Tribute

The baby grand in his Windsor Castle lies silent. Our Music Man slipped away from his loving family in Powell River General Hospital at 2:15 am on Sunday, March 28, 2021, when the full moon was shining.

Len was born at home on Barry Street in Saint Boniface, Manitoba, on August 19, 1933, to Adelard (Jim) and Edwina (Jean) Carriere. The family moved to Vancouver when Len was eight and eventually took up residence on West 16th street in North Vancouver.

Len attended St. Edmund’s Elementary School and graduated from North Vancouver High School in 1951. After grade 13 he chose to attend the Vancouver Provincial Normal School in 1955, where not only did he receive his teaching degree but he met his future wife, Muriel.

Len is survived by his devoted Muriel, whom he married in Chilliwack, BC, on July 13, 1957, and their sons Philip (Linda) of Richmond, Daniel (Pauli-Ann) of Vancouver and Robert (Karen) of Courtenay. Remembering their beloved “Grumpa”, who so enjoyed joining him at the piano for a singsong are Larissa, Brenden, Ryan, Danielle and Jack.

Still mourning the loss of their older brother Gerald in late February, now Len’s sisters Jeanette Bacchus (Noel-deceased) of Langley and Elaine Kerr (Brian) of West Vancouver are overwhelmed by their brother Len’s passing. As well, his many nieces and nephews are remembering Uncle Len with love.

Len’s first teaching assignment was to James Thomson Elementary School in 1956 where Mort Thorsell was principal, and so began a lifelong friendship.

In 1957, Len assumed the principalship of Blubber Bay Elementary School, where he and Muriel spent a delightful honeymoon year. Former students might remember the outdoor Easter egg hunt. Len was the first principal at Kelly Creek Elementary School, where the beautiful new teacherage was so appreciated and was the first home for Philip and Daniel. Len coped regularly with the operation of the water supply for the school. He and the students worked hard at clearing the space at the front of the school so they could play baseball. A father/son camping trip to Nanton Lake provided a great memory.

In 1962, Len became the principal of James Thomson Elementary. Rainy days would find students singing around Len at the hallway piano at lunchtime. Len became famous for his sun dance to ensure May Day could proceed without being impeded by rain. A special event for the boy’s choir, some of whom had never been away from Powell River, was a long day trip to Vancouver to see The Sound Of Music. It was during Len’s tenure that students from Tla’amin began attending the public school system.

After a very happy 12 years in Wildwood, Len was assigned to The Open Area, Gordon Park Elementary, where it became his job to change the school to a more traditional nature. Population decline eventually saw the closure of Gordon Park. In fact, Len was acquiring a reputation of closing schools because his next appointment was to Cranberry Elementary and in 1986 it, too, was closed.

Len’s retirement in 1989 was celebrated by Brian Bennett and the Brooks staff who organised such a memorable lunch event. Highlights for Len were the Forever Thank You Salish Lady presentation made to him by Elizabeth Harry and Sue Pielle, and the musical send-off by Don James and the youth choir members and Len’s orchestra buddies: Charles Stowell, Travis McDonough, Bob Williams, Jon Stromquist, Bill Campbell, Bruce Smith and his brother Gerald, with soloist Nancy Hollmann.

Len and Muriel considered themselves fortunate to serve as chaperones on The Academy of Music European choir trips where many new friends were made. Once Len retired, further world travel was achieved – with more friendships created.

The family boat Moonglow V provided so much adventure through the years as fishing was high on Len’s list of outings. Golfing as a Myrtle Point Golf Club member became a priority.

In his teen years, Len caddied at Capilano Golf Club. His earnings provided the fees for his piano lessons which figured in his lifelong love of piano playing. From the time Len moved to Powell River, our Music Man with his brother Gerald on bass provided, whether it was for a New Year’s Eve party at the golf club; the charity balls which raised funds for the high school music program; or social gatherings at the Legion. One of his proudest moments was accompanying his son Robert at The Academy of Music’s Carols by Candlelight.

For 10 years Len accompanied Donna Beauchesne at the Powell River Stroke Club singalongs as Dr. Ann Lloyd advocated music as excellent therapy for stroke survivors. Suddenly on April 17, 2016, Len suffered a stroke himself and was taken by air ambulance to VGH. Realizing that he, too, was a stroke survivor, Len announced he was now a legitimate member of the Powell River Stroke Club. His Tuesdays became so important until the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions arrived.

Len is being “celebrated” privately by his family. Len always supported local charities: therefore if one desires to remember our Music Man, the family would appreciate a donation to your favourite Powell River charity.

The family has been overwhelmed with the concern and kindness of family and friends. We extend a huge thank-you to the ambulance team, the emergency room staff, Dr. Brad Schweitzer, who had given Len wonderful attention for so many years, and in Len’s final two weeks he, Dr. Claire Bonsor and the fourth floor staff were so compassionate and understanding. As well, we appreciate the help of Stubberfield Funeral Home.

That MOONGLOW gave us YOU, our beloved Len.