James (Jim) Richard Barr, July 3, 1966 - May 28, 2011
It is with great sadness that the Barr family announces the sudden passing of Jim Barr; beloved husband of Cathy and proud father to Katelyn, Jacob and Emily.
Jim was a treasured son to Enid Barr and a much loved brother to Lynn and Jack Barr. Jim is also survived by his two sisters-in-law, Michelle Barr and Mairzee Almas, and by his nieces Stephanie, Christina and Allison.
Jim attended high school at Prince of Wales, Vancouver, and studied computer sciences at the University of British Columbia where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He played football for the Westside Warriors and was a fearless competitor. Jim and Cathy met in Powell River and were married in Vancouver on August 24, 1991. They were inseparable, best friends from the start.
His first priority was his family, taking a particularly active role in the education of his children. Family vacation time in Hawaii and Pender Harbour were a regular part of his involvement with immediate and extended family, providing him fond memories.
Sharing his love and knowledge of computing was willingly offered to all who knew Jim. Jim had a varied business career; he worked for many years at Aralco Retail POS Systems. He was the Mortgage Broker for Western Mortgage Corporation and handled many aspects of the family business in Vancouver and Powell River.
One of Jim’s passions included his involvement as a dedicated Freemason. He joined Vancouver Lodge 68 in the spring of 1988 along with his brother Jack. His father, Dick Barr and uncles were active members in that lodge, as well as in Freemasonry in general. Vancouver Lodge was formed by his grandfather Matthew Barr in 1913 and Jim was Worshipful Master there in 1997. He was so dedicated, in fact, that he was the coaching committee chair for the past 13 plus years and assisted every new member through introduction to Freemasonry, a testament to the strength of Vancouver Lodge. He will be dearly missed there.
In 2008-2009 he attained the title of Very Worshipful Brother as he became Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of BC and Yukon. He was also the representative for the Grand Lodge of Hawaii. In 1994 he joined the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada and was its Thrice Puissant Grand Master in 2008. Jim was very active in the background of Scottish Rite as well and was to be Coroneted a 33rd degree Mason this September in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was a member of the Gizeh Shriners, Joppa Chapter 31 of Royal Arch Masons, a member and officer of the Red Cross of Constantine and more recently a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. He was also on the Grand Lodge Building Committee as well as a director and treasurer of the Vancouver Masonic Centre for many years.
On Tuesday, June 14 at 3 pm a memorial service was held at Canadian Memorial Church in Vancouver, followed by a celebration of Jim’s life at the Masonic Building, 1495 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundations BC Learning Centre for Children with Dyslexia c/o 200-1687 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1X2.
Fern L. Matson 1932 - 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fern. She was predeceased by her great love Ernie (1969) and her sister Jean (2007). She is survived by sisters Dorothy and Maxcine, children Robert, Margret (Jack) and Harry (Kami), grandchildren Kristina (John), James (Scarlett), Jordan and Brittany, and greatgrandchildren Jackie, Taylor, Hailie and Ryder.
A special thank you to the staff of Evergreen Extended Care for the care you gave Mom. No service by request.
L. William (Bill) Lawson, November 10, 1932 - June 9, 2011
Bill quietly passed away with his family by his side. He is survived by his children Glen (Sherry), Ann, Heather (Scott), Carl (Joanne), Iris (Dave), Sandra (Dave), Soren, grandchildren Ryan (Dale), Travis (Michelle), Kaitlyn (Jason), Scott, Nicky (Lyndon), Bobby (Niki), Shannon (Daryl), Shawn, Troy (Jessica), Trevor (Roxanne), Karl, Britney, Chance, Devin and 12 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his close friend Dennis Olson, numerous other family members and his many friends.
There will be no service by his request. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Olive Devaud Residence.
Edward Clayton Phillips, May 2, 1923 - June 9, 2011
Edward passed away peacefully at Powell River General Hospital. He was predeceased by his loving wife Judy. Ed leaves behind his sons Bruce (Sherry) and Barry, grandsons Austin, Matthew and Warren, and nephew Rick.
To his many friends Ed was one of the old-timers of Lang Bay, living for years on the family property with his soulmate working hard on their “stump ranch” raising vegetables from Ed’s “famous garden.” He spent the last few years calling Kiwanis Manor home.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Bruce Hobson and the nursing staff at the hospital for our father’s care. Most especially though, the family wants to thank the staff at Kiwanis Manor for their professional and extra special care given to our father.
There will be no memorial service by request. Those wishing to do so may donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.