Tozer, Maurice Saturday, 10 Dec 2005
Sooke, BC
John Arnett sometimes refers to himself as “the ink-stained wretch” but in actual fact the real original pipe-smoking, bookish, philosophizing, ink-stained wretch of Sooke was Maurice Tozer.
It all began in a house in the woods off French Road, in 1958. On Jan. 14 1959, he was ready ” the first edition of Sooke’s own weekly paper The Grapevine, all four mimeographed 8 1/2” by 14” sheets, was distributed throughout the district.
The seed that got the idea of a newspaper growing in the mind of Maurice Tozer was the weekly flyer or “Gibson’s Bulletin” sent out by Gibson’s Shopping Centre. The Gibson enterprise, Sooke’s first “department store” flourished at the NW corner of Sooke Road and Otter Point Road during the 1950s and 1960s. Gibson’s became the largest advertiser in the new weekly paper, and shades of the future, the first editorial written by editor Maurice was headed, “It Pays to Shop in Sooke”.
Retired in the late 1950s from running a business school in Victoria, Maurice lived with his wife Rosamund and their Sheltie dogs at their French Road home, in a small clearing surrounded by trees. Rosamund (who was a sister to writer Peg Pyner of East Sooke) owned a second hand store called “The Haunted Bookstore” in Victoria, so this newspaper enterprise was a new one for both of them.
Maurice was born in Devon, England in 1913, where he, like his seven siblings, was sent to boarding school at the age of five. He became a schoolteacher and was teaching at a boys’ prep school when World War II broke out. Enlisting in the Royal Air Force, he was shipped to Canada for training, and then served overseas in the Bombay area of India. In 1949 Maurice decided to renew his acquaintance with Canada, and immigrated to Alberta.
Living in BC a few years later, he met and married Rosamund, and the couple had a home in James Bay before moving to Sooke. Maurice, a vegetarian, enjoyed the quiet country lifestyle, favouring knitted sleeveless vests, growing his own vegetables and raising his Shelties. A Unitarian, he was interested in Esperanto. He had a highly developed sense of ethics and social conscience, and was regarded as having an intense personality, through his writing clearly showed that he enjoyed chatting with his readers.
When the newspaper became a reality, Maurice hired a carpenter to build a cabin a 100 yards from the house as a production office. One of the first typists engaged, as he quickly got too busy to handle it all himself, was Elizabeth Govenlock (now living in Duncan) while another was Wendy Michelsen (now living in Campbell River). In the early years Maurice had his Gestetner copy reproduced in Victoria, and then hired a crew of neighbourhood youngsters to sort and put the pages together for delivery.
Soon Rosamund had given up her bookstore and was selling the advertising for the paper. As Maurice didn’t drive, Rosamund carried out all the Victoria production trips required to print the newspaper.
Sooke continued to support and depend on its local paper, and on August 14, 1964, the newspaper pages blossomed into size 11” x 17”, with eight sheets making up this fine new edition.
In November of 1964 Maurice Tozer sold his paper to the Leader Publishing Company, but continued on as editor and publisher, while the paper was printed in Oak Bay as part of the Leader chain. Dissatisfied with the resulting arrangement, in March of 1965 Maurice started a new weekly called The Community Mirror, which he produced in competition with the original paper (The Grapevine). It wasn’t long before Maurice’s local-content paper had won the hearts of the readers.
Wendy Michelsen recalled that she had begun working for Maurice Tozer in 1971, and remained at the Mirror through two more publishers, B.J. Pauls in 1974, and Donna and Dan James in 1980. In 1983 the Mirror was purchased by John and Norma Arnett, and Island Publishers became the owners in 1992.
Possibly their 15 years in the newspaper business brought a measure of stress, as the Tozers went their separate way after selling the paper to Bud Pauls. Maurice lived out his retirement in the Fairfield area. Friends relate that in his later years be became a habitue of Swans Pub, and really enjoyed the camaraderie he found on visits there.
Last April, Maurice’s health suffered a setback and he became a resident of Glengarry Hospital, where he passed away on December 10 at the age of 92. He is survived by a sister on Devon, England.
His place in our local history is secure: from its humble beginnings in 1959, Sooke’s newspaper, The Grapevine, Mirror and now the Sooke News Mirror continues to be a vital component of the life of our region.
Pedneault, Pete Wednesday, 23 Nov 2005
Sooke, BC
Barbecuing salmon at All Sooke Day is only one of the ways that Sooke people remember Pete Pedneault. Another recollection of a fellow woodsworker goes like this, “When we’d have mechanical trouble, I was sure glad when Pete would come along because he could monkey-wrench anything and get it going.”
Pete was born in Manitoba in 1912, the eighth of 10 children of Alfred and Emma Pedneault. He was but a babe-in-arms when the family moved to Victoria, where they lived on Wilson Street in Vic West.
The children rode the streetcar across the bridge and uptown to attend St. Louis College to receive a catholic education. Pete recalled that after school he would be dispatched with a Thermos of tea to the Gorge Vale Golf Course area where his dad was a contractor clearing the land.
