DERRIEN - Yves Claude
Feb 20, 1923 - Oct 31, 2008
Passed away suddenly and peacefully at Glacier View Lodge in Courtenay, BC, shortly after cracking a joke with one of the wonderful nurses who took such good care of him.
Yves was predeceased by his wife Ruth; brothers John, Louie and Harvey; and sister Cecilia. Survived by brother Frank of Winnipeg, sister Isabel of Nanaimo, son James of Parksville, and daughter Donna (Frank) of Courtenay.
Yves was born in St. Laurent, Manitoba, and worked on the family farm until age 17, when he left for the adventure of WWII. He saw active duty in Italy, France and Britain. Several years later he married Ruth and they lived in Vancouver raising their children until the opportunity arose to move to the Comox Valley.
Yves worked as a civil servant at Jericho in Vancouver and 19 Wing in Comox.
Yves took many night school and correspondence courses and could fix or build anything, do carpentry and cabinetwork. Yves spent many summers driving the family in our old station wagon to our camping and fishing destinations. He also taught himself to play guitar and piano, and sing, which he did often.
Most of all, it is Dad's sense of humor, which he never lost, that we will remember. He delighted in making other people laugh, and he did that pretty well every day of his life.
We would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Glacier View Lodge who kept Dad comfortable, listened to his jokes and stories, and made his last days the best they could be. Thanks to Dr. Matous for your care over the years. And last but not least, a very big hug to "resident angel" Lynn McKay: Lynn, you always made his day when you stopped in to chat with your neighbor! Your kindness to Yves will always be remembered.
Dad was in a good place at Glacier View, and he is in an even better place now. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Glacier View Lodge would be appreciated. Donations can be mailed to:
Glacier View Lodge Society
2450 Back Rd.
Courtenay, B.C. V9N 8B5
or delivered to their reception office, Mon - Friday, 0930 a.m. - 4 p.m.