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Read Edmund English
October 10, 1937 - April 25, 2020
Tribute
It is with great sadness the family of Read Edmund English announces his passing on Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the age of 82.
Read was predeceased by his parents Dr. Lloyd and Leta English and his first wife Jen. He is survived by his wife Hanna, children Lisanne (Dwayne), Tod (Lisa), Dean (Toni), David and Steven DeVries, his brothers Bill (Bev) and Joe (Bonnie), and his grandchildren Christopher, Kyle, Grace, Lauren, Olivia, Hillary, Elise, Justin and Jordan.
Read was born on October 10, 1937, in Williams Lake. Prior to grade school, the family relocated to Kamloops. Read spent his childhood in Kamloops and enjoyed the family time at their cabin at Celista on the Shuswap Lake.
Read made many lifelong friends through his various interests in hunting, skiing, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, hockey, music and automobiles. He graduated from Kamloops High School and continued his education at Gonzaga University in Spokane, where he achieved his mechanical engineering Degree.
He and Jen married and moved to Powell River in 1960, where he began his engineering career with MacMillan Bloedel. In 1971, Read left M&B to pursue his dream and established Taw’s Gun & Cycle on Marine Avenue, where it remains to this day.
After a few years as a bachelor, Read met Hanna Verkerk and they blended their families. From this point, Read and Hanna enjoyed their mutual interests of outdoor activities, boating, motorcycle trips, ATVing, gardening, biking, hunting, camping and time spent with treasured friends. They moved from the waterfront and developed their dream home on an acreage in Paradise Valley, which they treasured.
Read was an active member of the community. He was part of the original crew that built Mt. Diadem ski hut; he was a leader in the Junior Forest Wardens; he was active in the Powell River ATV Club; he played the trumpet in the Powell River Community Band and with Hanna’s family music group.
In the early 1970s he sponsored one of the commercial league hockey teams (Taws), which is still on the ice. Along with this, throughout his career he donated to many local sports and charities in their own pursuit to help Powell River.
Read died peacefully in his beloved home surrounded by family.
We would like to thank Dr. Skobkareva, community health workers and palliative care nurses. Their kindness, passion and respect supported Read and the family through his journey. To family and friends who brought meals and supplies and to his longtime friend George, who shared their time and love, we are eternally grateful.
No service is being held at this time.
Condolences
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From: Stubberfield Funeral Home
Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: John and Doreen Berg
Relation: Friend
We are so sorry to hear of Read’s passing. We have many fond memories of times together in Old Timers Hockey. Doreen remembers the megaphone he made for her so everyone could hear “Get it out of there”. Both John and Doreen remember the lovely wedding trophy with a bride and groom placed on the skate blade also given to us. We pray you have peace and joy Hanna remembering Read and all the activities you both enjoyed.
From: Judy Cutler
My thoughts are with you as you say goodbye to your Dad. The English family connected with our family through many avenues with lots of happy memories. To Lisanne Tod and Dean (and your Mom Jen)from the Cutler family .
From: Dale and Cori Sundberg
Relation: Friend
To All the Family, very sorry to hear of your Dads passing. A true gentleman! Thinking of you all in these trying times. Sincerely Dale and Cori Sundberg
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Read’s name to Powell River Hospice Society, P.O. Box 33, Powell River, BC. V8A 4Z5.
Thank You Notice
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Chrysalis Flowers and Gifts
4801 Joyce Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 3B7
Phone 604-485-7673
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