In the late 1920s Pete was working with his dad and older brothers Joe and Louis cutting cordwood around Sooke Harbour. The wood was loaded on a barge at Whiffin Spit and towed to a pulp mill in Port Angeles.
The Pedneault brothers also ran their gas donkey for Yat Fine when he was logging up Mt. Shepherd Road, and then logged on the Invermuir property in Shirley.
During the 1930s, operating as Pioneer Logging Company, the Pedneaults began truck logging timber at point No Point. Pete was loading engineer, working with head loader Ivan French and hook tender Ken Shepherd. Ed and Albert Robinson and Charlie and Andy Davidson were falling for them, while Art Pedneault and Ted Banner were both driving trucks at the time.
As markets were poor then, Pete recalled that they had to sell some of their logs to Sweeney’s Cooperage in Victoria for barrel making.
In the late 1930s several of the Pedneault brothers — including Pete — operated successful gold claims in Zeballos.
Pete returned to the Shirley area where he started working for Elder Logging, married, and set up a home west of French Beach. He and his wife Myrtle raised a daughter (Patsy) who attended classes first at Shirley and Muir Creek schools, then on to Milne’s Landing high school.
Later on, in 1970, Pete married Rossine Musfelt, moved in to Sooke and worked in the woods for Butler Brothers for many years. It was during this time that a memorable experience occurred at the waterfront booming ground at Butlers.
A fellow worker — boomman Jim Cooper — lost his arm in winching machinery. Pete’s quick action was credited with saving Jim’s life as he used his own suspenders to stop the bleeding.
Pete enjoyed community activities and was particularly sought after by the Sooke Loggers Club who asked him to barbecue salmon for the contestant’s supper after each All Sooke Day. His special secret recipe for a brown sugar marinade is one of the legacies he handed down to his family.
When daughter Pat was an avid softball team member during her 1950s high school years, he designed an interesting method for watering down the playing fields by building a watering arm extending from his pickup as he drove across the field.
When Pete retired in 1977, it gave him the opportunity to indulge his love of boats and fishing. He owned a series of boats, and particularly enjoyed cruising the Strait with Rossine in his 26-foot cabin cruiser, “Whata-Gal.”
Another past time he particularly treasured was gardening. In his backyard greenhouse he specialized in grapes, tomatoes and cucumbers.
As his heath declined in recent years, frequent visits from his and Rossine’s 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren continued to bring him special joy.
Fond of dogs, Pete especially enjoyed the companionship at this time of his Rottweiler Cleo.
Pete Pedneault passed away Nov. 23. A service was held at Sands Chapel in Colwood. He leaves wife Rossine, daughter Pat Brooks (Mervin) stepsons Ross and Joe Musfelt, daughter-in-law Carol Musfelt, brother Art Pedneault (Ida) grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Ruttan, Clayton Allen George Wednesday, 13 May 1992
Sooke, BC
Clayton was peacefully received by his Papa Allen Morley, Grandpa Al Ruttan, AND will remain forever in the hearts of his Mom - Heather Ann Morley and Dad - Scott Ruttan; Grandmas Gail Morley and Midge Ruttan; Big Brother Brian; Cousin Ryan; Auntie’s Julie, Lee-Ann and Cindy and Uncles Randy, Donald, Danny and Vincent. Clayton shared fond memories of his Uncles George, Steve and Kelvin and Stephen who shared his interests and always kept him looking up; Jodie Lukow and his bigger relations Charlene and Fred for helping to find peace. A special thanks for the brilliant care of Drs. Mason Bond and Ken Brown, the oncology staff at BC Children’s over the past 5 years; Auntie Della Connor for always being there and Dr. Ellen Anderson for seeing Clayton through with kind hands and a compassionate heart. Those friends and families in the Sooke and West Mont School communities who supported his interests and passions at a time where darkness gives way to the light will always be remembered. It is in giving that we receive and receiving that we are born to the eternal light. To Clayton Ruttan … a giver of warmth, comfort and smiles.
HEMSTREET, Gordon M. Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Sooke, BC
March 17, 1929 - May 30, 2007
Gordon is survived by his wife Myra, his children Doug, Marie (Wayne), Glenda (Shawn). He also leaves his sister Myrtle (Oly) Olsen of Nanaimo; his brother Morris of Sechelt, BC; numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration tea on Sunday, June 24th at the Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Road from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
TREMBLAY, G. Lucille Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Sooke, BC
Dec. 18, 1936 - May 30, 2007
On May, 30 Lou Tremblay lost her 2 year battle with cancer and slipped away peacefully at home in Port Renfrew surrounded by cherished family. Thank you to the professional support always on stand-by, Dr. Vally, Sooke Shoppers, Barb Richman, Gerri Cummings, the Cancer Agency and many more. Special thanks to Reet and John Buckler for this precious gift. Lou is pre-deceased by 3 baby sons, daughter Angela and Lou's sister Diane. She leaves behind her loving husband Maurice of 50 years, daughter Anne (Mike), son Michael (Michelle), grandchildren Maurissa, Christopher and Madison. Lou was 5th child of 11 and leaves siblings Connie, Ralph (Cecile), Freda (Gerry), Doug (Marcella), Bob (Joan), Joanne (Arnie), Evie (Ken), Donna (Mel), Nancy ( Terry) and many nieces and nephews, their families and others.
