David Alan Raistrick, January 9, 1940 – May 21, 2013
Alan passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family. He was born in Yorkshire, England and brought his young family to BC in 1966. He started working for BC Hydro as an electrician and later came to Powell River to work on the construction of the Kraft Mill. Alan and his family stayed in Powell River and he worked in the mill, mainly on the line crew, until he retired in 2001.
Alan was a dedicated volunteer fireman for 25 years. He loved his trips south to Arizona for the winter driving his big rig with trailer in tow.
Alan is survived by his life partner of 32 years Nellie Valentine, children John and Jill and granddaughter Britney.
Special thanks to the Ambulatory Department staff and the Home Care nurses for your compassion and care of Alan. Thank you Dr. Takar and Dr. Watson for Alan’s care over the years. Dear family, friends and neighbours, your support is very much appreciated.
Alan will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
There will be no service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association, 4356 Myrtle Avenue, Powell River, V8A 0T2.
“ Time to say goodbye”
Bertha (Bunny) Johnson, May 29, 1921 - April 5, 2013
Bunny was born and raised in Elma, Manitoba. Her first taste of city life was in Toronto where she and her sister Martha both worked and shared an apartment. She took two accordion lessons while there and never looked back. At the young age of 24 she came to Finn Bay to give her brother Alex a hand on Sevilla Island and together they played accordion and violin for many dances in the old Lund Hall.
Bunny was a very beautiful and popular girl in Lund and was soon swept off her feet by her soon-to-be husband Gunnar Johnson. They had one son, Roy, and soon after they moved to Wildwood and lived next door to her sister Martha and her family. After several years in Powell River they moved to Squamish, where they spent many years.
Bunny was predeceased by her son and husband. Eventually she moved back to Finn Bay. She loved people, had a great sense of humour, was very artistic, loved nature and her garden.
Bunny will be sorely missed by her friends and family. She is survived by eight nieces and one nephew who would all like to express their gratitude for the loving care offered to her at both Olive Devaud Residence and Evergreen Extended Care Unit.
No service by request.
“Chief” Clifford Daniel Moses Paul - Pah-Hee-Keh-Luh (translates to Raven), Born December 22, 1964 – Spiritual Journey May 22, 2013
The brightest light in any room, you could follow the laughter to find Cliff shining; to find a man who shared his levity, humour, warmth, integrity and generosity with all. Whether you knew Cliff for a moment or a lifetime, he treated everyone with a respect and openness rarely found and never forgotten. Cliff loved all things Tla’amin. He took great pride in cultural teachings and was an advocate for the preservation of the Tla’amin language. He dedicated his life to serving the needs of the off-reserve Tla’amin citizens, and to those less fortunate that he worked on behalf of for the City of Vancouver and BC Housing. Cliff practised, spoke and promoted Ay a juth um (our language) and found great pleasure spending time with First Nation elders. Eternal funny man, Cliff was a keen observer of humanity and used his comedy to reflect on both the tragic and comedic aspects of life.
Predeceased by his father Willie Dave Paul and his sisters Sharon and Jane, Cliff is survived by his mother Elsie Paul, brothers Glen (Pauline) and Walter (Noreen), sisters Jeannie (Frank), Ann, Cathy and Marlane (Tom), nephews Bryce, Tim, Davis, Dillon, Jordan and Cody, and nieces Sally, Serena, Harmony, Nora, Kory, Kylie, Andrya, Kaycee, Kirsten and Torri. Cliff was also a great-uncle to Byron, Bryton, Crystal, Callie, Greydan, Saphire, Derek, Cash, Mila and Delilah.
Cliff will be missed by many Jeh Jehs (relatives) and close friends near and far.
A wake will begin at 4 pm on Friday, May 31 at the Sliammon Salish Centre. A celebration of Cliff ’s life will be held there at 10 am on Saturday, June 1, followed by a luncheon.
Put a candle in the window, but I feel I've got to move.
