Tribute

A longtime resident of Powell River, Ivy was born in Seaham Harbour, England and passed away peacefully at Olive Devaud Residence at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband George Richards (1920-2001) and her brother Frank Mannion (1921-2013). She was much loved by her family and her many good friends.

Ivy left England with her mother and brother on the S.S. Regina, sailing from Liverpool to Quebec City in 1924 to reunite with her father in Nanaimo, where he had worked in the mines for a year to save money for their passage to Canada. In 1927, Ivy’s family moved from Nanaimo to Powell River where her father started working for the Powell River Company. Ivy and her family initially lived by the Shinglemill at Powell Lake and then settled in Wildwood Heights.

After her father had an accident in the mill, Ivy started working in Gordon’s store at the Rodmay Hotel when she was 17. Her outgoing and friendly personality was a perfect match for serving customers in the ice cream parlor and for selling records in the music store–a dream job for a young woman in the 1930s! She continued to work for Emil and Kay Gordon for many years. Ivy then moved to the main floor of the Rodmay Hotel where she worked for Doug Taylor at Kipp Taylor Drugs when Mr. Kipp joined the RCAF. Now making five times the salary that she made before, with a great job and thoroughly enjoying a very vibrant Powell River social life, Ivy couldn’t believe her good fortune and often thought at the time, “she had died and gone to heaven!” However, as we know, that actually didn't happen until this month. Photos of Ivy from those days in Powell River are presently hanging in the diner at the Rodmay Hotel.

During WWII, Ivy’s brother Frank served in the RCAF and introduced her to her future husband. Ivy married George Richards in 1944 at St John’s United Church in Townsite and then moved to Victoria where George was stationed with the RCAF. At the end of the war, they moved back to Montreal for two years where George continued his previous employment with the Northern Electric Company. They then returned to settle in Powell River where George initially worked for Kingcome Navigation Company and then the Powell River Company.

Ivy was delighted to become a mother in 1956 and later revelled in the joys of being a mother-in-law and a “Nana” to her three granddaughters. Throughout the years, Ivy had the opportunity to travel extensively both with George and with her son and his family. Ivy always appreciated that she had a very long, socially active and happy life.

[*]Ivy is survived by her son, Chris (Lisa) Richards and three lovely granddaughters Anna (Adam), Kara (Allan) and Jenna. She is also remembered fondly by her many good friends (both old and new) whose friendships she truly treasured and cherished.

A special thank you is extended to the wonderful staff of Kiwanis Garden Manor and Olive Devaud Residence who provided a very caring and supportive environment for Ivy during the past five years. Special recognition goes to Ivy’s friend and caregiver, Sheri Moloughney who provided much friendship and assistance during Ivy’s final years.

In lieu of flowers or other commemorations, the family requests that you just take a moment to reminisce about some of the good times you may have shared with Ivy (and George). If desired, any donations in Ivy’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

A private celebration of Ivy’s life will be held with family and close friends at a later date. Cards may be sent to Chris Richards #1147 Burgundy Lane, Orleans, Ontario, K1C 2M9.

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