For this Resident Spotlight, I wanted to feature someone fairly new to Gold River. 

Moving to a new community is always tough – leaving your friends and family behind, and moving later in the year (ie: rainy season) is especially hard, I think. 

Thanks for doing the Spotlight Celine!  Now people can put a face to a name and you won’t be ‘the new guy’s wife’ anymore! :)  (By the way – her name is not pronounced with a long E like Celine Dion’s, it’s Ce-lynn.  Just so you know, when you say hello!)

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

My family and I moved to Gold River on September 1st, 2011 from Port Hardy. We moved here for my husband’s job. We researched a few places and after visiting Gold River and speaking to a soon-to-be co-worker, we decided that this is where we wanted to go.

What do you do for (paid) work?  

My job right now is a full time Mom.  I have been home with the babies since my oldest was born in 2009.  However, before the babies were born I worked as a florist in training.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I have unfortunately not done any volunteering in years.  However, I did do a few years of volunteering with the Y.M.C.A in NS (where I am from) for a Friday night “Kids’ night”.  I am always open to helping out whenever I can though.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

Jared and I met when we both worked for Shopper’s Drug Mart in Nova Scotia. We dated for a year and were engaged the following year on Christmas Eve.  We were married in March of 2009 and our first baby, Bria Rose, was born in September of that year.  Much to our surprise, we were given another little bundle of joy 11 months later when our son Koen was born.

Do you have any pets?

We have one pet per person in our household – haha!  We have a black tabby named Oliver, an orange Maine-Coon mix named Rupert, a Black lab/Irish Wolfhound mix named Lily and a Belgian Shepherd named Chloe.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun I really enjoy talking walks around town; sooo many gorgeous trails and views, and the fresh air helps with the babies’ naps.  Also, the pool here is amazing.  I am also hoping to get into a yoga class if I can muster up the courage to let people see me attempt yoga,haha!

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I definitely wish that Gold River had cell service.  My family is all back east and sending little text messages is something that I miss doing.  Other than that, there is nothing else the town is missing.

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

If I had a million dollars to donate to the community I would love to see some indoor parks being built (toddler friendly ones as well) because of the frequent rain.  I also wouldn’t mind seeing some indoor dog parks.  Then, if I had some money left over, I think I would get some street lights put in along the road from Gold River to Campbell River because I am a chicken and that road would be much more pleasant to drive on if you could see at night!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would definitely like to say thank you to everyone we have met here in town so far.  Everyone has really made us feel welcome and has reinforced that we chose a great place to spend a few years in with our growing family.

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

I moved to Gold River in 1989 at age 15, and had a wonderful family give me the opportunity to graduate here.  After I graduated I moved to the mainland for 10 years and came back for my 10 year grad reunion.  I met Dave and after 3 months moved back to be with him…that was 10 years ago.

What do you do for (paid) work?

Most recently Dave and I purchased the Gold River Deli.  It is a full circle achievement as I was fortunate enough to work there as a teenager.  Working there provided me with some valuable skills and I hope that the students that work there now learn skills that will help them with their future endeavors.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do

I have done quite a few things in the past.  Right now I am a part of the Gold River Resident’s Association executive.  We are a working group that takes advantage of opportunities for Gold River and its residents.  I have recently been a part of a group of people reestablishing the Gold River Chamber of Commerce.  And of course part of a group working at getting a terrain park in Gold River

Please tell us a bit about your family

My family is my greatest accomplishment.  I have a husband who is supportive of all of my crazy and idealistic ideas, and an 8 year old son that has received the best traits of both Dave and I.  I am grateful for them both!

Do you have any pets?

We have a 15 year old cat named Niko, who is getting pretty temperamental in his old age…

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy riding my motorbike, playing poker and at one time I could shoot a mean game of pool – something that I love doing but haven’t had the opportunity for a long time.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

My sisters, nieces and nephews. And a pool hall!

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money? 

