Robert William Kenneth Parkin, November 3, 1921 – June 8, 2012
Bob Parkin passed peacefully in his sleep in Courtenay, BC, at the age of 90. He was predeceased in 2005 by his wife of 57 years, the love of his life, Tess. Left to remember him is his daughter Jan Radford and son Jim (Diana). Dad will also be remembered by granddaughter Marni Radford (Grant), and grandsons Ken (Calista) and Kevin (Kirstin), and three beautiful great-granddaughters Kendra, Taylor and Brianna. He also leaves his brother-in-law John Derton, nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends.
Born in Vancouver, Dad moved to Powell River at age two and resided in the Townsite. After meeting Mom in Cranberry they soon wed, resided in Cranberry and eventually moved to Westview where they raised their family. After mom passed he moved to Courtenay to be closer to his island family and resided on his own in Valley Vista Estates until just days before he passed.
Bob worked in the mill offices after high school. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and was proud to serve his country. After the war he returned to the mill offices until he took four years early retirement. If he had remained, and with credit for service years, he would have attained 50 years service with the company. As it was he was proud to have been recognized as one of the company’s longest serving employees.
Dad was very proud of his involvement with the Sea Cadets in Powell River and being their Commanding Officer for a number of years. He took pride in watching his young charges grow and mature, and for them to remain in contact over the years and express their thanks was very special. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 50 years. In later years Dad loved to play horseshoes and crib and a visit to the casino was a fun pastime. When younger, Dad enjoyed ballroom and square dancing with Mom, and they spent many happy years following and even teaching these pursuits. Mom was an avid gardener, and Dad was always there to help from digging the beds to planting, weeding and harvesting.
Avid outdoors people, Mom and Dad spent a great amount of time boating, fishing and camping all over BC and the coastal waters. Much of this time included family members and contains some wonderful memories.
Dad was always there for both of us, all of us, and we will miss him so very much. You may be gone Dad, but you will always be loved and never forgotten. No service by request. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Edward James Pavitt – “Eddie”, November 9, 1949 – June 11, 2012
Ed passed away peacefully after a brief illness. He faced many health challenges in the last few years, fought hard to stay with us and is now at peace. His friend Maggie Hanson was at his side and they were listening to Love Me Tender. Ed will be remembered for his passion for all things “Elvis,” the Golden Oldies, his love of animals, his kindness, loyalty, and remarkable capacity for friendship.
Ed is survived by his sister Dorothy Jepp, niece Ramona and family of Clinton BC, cousins Barb and Phil Dixon and family of Williams Lake BC. He will be missed by his many long-time friends, housemate Cheryl Petalik and his PRACL family.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 16 from 1 - 3 pm, at Community Living Place, 6831 Artaban Street. As Ed so enjoyed his riding experience, donations to the Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association would be appreciated.
Kenneth Orville Orpen, May 31, 1933 - June 9, 2012
Ken passed away suddenly at the age of 79, with his wife of 59 years Shirley by his side. He was predeceased by his son Timothy Dale Orpen and is lovingly survived by Shirley, daughter Debbie, and sons Ken (Sheila), Rob (Teresa), Stuart (Kristin), grandchildren Kris (Jen), Erin, Kelsi, Daniel, Alison, Reed, Lee and five greatgrandchildren.
Ken was born in Sterco, Alberta and moved to North Vancouver, BC as a teenager. His first job took him to Texada Island and it was just a short boat ride to Powell River where he met Shirley. They settled on Texada where they spent 18 years raising their five children. His work as a heavy duty mechanic then took them north to Cassiar and Kitimat, and finally back to North Vancouver.
Ken was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and dog lover. He was active in baseball and hockey, as a player in his younger years, and later as coach and proud supporter of his sons and grandsons. While on Texada, he headed the volunteer fire department. In 1995 Ken and Shirley retired to Nanaimo.
He leaves behind many good friends, including his special little buddy, Teddy. Ken's family invites you all to attend his celebration of life on Friday, June 15 from 4 - 6 pm at the Clubhouse at Woodgrove Estates, 5854 Turner Road, Nanaimo. In lieu of flowers, donations to the SPCA would be appreciated.
Richard (Rick) Wayne De Vito, May 28, 1947 - May 31, 2012
We would like to give special thanks to the nurses on the 4th floor at Powell River General Hospital for their outstanding care in our father’s final weeks, to Dr. Barrie McDonald for his exceptional care and friendship to our father for many years, and to Sam Nassichuk for his friendship, kindness and the time he spent with our dad helping him along his journey to a place of peace.
We knew that morning, God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our heart to lose you, you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide,
and though we cannot see you, you're always at our side.
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
We miss you and love you dearly Dad.
Richard and Darlana