Helmut Franz Godau, June 22, 1923 - September 3, 2014
Helmut was born in Hamburg, Germany and is survived by his wife Una, daughter Simone, sons Michael, Paul, Peter and Timothy, grandchildren Heidi, Michelle, Peter, Miguel, Niko, Johanna, Bianca, Alexandra, Mattias, Cassandra, Mitchell, Alyssa, Brent, Jordan and Logan and 11 great-grandchildren.
Helmut and Una immigrated to Canada from England in 1952 to start a new life in a young country. On arriving in Revelstoke, BC, Helmut quickly learned that lederhosen and sandals were not the right outfit to wear when loading logging trucks. Helmut went on to work as a prospector, and then camera repairman, before getting a job as bookkeeper for Dawson Wade Ltd., a company that was building the new Trans Canada through Fraser Canyon.
In 1958 the young immigrant couple moved to Clearwater where Helmut worked as a bookkeeper for the local sawmill. By 1965 Helmut and Una decided to move to Vancouver Island. Helmut soon got a job as assistant treasurer for Courtenay School District. Then in 1968 it was on to Ashcroft where Helmut became the school district’s Superintendent of Operations. In 1973, no longer immigrants, Helmut, who was now a bona fide Canadian, moved with Una to Powell River where Helmut again took on the role of Superintendent of Operations for the school district. They were now the proud parents of five children.
After retiring, the couple moved one last time to Nanaimo to be closer to their children. This is where Helmut spent his last days.
Helmut loved the natural beauty of Canada and took great pleasure in hiking trails and exploring the back roads of British Columbia. He could name the mountains and enjoyed canoeing on the rivers. His favourite hobby was gardening, creating beautifully landscaped rock gardens from nothing. With Helmut, the garden came first and then the house.
He was a leader with ideas. In Clearwater, he arranged huge firework displays; while in Powell River, he and a few friends were founding members of the BOMB (Bloody Old Men’s Brigade) Squad which was responsible for clearing trails and building hiking bridges that are still used today. He was a dreamer, a creator, a father and a husband whose laugh, ideas and love will be missed by his family.
Richard (John) Derton
Richard (John) Derton, born April 24, 1928, passed suddenly on September 25, 2014.
John is survived by son Doug; daughters Laurie and Joanne (Doug); grandchildren Brent, Jennifer, Annette, Andrew, Marla and Richard; and great-grandchildren Nick, Josh, Travis and Aura.
He is also survived by his companion and best friend Betty Rolandi. He was predeceased by the love of his life Elaine Derton on November 4, 1996.
Dad lived a good life and will be dearly missed by those who loved and knew him. There will be a celebration of life for friends and family at Inland Lake on October 5 from 11 am - 7 pm.
The ways I love my Grandpa
I Miss
big tasselled pillows from the old house, they were large enough to hold me and a cousin; watching horseshoe games played in front of headlights; best-ever breakfast of eggs and bacon cooked on a camp stove; child activity books or games of “closest to the wall,” always keeping me entertained; bedtime stories that would keep me dreaming for weeks, especially jack rabbits on rafts, paddling for cabbage.
I Love
the never-ending bag of licorice in the truck or kitchen cupboard; the big silver truck that took me on many adventures involving trailers or mushrooms; the big silver truck and its strength, even if I had to get out and walk sometimes; still not knowing how to join in on poker, but knowing that you would float me a penny pot should I try and figure it out; the little boats that are full of cushy seats, tackle boxes and roaring motors; the same old Christmas tree that comes out year after year; the way you love our dogs as much as we do; songs sung with accordions, it’s always impossible to remember all the verses; hearing you shout “smile” or “look here” at any moment for a picture; Ping-Pong in the basement and searching the storage for little white balls; vanilla ice cream that is always in the freezer, even if there is no lemon meringue pie; always having a swimming buddy, a motor to pull me into shore; the straw hats that blow away with the wind yet always seem to find their way back home again; sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, cukes, beet tops and other amazing things sprouting in your garden; the socks, mats and other fuzzy things under the kitchen table; the loud snores in the house; being spoiled every Easter, Christmas and birthday.
I Really Love
making you proud, respecting you so much that behaving badly was never intended, hugs waiting for me every time I come home.
Most of all I love you grandpa,
Brent, Jennifer, Annette, Andrew, Marla and Richard
Nigel Karol Paul Wodzinski, September 11, 1949 - September 11, 2014
Nigel was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England and moved to Canada as a child with his parents. He died on his birthday with his daughter by his side in Powell River General Hospital after battling with cancer.
Paul is survived by his daughter Tania (Rory) Wodzinski and stepson Wes (Bristol) Kennedy as well as relatives in England, and many friends he made over the years. He was predeceased by his parents Jozef and Anne Wodzinski (née Booth).
Paul worked in construction and was known by buddies and coworkers as “Wod,” or “Fuzzy.” After moving to Powell River in the late 1960s he never left as he could not understand how someone would rather be anywhere but here.
The family would like to thank staff at Powell River General Hospital as well as the dedicated hospice volunteers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Powell River General Hospital Foundation. No service by request.
Marlene (Mary) Abbott née Ball, July 23, 1933 - September 22, 2014
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Marlene, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was predeceased by her brother Mike and son Paul. She is survived by her husband Frank, sisters Mandi and Lyn (Derek), children Denise (Dave) and Richard (Traci), daughter-in-law Donna, grandchildren Sara (Nigel), Jeremy, Jodi, Jeffery, Calli-Ann and Keagen and great-grandchildren Sophie and Brooklyn.
Marlene was born in Blackpool, England. Frank and Marlene were married November 3, 1956 and immigrated to Canada in 1957, finally calling Powell River home in 1969. Marlene’s passions were her family, spending time with friends, volunteering and travelling the world. She was the Welcome Wagon hostess for years and started painting Rose Mauling with the Sons of Norway. Marlene and Frank built the family cabin on Powell Lake in 1991, where they spent many days enjoying family and friends. She will be greatly missed by family in Powell River, England and throughout Canada.
A celebration of life to be held at Stubberfield Funeral Home Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 2 pm, with reception tea to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Society Canada in her name would be appreciated.
Oswald “Ossie” Wilson Lacey
It is with great sadness that the family of Oswald Lacey announce his passing on September 22, 2014 after a year-long battle with cancer.
Ossie was born in East Boldon, Durham County, England on November 15, 1925 to William and Violet Lacey. At 14 he began work as a projectionist at the local theatre his father managed and from there took a position at a mobile theatre for troops during the early part of WWII. In 1943, at the age of 18, Ossie joined the RAF and served as an instrument mechanic on Lancaster bombers in various locations throughout the south of England and Italy.
In 1950 Ossie immigrated to Canada, landing in Telegraph Cove, BC where he joined his brother Bryan working in the local sawmill. In 1953 he married Stephanie (Stella), the camp cook.
After a brief time in Vancouver, the family moved up the coast to Powell River where Ossie began work in the mill in 1955. After many years in the steam plant he retired in 1988 at the age of 63.
Ossie always enjoyed working in his yard, periodic trips to the casino and taking care of his family. His reserved exterior covered his kind spirit and giving nature. Sunday afternoons were spent with family visits and solving world problems.
People who knew him enjoyed his dry English humour.
Ossie was predeceased by his parents, sister Margaret, and brothers William and Raymond. Left behind to mourn is his wife of 61 years, Stephanie; brother Bryan (Edith); children Merle (John), Dennis (Necy), Bryan (Judi) and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We would like to thank Dr. May and his staff for the wonderful care and support they have given. No service will be held by Ossie’s request.
We are left with a space that cannot be filled; “Miss you Pa.”