Right now I would help fund the Terrain Park.  I would love to provide opportunities that help people help themselves.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Gold River and the people in Gold River have been good to me.  From the time I was a teenager and didn’t know what I was going to do or where I was going to go, to now owning a business and receiving overwhelming support.  Thank you!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

My wife Patricia and I purchased our home in Gold River 2 ½ years ago, planning to retire and live out the remainder of our days here. I retired to live here full time in February.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I still have a few accounts in the north country however, I am now formally retired.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I currently am busy with The Luna Marathon/Half Marathon (www.lunamarathon.com) a fund raising event to support The Tsu’xiit Luna Whale Museum. My wife and I are founders of the marathon. In September of 2012, the event will feature a film festival, golf tournament, pasta feast and the marathon. I volunteer my expertise and experience as Treasurer, Secretary & Account to Strata 252. I have recently accepted a volunteer position for the upcoming year at The Gold River Golf Course. A few months ago I presented a request to The Village of Gold River Council regarding cellular services. I was asked by the council to conduct a door to door survey to determine public opinion. I am a member of The Nootka Sound Watershed Society and plan to participate when ever called upon.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

My wife Patricia and I have been married for 5 years, we dated for a year long distance (she lived in Oregon and I lived in Fort St John, BC) and then were engaged for one year. We have a combined total of 10 Children, 22 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild. Needless to say we have great places to visit across the USA and Canada.

Do you have any pets?

We have an 11 year old Lhasa Apso named Tashi Nepal Arcus. She is hardly a pet as she has dominion over the human species in our household. Tashi actually talks…..well lets just say she makes all her wishes known and we understand what she is saying.

What do you like to do for fun?

Golf, Golf and more Golf! We have many interests, Patti is the all American NFL aficionado, I have introduced her to hockey so we now flip channels when both are being aired. We love to travel. I have two bikes that allow me to trek on road and off. I have been a marathon runner with over 55 marathons to my credit. I love my local badminton group which meets two times a week.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I sincerely wish we had Cellular Service. I would like to see a very active and involved Chamber of Commerce and a full service bank. I wish the members of the community would join forces and write a book filled with photos and personal accounts regarding Tsu’xiit/Luna.

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

One million dollars would build the Tsu’xiit Luna Whale Museum. The museum would feature photos, videos, stories from local residents. Tsu’xitt/Luna’s unique life would live on forever and never be forgotten. The museum would be an international centre for marine research. A theatre (IMAX) in which community events could be held and local thespians’ could practice their craft.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I absolutely love what I have found here in Gold River and do not want to change the beauty, community spirit and small town atmosphere that exist. That said, I am concerned as to how we can improve the quality of life and prosperity allowing our children to remain here and not look elsewhere for work.

This Resident Spotlight is a lady who I don’t know terribly well in person, but who seems to be my “go to gal” whenever I need information on different events and fundraisers in town.  She’s always got the answers! :)  Thanks so much for playing along Pat – loved your answer on the last question!  (Ain’t that the truth!)

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

Twelve years this January.  Moved in a giant snowstorm.

What do you do for (paid) work?  

I go down to Ladysmith to collect the Record for Jerry every two weeks and I also work for Moe at the concession at the arena and the ballpark.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I am on the committee for the Terrain Park.  I am not currently on any other committees but do volunteer with different groups when they need help.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

I am a widow.  My husband died 11 years ago.  We were married for 46 years. We had 6 children, four who are still living.  A daughter, Dianne, in Ontario, Two sons, Emil and Brian, in Saskatchewan and one son, Barry, who manages the Garden Apartments here in town.  I have 13 grandkids and 7 greats.

Do you have any pets?

NO!!!

What do you like to do for fun?

I paint, write stories and poetry, belong to a writers group, a readers group, and an artists group.  I travel with my daughter.  I get together with my friends for coffee and laughs, do Tai Chi, and generally enjoy life and whatever it offers.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I pretty much like it the way it is.  It’s something like living back in the 50′s. Although having the pool open all year round would be nice and of course some industries to create employment.

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

I would build an art gallery/museum with rental space for art studios.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’ve lived and worked in big cities across the country and I never felt as much at home as I do here.  As I told my brother when he asked if I would move back to southern Ontario, “When a person lives in paradise why would they move to hell?”

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Philip is a passionate outdoorsman, traveler and educator, and generously shares his enthusiasm for life with the kids in our school district.

