Dick (George Richard) Poole was born on September 30, 1932 to Frederick and Alice Poole, in Vancouver, B.C.
Dad went to school in Vancouver until the age of 14, when he left school to explore. His adventures took him to many parts of B.C., where he worked numerous odd jobs from ranch hand, to picking pine cones, until he finally joined the railway life.
In 1954, the romance of the impending war enticed him to join the army. Dad served 3 years while stationed with the Peace Corps in Europe, and loved to entertain us with the often humorous and sometimes horrendous stories from his time overseas.
Back home and again with the railway, Dad moved to Prince Rupert, and it is here that he met his beloved soul mate, Nola Anderson. They were married in 1961 and spent an incredibly happy 4 years, making many, many good friends in Rupert. First daughter Caren (Pritchard) was born here in 1963.
A family venture, owning a summer resort (Kawkawa Lake) lured them to move to Hope in 1964, which they helped build up and run until 1966. Second daughter Tricia was born here in 1965.
In 1966, Dad decided to return, once again, to the railway and then moved to the lower mainland. They lived in Coquiltam, in a quiet neighborhood, and adopted their much coveted son Kenneth in 1968.
Mom and Dad decided that the big city was not where they wanted to raise their family, so in 1974 Dad transferred with the railway to the north, first a year in Mackenzie and then finally finding a permanent home in Williams Lake. The following year they purchased property on Chimney Lake, not far from Williams Lake, where the family (and friends!) spent many, many happy hours enjoying life. Dad slowly built what started out as a cabin, and finally turned into their home…many people will remember coming out for a swim and ending up with a hammer for a couple of hours of labour, or rock picking!
In 1981, Marjorie (Ross) was a final addition to the Poole family, making mom’s dream of having 4 children complete!
Dad retired early from the B.C. Rail in order to enjoy his golden years. Teaching Nancy Green skiing, golfing, helping friends and family with odd carpentry jobs as well as volunteering for the Hough Memorial and the Seniors Center took up much of his time. Spending as much time as possible with his 5 grandchildren was also a high priority to Dad… all of them have many wonderful memories of him patiently teaching them how to drive, fish, ski, play cards, and listen to stories (not always appropriate ones!) of his past. Attending ALL of the sporting events was very important too… even though he never understood what that game of rugby was all about!
With Mom’s passing in October, 2013, Dad lost his soul mate and his rock. He worked very hard to find joy in his quiet life, and understood that it was going to be a very difficult journey. This proved to be too much for him… on February 2nd, Dad lost the battle to stay with us and went to join his beloved wife and children.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, sister Barb (Helme), brother Bill (sister in law Rita), son Ken, daughter Tricia, and wife Nola. He is survived by his daughters Marjorie (Brian) Ross and Caren (Todd) Pritchard. Grandchildren Allyson (Trevin) Granholm, Taylor Ross, Brendon, Sydney and Jordan Pritchard. Brothers Roy (Sylvia), Gord (Ellen), Sisters Margret Cambridge, Joan (Ernie) Pare. As well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank everyone for their kind words of love and support. At Dad’s request, no service will be held. A private family interment of Mom and Dad’s ashes will be held in the spring. If desired, donations can be made, in Dads name, to the Hough Memorial Cancer Society. http://www.houghmemorial.org/donations/
LaPrairie’s Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements.
250-398-9100