Following a full 90 years of life Dad slipped away suddenly and peacefully at Heritage Village on Monday, Sept. 13, 2004.
Dad was born in Vancouver in 1914. The following year his family moved to Chilliwack where he and his two brothers grew up on a farm on Ashwell Road.
He loved the valley and was an avid hunter and fisherman; but growing up next to the First Nations Squiala (Jimmie) Reserve he learned and loved playing Lacrosse. During the 1930’s he became a semi-pro player with the Chilliwack Mustangs.
His love of horses lasted his entire life. He was a fine horseman and trainer and was a fierier for many years.
In 1939 he volunteered to fight for his country and became a scout and sniper because of his marksmanship gained through his early hunting years in the valley and mountains around Chilliwack. During the war he fought in France, Sicily and Italy. Following the allied occupation of Germany and his return to Chilliwack in late 1945, he married Lucy Wilkin in 1946, and had a daughter, Mary.
Dad was a Legion member for 59 years and enjoyed dancing and socializing with the friends he grew up with in Chilliwack.
Dad was predeceased by his wife, Lucy (1984); his brothers, Alfred (1999) and Howard (2002) and companion of 20 years, Verlie Ballam (2004).
He is survived by daughter, Mary; sister-in-laws, Marion; Mary and brother-in-law, Doug.
Public visitation Sunday Sept. 19, 2004 from 4-5 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at Henderson’s Funeral Home at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004. Padre Angus Haggarty officiating. Interment to follow at the family plot in the Royal Canadian Legion Cemetery.
If family or friends so desire, donations to the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association, 204-2890 Garden St., Abbotsford, B.C. V2T 4W7 would be appreciated.