Your dedication to expand our children’s horizon’s while bringing them together is much appreciated!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

My affinity for the Gold River area started when I hiked the Nootka Trail and met a group of energetic and engaging kids from RWES on the Uchuck.   I thought to my-self I want to live and work in this stunning area.  So, in January 2009, I battled a snow storm to make an interview in Gold River for a “Teacher On Call” position.  I remember vividly the persistent and worrying sound of slush and ice scraping the underside of my car, not to mention the snow plow in the ditch.  Truth be told, I did not think my car would make it.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I run the Nootka Sound Outdoor Program (NSOP) for SD 84 – an outdoor program that introduces students to a variety of wilderness pursuits.  The program allows students to explore a world of inquiry beyond the confines of the traditional classroom.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

My fondest memories of high school are of the athletic teams and extracurricular activities in which I participated.  As a result, I coach the track and field and soccer teams at GRSS.  I love it – nothing better than mentoring and inspiring young athletes to achieve their best.  I truly believe that success in sport, or whatever one puts their mind to, often translates to success in life.  Apart from that I have coached the Jackrabbit ski program and masters ski program at Mt. Washington.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

I am the Black Sheep of the family, or a twinkle in my dad’s eye as some have put it.  My brother and sister are at least a decade older than I.  I don’t have any children of my own, but I am Crazy Uncle Philip to many of my friends’ children.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

Gold River has what many people desire – unparalleled nature and endless wilderness opportunities.  City cravings and services are only an hour drive away!

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

I would build an Outdoor Education School/Centre and program – open to our community and international students.  The program would deliver the BC school curriculum through experiential learning.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Big thanks to the students, parents, my colleagues, and business’ that have supported the Nootka Sound Outdoor Program.  And thanks for asking me to be part of the BUZZ’s resident spotlight!

Thank so much for taking part Donna – was great getting to know you better!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

I moved to GR in 1978 with my first husband. We came here for work and planned on staying 2 years! It was quite an adjustment coming from a city: no street lights or restaurants, no sidewalks or theaters. The highlight of my day was walking to check the mail! Once I got into the workforce and made friends, it became a great place to live.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I have held several jobs. My 1st job in Gold River was as a cook at Charlie’s Take-out which is where Clayworks is now. It was a log cabin type building. My favourite jobs I must say, have been working on the Uchuck  and currently as the Paramedic Unit Chief for the BC Ambulance service.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I am heavily involved with Emergency Preparedness. We do live in a very vulnerable area for interface fires, road closures(slides) and earthquakes. I don’t want to scare anyone, but a good reality check occurred only two summers ago with a fire, and this year with a tsunami warning from Japan. Everyone should be self sufficient for MORE than 72 hours.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

We have one daughter, Kyla. She grew up in Gold River and moved to Calgary to attend Mount Royal College University on a hockey scholarship. She has since married and we have a beautiful granddaughter named Sophia.

Do you have any pets?

We have always been dog people, but we have switched to cats. We own two black and white spayed females, “Smudge & Maggie” whom we adopted from the SPCA.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to try golfing! I can’t really say “I golf” because it is a long drawn out process for me to get that little white ball from the tee to the hole. But I thoroughly enjoy it! I also curl in the winter and scrapbook.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I wish Gold River had a bank – that’s what is missing for me. We could use a movie theatre, bowling alley and a skate park for the kids.

And just for fun – if you had 1 million dollars to donate to the community in any way you wished – what would you do with the money?

Gosh, I’d have to say, the money would go to Minor Hockey and the food bank.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Brian & I cannot think of anywhere else we’d rather live. This is such a beautiful town and we have the best neighbors going!

This Resident Spotlight is someone that I’m positive most of you know and love!  (I don’t know Carole very well, but I’m sure I can say that with certainty!)  Thank-you Carole, for being such a good sport, and for your warm and sincere responses.

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

My husband came through Gold River in the 60′s when they were still building the mill, there wasn’t a town yet but he never forgot what a spectacular setting it was. We had settled in Ottawa built a house and added a baby brother for Alison to our family….firmly settled.   Ten years after his visit to GR my husband opened the newspaper to find the Gold River Mill advertising for Electricians.  He sent a resume off on a whim, the rest is history, within 2 months here we were.  Bob was right it was spectacular, we were going to give it 5 yrs tops…..35 yrs later still loving it !!!

What do you do for (paid) work?

