SCHELLINCK, Hank
of Courtenay, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2010 peacefully at home in the presence of his loving family.
“Hank” Henry Edward Schellinck, B.A., M.Ed., was born in Alvena, Saskatchewan. He started schol at the age of four but quit after a week “because the recess was not long enough”. His experience as a “dropout in grade one” gave him him sympathy with his Vanier students who had educational problems.
He served from 1942-1946 with the 435 Squadron of the RCAF in Burma. At war’s end he was discharged in Vancouver and enrolled in Victoria College for his second year of university. during this year he found time to meet, woo and wed Miss Teresa Rivers.
Mr. Schellinck taught at Comox 1951-52; Courtenay High School 1952-67; appointed principal of G.P. Vanier Senior Secondary School 1967. Mr. Schellinck was past president and member of the Comox District Teachers Association, director of Adult Education; Chairman of Wood Mountain Ski Park Board; chairman of steering committee for regional recreation; member of advisory committee for Regional Hospital; chairman of St. Joseph’s Hospital Board, director of Rotary Club; former member of Family Court Committee; past Grand Knight and member Knights of Columbus; bookkeeper Canadian Martyrs R.C. Church, recipient of Shell Merit Fellowship and Canadian Centennial medal. Hobbies were boating, fishing, woodworking and mechanics.
In recognition of his many contributions to the community, he was made a Freeman of the City of Courtenay, and was awarded the Pope’s Medal for his many works of charity.
Predeceased by his wife Teresa “Tucky” Schellinck; sister Elodie Robinson and brother Anthony (Doc) Schellinck, he is survived and will be dearly missed by his sons Charles (Jennifer) of Courtenay, Richard (Cheryl) of Merville, Michael (Susan) of Nanaimo and Edward of California; daughters Marian Duke (David), Diana Olsen and Elodie Geneau (Michael); 17 grand children and 13 great-grandchildren as well as his sisters Yvonne Baker of Regina and Mary Moreau of Victoria.
Prayers will be offered from the Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Road on Thursday, January 14th at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Paul Murphy on Friday, January 15th at 11:00 am from Christ the King Roman Catholic Church followed by interment at Courtenay Civic Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in Hank’s memory to the School District 71 Bursary Fund in Hank and Tucky’s name would be appreciated.