Verne Roberts passed away peacefully on June 25, 2023, at 95 years of age in Powell River. He was predeceased by his wife Madeleine in 2018 and is survived by his daughters Lynn Roberts and Lisa (Mike) Daniels, five grandchildren (Steven, Kylene, Tyrell, Tara, Kerrie) and seven great-grandchildren (Bailey, Carlin, Madeleine, Avery, Taila, Kane, Waverly).
Verne was born June 3, 1928, in Ocean Falls and at the age of six moved to the Bella Coola valley. As a youth he worked on the family farm, developing a work ethic that would stick with him through his career in the forest industry.
It was in Bella Coola that he and Madeleine met as teenagers; they later reunited in Vancouver. Dad’s charm and persistence convinced her to embark on their 65-year journey together that he laughingly referred to as “the longest battle in BC.”
From boom man to high rigger to manager and owner of Greenwood Contracting, Verne and his “girls” lived in camps from Moresby to Port Alberni with many stops and adventures in-between. He was a longtime member, and former director, of the Truck Loggers Association as well as a big supporter of the Forestry Museum in Duncan. Dad was a staunch advocate for education and sat on the board for North Island College.
In his retirement he enjoyed travelling with Madeleine and spent many winters at their home in Yuma, Arizona. He had a thirst for knowledge and loved to share photocopies of articles and information, building individual files for everyone in the family. For those that knew the “Colonel” or ever attempted to keep up with him, it was hard to imagine him ever slowing down.
The family would like to thank those who were kind and caring to Verne in Willingdon Creek Village.
He leaves a legacy of unconditional love and support for his family and friends. His quick wit and dark humour endeared him to many as evidenced by his long-lasting friendships that he cherished.
A celebration in Verne’s honour will take place at 2 pm, Sunday, July 23, at Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay, BC.
Hail to our Chief!
