Tribute

Don was a Powell River boy, born in Powell River General Hospital on February 19, 1929, to Arnold and Nora McQuarrie. He was also the grandson of early Powell River pioneers Frank and Honor McQuarrie and Walter and Hannah Patrick. He passed away in Powell River General Hospital on October 1, 2014. He was predeceased by his son Kerry, a fellow pilot, in 1989.

Don will be dearly missed by his loving partner of 22 years Addie Stewart; his children and stepchildren Brenda (Rick), Kelly (Shelly), James (Melanie), Glenn (Karie), Shannon (Max) and Travis; his grandchildren Erin (Ryan), Matthew, Barry, Lynnsey, Colin, Rayne, Royce, Hunter, Hailey, Blaeytten, Nathan, Torston, Aislinn and Ozzy and his great-grandchildren Ethan, Noah and Hayden. He will also be missed by his brother Larry McQuarrie, Larry’s family and many cousins in Powell River and elsewhere.

As a young man Don worked as a fisherman and logger. He also attended University of British Columbia’s Engineering program for one year. Later he became a surveying engineer with Burns and Dutton before moving on to work for the Powell River municipality as a surveyor and draftsman. In the early 1960s he took over his Mom and Pop’s grocery store, the M&M Superette in Wildwood, which he ran until 1967 when he completed his 4th class Steam Ticket (power engineer) and went to work in the mill steam plant. In 1970 Don and his family pulled up roots and left for the Lower Mainland where Don worked briefly as a realtor before he and his wife Joyce purchased a drycleaning and laundromat business in Surrey, which they ran for several years. Later in the 1970s Don returned to power engineering, first with MacMillan Bloedel in New Westminster and later for Chevron Canada where he finished his career as a 2nd class engineer. Upon his retirement he returned to Powell River to live at Douglas Bay with Addie.

Don was a pilot during his earlier years in Powell River and was a charter member of the Westview (Powell River) Flying Club. In retirement, he was an avid sailor, sharing many sailing adventures with Addie on their beloved boats, Classy Lady and Freya.

Don’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Du Toit, the medical staff on the fourth floor at Powell River General Hospital and COPE’s David Barcelonne, for their care and support in the last few weeks. We would also like to thank the community of friends and family who have been so supportive of both Don and Addie in the past months.

Don was also a long-time member of Moose Lodge (Carlson Community Club). As such his family invites you to join them in a celebration of Don’s life Saturday, October 11 at 1 pm at Carlson Community Club in Powell River. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Carlson Community Club or a charity of your choice.