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Obituaries: October 24, 2014

Bert Penny, October 14, 1937 - October 19, 2014 With heavy hearts we announce that Bert passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at Victoria General Hospital.

Bert Penny, October 14, 1937 - October 19, 2014

With heavy hearts we announce that Bert passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at Victoria General Hospital. Bert spent his last week with family in Victoria, BC, meeting his new great-grandson, Holden Wilbert Reed, spending Thanksgiving with family and celebrating his 77th birthday with loved ones.

Bert was born in Eriksdale, MB. In 1953, his first job was as a callboy for Canadian National Railway in Souris, Manitoba. In 1954, Bert went to work for Hudson’s Bay Company Northern Stores as a clerk in the fur department. In Moose Factory, ON, he met and fell in love with Marilyn who in 1959 became his wife. In 1961, Bert and Marilyn moved to Mistassini Lake, QC, where he worked as superintendent for Indian Affairs and where all four children were born. In 1967, the Penny family moved to Powell River where Bert was hired by MacMillan Bloedel as a pulp and paper tester. He was later accepted into the instrumentation technician program at BCIT. Bert retired from MacMillan Bloedel after 33 years in 2000 and purchased a hobby farm that he loved to keep busy at.

Bert is survived by his companion, friend and loving wife Marilyn Penny who held his hand throughout his journey with brain cancer. He is also survived by the love of his children Greg, Robert, Les, Natalie (Doug) and Mark, his loving sisters Laura Bergenham, Shirley Rosentreter, Pearl Sboto and Linda (John) Penny, grandchildren Michael, Brittany, Robert (Delyth), Alyssa (Michael) and Tanner and great-grandchildren Jacob and Holden.

Bert was also loving master of his two dogs Boomer and Sonny.

Bert will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a loving husband, exceptional father, supportive brother, wise Papa, genuine friend and avid storyteller. Everyone who met Bert saw his love and appreciation for the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, camping and journeying up the coast in his boat, Blue Eyes Charters. Bert had a great sense of adventure, travelling much of the world with Marilyn and in 2013 he spent a memorable six weeks in Spain with his wife and four sisters. He thoroughly enjoyed life to its fullest potential and made the most of every moment by always keeping busy with the ones he loved.

A celebration of Bert’s life will be held at 1 pm Sunday, November 2 at Royal Canadian Legion Powell River, lower hall. At Bert’s request, in lieu of flowers please make a donation in memory of him to BC SPCA, Powell River Branch or the oncology unit at Powell River General Hospital. If you wish to leave a tribute, website condolences can be made at www.earthsoption.com.

Look for me in nature


Richard (Rik) Stephen Scott, October 25, 1961 - October 16, 2014

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Rik after a lengthy battle with melanoma. He passed away with his wife at his side and joined his mother on her birthday.

Rik was born in Victoria, BC to Bob and Sue Scott. He is lovingly remembered by his two beautiful children Jenna and Joey Scott of Nanaimo, his wife Leialoha Scott and stepchildren of Quesnel, BC, father and stepmother Bob and Jacquie Scott of Nanaimo, older brother Bob (Colleen) of Edmonton and younger sister Tina (Gary, Tiffany and Dylan) Merrick of Powell River. Rik is predeceased by his mother Sue (Scott) Preiss and stepfather Dave Preiss.

Those of you who knew Rik would be very aware of his sense of humour, his tenacity and his deep love of the outdoors. He was deeply loved and will be sadly missed. No service by Rik’s request.


Tavis Menzies, August 18, 1980 - October 17, 2014

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our son, brother and uncle early Friday evening in a car accident.

Tavis lived life to its very fullest. He didn’t do anything halfway; it was always full steam, hair straight back, extreme adventure. As an extreme skier, he was sponsored by Faction Skis. He was also an experienced rock climber, a fisherman and most recently a logger. Whether for Halloween or just a good party, he had a costume for that. He loved being in nature, hiking, foraging for mushrooms, spelunking, camping in tents and snow caves; you name it, he did it.

Tavis had a great sense of humour and the biggest heart. He made friends everywhere he went and came to almost every family gathering when he could. He was an amazing and loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He leaves a hole in our hearts that will not be able to be filled.

His spirit will remain at the top of every mountain, in every beautiful sunset, every extreme ski run and adventure and in our hearts forever.

Survived by his loving parents Ken and Debbie Menzies, brother Doug (Angela) Menzies, sister Sabrina (Grant) Currie, nephews Owen Barlak and Wyatt Menzies and niece Oceanna Currie, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount Cain Alpine Park Society. Memorial Service at Lion’s Hall, Port McNeill, 1:30 pm Saturday, October 25, 2014.


Dorothy Rosanne Wasp, September 1936 - August 2014

On Tuesday, August 19, Rosanne said her final farewell to her family.

She was predeceased by her husband and the “love of her life,” Godfrey, sister Greta and her husband Bill Dodsworth and parents John and Christina Willis.

Rosanne is survived by her daughter Renee (Randy) Gerhart, her sons Jim and Steve, her brother Steve (Mary) Willis and several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by her six grandchildren Ryan (Jill), Kris, Tyler, Danielle (Cole), Megan and Riley and her four beautiful great-grandchildren Hadley, Kinsley, Mac and Luke.

Rosanne continued her and Godfrey's tradition of welcoming many, many friends over the years to the family cabin at the Washout. Great memories were made as they not only made everyone feel welcome, but made you feel part of the family.

A heartfelt thanks to all the people on the lake that made it possible for Rosanne to spend her last summer and final days at the cabin. You know who you are and our family appreciates and thanks all of you.

Thank you to Dr. Bruce Hobson for the care and compassion you showed to our mom during her long and courageous battle with cancer.

No service by request. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.


Paul Saunders, June 1, 1953 - October 22, 2014

It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected loss of Paul Saunders. Born June 1, 1953 in London, England, at the age of five Paul moved with his parents to Grand Prairie, AB where he grew up and attended school.

Paul married his sweetheart, Georalynn Postman, in 1976 and together they lived in several locations throughout BC before settling in Sechelt, BC, Paul was the owner of Custom Carpets in Sechelt, where he worked with his son, Doug, having recently opened a second store in Powell River.

Paul was a member of the Sunshine Coast Rotary Club where he enjoyed being a part of the support for the less fortunate within the community. He loved fishing, crabbing and anything that justified getting together with his friends. Paul often remarked about the love and appreciation that he had for his dedicated staff. Their dedication and enthusiasm inspired Paul to grow and ever expand his business which he was impassioned about.

Paul is survived by his wife, Georalynn, daughter Mia Saunders (Erik Bolton), son Doug (Desiree) Saunders, daughter Jill Saunders (Matt Strong), sister Lisa Kent (Ron), brother Craig Saunders, sister-in-law Marlys Zee (Frank), Janice Postman (late Delwyn), several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Kim in 1980, mother Letitia in 2008 and Father, Doug in 2006.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the Royal Canadian Legion - Sechelt Branch 140 at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.


Joyce Ballam, January 30,1931 - October 19, 2014

Joyce Ballam is free at last and now will live in the hearts and thoughts of all those who knew and loved her.

Joyce was predeceased by her adoring husband, Raymond F. Ballam. Joyce grew up in England and came to Canada in 1966 with her husband and daughter Jill . After settling in Abbotsford they moved to Halfmoon Bay and then after Ray’s passing to Lang Bay.

Mum had a passion for plants and spent endless hours enjoying her garden. That is where we will find her in our hearts.

In lieu of a service please plant something in your garden and raise a glass to toast this special lady, our friend Joyce.

Love you and miss you Mum