T. Les Powell
Les, born March 21, 1926 in Cranbrook, B.C. passed away April 27, 2002, just three months after the death of his beloved wife, Vi.
Following their WWII service, Les and Vi met in Quesnel and came to the Hazelton area in 1951 where they built the Skeena Crossing Coffee Shop, which they operated along with a taxi service to the mines and area. Les began to fish commercially in the Queen Charlottes in the early 50s and, during the next 30 years he and Vi built the Peaks Drive-In Theatre and Little Duck Drive-In in South Hazelton.
When ill health forced their retirement, they travelled and spent many winters in the south. In the last few years, Les and Vi seldom ventured far, but welcomed many friends to their home.
Les, in spite of the restrictions placed on him by his limited lung capacity, struggled for years to remain active. He never complained and always insisted that he was ’good’, in spite of the effort that it took. He valued the friends who visited and was always grateful for every consideration, however small.
After Vi’s death, he knew his job was done and was ready to move on. He charged those closest to him to be happy upon his passing, knowing that he no longer had to struggle to breathe. That is a tall order for us all!
Les leaves, missing him terribly yet remembering his words to ’be happy for me’, daughter Diane Hardie (Eric Simmons), grandchildren Mike and Beth of Coquitlam and brother George (Bonnie) Powell of South Hazelton. Also step-son Gary Simon (Pat), Chris and Shane of Delta, brothers Maurice (Jacquie), and Ted (Vicky) Powell of Langley.
Heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, homecare staff and many friends who provided love, laughter and support through the years. No service or flowers but, if friends wish, donations can be made to the Vital Signs Monitor Fund at Wrinch Memorial Hospital.
Les and Vi “Together Again!”