Laura Jean Walz, 74, of Powell River, passed away on August 1, 2023, at her waterfront residence with her family by her side. She was born on January 5, 1949, to the late William C. Lippert and Margaret Ruth King Lippert in Paterson, New Jersey.
After moving to Vancouver, BC, Laura wrote short fiction, typeset and edited for Pulp Press, and was involved in founding the magazine A Room of One’s Own.
In her late 20s she met Reinhard Eagle Walz, and in 1978 they were married in Powell River. They then moved to an isolated Indigenous village, Church House, where they taught at the schoolhouse for one year before putting down roots in Powell River. Soon after, they welcomed their two daughters Emily and Jocelyn.
Laura is survived by her daughters and husband, as well as her two sisters Lois Killingbeck (Larry) and Margaret Troxel (John), and two brothers William Lippert and John Lippert (Jane).
Laura was a longtime editor and reporter for the Peak newspaper, a dedicated community advocate and engaged political enthusiast. She spent many years as chair of the Tla’amin-Southview Leaseholders Association, working to the benefit of both the leaseholders and the First Nation.
Her support for her husband and his passion for the Sunshine Coast Trail was resolute. At home, she loved being in the kitchen and creating meals for her family and friends, and revelled in the joy it brought them.
For years she loved playing bridge at the local club. She was an avid reader from a young age, and books were always nearby. In recent years she developed an interest in and love for her Labrador retrievers. She liked to train them and to take them on walks, especially on her favourite, the Toquenatch Trail.
In the summer she liked to go swimming in lakes and the sea. But perhaps most notable of all was her passion for knitting - her nimble fingers crafted beautiful and intricate pieces that not only kept loved ones warm but were a testament to her patience and creativity. Her creations will bring comfort and fond memories for years to come.
Laura was a wonderful mother, mate and human being who will be missed by many.
To honour Laura’s request, a service will not be held. Instead, the family kindly requests that those who wish to do so, consider donating to Four Tides Hospice Society in her memory.
