Born February 26, 1932 in Dorion Ontario. Passed away June 20, 2012.
Predeceased by wife Aldis and sisters Rita, Anita, Ruth, Eileen and Evelyn.
Survived by wife Claudette; step-daughter Danielle Heguy (Aaron Morrissey); granddaughters Leah and Madison; sisters Alannah (twin sister of Surrey) and Beatrice Planden (Calgary); many nieces and nephews; and his 97 year old foster mother Mamie Keatley (Dorion, Ont.) and her family: Dorothy Edmunds, Barbara Thompson, Lois Punkari and Don Keatley.
Thanks to nieces Kerry Harrison and Dianne Riddell for your frequent visits with him.
At the young age of 14 Karl began his working life logging and mining in Atikokan and Marathon, North Ontario. In 1949 he came west where he worked for CPR, Yellow Lakes Sawmill and the Needles Tunnel. The years 1952 to 1956 he was in the Air Force, joining in Ft. Macleod, and stationed in Nanton, Alberta and P.E.I. as Aero Engine Technician. He went on to work in many mines in B.C., both underground and open pit. He worked in Salmo, New Denver, Silverton, Hope, Cowichin Valley, Cassiar, Logan Lake and Sparwood, mining for gold, silver, zinc, asbestos, copper, coal and other minerals. Karl worked many jobs in the mining industry from labourer, lead hand, truck driver, drill operator and trainer, and attained the position of shift boss at most places. In the ‘60s he also became a hair dresser and operated beauty salons in Powell River, Deep Cove and Mission.
In 1985 Karl was in a major industrial mining accident in Sparwood that ended his carrier in mining. He, Claudette and Danielle then moved to the Sunshine Coast in 1987 and settled in Gibsons to retire. Karl always kept himself busy tinkering and doing handyman jobs for people. He loved this for the challenges it brought him and the joy of meeting and helping people.
Volunteering was also a big part of Karl’s life. He volunteered in the fire department in Logan Lake where he eventually became the fire chief. He also was involved in mine rescue leading his team to winning the provincial championships while he was in Cassiar and Logan Lake. Karl was also active as a member of the Kiwanis and the Rotary club, and became Zone Chairman for the Lion’s Club.
A celebration to remember Karl’s life, attended by many friends and family from near and far, was held June 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, Karl requested you donate to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.
Thank you Dr. Lehmann and all the wonderful staff at Christenson Village and St. Mary’s Hospital, and to the Hospice volunteers.