William James Young, affectionately known as Jim, peacefully passed away at his home on February 21, 2024, at the age of seventy-five. Born in McLellan, Alberta, Jim’s journey led him to touch countless lives, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went. He was beloved in his many roles of husband, brother, uncle, father, and ‘Papa.’

Jim was the beloved third sibling among seven, including five sisters and one younger brother. In his youth, Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Anna Novielli, in North Vancouver. Their loving union spanned an impressive fifty-six years. They were partners in everything in life from parenting, hobbies, vacationing, renovating, to every business they owned. He also became a cherished brother to Anna’s four sisters. He embraced his role as a brother and uncle, showering his extended family with love, guidance, and support.

Together, they were blessed with two children, Aaron, and Ginette, who brought immeasurable joy into their lives. Their family grew with the addition of Suzanne, Kelly and three grandsons: Trey, James, and Zandar, each a testament to the love and dedication Jim poured into his family.

In 1990, Jim and Anna embarked on a new chapter, moving their family to Vancouver Island to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. From managing The Galley & Marina on Shawnigan Lake, or opening a Marine Store in Maple Bay, to his tenure as a respected Boat Broker, Jim’s career was characterized by integrity, hard work, and a genuine love for his craft.

Jim and Anna relocated to Courtenay to be closer to Ginette and her family. Jim cherished every moment spent with his family. In these last years, he truly found his inner silly child while spending time with his grandson James. His only bucket list request was spending more time with family.

Throughout his life, Jim’s hands were never idle. A skilled carpenter and boat builder, he applied his talents not only in his professional endeavors, but also in enriching the lives of those around him. Whether it was renovating homes or crafting intricate pieces in his woodworking shop, Jim’s craftsmanship was unmatched, a true reflection of his passion and dedication. Of course, every project was done with Anna by his side matching is work ethic and craftsmanship. His most recent expression of wood artistry came in the form of intricate and beautiful cutting boards and turning magnificent bowls. These now adorn the kitchens of many families and friends.

Jim’s magnetic personality endeared him to all who crossed his path. A natural conversationalist and avid listener, he possessed an insatiable curiosity and a knack for solving problems. Jim’s willingness to lend a helping hand and his boundless generosity touched the lives of many, leaving an enduring legacy of kindness and compassion. With these innate qualities, he naturally became a father figure to dozens of his children’s friends, and remained so until his passing. This included his Goddaughter, Martina, whom he lovingly embraced as his own after the passing of her father, Jim’s best friend, Mark.

Giving back was a large part of Jim’s life. He dedicated countless hours volunteering over the years to organizations like Knights of Columbus (Lifetime Honourary Membership- 35 years), coaching soccer, Salvation Army, Big Brothers, Kinsmen, and Rotary Club. Jim found solace on the open waters of the Salish Sea, while open-air driving in his motorhome with Anna, and alongside a river casting his line for a bite. Above all, Jim found his greatest joy in his family.

Jim’s legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments. His selflessness, work ethic, and unwavering love for his family serve as an inspiration to all who knew him. Though he may have left this world, his warm smile, infectious laugh, and boundless spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree

(https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-canada)

or give to the Salvation Army (https://salvationarmy.ca/donations/) in Jim’s memory.

Private family memorial in March. Inclusive Celebration of Life to honour Jim in the spring. Check back for details when we have updates.

Laurie was born to Elma and Jack Fitzpatrick in Langley, B.C. With siblings named Morley, Marvyn, and Marlene, “her parents couldn’t pick another ‘M’ name”, is what she used to say. Everyone knows the story about Kathleen for her middle name. When the family moved to Cache Creek, Laurie made friends and liked to hear the “drive-in theatre” from her house.

With family in Ashcroft, there were always family and friends close by. Laurie endured many trips to Saskatchewan and decided that she would not become a farmer. She was not a fan of the stormy weather, loose pigs, well water and we wouldn’t dare mention an outhouse to her.

Moving to Kimberly was wonderful for Laurie as she made new friends, and kept in touch with old friends, as she was an avid letter writer. She also loved to read. She had fond memories of snowy days when everyone would drive up to the school and have a blast tobogganing in the snow. Elma enjoyed driving around town in her Chevy Vega and everyone would wave to her as they passed by.