Though I'm going, I'll be coming home soon,
'Long as I can see the light.
Pack my bag and let's get moving,
'cause I'm bound to drift a while.
Well I'm gone, you don't have to worry no, no -
'Long as I can see the light.
Guess I've got those old travelling bones,
cause this feeling won't leave me alone.
But I won't be losin' my way, no, no -
'Long as I can see the light.
(John C. Fogerty)
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC are greatly appreciated.
Vernon “Deane” DeWynter
Deane’s ship set off on its final voyage on “opening day,” May 9 at 3:10 pm.
Born in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan on May 22, 1945, he moved with his family to Cranberry in 1949. Growing up there he formed many bonds and friendships that he still had to this day. In his late teens and early 20s Deane travelled around Europe for two years, returning to Powell River where he worked in many of the local bars and mill.
He met his wife in 1974 and they went on an adventure around BC that started in Toba Inlet and they finally settled on their acreage on Plummer Creek Road. Deane was able to pursue his great love of fishing and went into the prawn fishing industry, saying it was the best life ever. He especially loved the fact that his son and daughter could both spend time with him on the boat and in the off season he was able to spend lots of time with his children working the land, chasing the mushrooms and out in the salal patch.
Deane pursued many interests in his life touching many lives and forming life-long friendships with his sincere caring nature. He was a cherished husband, father and Opa to his wife Dymph, son Kyle (Corinne), daughter Rachel Ann (Kelly), grandchildren Luke and Matty, Tyler and Lily. Deane had very close ties with his cousins, sister-in-law Margaret (Larry) and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Uncle Deane was the best and they all remained close.
He was a happy-go-lucky, fun-loving man who made people feel special as he strived to live life to the fullest. He especially loved the hunting trips to northern BC and just going out fishing for the morning or evening bite. We, his family, are very thankful to have had this gentle loving man in our lives and he will forever remain in our hearts.
The family would like to give special thanks to all the health care workers, first responders and ambulance crew who helped out when we needed them, you all showed such amazing compassion and care to Deane. Also, thank you to all the friends and family who came to visit or sent prayers and love to Deane during his final days here at home.
There will be a celebration of Deane’s life Sunday, August 11 at 2 pm at Craig Park.
“To know him was to love him”
Harold James Long, April 11, 1941 - May 21, 2013
“I live my bucket list every day”
It is with great sadness that the family of Harold Long announces his sudden passing. Son of the late Bert and Augusta Long, Harold was born and raised in Powell River and was a respected businessman and community leader. At the age of 17, Harold earned his pilot’s licence and began his lifelong passion for flying. All who knew him knew his zeal for politics and he proudly served two terms as an MLA in the BC Legislature from 1986 to 1991 and again from 2001 to 2005.
Harold’s other interests included hunting, fishing and anything associated with the outdoors. He will be missed by all who benefited from his unparalleled generosity, his keen sense of humour, his creativity and his sage advice.
His infectious smile and laugh were widely shared and to Harold a stranger was simply a friend he hadn’t met yet.
As much as he loved flying, the “art of politics” and the outdoors, Harold’s greatest love and pride were reserved for his family to whom he was devoted and for whom his love was unconditional and uncompromising. For all that Harold gave to his children, they would agree that his greatest gift to them was his unsurpassed work ethic.
Harold is survived by the love of his life Mary Lynne, the mother of his children and his lifelong friend Bev, children Brenda (Kelly) and Kathleen (Al) of Victoria, Phill (Cheryl) and Craig (Kim) of Powell River, Corine and Cindy (Noah) of Victoria. Harold had a special spot in his heart for each of his 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Denise (Tony), Stu (Polly), Annette (Felix), Lou (Dolly) and Roy and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Bert and Augusta and brother Gary.
A celebration of Harold’s life will be held on Friday, May 31 at 1 pm at Dwight Hall, 6274 Walnut Street, Powell River.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the research department at BC Cancer Society.