ANDERSON,
Ernest "Harry"
June 13, 1912 - March 20, 2008
Predeceased by his wife Florence in 1974 and his wonderful companion of 30 years, Lillian, in 2007.
Survived by his children Karin Franzen, Courtenay; sons Ernest (Butch) and Gordon; grandchildren Tracy (Andy) Macdonald, Gabriola; Brad and Jamie Franzen, Victoria and two great grandchildren.
Dad was born in Sweden and immigrated to Canada in 1930 at the age of 17 just as the great depression was beginning. He survived by riding the box cars on trains to various towns across Canada looking for work in farming, mining, logging or whatever was available. The stories of his life "riding the rails" were fascinating but you knew that it had been a challenge to survive and probably helped to make him the tough man that he was. While logging in the late 1930's he found his Valhalla in Campbell River and moved there in 1944 with his wife and first child. He purchased the last lot on the then water line, built a house and stayed there for the next 62 years. He loved hunting, fishing, hiking and the great outdoors - a love he passed onto his children. He worked as a faller for various companies until his late fifties and then became a commercial fisherman until he was in his mid 70's. Cooking was his other passion and he was known for his wonderful meals and great smoked and canned salmon which he loved to share with friends and family. He remained independent in his own home until the last year of his life - cooking his own meals, chopping wood and coping without complaint with increasing mediacal problems. A life well lived. Many thanks to Dr. McNeil, Dr. Ralston, Dr. Prinsloo, Home Support Workers, the Community Nurses and Hospital Staff who looked after Dad in the last years of his life. A private family gathering was held in remembrance.