June 15, 1929 - June 24, 2023
In loving memory ~
After 94 years Grandpa Dickie passed peacefully surrounded by family. A proud owner-operator of the FV Island Sun, Island Breeze, Island Girls, Evelyn Gale, Fisherboy and Dynamite2, Dickie left his mark in the fishing industry. Salmon seine, gillnetting, midwater trawling, bottom trawling, crabbing, herring seining and packing, all on the Island Sun shows Dick was a pioneer in his industry, in addition to many ventures trolling salmon and halibut fishing.
His legacy lives on through his family and the community he loved. A true Sointulian and lover of the outdoors, Dickie lived a full happy life that began and ended in Rough Bay where he and Phyllis raised their four kids, Lorraine, Evelyn, Ross and Gayle.
Adventures led him all over the coast and beyond. Right up until the very end, "Gramps" would tell great stories of flying to Japan to observe herring processing or chicken poop bingo in Belize. In his retirement from active fishing Dickie took pride in his volunteer work for the Sointula Lions Club as well as many other charitable endeavours. Hunting trips with his partner Ann, friends and family took up months of the year as they would tour B.C. by land and sea to fill their freezers.
Dick lived a life to be proud of, one that includes his ten grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. We'll miss his smile and sense of humour. A celebration of life will be held in Dickies front yard in September when the fishing season winds down, just the way he'd want.
The family is grateful to the staff at Port McNeill Hospital for their kindness and will always remember the home care ladies who helped Dick in the last years of his life. Deb, Shelly, Teresa, Colesa, Chelsea and Erin, thank you so much.