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Obituaries: June 6, 2014

Ronald James Court, November 13, 1945 - May 28, 2014 With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Ron.

Ronald James Court, November 13, 1945 - May 28, 2014

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Ron. He will be greatly missed by his wife Shirley, daughter Jocelyn, son-in-law Geoff Williams and his grandchildren Rhianna, Malcolm and Trevor. He is also survived by sister-in-law Doreen McNabb, her husband Bob and their children Barry McNabb and Dallas Lawrence, sister-in-law Velma Russell, cousins Tom Vanichuk and Elaine Del Guidice, and their families. Ron was predeceased by his son David and his parents Jimmy and Nessie Court.

Ron was born in Powell River, BC. He was an only child and was so special to his mother Nessie that his father Jimmy nicknamed him “Lord Fauntleroy.” He spent his childhood in Cranberry, where he made lifelong friendships that were like family. Ron met Shirley in 1966 and they married on September 6, 1968. They made Powell River their home and their life was blessed with two children, Jocelyn and David.

Ron enjoyed golfing, fishing, skiing and many vacations with his family. After David left home, he and Ron travelled on golf holidays and spent many good times together. Ron also enjoyed visiting Jocelyn and her family frequently, taking two special trips to Mexico and fishing the West Coast with Geoff. Ron’s main priority was to provide his family with the opportunities that would enable them to enjoy their lives.

Ron spent most of his working life on the wharf in the mill. He was the owner and operator of River City Salal for seven years. He was fortunate to build many strong friendships at work, in spite of his singing on the job. Ron loved the outdoors, hunting, curling, fishing and golfing. In the mid-1970s, he was manager of the Powell River Regals and was always a proud supporter of Villa Soccer Club. He retired at age 55, spending his winters travelling frequently, his favourite destination being New Zealand. When he was at home, he enjoyed golfing and playing cards at Myrtle Point, socializing at Carlson Community Club and taking trips to Winter Harbour with the boys. Supporting junior golf was dear to his heart and he enjoyed many trips with the Myrtle Point junior members.

Ron was blessed to have a wide circle of friends, many whom had known him for most of his life. He was known to many for his generous heart, his unique sense of humour and colourful sayings. Ron’s life was enriched by two special young men, Mike Warriner, who lived with him as a Powell River King’s billet for five years, and Dale Christensen, a close friend to David, who gave Ron his friendship and support.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the doctors and nurses of Powell River General Hospital for their care and compassion shown to Ron and his family over the past year.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 27, at Carlson Community Club from 2 to 4:30 pm. Please join us in remembering Ron. In lieu of flowers, donations to Powell River Hospital Foundation or David Court Memorial Foundation in support of junior golf would be appreciated.

“May the road rise up to meet you”


Robert (Bob) Louis Verdiel, October 9, 1933 - June 1, 2014

It is with great sadness that Bob’s family announces his sudden passing. He was predeceased by his wife Eleanor Verdiel, daughter Sherri Ruedig and sister Wanda Astells. Bob is survived by his sons Mike (Theresa) and Gary (Marilyn), daughter Debbi Salmond, grandchildren Jeremy (Chelene), Laura (Cory), Devon, Nicole and Natalie, great-grandchild Ally, niece Vicki Astells and nephew Robert Astells.

A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held Saturday, June 14 from 1 to 3 pm downstairs at Carlson Community Club. In lieu of flowers, donations to Powell River General Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.


Joseph Peter Fetchko, April 22, 1930 - May 26, 2014

Born in Powell River, Joe died peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC.

Joe graduated from Brooks High School in 1949 and went on to work in the pulp and paper mill in Powell River as an apprentice electrician. He met and married Patricia Lacy and together they had eight children Rita, Joycenne, Peter, Lance, Andrew, Anne, John and Eric. In 1964 he moved his family to Crofton, BC and continued his career in Crofton Pulp and Paper mill until his retirement.

Joe enjoyed the outdoors. His hobbies were hunting, fishing and scuba diving. He was an avid scuba diver and was very involved in the scuba diving community in Powell River. He taught the sport, wrote a column for the local paper and was president of the local club.

Joe was especially proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Patricia in 1986, his daughter Anne Meares in 2011, his second wife Jacquie (Goode) in 2013 and his beloved dog Buto. He is sorely missed by his cat Oliver.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Westshore Lodge for their care and support while Joe and Jacquie lived out their final years, his companion/caregiver Lori Tait for being such a good friend tending to his daily needs and the staff of 7 North and 6 South at the Jubilee for the wonderful care and compassion in the final weeks of Joe’s life.

No service by request. Online condolences may be made at www.mem.com.