As a young woman, Laurie moved to Victoria and became a BC Tel operator, where she was asked how to cook a turkey and other wild questions. Laurie made friends everywhere she went. Later on, she moved to Burnaby, transferring jobs with Telus. She never lost her typing skills of ninety words per minute.

Laurie met John through friends and in the early stages they would talk for HOURS on the phone, getting to know each other. Eventually their relationship progressed, and Laurie moved in with John and was introduced to wild meat, while hunting and camping in Prince George. After living together for a while Laurie was wondering if John was ever going to propose. He did shortly after, and they were married in 1997. During that special time in their life, Terry and Jake Bergen were their landlords and became close friends. They really stepped up and were gracious hosts to Laurie’s parents among other things.

Laurie always made an effort to stay connected to friends, taking many ferry trips back to Victoria to visit her dear friend Lisa Clark.

In 1999, they were blessed with a beautiful son. Sean was the most wonderful gift, with both Laurie and John on cloud nine with the love of their baby boy. Laurie and Sean would look into each others’ eyes and that bond became unbreakable.

Laurie and John bought their family home and spent twenty-four more happy years together.

They lovingly called their family “We be Monkley 3”. They also welcomed a few cats to snuggle with, over the years.

Laurie was predeceased by her parents Elma and Jack and sister-in-law Connie.

She is survived by her loving husband John, son Sean, siblings Morley (Debbie), Marvyn, Marlene (Rob), and many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

In the end, Sean and John were there for Laurie, caring for her through all the doctor and hospital visits. It is hard to say goodbye after so many years, the memories, the love, and then left with sadness. Laurie will be remembered in our hearts.

From John:

Our dear Laurie. We start our life so small, and we grow with the love of our family and friends. We grow and navigate the ups and downs and twisty turns of life. Our love grows and a child is probably the most love we can ever have. We navigate that love the best we can. In the end, we know that we have loved and were loved. Laurie, we will miss you forever.

With all my love,

John

From Sean:

How do I put into words all that you did for me. A mother’s love is the best way to describe how you cared for me. I’ll never forget the feeling of being hugged by you. You live on through me. I love you mom.

Your loving son,

Sean

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coquitlam Animal Shelter. Donations may be made via phone 604.927.7387 or via on-line (Link to SPCA). Please click the “In Memory of” box and fill in Laurie’s name and use the email address, RSVP@ANORAlife.com, so that John will be notified.

The funniest, sweetest person we ever knew left our family quickly and quietly after valiantly battling cancer. Our hearts are shattered.

Dad spent his young years in Antigonish NS before adventuring west to Vancouver where he met our sweet mum Valerie and then settled in Langley to raise their family.

Left behind are daughters Kelly and Kirsten (Pitr), nephew Glen (Ness) and his prides and joy: Maisie, Indie, Max, Lainey, Kierney and Lorraine. Dad is survived by siblings Jerome and Mary Cameron.

Dad did many jobs in his life but settled with FRPD for the majority of his career and retired in 2000 to become baby Maisie’s nanny and they shared so much love.

We will always remember our darling father as the strongest, sweetest, person who would make us scream laugh, he was unassuming but as soon as he started to talk, everyone was howling with laughter.

Mum and dad had and cherished so many friends and family, some of whom have left this earth. We know our mother was waiting for our dad with open arms and as soon as he had caught up with everyone (he was very social), he hit the green for his first round of painless golf since cancer had ravaged him.

Kirsten and I can’t express the depth of loss of our parents, but we would like to thank them for everything they ever did for us, for the lessons, for the love, the support and always the hard work.  As a family, we will now navigate our new normal, but we do it gratefully with so many lovely memories.

Thank you to Dr. Jenny Ko and the selfless hospice team in Mission, specifically to nurses Thami and Lucky who took care of our sweet dad and our hearts as we let him go.  A memorial will follow in the Spring as it was mum and dads favourite time of year. To our dad, we would like to say:  rest now, we will love you for eternity.

Susan was born in the “Forest of Dean” Gloucestershire in 1947 to Kate and Alexander Davis. At the age of fourteen, she met Christopher Simmonds and they married when she was nineteen years old. In 1968, she and Christopher emigrated to Canada with nothing more than a few suitcases and started their new life. Persistence, tenacity and being kindhearted helped Sue and Chris find work and find a home in Port Moody, then New Westminster. Sue worked at Cascades Electronics, assembling telephone circuit boards for B.C. Tel. Eventually their hard work paid off, and they bought their first house in Surrey, B.C. They welcomed daughters Katie in 1971 and Sian in 1973. In 1976 they purchased five acres in Langley and eventually built a house that Sue and Chris put their hearts into. That house was more than a building; It was a loving home that they created together. Sue had a great eye for interior design and put those talents to work reupholstering and refinishing furniture and decorating their home beautifully. But most importantly, they filled it with love.

