A kind and wonderful friend to animals, Clint Davy died on Jan. 18, 2020. Together with wife Irene, Clint was involved with various animal welfare societies, even appearing on television and radio shows on their behalf. He was president of the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C., of OWL (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society) and the Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of B.C. Clint served on the Board of the Reifel Bird Sanctuary, the Vancouver SPCA, the provincial SPCA and when Clint and Irene moved to the Sunshine Coast in 1988, they founded the Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. In 2012 Clint was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his spirit of “volunteerism and compassion” working with domestic and wild creatures. A huge loss to the community, please continue supporting Irene and the important work of the Gibsons Rehab Centre by going to: www.gibsonswildliferehabcentre.org
Brad Boser who passed away on Feb. 10, of long-standing medical issues, grew up in what was then part of Elphinstone (Park Road) but later became the Town of Gibsons and continued to live in our community. He was a logging and shake-cutting contractor who in recent years lived on Reed Road and along with his wife, raised foster children. His sister Marilyn Giesbrecht says he had a wonderful way with children, who adored him. She called him a good man, sorely missed by his loved ones.
Joan Mahlman who died on March 29 was a very longtime Elphinstone resident. I recall meeting her a few times in my early days here when she was active in the community. A friendly lady, Joan was predeceased by her husband, Cliff Mahlman, for whom the local fire hall is named. A reader and Area E resident wrote, recalling that Joan did a lot of things for the community; she was remembered as a kind neighbour. Rene Mandingo says that Joan’s house was always a “welcoming stop whenever I was out walking my Jack Russell terrier, Eddie. We would tour her yard or just sit in the sunshine to pleasantly chat – Eddie would lie on a little table between us where, unusual for him, he would allow Joan to pet him.”
Although Don Van Kleek, who died June 28, lived in Roberts Creek, he’s included since he was a much-beloved teacher at Cedar Grove Elementary for over 20 years. Don had a place in his heart for all of his students, especially those with extra challenges. I remember him as warm and welcoming from my teaching days, who made a big impact on his students’ lives. Marilyn Giesbrecht, a fellow teacher at Cedar Grove, says he was a dedicated teacher and students who were interested in science would stay after school to do more science activities and experiments in his classroom. After he retired, I saw Don almost every time I walked along the Ocean Beach Esplanade. During our little “chats,” he told me he walked there every day and sometimes twice a day.
Marion Reeves (nee Fitchett) passed away on Oct. 1. Along with her husband of 55 years, Barrie Reeves, they lived and owned property in Elphinstone for many years. In fact, Marion Place is named after her (Judith Place and Carole Place being named after her two sisters). A reader remembers her as a supporter of all sorts of community endeavours like parade floats and baseball. She was a teacher, an artist, a golfer and served on the Board of Directors of the Gibsons School of the Arts.
All these people enriched many people’s lives and contributed much to the life of our community. If I’ve missed anyone, please let me know at: [email protected] Happy Holidays to all and stay safe.
