is now with her husband Tom Rogers for all eternity.
Carole was peaceful and surrounded by her children Mike, Ken, Mark, Janet, Julie and Jennifer, and her sister Judy.
Carole survived well past her “best before date” and lived these last few months with joy and a sense of peace. She always said, “You don’t live your life expecting that you won’t die. It is just a part of life.” On April 2, 2014 she was told she had two to three months to live and she never looked back. She took full advantage of every minute and enjoyed her last days with family and friends. Her amazing attitude contributed to the “bonus days” we shared with her.
Carole danced at her “Tea Party” on June 7, 2014 with all of her family and friends and therefore the family is not holding a service for her. That is just how she will be remembered by us: dancing at her own “Celebration of Life” in the dress she finally took the tags off!
In lieu of flowers please donate to CaringBridge.com. In Mum’s words, “It is what has brought us all together”. Please click on the “Tribute” button on Carole’s webpage.