March 26, 1931 - February 28, 2021
We are sad to say Dad passed at the age of 89 and 11 months.
Predeceased by his parents George and Jenny, stepmother Dina, wife Irene, an infant daughter Marie, daughter Barbara Ward; siblings Jeanne, Jim, Fred and brother in law, Lawrence.
Survived by Children, Cheryl (Fred), Dale (Carol), Lorraine (Harald); Grandchildren John (Allison), Joe (Megan), Jolene (Derrick), Jennelle (Dave), Nolan (Farryn), Nicole (Landon) and Tammi (Cam), 8 great grandchildren; Siblings Rita (Albert), Edna, sister-in-law Eunice; numerous nieces, nephews, Brother and Sister in law, Lorne and Rachel, and extended family.
Dad has left many friends as well as comrades from the Port Alberni Legion #293, PPCLI, and KVA.
Dad was born in Pine Falls, Manitoba. His mom died when he was 5 years old and he spoke of missing her. He remained close with her family and was mostly raised by both sets of grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. Dad grew up with many cousins, and they were his family.
At 15 Dad left school to go work on a farm and stayed until harvest was over. He left the farm to join family in Alberni, and worked in the sawmill. At 17 he was enticed to join the service, PPCLI Airborne 1st battalion.
During basic training, he enjoyed his wheel and track driving course and the parachute course. Dad served his country from Feb 1949 until March 1953 with one year overseas in Korea and Japan, as a dispatch driver.
We have enjoyed his Korea stories over the years, as you can imagine, starting with the hellish sea crossing from the US, to arrival in the Port of Bussan.
Upon discharge from service Dad returned to visit his hometown, where he worked in the Abitibi paper mill and where he met the the love of his life, Irene. Married for 56 years, dad told us he thought about her every day since she passed and missed her dearly.
In 1966, with a family of 4, Dad Uhauled with his Chev, back to Alberni. The west coast was calling. He worked in the Pulp Mill from which he retired after 43 years of hard work.
Dad was a member of the Legion for over 50 years, and volunteered many hours. He was a founder for the Korean Veterans Association Unit #40, as well as member of the PPCLI association.
No Public service at this time, Dad will be laid to rest in the Field of Honour at Greenwood Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made in Dads memory to the Royal Canadian Legion Br#293, 4680 Victoria Quay, Port Alberni, BC., V9Y 6G5 or Ty Watson House/Alberni Valley Hospice Society, 2579 - 10th Ave, Port Alberni, BC., V9Y 2P5
Thank you to all of Dad's health providers, for the special care and attention he received in and out of his Bunker. He was an awesome dad, and his love and pride for his Family was abundant. He will be missed.