July 2, 1933- April 20, 2017
This is hard to write, but I am a very lucky woman to be given the honor in writing our father’s obituary. Dad had COPD for many years but last year he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He decided to set an example and to be joyful and committed to having a full rest of his life, rather than sad about having to leave us. I do believe Dad spent time in his last year just thinking of all the memories and of the many things in life that seemed of little significance at the time, but then became of greater importance as he got older and when the cancer started to take its grip. Dad gave each of us opportunities to openly share our thoughts and lives with him, to laugh with him and, yes, even cry- if not for him, but for ourselves and each other as he leaves us behind. Today, as I write this, I believe Dad would say to all of us “Take care of your mom, be good to your families, don’t take life for granted, live your life with no regrets, and I will see you on the other side!”
Dad spent years doing what he loved most pushing, pulling and bundling our logging industry from the Fraser River in the late forties to what booming is today. He was a top notch boom-man spending many years on the Skeena and including his favourite place- Ice Berg Bay. He also loved his 6 acres in Eagle Bay spending every summer with his grand kids and his gardens.
On July 2, 1933 Dad was given the gift of life. On April 20, 2017, after 83 years he gave it back. He is survived by our Mom, his loving wife Flo, my brothers: Ron (Candice), Rob, Darryl (Cherie), Michael (Julie) and myself, Darlene (Jeff). Also by his siblings; Aunty Helen (Bob), Aunty Cohleen and Uncle Robert (Marg). There are also a whopping 18 grandchildren and 14 great grand babies that all made his life richer with their visits. Dad was pre-deceased by his son and our brother Patrick, his siblings: our Uncle Tommy, Aunty Gloria, Aunty Nellie and both his parents Alyiffe and Myrtle Carey.
A family memorial was held on April 26th, 2017 in Campbell River, B.C. Cremation took place with the family as witness and his ashes will be kept for as long as they match the decor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all who knew him head to the nearest pub, order a good size pint of beer and tell the stories he no longer can.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Dad over the September long weekend on September 3, 2017 at Miracle Beach on Vancouver Island. For more information please contact either Florence or Ron.