I’m retired, worked at the GR Chalet for nearly 20 yrs,  when it was a hotel, lounge, Bar, dining room, cafeteria, an outdoor pool and the annex which was known as the single mans quarters ( for the mill ).  Busy busy – both places were often filled to capacity workers, tourists or fishermen.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

One of my favourite Volunteer events to be part of is The annual Mary Hutchinson tea for cancer.  The Revellers host it and it’s a fun day of seeing our town coming together and having fun as well.  It’s a lot of work but so worthwhile, we raise a lot of money for cancer on that day. I like to think I’m a person who raises my hand to be part of helping anyone or any group. I am a member of GR Revellers and we are called upon to bake, help, or host a number of things.  But that speaks for Gold River as a whole it ooozes generosity, just look outside of SuperValu when someone is in need of help and see our town pulling together.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

We have a daughter and a son.  Alison, the oldest, is married to Ken Pringle and they have two sons, Nolan and Keenan, Keenan Graduated this year…

Christopher our son lived here most of his life, worked for the village until the mill went down and he was displaced. He and his wife Rachael left with their two boys and settled in Williams Lake where he is now a supervisor for Tolko. They added an addition to their family which gave us our only granddaughter Emily.  Klayton the oldest graduated this year and Zach is going into high school.  Just like any grandparents they fill us with pride!

Do you have any pets?

We have always had pets in our family… Brittany Spaniels!  Right now we don’t have any, it wouldn’t be fair to own a pet as we are away a lot and busy, but hopefully when we can be responsible pet owners again we will be thinking of it.

What do you like to do for fun?

Hmmm Bob and I love to travel, we are planning a trip to Europe again this year.  First to the UK  to see family then off to Italy and Hungary.

One of the fun things I do is meet friends for coffee at Lalla’s ( Mannila Grill ).  We take the biggest table she has and on some days it still isn’t big enough FUN!  Better than therapy.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

For me as a retired person Gold River has everything we need ( except a bank ).  We get the ultimate medical care from our Drs and Nurses, no one knows better than us.  My husband had a heart attack 6 yrs ago and the team at our Clinic saved his life, I’m forever grateful for that.  Like everyone else I would like to see a future for our young people, I have faith something will happen for us one day. On a lighter note my nemesis is the road to Campbell River. I wish for that road to be a shorter distance to the inland highway. I know it’s a beautiful drive but that’s all I have to complain about.

And just for fun – if you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Well it would come in handy… other than the obvious like World Peace, being invisible etc,  I sure could have used some super powers this past month.  We are renovating our bathroom doing the work ourselves.  Hmmm on second thoughts a magic wand would be more like it!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would just like to add, am I the only one to notice that listening, truly listening to people is a lost art?  We are so busy trying to get our two cents in we don’t listen anymore. ( I’m guilty )  For the past month or so we have had a wonderful addition to our coffee mornings – a visitor 89 yrs young, and what a pleasure it’s been for us to listen to her stories as you can imagine.  You learn so much and you give that person an opportunity to share something with you….thank you Bobby.

I first met Karen in 2003 when she owned the pet store/kennel down in the industrial park.  She was always so helpful with our first Dane Kaiser – her love of animals was obvious!  Thanks so much for participating in the Spotlight Karen!

How long have you lived in Gold River?

I moved up here, and into a Company House, on May 20, 2001.

What brought you here?

Our children were on their own and my husband, Bruce, was working in Gold River. There was really nothing, other than my volunteer work, to keep me in Nanaimo. So I moved up here to be with my husband.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I do what I love doing – look after pets.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I love to bake cakes, so I keep an eye out for fundraising bake sales. Very rarely, I’ll do a Humane Education school classroom presentation, like I use to do for the Nanaimo SPCA.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

My favourite subject! We were blessed with a daughter and 3 sons. Our daughter lives in Courtenay and our sons are in Nanaimo. We have a granddaughter, a grandson and several “children and grandchildren of the heart”.

Do you have any pets?

We have furry, comedic companions that share our chairs and follow us from room to room. Mostly of the canine variety but, if you look hard, you’ll see a beautiful jade green-eyed feline. There was a time when I had a kennel and trained dogs and handlers for different types of competitions, but now a days our furry friends are strictly our second family. One of our these little companions makes it her job to keep an eye on my husband, when he is at work.

What do you like to do for fun?

Socialize and learn from others

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

We have a lot going for us, but we definitely need more for our future, our youth.  I have family close by, amazing friends, furry companions and all in a picturesque surrounding. I’m happy!

And just for fun – if you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Never thought about this subject! Did I tell you that I have a vivid imagination? I could get a little carried away here. Let’s just say that my cape would be red and white and that Walt Disney would be happy with my answer.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

To the youth – unlock doors! To our elders – thank you! To the coffee group – Sit! Stay! I’m running late!

