June 14, 1936 - September 30, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father & grandfather, Glenn Stover. Glenn was born in Victoria in 1936 and moved with his parents (predeceased by Walter and Levonne) to Vancouver when he was 7 years old.
He attended Bayview elementary and Kitsilano high school, graduating in 1954. As an only child to two working parents, Glenn craved the social atmosphere of athletics and joined his schoolmates in multiple sports. By the time he was 21 he competed in softball, baseball, soccer, football, rugby and track & field. However, his passion for rugby and the Meraloma rugby club at Connaught Park would be the focus of his sporting life for the next 64 years.
Of significance, was his Team BC trip to Japan in 1959. The tour was the first foreign sporting team to visit Japan after World War 2. Glenn often reflected on the trip, as being more about international relations and healing than competition. In 1962 he was selected to the Canadian rugby team on its tour of the United Kingdom.
In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Neilson), a marriage that lasted until he passed. When the hustle of Vancouver life became a challenge and Glenn's competitive playing career was over, Glenn & Carol moved in 1975 with their son Dave and daughter Lael to Campbell River.
It is at this time when Glenn focused his life on family, community building and coaching. Glenn accomplished so much for so many, and inspired athletes, coaches and community leaders to chase their dreams.
Glenn had a successful career, initially in the fuel service business followed by a lengthy career at the Campbell River Hospital. It was a job that allowed him to coach, volunteer, and travel. By the time Glenn played his final rugby game at the age of 77, as an athlete and coach he had won 14 Provincial Championships in 5 different sports. He was committed to providing local athletes the same opportunities as kids in urban centers - the programs he guided were his commitment.
When the City of Campbell River didn't have the resources to improve the ball fields at Willow Point Park, Glenn rallied community volunteers and completed the lighting project, dugout improvement and bleachers. These improvements are present today and have been enjoyed by many families for 35 years.
Glenn and Carol enjoyed traveling and were able to see parts of the world prior to having children. In the past 40 years, Glenn and Carol made four rugby trips back to Japan to share the friendships that began in 1959. In addition, annual extended vacations to Palm Springs and other trips to sunshine destinations became the winter getaways.
In 1996, Glenn and Carol relocated to Saratoga beach, where he lived a healthy life in his favourite house and beloved backyard. His neighbourhood became his community and a place where new friendships were born.
As grandkids began to experience athletics, Glenn shifted his focus from athlete and coach to superfan. Cheering on his 5 grandkids in hockey, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, softball & basketball. He could be heard cheering on the Blue Jays, Canucks and the BC Lions. As well, he could be heard shouting at the TV for excessive touchdown dancing celebrations in football; the flashy jewelry on today's baseball players and the excessive diving in soccer, however it never stopped him from watching!
Glenn had a terrific life, full of accomplishments and friendships and family. Glenn is survived by his wife of 63 years Carol, son Dave (Teresa), daughter Lael (Michael) and five grandchildren Austin, Lauryn, Cameron, Annabel & Owen.
Glenn did not want a service of any kind. However, in lieu of a service, the family strongly encourages those that he's touched to gather in your circles and toast a beer to Glenn. Gatherings and beer was something he was fond of!