Sue was a devoted mom who adored her girls and made them feel loved, safe, and secure. Not only did she care deeply for her daughters, but her whole family. Family and faith were paramount. Every Sunday was spent at St. Oswald’s singing in the choir and then a homecooked Sunday dinner lovingly prepared by Sue.

When her family got a little older, she started to work outside of the home. She tended bar at the “Rose and Thistle” and then later for the B.C. Liquor Board. Any colleague would tell you that Sue had a very strong work ethic and excelled in anything that she was committed to.

In the 90’s they bought an ocean view property that they used for recreation for years on Saltspring Island. It eventually became their full-time home in her retirement years. Sue was in her happy place when she was hiking the mountain trails at Saltspring.

Another one of the joys in Sue’s life was her flower garden. She took great pleasure in working her garden and enjoying the fruits of her labour. In her later years, she even cultivated a small garden outside the pharmacy on North Bluff and tended to it daily. This was not physically easy for Sue as she could only work with one arm due to her left arm partial paralysis. But she persevered.

Sue enjoyed arts and crafts, especially sewing and dressmaking for her girls when they were young. Most memorable of her projects were the large Santas that she made for all the extended family members and collages with family photos.

Sue died on November 29^th, 2023, at the age of seventy-six, surrounded by the people who love her.

She is predeceased by parents Alex and Kate, sisters Barbara, Shirley, Rita, and younger sister Sian. Sadly, she lost her youngest daughter Sian in 1993, a loss she never got over.

Sue is survived by husband Christopher, daughter Katie (Dean) de Sousa, grandchildren Hailey, Nicholas and Jacob de Sousa, sisters Patricia Van Benten and Caroline (Ronnie) Price and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. https://www.bcchf.ca/ways-to-give/

We are heartbroken that a wonderful soul left us on the morning of November 18, 2023 at the age of 65, after a brave, year long battle with cancer.  Mark is survived by Sandi, his best friend, travel mate and cherished partner of 23 years, brothers Gary and Brent, sister Jane, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, a great-niece and a great-nephew.  Mark was predeceased by mother Patricia (2010) and father Michael (2021) Sharhon.

Mark was born and raised on 14^th Avenue in Burnaby where he attended 2^nd Street Elementary and then Caribou Hill Secondary.  Mark made many life-long, loyal friendships, sharing an amazing history of memorable adventures with his numerous pals over the years.

Mark had many remarkable journeys throughout his life.  At the age of 18, he rode his 10 speed bike down the west coast of USA, then east to Florida, visiting and working in a variety of jobs in many different cities and towns along the way to support himself.  Later in life, Mark  lived and worked in many North American places, and later traveled overseas to Hong Kong, Thailand and Cambodia.   He was a skilled outdoor person who loved hiking, skiing, camping and exploring the unbeaten path, most often with friends, and he had an uncanny sense of direction.

Mark was a carpenter by trade and master craftsman, working his last 25 years with Kingston Construction of Langley, where he had advanced to the position of Superintendent, overseeing many major projects around B.C.  He took pride in his workmanship and in his many accomplishments.  He truly appreciated the opportunity of mentoring and taking new apprentices under his wing.  He was respected and liked by everyone he worked with.  He was a good friend to his many co-workers and highly regarded by his superiors.

A few years after Mark and Sandi met in 1999, they bought their first home together In Coquitlam where many renovations and improvements took place, including a major kitchen reno, house expansion, interior/exterior woodworking and gardening projects that they loved planning and undertaking together.  Mark was so knowledgable, he could fix or build almost anything and taught Sandi a lot.  The highlight of their summers was cruising around in Mark’s restored 1966 red Mustang Convertible.

They had many memorable holidays over the years.  Some they shared with friends and family including an Alaskan cruise followed by a 5 day stay in Anchorage,  vacations in Dominican Republic, Portugal, plus multiple trips to Cuba, Hawaii, Las Vegas and to many areas of Mexico.  Their more adventurous holidays included self-driving tours around Panama, Morroco and Nicaragua (including stays on Corn Island and Little Corn Island on the Carribean Sea). Trips also included England, Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, Spain and Sri Lanka (which included a brief stay in India, where they were deported back to Bangkok for not having India Visitor Visas).

