Tribute

With gratitude for Dad’s life, we announce his passing on November 4th, 2023 at Sunnybank Center in Oliver, BC.

He was born in Colonsay, Saskatchewan on July 20th, 1930.  Earl grew up in Star City, SK excelling at hockey, track and field with the army cadets, learning the saxophone at school and hanging out to learn from various tradesmen in afterschool hours.

In 1953, Earl married Una Audrey Janzen and they moved to Saskatoon for him to pursue a career in cabinet making until his father’s illness brought him back to Star City to take over the family Red and White grocery store and to build a retirement home for his parents in the early 60’s.  While in Star City, Earl was very involved in the community as the fire chief, head of the board of trade, cinema projectionist, hockey referee, ice carnival gymnastic clown and snowmobile club member.  All the while, Dad was building cabinets and other projects in his shop with one child “helping” at a time.

In 1971, Earl moved his family to Trail, BC to begin a job cabinet making. He enjoyed swimming, playing badminton, camping and riding his Harley with the Christian Motorcycle Association to various rallies in North America.

In 1994, Dad married Barbara Priesemann following the breakup of his first marriage.  He moved to Oliver, BC where he retired to working in his shop, rv’ing with Barb and chasing starlings in the vineyards at Southern Plus with his quad and shotgun. He was always helping others as needed and loved to solve problems.

Dad was the reigning rummy champion at his passing.  He was content, quiet, confident, strong and wise.  Dad was a rock.

He is survived by his seven children: Dennis, David, Perry (Katja), James (Dianne), Judy (Michael), Murray (Jodi) and Ken.
Dad is also survived by eighteen grandchildren: Colin, Eric, Sara, Jed, Rachel, Esther, Kate, Joy, Josh, Chelsea, Jillian, Janine, Lisa, Matt, Kimberly, Jereme, Crystal and Jaffer and ten great-grandchildren. Barb’s children Darlene, Peggy and Karl.

He was predeceased by his wife Barb, his sisters Shirley and Muriel, and his first wife Una and grandson Nathan.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sunnybank Center for their loving care for Jim this past year.

A memorial service for Dad’s life will be held December 8th, 2023 at 1 pm at Park Drive Church in Oliver, BC.

Dad’s ashes will be interred at the Star City cemetery in June 2024.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com