Tribute

After fighting a brave and courageous battle with cancer, Ian left us too soon. He leaves to mourn his loving wife Patricia, daughter Jennifer Orchiston (Derrick Johnstone), son Graham Orchiston (Reasha Lillies), lovely granddaughter Eden, precious grandson Matthew Johnstone, brothers George Jr. (Janis) and Bob and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his mom Jessie and his dad George Sr.

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Ian immigrated with his family to Powell River on August 12, 1957. He worked at many different jobs in his lifetime. He delivered The Province and Star Weekly all over Wildwood, shucked oysters for the Okeover Plant, picked salal, set pins at the Cranberry Bowling Alley, delivered groceries to the people of Sliammon and worked for Peter Toigo’s store in Wildwood. Ian later went off to join the Royal Canadian Navy onboard the HMCS Columbia for three years.

Ian and Patricia were married February 14, 1970, at Moose Hall and shortly thereafter had two wonderful children.

Orchy was the first coach of the Powell River girls soccer team. He coached boys youth soccer for some years, played on the first Villa soccer team and was a prolific goal scorer. He played baseball for the Papermakers, played darts, loved to dance and sing, engaged in many other sports and especially loved to fish.

Ian owned and operated Malaspina Charters for many years and never came home empty-handed. Ian and Pat loved to camp with family and friends. They went out on their ATV with a picnic lunch and a fishing rod regularly. Another favourite pastime was picking mushrooms with his partner Jack Paterson; they always did well. Ian held the record for the largest number one pine in Powell River at three pounds. He worked at the mill for 39 years until he retired. He loved to hike and took up golf in his 50s, which quickly became a true passion; you could see him at the course almost every day.

Ian belonged to the Moose, Carlson Community Club, Myrtle Point Golf Club, Powell River Salmon Society and ATV Club and was always ready to volunteer his services. A truly generous man, he helped family, friends and strangers alike.

He was loved and will be missed.

There’s a giant golf course waiting for you, my love.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, September 20, at 2:30 pm at Carlson Community Club in the upper hall. No flowers by request, donations can be made to the Carlson Club in Ian’s memory.