In Sri Lanka, they fed baby elephants at the orphanage, discovered rare leopards on a safari, saw great white sharks and massive spinner dolphin pods while searching for Blue Whales on the Indian Ocean.  Mark and Sandi also toured many UNESCO world heritage sites. They encountered a variety of monkey species in Sri Lanka, Nicaragua and Panama, rode camels and saw tree-climbing goats in Morocco, and patted a baby Grey Whale in the wild in Mexico.  They had fishing excursions in almost every country they visited, catching baracuda, tuna, halibut, salmon, shark, scorpion fish, trigger fish, and rooster tail.  Mark also once had an accidental and surprising  Pacific Giant Octopus “catch & release” experience in Desolation Sound.

While Sandi did most of the vacation researching and co-ordination, Mark planned various cultural and historic site visits and events.  Mark also developed a keen artistic eye, photographing all their adventures .  Both Mark and Sandi developed a love for bird watching over the years, keeping a journal of all the species they encountered in their travels and at home.

Mark’s fly-in fishing trips with his dad and Sandi to River’s Inlet Resort and later to West Coast Resort in Haida Gwaii, were a particularly memorable highlight, especially for Michael.   They returned home with an abundance of salmon, halibut and many stories.  Who knew Salmon Sharks even existed before that last trip?

Their Canadian travels included boating, camping and RV expeditions that took them to a vast array of B.C. locations.  They also travelled around Ontario and Newfoundland, as well as 2 weeks driving along the southern California coast in 2010.  They had swapped their Coquitlam home for a 30’ motorhome during the Vancouver Winter Olympics, just to get away from the crowds.  Although a small TV had to be purchased along the way to watch the Canada / US hockey Gold game at an RV park on a picnic table.

In 2014, Mark and Sandi  purchased a ‘Palapa’ beach house property in Baja California Sur, Mexico, a stone’s throw from the Bay of Conception, near the town of Mulege on the Sea of Cortez. After a few years of flying down, they hit the road and hauled their 5^th wheel down through the USA and Baja, spending the winter months fishing, swimming, kyaking, star gazing/UFO discoveries, whale and dolphin watching, sharing afternoon Happy Hour with the playa neighbours and exploring Baja, along with their Dane/Mastiff companion, Pepper.   Their return trips north to Canada always took a different route, with camping stays along the way in California, New Mexico, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Washington and Oregon.  They always made many new friends on their travels and enjoyed some spectacular and historical sights.

Both Mark and Sandi were loyal Vancouver Canuck hockey fans, attending some home games (thanks to Kingston and Paul & Vicky).  They hosted many game night dinner parties and bbq’s with friends. Mark also enjoyed a variety of musical genres, attending more than 89 concerts over the years (he saved all his concert stubs).  He loved dancing and singing, but couldn’t really carry a tune.  But, hey, he knew all the words to so many songs.

Mark was a loving, intelligent, caring person and such a good friend. He had an infectious personality, a great sense of humour, and had many stories and adventures to share. He was loved by all and will be profoundly missed.  He leaves a hole in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned for the Spring of 2024.

Please contact Sandi at macsandimac@hotmail.com for further information or to be added to the Celebration announcement e-mail list.

Franco slipped away from us peacefully Tuesday at Holyrood Manor in Maple Ridge, two years and eight months after the sudden and tragic loss of his beloved wife Carolina.

He will be sorely missed and always cherished by daughters Elisabeth and Christina, sons-in-law Philippe Josset and Stephen Wicary, granddaughter Julia Josset, and grandsons Luka and Nolan Polzot-Wicary; by his brother Luigino Polzot, his wife Nadia and their children; by his late brother Mansueto, his late wife Valeria and their sons; and by his cousin and dear friend Aulo Bearzi, his wife Marisa and their daughters.

His loss will be equally felt by extended family and friends in Windsor, Ontario, in Italy, and in the Tri-Cities of British Columbia, which he and Carol had called home since moving to Port Moody in 2006.

Born to Maria Roia and Aldo Polzot in the town of Avausa, north of Udine in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy, Franco grew up in the splendour of the Alps. He loved the outdoors and was happiest in the woods of Val Pesarina, hiking and foraging for mushrooms or wild asparagus. He became a tile setter, contributing to significant construction projects including helping build a large hospital in Milan. Some of his fondest memories of his youth were from this period, and from his training and service in the Italian army.

