March 20, 1929 - February 5, 2019
The family of Paul Sargent of Cranbrook sadly announce his passing Tuesday, February 5th 2019. He was 89.
Paul was born in Hazelton, B. C., the youngest and last surviving member of seven siblings. He was raised in Hazelton, and spent his early years working in and around the family home and attending school. His parents opened a general store in South Hazelton to serve the Red Rose mine and surrounding area. In 1937, his father died, and the operation of the business passed to the family. During the war years, Paul, a young teen ran the store with his brother Colin. The older siblings were overseas serving in the R.C.A.F.
After wars end, Paul worked with his brother Eric horse logging, and running a saw mill near Skeena Crossing. He was interested in prospecting (a legacy from his father) and spent different times pursuing this venture. He and George Braun reworked the old Silver Standard mine for a time.
One summer, he met a young nurse working at the local hospital, and a courtship began. Paul and Bernice Bradner were married in Toronto in 1957. B Sargent's Store Ltd. however was his livelihood. He and his brother John ran the company until 1965 when it was sold. He then moved with his young family to Quesnel where he worked for about ten years in construction.
After moving to Cranbrook in 1975, Paul and Bernice bought, renovated and operated Woodlands grocery store, and also restored the Parkin Manor (castle house) and ran it as a B&B for a number of years.
Paul will be fondly remembered for his lovely singing voice. He spent many happy hours singing in different choirs, barbershop groups, at church, at weddings and funerals, with his wife Bernice accompanying him on piano. Paul loved telling a tall tale and playing a good game of cards, especially crib. He worked hard all his life, and was a jack of all trades. He could be always be counted on to lend a hand to fix anything around the house or church. Paul was a great believer in buying local, and supporting the community however he could.
Paul is survived by his three children Roy (Marie), David (Cindy) and Anne Swanson (Bill). Grandchildren, Celia and Justin Swanson, Paul, Kieran, Max and Teale Sargent as well as many nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his wife Bernice in 2015.