Keeping memories alive

The Powell River Salmon Society is offering everyone in the region a chance to do a double-good: remember a loved one with a memorial stone, and support the Salmon Preservation Fund.

BY GAIL SCHOLEFIELD

A memorial brick in honour of Captain David Freeman will be placed on the Salmon Preservation Pathway at the Alex Dobler Centre at Lang Creek.

THE PATHWAY: At Lang Creek

Dave grew up in Powell River enjoying competitive badminton, BMX racing, water sports on Powell Lake, and salmon fishing off Texada Island.

At 17, he earned his pilot license and bought his first plane. He was involved in all aspects of commercial aviation from cleaning and loading planes to ticket sales and flying.

He achieved his commercial license at 19 and flew for many airlines, including Pacific Coastal and Air Canada.

While living in the Comox Valley, Dave’s other enterprises included: farming, selling cars for VW Sunwest, and partnering in Atlas Sales manufacturing. All the while, he enjoyed building planes, restoring cars, skiing, mountain biking, and drag-racing. A man of deep faith, he was active in the Catholic Church. Friends and family agreed – he packed a lot of living into his 50 years!

Dave died of an aggressive cancer leaving his wife Claire, daughter Melissa, sons Graham and Reid, and brother Andrew. He was pre-deceased by his mother Linda in 2000.

His father Tom, a teacher of 41 years, including 30 at Henderson Elementary School, appreciates the value of eco-education.

He and his wife Inge-Lore are deeply touched, for, through their donation, Dave will be remembered on the Salmon Preservation Pathway.

See more at salmonpreservation.org