Earl R. Zerkee
April 3rd, 1917 - November 27th, 2009
Earl passed away with his wife Maura and his family by his side when it was time to go to heaven. Earl was born to Ethel and John in Lakeland, Manitoba. When he was 12 the family moved to Saskatchewan. In 1937 Earl and his dad came to B.C. to check out property. They settled in Dove Creek and brought the rest of the family out in 1938. In 1942 Earl joined the war effort. While in the navy, Earl was involved in locating “U-boats” and escorting merchant ships across the Atlantic. Part of his time in the Navy was spent in Barbados where he began to develop “itchy feet.” After a varied career that ended with the Powell River ferry, Earl began to travel. He traveled from the Comox Valley to Mexico, Columbia, and Ecuador as a volunteer at orphanages. In Cuernevaca, Mexico, Earl met a nurse named Maura Martinez Rubio who was to become his wife and the love of his life. The two of them continued to volunteer in Mexico almost every year until 2 years ago. Earl was predeceased by brothers; Alfred, Gil and Len, sisters; Mabel, Evelyn and Edith. Earl is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife Maura Martinez Rubio, his son Ed (Brenda) of Courtenay, his daughter Jean of Royston, his grandchildren; Leah, Gina, Mellissa, Mesha, Skylar and Brenden as well as his brothers Ernie (Sylv) and Bill (Selma) and numerous nieces and nephews. A Service of Remembrance will be held at the Baptist Church - 263 Dogwood in Campbell River, B.C. on Friday, December 4th, 2009 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Randy Evans officiating. Anyone needing directions, please call (250) 338-5963 or (604) 813-3054. Donations in Earl’s name may be made to Gideon’s.