McPherson, Daniel “Dan” Sutherland

McPherson, Daniel “Dan” Sutherland

3 comments

May 14, 1941 – January 12, 2024
at the age of 82 years:

            Daniel Sutherland McPherson, a resident of Silver Creek just south of Salmon Arm passed away in the early hours of January 12th, 2024, at the age of 82 years.

Dan was born May 14th, 1941, in Port Alberni BC but grew up mainly in Victoria, BC as his father James had joined the Canadian Navy.  During this period his mother, Edna, and Dan resided at Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt BC.  Dan attended Spring Ridge Elementary School in Victoria.  He attended Oak Bay Junior High School and in 1958 graduated from Victoria High School.  

In his early years, Dan was a dedicated bagpiper with Princess Mary’s (2136) Canadian Scottish Cadet Corp. His most memorable moment was when he was seconded to the Vancouver-based Seaforth Highlanders Pipe Band when they performed for Queen Elizabeth II during her 1959 visit to Canada. 

Dan’s early working career began as an apprentice at the Esquimalt & Nanaimo (E&NRR) Railway in Victoria BC in 1960.  He moved to Coquitlam, BC, and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CPR) in 1963 to complete his apprenticeship in railroad car repair and maintenance– otherwise known by fellow employees as a “car knocker”.   After a one-year stint with the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) in Prince George, Dan returned to the CPR, and was moved to Calgary.

Dan met the love of his life, Audrey, while enjoying their mutual love of ballroom dancing.  They married in 1976 in Calgary.

In the mid-1980s he was appointed Manager, CPR Alyth Shops in Calgary.   In 1993, Dan was transferred back to Vancouver Island and there he retired in 1998.

Upon retirement, Dan and Audrey moved to the Shuswap Lake area and lived in Blind Bay and Sorrento for many years.  Dan joined singing groups which he enjoyed immensely, and he and Audrey joined the cribbage league, and began to travel to sun locations, especially once they purchased a motorhome.  They attended many family celebrations in Alberta.

After Audrey passed in 2015, Dan moved to the Valley Mobile Home Park in the Silver Creek area south of Salmon Arm.  He continued to make regular trips to the “Ranch” southwest of Calgary to be with family at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, summer camping, and the annual family trek to Kimberley over New Years for ski/snowboard/visiting time.

Dan found great joy in singing and joined local groups. His first Barbershop experience was with the Shuswap Barbershop Project, putting on a full concert at the United Church in Salmon Arm.  He joined the Harmony Hollow singers from both BC and Washington state to perform in the UK.

Additionally, Dan was a member of the Blind Bay Singers, the Enderby Singers, the Shuswap Men’s Chorus, the Revellers, and the Okanagan Vocal Harmony out of Kelowna.

Dan also volunteered on every committee at the Salmon Valley Seniors Centre and played crib and canasta each week.  He helped make breakfast at the same centre every month to help with fundraising.  He and his buddy Ron Long also volunteered at Fintry Estate near Vernon as Tour Guides during the summer.

A favourite pastime during the summer months was to help his friend Lloyd Nakagawa to cultivate, plant, water, and harvest the garden on Lloyd’s acreage.

Dan leaves behind two brothers – Robert (Barb) of Orillia, Ontario and Alec (Barbara) of the community of Cedar, BC on Vancouver Island, stepdaughter Shaun Roen (Greg Parsons) of Black Diamond, AB, and step-son Glenn Jones (Nada) of Surrey, BC.  In addition, Dan is survived by his grandchildren:    Christalene (Jarvis), Ryan (Sharla), Breanne (Leighton), Slavko, Mark (Shannon), Scott (Julene), and Sandra.  He is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, James and Edna McPherson, his wife, Audrey, his son-in-law Narve Roen, and great-grandson Lincoln.

Special thanks go out to Dan’s supportive friends Lloyd Nakagawa, Donna Bernard, Ron Long, Rod Johnson, Jim Clark, and others who we may have regretfully missed. Thanks go to the staff and doctors at Shuswap Lake General Hospital for their care of Dan while he was there.

The family would like to specially thank the Seniors’ Centre of Silver Creek for organizing a tea in Dan’s honour with wonderful food, stories, and friendship.  The music sung by the Barbershop group and the many singing friends who attended the tea was so very heartwarming.  Dan was truly fortunate to live in such a wonderful community!

Branson, Ina

Branson, Ina

3 comments

August 11, 1936 – January 7, 2024
at the age of 87 years:     

Beloved Wife, Mother, Oma, Great- Oma and friend, Ina Branson (nee VanGroen) passed away suddenly, yet peacefully at the age of 87.  She is survived by her loving husband Ivan of 65 years, her daughters Joanne(Brad), and Trish(Keith), grandchildren Stephanie(Tyrel), Ryan(Liz), Amanda(Chris), Evan(Jen), Elena(Hagen) and great-grandchildren Madison, Hannah and Phoenix. She was predeceased by grandson Trevor.

May the many beautiful memories of her, warm our hearts and give us peace.

         “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and we will rejoice” – John 16:22

A memorial service will be held in the spring-date pending.

Call Now Button