Linda Susan Meilleur (née Berry), June 14, 1949 - March 13, 2012
Linda died peacefully in Powell River General Hospital among family and friends. She is survived by her husband Louis, sister Pat Randall in England, son John (Natasha Gee), daughter Simone, granddaughter Kiah, grandson Cole, sisters-in-law Jeannette, Suzanne, Melisse and Roberta, and her many friends and extended family in the UK and Canada. She will be fondly remembered for her grace, inner strength, humour and welcoming spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Agency. There will be a celebration of Linda’s life at a later date.
Nessie Court (née Lindsay), September 15, 1918 - March 12, 2012
After a long and happy life, Nessie left us peacefully on March 12. She was born in Nanaimo, BC and moved to Powell River at the age of 13 with her parents and sister Meryl. Nessie married Jimmy Court on June 25, 1941, and together they had one son, Ron.
Nessie spent 76 years in her home at the corner of Marlatt Avenue and Drake Street, initially with her parents, and, after her marriage, with Jimmy and Ron. She valued her family and devoted her time to raising Ron and caring for her grandchildren, niece and nephews. Nessie was a giving person, who always put others before herself. She was known throughout Cranberry for her wonderful baking and kind manner. Nessie was surrounded by many close friends, including Mary Yarocki, her next door neighbour and dear friend of 55 years.
For the past six years, Nessie lived at Olive Devaud Residence where she reconnected with some old friends and also made many new ones.
Nessie will be remembered with love by her son Ron and daughter-in-law Shirley, granddaughter Jocelyn (Geoff) Williams, three great-grandchildren Rhianna, Malcolm and Trevor, niece Elaine Del Guidice, nephews Tom and Mike Vanichuk and their families. Nessie was predeceased by her husband of 49 years Jimmy, infant son Robert, grandson David and sister Meryl.
We would like to thank the staff of Olive Devaud Residence for their genuine compassion and for providing such a caring home for Nessie. Her life was enriched by the constant devotion of Elaine, Ernesto, Tirra and Brent. She was a very special aunt to them, as well as to Glenn Vanichuk.
A tea in honour of Nessie will be held on Thursday, March 22. Please join us at Ron and Shirley’s home, 3453 MacKenzie Avenue, between 2 and 4 pm to remember this loving woman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or BC Children’s Hospital.
“I love you a bushel and a peck”
Sharon Lynn Girard (née Weiterman)
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sharon Girard after a courageous battle with cancer.
Sharon was born on January 3, 1951, in Moose Jaw, SK and was taken home to her Lord in the early morning hours of March 14, 2012.
Sharon is survived by her devoted husband and best friend of 40 years Michael, daughter Autumn, son-in-law Greg Burton and grandchildren Gwendolyn and Lochlan all of Powell River; twin sister Shirley (Ken) Pedersen of Taber, AB, brother Ron (Gale Amos) of Rosetown, SK, and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her father Fredrick, mother Gwendolyn, and brother Ken.
A wonderful, warm, welcoming and caring wife, mother and friend, Sharon demonstrated an infectious optimism and positive outlook, regardless of the challenges life presented. She made the world a beautiful and much better place for those who spent time in her presence.
Sharon was a devout Christian and member of the congregation at Evangel Pentecostal Church. Her ardent and unwavering faith brought comfort to her throughout her lengthy illness, as did the support and prayers of her friends and church family.
A service in celebration of Sharon’s life will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 1 pm at Evangel Pentecostal Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Sharon Girard to the BC Cancer Foundation, Suite 150, 686 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1G1, 1.888.906.2873.
Marion Bleakney (née Naughton), September 23, 1914 - March 10, 2012
Marion was born in Saskatoon and grew up in Winnipeg until she was 16 when her family moved to Vancouver. She worked in the family businesses on Commercial Drive and in Deep Cove. During the depression, as the only one in the family with a job, Marion worked in a bakery and supported her family of six. She met and married Lawrence (Bud) Bleakney in 1940 and they moved to Powell River.
If there was an award for “Homemaker Extraordinaire” Marion would have been a repeat winner. Her home and family were her life, her pride and joy. During their years in Powell River they raised two daughters, Sharon and Gerey, while continually working on building another house. Marion worked side by side with Bud and never once complained about the boring jobs she was assigned. She spent many evenings lovingly crocheting table cloths and baby shawls or baking her delicious pies and cookies.
In her later years, after Bud passed away in 1998, Marion moved into a condo with a water view that enabled her to enjoy the beautiful Powell River sunsets once again. She loved Powell River and especially walks on Willingdon Beach Trail. In 2001 she moved to Vancouver to be closer to family and when she passed away she was a resident at Fraserview Intermediate Care Lodge.
Throughout her life, Marion touched the people she met and left a lasting impression. She was kind, compassionate and dignified. She loved to laugh and laughed easily. Her Irish heritage was never far from her thoughts and she passed all those Irish superstitions on to her family.
Marion is fondly remembered by her daughters Sharon (Gary), Gerey (Rod); son-in-law Cyril; five grandchildren Jamie (Pam), Lisa, Marnie (David), Sara (Jody) and Troy; four great-grandchildren Dakota, Delaney, Jessica and Justin; her sister Pat and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no funeral service by Marion’s request. If you wish to remember Marion, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Ben Ogden
Ben Ogden passed away peacefully on February 22, 2012, at the age of 89, in Powell River General Hospital. He was born in Vancouver, BC on January 2, 1923. He is now where he longed to be, with Mum in the presence of their Lord and Saviour.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Poppy and brothers. Ben is survived by his four children Elizabeth Wilson, Tim (Doria) Ogden, Andrew (Joan) Ogden and Nancy (Nagi) Rizk. He leaves six wonderful grandchildren Ryan (Nadine) Ogden, Shawn (Anna) Ogden, Brad (Sarah) Ogden, Anna (Matt) Vincent, Geoff Ogden, Merryam Rizk, two great-grandchildren Hailey and Nikolas, sister Angie Peters, nieces and nephews.
Our thanks to Dr. Nick White, Olive Devaud staff, ambulance crews and nursing staff for their great care. Memorial service to be held on Friday, March 23 at 11 am at Evangel Pentecostal Church. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Camp Imadene, Coastal Missions, or the charity of your choice.
Thou wilt show me the path of life:
In Thy presence is fullness of joy;
At Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.