She was born G. Lucille Van Nes and grew up in Kerrisdale, Vancouver with 10 siblings. After Normal school she taught in Chemainus. She married Maurice and moved to Port Renfrew in 1957. She also taught in Port Renfrew, worked at the store and then managed the 4 Mile Creek salmon hatchery for 20 years, including recording weather for Environment Canada. She was very pleased when her favorite Meteorologist Mark Madyrga called her then mentioned her on the morning news. She would have been honoured that her announced her passing, again on the morning news.
She has been an active volunteer in Port Renfrew with the Community Association, Bowling Association, Volunteer Fire brigade, badminton group and softball teams. She was part of the San Juan Enhancement Society. She wouldn't stand for swearing or poor grammar and lent some polish to this rustic logging camp. She will be sorely missed and always, always remembered.
Service was June 4 in North Vancouver's Holy Trinity Catholic Church and a graveside service was held June 5 at Victoria's Royal Oak Burial Park, reception was at the Fireside Grill. Many thanks to all those who came and also who sent cards, emails or called.
DOTSON, Lester (Grey Hackle) Thursday, 24 May 2007
Sooke, BC
1919-2007
On May 24th, 2007 Lester Dotson passed away peacefully with his wife Ann at his side, at his home in Sacramento, California. Lester was pre-deceased by his first wife of thirty-eight years and is survived by his current wife Ann, with whom he just celebrated their twenty-fifth anniversary.
Lester, captain of the Grey Hackle and his co-captain Ann, enjoyed many summers fishing in Sooke. For over twenty years, from May to September the Dotsons and the Grey Hackle could be seen making the run out of Sooke Marina, from Secretary Island to Otter Point...wherever the fish were biting. Over the years, Les and Ann celebrated many a King Salmon trophy and the fishing stories just kept getting better and better. Lester felt blessed to have so many great friends in the fishing community and treasured every moment that he fished with friends and family. Ann thanks all those who touched Lester's life and gave him great memories to take with him to that great big fishing pond.
Elrose, Rosada Wednesday, 16 May 2007
Sooke, BC
Rosada Elrose of Sooke died at age 92 at Sunset Lodge in Victoria on Wednesday morning.
Rosada was born in Lethbridge Alberta to Harry and Ada (Parsons) Hubbard. She was the eldest of eight children. She graduated from Lethbridge Collegiate and Normal School in Calgary. She married Simon ‘Sam’ Grant Elrose in 1937. Sam and Rosada moved to Sooke in 1945. Rosada belonged to numerous community organizations and was well known for her helping ways. .
Rosada was pre-deceased by her husband, Sam in 1992, after over 50 years of marriage. Survivors include her sisters Pearlie (Pete) Taks and Nancie (Doug) Havens of Alberta; her children Ada (Ritchie) Birch, Grant Elrose, Marj Melville, Melvin (Irene) Elrose; 11 Grandchildren; 18 great Grand children; many nieces, nephews and their extended families across Canada and the US.
A celebration of Rosada’s life will be held on Monday, May 28th, 2007 11:00am at the Sooke Pentecostal Church, 6851 West Coast Rd, Sooke BC. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Rosada’s name to a charity of your choice.
DOSKOCH, JOHN Monday, 14 May 2007
Sooke, BC
December 1, 1938 - May 14, 2007
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Doskoch at Nanaimo General Hospital after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by wife Marie, daughter Donna (Mark), grandchildren Brandon, Katie and Daniel, son Ken, stepdaughter Mannon (Daniel), grandchildren Laurent and David, sisters Olga, Anne and Iris and brother Alex.
Born and raised in Manitoba, John moved his family to the Island in 1973. He worked for the BC Government for 25 years before retiring and moving to Nanaimo. He and Marie enjoyed the last seven years traveling across
Canada and the States in their motor home and camping with their grandchildren. John was always there with a smile and took great joy in helping anyone who needed it. He could build or fix anything. He will be remembered most for his kind and generous heart.
Special thanks to the staff of the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit and the Hospice Society for their excellent care and support. A very special thank you to Cavell who was always there for John and his family in their time of need.
A Memorial Service was held on June 24th at 2:00 pm at Trinity United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Sands ~ Nanaimo
MOLL, GRETEL HELGA Sunday, 29 Apr 2007
Sooke, BC
Born September 3, 1925 in Mainz, Germany. passed away peacefully at Beacon Hill Villa (Victoria) on April 29, 2007. Pre-deceased by her loving husband Fred. Survived by two daughters & son-in-law, 4 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren. The family would like to take this opportunity to express thanks to her friends & to the caring staff at Beacon Hill Villa. Graveside service will be held at Hatley Memorial on Thursday May 3, 2007 @ 2:00pm.
