October 25, 1922 - December 17, 2010
Louis died peacefully at Stanford Place with family by his side. He is survived by Emily, his wife of 64 years, sons John (Aileen), Sam (Sharon), Tom (Joan), and Charlie (Sheila), and daughters Janet (John) Hargrove, Susan (John) Randall, Wendy (Randy) Mckinnon and Becky (Norman) Skipsey.
He is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Louis was predeceased by sister Barbara, brothers David, Guy and Sam, and survived by brother Mac, sisters Isabel Johnston, Nancy (Mac) Dorward, and sisters-in-law Doreen (Susie) Pickard, Eleanor Pengelly, Diana Stevens, June Slaaten and Jacquie Jordan.
Dad grew up on the family farm in the Cowichan Valley during the Depression. This gave him self reliance and a strong work ethic, which he carried throughout his life. He could turn his hand to many things, making a living mainly by logging and farming. He went overseas during World War II and was wounded in France shortly after D-Day.
Dad brought us to a dairy farm in Parksville in 1961, then lived in Errington for 43 years. He and mom were active in the community, participating in the Errington Hall board, Errington farmers market, Coombs Fair and Coombs Farmers Institute. He always had a menagerie on the farm, to the delight of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and neighbourhood children. He enjoyed fancy poultry, pheasants, dogs, cats and beloved Jersey cattle.
He loved the outdoors, taking the family to rivers, lakes and mountains. He was an avid reader and could speak knowledgeably on a wide range of subjects. All of us could rely on him for quiet support, whatever decisions we made in life.
Dad struggled with health issues during his last years but faced these challenges with humour and courage.
The family would like to thank the staff at Stanford Place, especially John, for their patience and excellent care.
A Celebration of Life will be held in April.
He will be deeply missed
and remembered always.
Find peace Dad.