Robert A. Kitchen, March 26, 1935 - September 17, 2014
Robert passed suddenly at Evergreen Extended Care Unit. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Marguerite; brothers Marvin, Gordon and sister Rose; children Val, Yvonne, Derek (Margaret), Anthony; stepchildren Paul (Sarah) and Michelle; eight grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
No service by request.
Ronald Stewart MacDougall, August 11, 1933 - September 9, 2014
“Heard I lost a friend today, another good man passed…”
Our dear friend Ron passed away peacefully at home earlier this month, proudly independent to the end.
We’ve known and loved him as a musician, as a political activist with a wickedly accurate poison pen, and as a seanachaidh…the storyteller who preserves our history through the oral tradition.
Throughout his life, he embraced challenges and conquered them: a fierce warrior when defending his beliefs and a generous friend to all around him, sharing his wordsmithing skills with his activist colleagues and his joy in preserving his cultural traditions through his music.
Ron was born and raised in Toronto, to Gaelic-speaking parents newly arrived from Oban, Scotland. Leaving home at 16, he worked his way through another year of school as a clerk and then ran away to sea, returning only after having worked his way through the British Isles and the US. Abandoning the corporate world in his 40s, Ron spent the next 20 years as a journalist, a ski patrol team leader, a Park Ranger, a ferryboat skipper in the Interior and a folk musician, and picked up his private airplane pilot’s licence along the way to having more adventures than we can imagine.
Landing in Powell River in the early 1990s, Ron quickly made a place for himself in local musical circles, forming the Celtic band Seanachaidh; he worked for BC Ferries until retirement and devoted himself thereafter to his activism and the preservation of his stories through music. His struggles with Parkinson’s disease and various heart issues may have slowed him down a bit in recent years, but he remained an example to us all, doing laps with his walker around the track daily and regularly sharing his music whenever he was able.
Ron was predeceased by his parents and his older brother Ian MacDougall of Belleville, Ontario, and leaves to mourn his family: sister Sheila, sister-in-law Betty, niece Lisa; his family of choice…Esther Dyck, Ann Nelson and Randy Pinchbeck and his dear friends.
All who knew Ron were aware that the compass points of his life were the ancient turning points of the year i.e. the solstices and equinoxes. A gathering to celebrate his life is being planned for one of those ancient observances and will be announced soon. Prepare to share your “war” stories and your music and your laughter, for “…he’s a man you won’t meet every day.” Slainte mhath.
Evelyn Roberts, June 7, 1923 - September 12, 2014
Evelyn passed away in Powell River General Hospital. She was predeceased by her first husband John Vaughan, son Garry Vaughan, grandson Dennis Mundry and her second husband John Roberts. She is survived by her daughter Ramona (Doug) Ruff, granddaughters Sylvia Ruff, Vicky (Rob) Vaughan and Tammy Mundry.
Evelyn owned and operated Saltery Bay Snack Shack for many years and will be missed by her friends and family. No service by request.
William (Bill) Ewart Craigen, August 1, 1926 - September 17, 2014
Bill passed away peacefully after many years, well looked after, in Olive Devaud Residence and Evergreen Extended Care Unit. He was predeceased by his wife Inez in 1961, his parents and his three siblings. Bill is leaving behind his children Alan (Laura), Stanley (Claudette), Rita Hassett (Joe), David (Shelley), Michael Peel (Natalie), 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Bill was an avid sportsman in his early years, later an avid sports fan. He worked in the Powell River mill for over 37 years as an electrician/planner before retiring at age 62.
There will be no service by request.
Joe Csuk
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend Joe Csuk.
He was born in Felsoszölnök, Hungary on March 18, 1930 and died at Olive Devaud Residence in Powell River on September 18, 2014.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Margaret, children Judy (David) Stewart of Qualicum Beach and David (Sonia) of Powell River and his grandchildren Robert, Krista and Curtis. Joe is also survived by his brother Les of Bellingham, WA., his children Richard, Caroline and Andrew and family in Hungary. He was predeceased by his older brother Steve.
Joe and Margaret met in Hungary and married in 1954. Despite the difficulties they knew were ahead of them, they emigrated to Canada in 1956 eventually settling in Powell River. It was here that Joe tried his hand at a few odd jobs before being hired on at MacMillan Bloedel where he worked for 35 years to provide a living for Margaret, Judy and David.
He will be dearly missed.
His funeral service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at noon from Stubberfield Chapel, 7221 Duncan Street with Rev. J. Erb officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made in his name to Canadian Cancer Society if desired.
Arrangements entrusted to Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www. stubberfieldfh.com.
Celebration of Life for Randy Carter
Randy’s sisters Nikki-Lou and Janis invite family and friends to an informal gathering to celebrate our wonderful brother’s life. Please join us at 1929 Twin Eagles Road on Saturday, September 27, 2 to 5 pm.
Diane Maitland (née Sturdy), December 26, 1945 - September 13, 2014
Di was one of a kind, who touched the lives of all who knew her. Born in Kent, England to Walter and Jean Sturdy, she grew up in West Vancouver with her two brothers Paul and Morgan in a home of good times and laughter.
Di was happiest when involved in any sport, in her garden, in a boat, with her dogs or with her sewing machine. She met the love of her life and best friend Ron when they were sailing as teenagers at Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. Their love of the wind led them on many adventures together and with their three daughters Sandy, Lindsey and Courtney. Di enjoyed many summers and holidays up at Lang Bay with family and friends. After her retirement from West Vancouver Secondary, Ron and Di decided in 2011 that it was time for one last move (number 15) up to Powell River. It was no coincidence that their move up the coast re-established old friendships while creating new ones.
When diagnosed with cancer in 2012, family, friends and her new community gave Di strength to help fight the disease with dignity and grace. She was an extraordinaire of many things especially her sewing, canning and entertaining. Di was full of laughter, joy, friendship, strength and a generosity that knew no bounds. She was a remarkable wife, mom, sister, aunt, friend and the best Di Di, grandmother and mothe-rin-law to grandchildren Finlay, Molly, Colton, Cassie, Louie and Poppy and sons-in-law Mick, Simon and Ryan.
Di's passion was enjoying laughter and making memories with her family who will miss her more than words can say. Di's motto and wish for us all is “To be strong and carry on.”
A celebration of Di’s life will take place in Powell River at a future date.