In the mid-1960s, he and Mansueto travelled to Windsor, Canada in search of adventure and employment. It was there Franco met Carol, who had come separately with her family from the Lazio region south of Rome. They married in May 1974. Liz was born later that year, followed by Christina in 1978. The family moved back to Italy in 1980, and returned to Windsor in 1991. During those years, Franco was always up for a game of briscola or a ballroom dance with his beloved Carol. He often impressed the crowd while dancing the twist. He was also an avid soccer fan, closely following AC Milan and spending Sunday afternoons at the Societa U.S. Ancora soccer pitch in Pesaris.

Franco loved a good meal – especially Carol’s home-cooked ones – accompanied by a good glass of wine, and often followed by a digestif. He was fiercely devoted to his family, working hard from a humble upbringing to seek a better life and future for his daughters and in turn their children. Julia, Luka and Nolan will always have fond memories of their nonno.

His family extends their deep thanks to friends and neighbours in the Tri-Cities, and to members of the Cliffhuggers hiking group, for their unwavering support in the past months — in particular for celebrating Franco’s 78th birthday with him at Holyrood a week before his passing. A small service will be held in his honour in the coming days.

Donations in Franco’s name can be made to the Port Moody Ecological Society or the Burke Mountain Naturalists

David Boyes, aged 56, was taken from us far too soon and passed away on July 31, 2023, in Delta, BC.
David was born in Feilding, New Zealand to Elinor Joy and Ronald Edmund Boyes – the second of 4 children. He travelled to Canada in late 1990s to play rugby where he met his wife, Jennifer, a few months later at a New Year’s party in Vancouver B.C.

David was a loving, kind, and patient husband and father with a wickedly dry sense of humour. Dave cherished his wife, his two daughters, his family, and his friends.

A passionate rugby and cricket player, Dave also enjoyed golf, crabbing, fishing, travelling and following the achievements of the All Blacks Rugby team.

Dave was a fitter-welder and worked for B.C. Ferries since 2007. He will be greatly missed by his work “family”.

David is preceded in death by his mother Elinor Joy.
He is survived by his loving wife Jennifer, daughters Claire and Emma, sisters Kathryn and Margot (Andrew), brother Peter (Serena), nieces Nikki, Edyn, Lucy and Amy, and nephew Hunta.
David will remain in his friends’ and family’s hearts and live through their shared memories, smiles, and laughter.

Donations in David’s name can be made to B.C. Cancer Foundation.

Celebration to Honour Dave begins at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 12th at Beach Grove Golf

Club, 5946 12 Ave, Delta, B.C. (livestream viewing: https://youtube.com/live/XqSMD5YfWe4)

Anna passed in Port Coquitlam, at the age of 91.

Anna was born in Bukovina, Romania in 1932 to parents Johanna and Johan. Her childhood was unsettled by moving from Romania to resettlement camps in Austria, Germany, and Silesia (both losing and separated from two of her three brothers). Her family eventually settled in Poland where she studied music and later worked as a store manager in Lidzbark Warminskii where she met her future husband, Ted. They immigrated to Canada in 1961 with their eldest son George residing first in Vancouver and then in Maple Ridge from 1977 until 2018.

Anna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She welcomed and opened her heart and home to so many. Devoted to family, she lived alongside her husband Tadeusz, for over 65 years and together they created a beautiful family. Anna is survived by her three children George (Brita), Dorothy (Guy), and John (Sandra), eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother, father, brother Louis, Adam (Nancy), August and her beloved husband Ted.

Together, they enjoyed country living and their large property where family and friends would gather each weekend and special occasions to eat, sing, and laugh together. Anna loved cooking, gardening, sewing, weaving, crocheting, singing, dancing, and taking care of her farm animals.

Most of all Anna loved her family, regularly hosting large gatherings including copious amounts of food that she cooked herself for days. She opened her door to all, especially spontaneous visits to share a cup of coffee or long chats, Christmas always included a friend or stranger that needed a place to go.

Anna was a resourceful and resilient woman. She survived the war, a serious accident, and more recently Covid twice. She never wasted anything and recycled far before it became standard practice. She had the most loving, fun-loving spirit, she was up to trying anything, foods, sports, games, and adventures.

