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Carl William Michael Lister
May 14, 1938 - February 27, 2021
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Mike Lister passed away peacefully on February 27th at the age of 82.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Roberta, known to all as Bobbie, his sons Tom (Kazumi) of West Vancouver, Gerry of Powell River, and Matt (Nicki) of Powell River. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kenta and Kana, Ryan and Ben, Katherine (John) and Emily (Casey), and his great granddaughter Novella. Mike was predeceased by his parents, and by his siblings Mary, Joan and Robin, and will be missed by his surviving brother Kelvin (Grace) of Kamloops.
Born to Tom and Dorothy Lister of Chilliwack, and named for his maternal grandfather Carl Grossman, “Grandpa” was always known as Michael. The youngest of 5 children, he grew up on a dairy farm in Chilliwack, and was active in the Future Farmers of Canada, 4H, and the Jersey Calf Club. After graduating from Chilliwack High School in 1956, Mike worked as an automotive partsman and a juke box and pinball machine service technician. He married Roberta in 1960, and their first son Tom was born the following year. Their second son Gerry was born in 1963.
In 1963 he took a chance and applied for a job with the BC Forest Service, and ended up stationed in the remote Echo Bay Ranger District as a dispatcher. His Forest Service career then took him to Thurston Bay and Sechelt (Assistant Ranger), Vancouver (Assistant Cruising Supervisor) and then Gold River (Deputy Ranger/Ranger). Mike’s third son Matt was born in 1971 following the family’s move to Gold River. The family moved back to Sechelt in 1980 (Operations Superintendent/Manager) and finally to Powell River (Operations Manager) in 1988. Mike retired from the Forest Service in 1997.
In his retirement years Mike operated Coast West Measure, a small business specializing in small forestry supplies and making boom marker boards for the logging industry. He also kept himself active as a member of the Powell River Forestry Heritage Society. He was on the board of directors, and spent time working at the Forestry Museum before it was transferred to the City. He worked many hours on the Willingdon Beach Trail, and helped design, build and operate the Paradise Valley Railroad at the Exhibition Grounds. Mike truly enjoyed his time spent on those activities and the comradery with his fellow Society members.
A celebration of life will be held in Powell River at a later date.
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Dave Florence
Relation: Friend and fellow Director at the Powell River Forestry Heritage Society
On behalf of all of us at the PR Forestry Heritage Society, please accept our sincere condolences to all of the Lister family.
Here are some of the comments that circulated in response to my notification email to members:
“We’ll miss Mike’s comradeship, and his self-starting, thoughtful attention to detail on the WB trail, the railroad and the forestry museum.”
“So sorry to hear this news. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. I enjoyed his company at the train and the many projects he was involved with. He was a wealth of knowledge.”
“Such a kind gentleman to work with on the trail or at the train park. We will miss his smiling face but won’t forget him as a friend. My deepest condolences to his family.”
“Damn! was so hoping that he would beat it. His absence will be noticed. Condolences to his family.”
“Very sorry to hear this news. I greatly enjoyed Mike’s company and will miss him. Condolences to his family.”
From: Barry Miller
Relation: Mike and I were colleagues, working for the B.C. Forest Service.
I am very saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike and I worked together in Powell River (with the B.C. Forest Service) for several years. Mike was a very intelligent man, a pleasure to work with and most importantly, he was always fair and kind — he will be dearly missed by his family and friends. I send my sympathies to Bobby and family.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
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Bloom Wildly
4712 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
604-489-3384
Nicole Quigley
5300 Yukon Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 4H4
www.bloom-therapy.ca
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