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Thank you Jessie for saying yes to the Spotlight – I enjoyed getting to know you better, and I know others will too!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

Gold River has been my official residence for 45 years.  I came in June 1966. For twenty two years I was a teacher at GRSS. When my husband retired in 1989 we became water gypsies, living aboard our sailboat with infrequent visits to Gold River, as we spent most of our time on Mexican waters. When my husband died in 1999 I decided to remain in the town I knew and loved among my old friends in the house we had owned since 1966.

What do you do for (paid) work?

Every month the government pays me so that I may enjoy retirement. I have a mind that needs occupation and challenge so I devote myself to my lifelong passion education.  Educating people, developing young minds to think, problem solve and to visualize in my opinion creates a more caring society; wrong thinking is based on ignorance.  Now ask me how to do this and you will really get me going.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

The position of Chairman of the Board of Education occupies much of my time.  I am active in Restorative Justice the Literacy Society and Revellers.  I also strongly supported the Community Dialogue projects aimed at closer connections between Tsaxanna and the Village that hopefully will continue.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

The size of my family amazes me.  I came to Canada in my late twenties with a husband and three small children.  Now I am the Matriarch of four adult children, eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. I feel that I am populating Canada!

Do you have any pets?

I haven’t pets.  I have three needy dependents with hairy coats and four legs.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun I like to socialize with friends.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I wish Gold River had a stronger economic base.  I also wish we and our children had more exposure to art, drama and music.  Children love to sing.

And just for fun – if you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The word “superpower” for me has bad connotation.  I think of countries who dominate and use other countries to further their own interests. If I had a super power I might be tempted to create more sunshine and less rain for Gold River.  Think how that would affect us.  We would be invigorated to action in all kinds of ways.  Grey skies depress the spirit.

On the other hand perhaps if I had a super power hitherto suppressed urges might surface and who knows what I would do, rather like winning the lottery. Beforehand everyone is full of good intentions, then when it happens……..Will the good or the hedonistic psyche emerge?

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Finally I would like to say “Hi” to all these great people who used to sit in my class hopefully learning something.

Those of you who frequent the ice arena or the golf course will recognize Jordan’s familiar face.  I hope you enjoy his spotlight as much as I did, and oh – I do believe congratulations are in order as he is also a newlywed!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

I’ve lived in Gold River for almost 6 years. I came here for work.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I work for Western Forest Products at the Nootka Forest Operation office. I create and edit geographic data for WFP’s TFL 19 that I then use for conducting analysis and making the maps that go to the falling, yarding and road building crews as well as planning and forestry staff, First Nations and Provincial Government Ministries.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I’ve volunteered as Referee-in-Chief for Gold River Minor hockey on and off since I moved to town. As RIC I work with our young officials to teach/remind them of on ice positioning, signaling, answer any questions they have about the rules and help to guide them through those inevitable situations when parents and coaches voice their displeasure. This season I’ve been fortunate enough to have a awesome group of kids that I think are doing a great job enforcing the rules of the game as well as developing personal responsibility, confidence and integrity that I hope will help them on and off the ice well into their futures.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

My wife, Margie, and I have two young kids, Cooper and Claire. Cooper is two and a half and Claire is eight months old. They keep Margie and I very busy, but almost everything they say and do is hilarious.

Do you have any pets?

No pets, our family dog, Oakley, passed away late last year. We’re waiting for the kids to get a little older before we add another puppy to our already chaotic lives.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, until golf season… No, I’m kidding. This time of year I’m always a little anxious for the snow to melt and get back out on the golf course. I’m not a very good golfer, but I love trying to improve my game.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

I wish Gold River had another 9 holes on the golf course. Don’t get me wrong, I love the course the way it is, but a back 9 would be phenomenal.

And just for fun – if you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower I would definitely want to be able to move objects with my mind. I’d never get hit with a slapshot when reffing or miss a putt again.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to add a big thank you to the Gold River Minor Hockey executive, team managers, coaches, time keepers, score keepers, referees, Maureen our Referee Assignor and everyone else that makes hockey possible in Gold River. I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the 4 adults referees that came through and signed up to referee this year. Mike, Bruce, Colin and Cam – great job, thanks for being there and helping me out.