Editor:
Just writing these words seems a travesty. For many of us on Keats Island, Jared Wanamaker, who passed away suddenly on Aug. 7, is remembered as the extraordinary and wonderful manager at SuperValu, who helped us so much with the grocery deliveries to Keats and Gambier Islands during the pandemic lockdown last summer and through this past winter and spring.
Because our deliveries worked on a volunteer basis for meeting Jared at Langdale, most of us met him regularly and were impressed by his charming personality, ready and friendly smile, his attention to the details of our orders so that we received them correctly. If any glitches occurred, Jared would ensure the issue was resolved and items delivered on the next Stormaway sailing. We began to know him as a man who loved Gibsons and the Coast, having grown up here in a large family.
Jared spoke of his wife, Colleen, and his family, his love of boating and the beauty of Howe Sound. He took great pride in the role of supermarkets and of his staff in helping people through real challenges and difficulties during the extended period of lockdown. People mattered greatly to him and it has frequently been commented that he always had the gift of making you feel he was happy to see you.
We send our deepest sympathies to Jared’s wife, Colleen, his family, friends and coworkers; so many people who loved and admired him.
Susan McLaren on behalf of the Keats Island (Eastbourne) Community
