On January 21, in his 90th year, Dad left on his final hike. He leaves behind him to mourn his departure, his childÂren; Ted, Peggy (Bob) and Lorna (Gerry); grandchildren, Rob, Daniel, Christine and Rory, and two great grandchildren, Keauna and Charlie; brother, Dudley, sister in law Eunice and two nieces. He was born April 15, 1915, in Cabri, Saskatchewan.
When WWII broke out he joined the Air Force and worked as a mechanic servicing planes that patrolled the Atlantic. While taking his basic in Regina, he met and married Lily Thompson. They were married for 61 years, she predeceased him in January 2005.
He spent most of his B.C years living in Sardis on Storey Ave in the home he built for his family. When his children were younger, he was involved in Scouting, Air Cadets and Baseball. But one of his true loves was the outdoors, especially hiking and fishing, a love that he passed on to his children. He was a founding memÂber of both the Chilliwack Hiking and Search and Rescue clubs. In 1962, he organized and led fellow hikers and non hikers up Mt. Cheam, a time he fondly remembered and told about in later years. In time he had mastered every mountain and peak in the Valley so he turned his attention to his other love, The Atchelitz Thresherman’s Association or the “Junkyard” as mother so affectionately called it. He spent many a happy hour there and in 2005, they made him an honourary member for all his work and efforts that he had put into the association over the years. An honour he truly cherished.
He worked as a carpenter, a trade he learned from his father, and was a member of the Carpenters’ Union. He kept on pounding nails til he was about 85, when his eye “went” as he said. He was a 60 year member of the Canadian Legion Branch 4, where he and mom spent many a Friday night dancing. He was an avid reader and was always on a quest for knowledge. He loved the internet but felt that he was just to “horse and buggy” to figure it out. As all will attest who knew him, he had a wonderful sense of humour, was witty and truly was a character. On Thursday, he mentioned how sorry he was that he was going to miss Robbie Burns Night. Well Dad, you can put on your hiking boots or dancing shoes and stop in on the event now that you are free to continue on your hike!
A Celebration of his life is planned for Thursday, January 26th at 1:30 pm at Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, Brother Ted officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Atchelitz Threshermen’s Association would be apÂpreciÂated.