She travelled the world, accompanying Ted on his project assignments to the U.S. and Canadian Cities where they would live for 2 years at a time. Also, re-visiting Romania, Poland, Germany, and the Philippines to see family.

Anna’s last few years of life were spent at Hawthorne Care Facility where the staff (who took care of her so well and gently) enjoyed her great sense of humour and lively wit. We will all miss her tremendously.

Celebration of Life to honour Anna on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St, Coquitlam, B.C.

Lyle, as he was known to family and friends, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the age of 69 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born to Alexander and Erline Fahlman in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1953. He moved to B.C. with his family in 1959 and grew up in Richmond.  After he graduated from Steveston Secondary School, he lived in Tsawwassen and Richmond before settling in Surrey.

He worked at Richmond Plywood and Woodward’s Warehouse before beginning his career with the airlines.  He started in the commissary department driving trucks for CP Air before moving to the ramp at Vancouver International Airport. He enjoyed his years as a Station Attendant for CP Air/Air Canada where he retired after 40 years of service in May 2020. Lyle was passionate about his job and his co-workers.

Lyle loved to work on classic cars with his sons and took pride in passing on his mechanical knowledge and skills as his father had done with him.  He enjoyed attending car shows where he would check out each and every car. He was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed watching Formula 1 racing too.  In 2016, he was fortunate enough to have attended the historic 100^th running of the Indianapolis 500, an experience he said “He would never forget!” He loved to travel in the family motorhome, and travelled all around the United States.  In later years, he always looked forward to spending time away camping and relaxing at Birch Bay.

Lyle will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years Judy, sons Travis and Erik (Sarah) and grandchildren Petra and Sebastian. His brothers Dwayne (Katharine), Dennis (Scott), Greg, Leonard and Kevin (Karen) and sister Orianna, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Lorna (Mike) and brother Leland Fahlman.

Lyle’s wife and family are so very grateful to the N51 Medical Oncology nursing staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital for the care, kindness and compassion shown during this difficult time.

To honour the life of Lyle, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 24^th at Deer Lake School, 5550 Gilpin Street, Burnaby.

A private graveside service will take place at Garden of Gethsemani Cemetery, 15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation or Surrey Hospital Foundation https://www.surreyhospitalsfoundation.com/

Cory was born to Brenda Barry and Wallace Phillips, following close on the heels of his brother and sister and was raised in the lower mainland. His paternal grandparents had a hand in raising him; he told stories of the tall stilts his granddad made for him, and how granddad taught him to ride a too-big bike in the driveway by building a special step to launch from and land on, before his feet could reach the ground.

His high school days took him to 9 different schools in 5 years; he came out of that with a love of punk rock and some solid friends like Aaron, who stuck by him for the rest of his life. With his mother’s discerning taste, and his father’s sense of humour he made his own way in the world.

Through early adulthood he tried his hand at many a career, resting for a while at a cedar mill, where he trained to be a lumber grader, driving construction waste roll-off bin trucks, professional moving crew foreman, …and Tim Hortons drive-through clerk, not in that order.

After some dark years following his mother’s death he reconnected with friends and family in recovery. From that point onward, healing and seeking became the compass of his life. He grew a spiritual and meditative practice that ebbed and flowed through the rest of his life.

Through his seeking he found the VCC program in counseling which led to outreach work in the downtown east side. This work fed his soul for his last 12 years. He brought his whole self to work with community members in need, meeting them where they were at, whether it was finding permanent housing, a spot in detox, a bed for the night, a coffee, or a good laugh. He listened when others would not, and let people know they mattered.

At age 44 he met Claire at a meditation centre, and at 47 became a father to Monte. She lit up his world; he was wholly taken by her presence, and their connection was deep and genuine. He was a fun and playful daddy, always up for a game of hide and seek, or “scary Harry.” His pancake breakfast was unparalleled, and he would regularly serenade her with his guitar.

His last years also presented him with some difficult mental health challenges and to manage he turned to a rigorous spiritual practice of his own making. He’d often prepare for challenging times with meditation, smudging, and Portuguese hymns, sitting on his cushion sometimes for hours at a time. He found solace in the sun, on his bike and by the water: he was solar powered, ever youthful, and never wore a drop of sunscreen.

He will be dearly missed by his daughter Monte, partner Claire, brother Adrian, sister Kim, best friend Aaron and countless cousins, nieces, family and friends.