Johannes ( John) Schmitz, December 25, 1935 – September 27, 2013 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Schmitz after a short bout with cancer and a long battle with heart disease. He was predeceased by his two younger brothers and is survived by two sisters in Germany. In 2010 John lost Joan, his loving wife of 52 years. He leaves behind his children Debbie, Lisa (Brad), Linda (Mark), John and Bill (Tamara). He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Dean, Jessica, Graham, Natasha, Heather, Mikayla and Izabella. John came to Canada from Germany as a young man in 1955. He was a truly kind and generous soul who was always available to help anyone in need. John had many talents and all that he did was done to the highest quality. When John moved to Powell River in 1965 with his family he continued work as a tradesman and business owner and quickly became known for the excellence of his work. John may be best known by local residents for the over 200 homes he built during his hard-working years. When his heart began to slow him down, he began his short career as an artist. Self-taught, he painted with the same precision that he had built with. John sang as a tenor and soloist in many choirs, was a member of Knights of Columbus, enjoyed his garden, bicycle riding, socializing and debating with friends in the community. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all of John’s friends, Dr. Burns, Dr. Hoffert and Dr. Takhar and all of the doctors and nursing staff at Powell River General Hospital and the wonderful caring staff at Evergreen Extended Care Unit who made him smile and provided comfort during his last weeks. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 5 at 1 pm at Church of the Assumption with tea to follow at Assumption Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice as John was passionate about many. “Earth lost a fighter but heaven gained an angel”
Shirley Ann Kilroy (Sumner), March 11, 1935 - September 23, 2013 Loving wife, sister, mother, aunt and grandmother, Shirley passed away peacefully at her home on Texada Island. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years George, sisters Marian (George), Sally (Scott), son Gordon (Karen), daughter Kathi, and granddaughters Brooke, Tamara, Presley and Kaleigh. Service to be held Saturday, October 19 at 1pm at Texada Legion.
John Jacob Holler Silently born, John Jacob Holler was passed into the loving arms of Jesus on September 23, 2013. Parents Darick and Shanna and big brothers Josiah and Ben miss him deeply, but we look forward to meeting him again one day. Special thanks to Dr. Rossouw and Dr. Du Plessis for their expert care and wisdom and to the amazing nurses at Powell River General Hospital, who handled our needs with incredible sensitivity. Thanks also to Val Mazzelli and to Gary at Westcoast Funeral Services for taking care of our arrangements. To our beloved friends and family, we thank you for your continued prayers, tears and support. We give thanks to God for giving us peace and hope during this difficult time. “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54)
Michael William Kennedy, April 20, 1952 - September 26, 2013 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mike in Edmonton, Alberta. He was predeceased by his father William Kennedy. Mike is survived by his children Leon, Tonya and Alisha, his mother Win Kennedy, brothers Gordon, Patrick (Bonnie), Daniel (Lora), sister Barbara (Darryl) Craig, niece Sarah and nephews Daniel and Dylan. Mike will be remembered for his passion in music. He was active in the Powell River music scene since the age of 15 and joined the music community wherever he went from Vancouver Island to Edmonton. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 2 pm at Cranberry Seniors’ Centre, 6792 Cranberry Street.