Des passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his children Judy, Christine and Ken, on Sunday afternoon, December 22, 2013 to join his beloved wife of 56 years, Gwendolyn June who pre-deceased him in 2010.
Born in Napier, New Zealand on August 4, 1930, Des made his way to Canada and married Gwen, the love of his life, on January 30, 1954 in Toronto. He was a devoted husband to Gwen, father to Judy (Jim) Galpin, Christine (Mark) Dean and Ken Eagle, Papa to Kristina, Julia (Dana), Daniel (Holly), Brian and Adam and GG (Great-Grandpa) to Kai and Griffin. Des began his career in the floor covering industry in Toronto in 1953. This took Des and Gwen to Montreal, back to Toronto and finally to Vancouver in 1970 before arriving in Comox, to co-own along with Gwen, the Courtenay United Carpet store for over twenty years.
Des was involved in, and also served as President of, the National Association of Floor Covering Distributors for many years and in February 2013 was very proud to celebrate his 60th Anniversary in the business. Dad will always be remembered for his wisdom and quick wit. He is sorely missed. Not being a man to bring attention to himself, Dad requested a private family service which was held on Friday, May 23, 2014, at the Courtenay Civic Cemetery. It is with great love and joy that we remember our parents every day. We were blessed. If desired, a donation in memory of Des can be made to the Comox Valley Youth for Christ, PO Box 3333, Courtenay, V9N 5N5 or Keats Camps, #100–657 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, V7T 1A4.