Chris Rarinca,June 1, 1953-May 3, 2021

Chris was the brilliant son of his parents in Bucarest,Romania, was an avid sailor and earned a degree inmicrobiology before moving to Ontario, Canada wherehe served as an IT expert for a large banking company.

He was also a fierce advocate for Democracy havingbeen raised in a Totalitarian country. While in Ontario,he observed the Wreck Beach battles to preserve notonly the beach, but the naturist life style there.

Thus, in1992, he re-located to Vancouver in order to help theWreck Beach Preservation Society (WBPS) in its effortsto save the beach physically from the many developmentthreats which included efforts to build a highway aroundPoint Grey and to ban nudity there, although one of theRCMP staffsergeants said that“trying to stopnudity at WreckBeach would havebeen like trying tostop the Titanicfrom sinking.

From 1992 to his death in 2021, Chris was a strongadvocate for the naturist life style and for preservingWreck Beach in as nearly a natural state as possible.

Chris served on many committees and workedassiduously with Judy Williams and the WBPS to lowerand alter the high rise student towers at UBC whichwould have destroyed the wilderness-like ambience ofWreck Beach had they been built as UBC originallyplanned!

Wreckers will perhaps best remember Chrisplaying dice in Billy’s “casino” wearing his trademarkTilly’s hat, listening to his music via headphones underhis blue umbrella.

Chris kept his battle with vertebralcancer private but he fought it quietly, with greatbravery. He was a smart, kind, loving and a close friendwho will be forever missed by Lisandre, Denise, Judy,and his Wreck Beach family. As requested, his asheswill be scattered at sea off Wreck Beach from GeoffGodding’s yacht on June 5, 2021.

LISTEN TO THE STILL(By Judy Williams for Chris ‘52nd Birthday)

Listen to the still when the tide is out low,The waves are quietly ebbing,The wind is softly sighing,And it will whisper secrets only you can hear.Listen to the still of early mornings, Of muted days when the sun just warms thegrey,When fog tendrils ghost over wet sandsWeekend crowds are far removed,And it will call to you.Listen to the still and it will weave you rainbowspells,Wrap you in gossamer wings,Sing you bird songs

And it will warm you as surely As the sun dissolves the fog.Listen to the still and years,And tears hence,It will enfold you as eternallyAs the sea…Years and Tears hence…Arms around you, Judy”Prepared by Judy and Denise

Vernon Keith Hale

Vernon Keith Hale
(April 28, 1948  to November 15, 2020)

Wreck Beach has lost another devoted naturist who valued Wreck Beach and its natural beauty, greatly. 

He often could be found in Billy’s “Casino” where he brought his young daughter, Naomi, whenever they had the time. 

Vern’s dry  sense of humour always shone through, but he was always there in times of trouble for the beach, his family and friends. 

Vern and his wife, Linda, were avid kayakers and combined their love of nature through their kayaking. 

If the measure of a man can be determined by the way he treats others, his family, friends and animals,  then Vern was a man for all seasons. 

Vernon would caution sun lovers to take protective measures against melanoma because his turned out to be a particularly aggressive kind which stole his life far too early. 

From Colorado to Nevada’s Burning Man to Hotsprings Cove and the Oregon Country Fair, Vern and his brother, Derek explored Naturist locations across North America.  

They were in the midst of restoring a homebuilt aircraft at Boundary Bay. He will be missed and we will hold a wreath-laying ceremony in the Spring.  Rest in peace, Vernon.

Jamie and Darcy Strachan’s Passing

The WBPS extends its condolences to not only Jamie and Darcy Strachan’s family but also to Jamie’s fiancee, Janine Poper, and to the entire beach community who knew and loved Jamie.

We couldn’t believe it on Moday, January 7 that both brothers had died of complications from the A-strain flu.

We were first notified of Jamie’s passing long distance by Stormin’ Norman and then from Presh the evening following his death.

(At the time, we weren’t aware that his brother, Darcy, had also died the same day. from the same flu)  We are all heartbroken.

A famous painter not yet having reached his pinnacle of perfection Jamie left us with so many reminders of his greatness as a beach person, loyal friend, father, dedicated, fun-loving musician, poet and artist.

He often volunteered his drumming for beach jams and celebrations of life as well as providing some of his equipment for the Wreck Beach Christmas party fundraisers.

Judy was so honoured to have had him paint her portrait and to have presented it to her as we were demonstrating to keep our bus stop at the top of Marine Drive and University Boulevard.

Each painting was better than the one before. It’s not often that a painter can teach himself to reach our innermost hearts.

It only goes to show that we must savour the beauty of life while we have it because, like a candle in the wind, it can blow out with even the slightest puff of breath. Be at peace, Jamie  as you re-unite with your  beloved little black and white bunny, Bun Bun, whom you loved so much.  The Family will announce celebration of life plans later and we will post them on the website.

Judy Williams and the WBPS

Juan Battistini’s Beach celebration of life!

We are going to have  Juan’s celebration of life tomorrow!

August 27(Mon.) 3 to 7:00PM

Bottom of trail 6

 

Death of JUAN BATTISTINI

JUAN BATTISTINI
JULY 15, 1969-JULY 15, 2018

It is with a heavy heart that our beloved Empanada Lucy wants her Wreck Beach
Family to know of Juan’s passing early on his 49thbirthday.

Please give hery our love in the loss of her younger son who is father to Thomas (15) and Quinton (14), uncle to Lily(18) and Lucas (5), brother to Carlos, former brother-in-law to Lisa, stepson to Matt Morgado, and former husband of Erica, loving
mother of his sons. Juan’s Celebration of Life will be held on the beach and we will let you know as soon as we have set a date to accommodate family travel availability.

I would appreciate someone helping me set up a Go Fund Me Page to help offset funeral
costs.

Judy (604)-308-6336

Death of Robert C. CORBETT

My Rock of Gibralter, and closest friend over the past 38 years, Robert, died peacefully April 5, at 12:10 a.m. holding my hand.

We were first introduced on Wreck Beach. He followed the rainbow path with an eagle flight feather clasped in his hands. Long-time friends, Erin and James, kept the vigil with me on April 4th.

I cannot thank Dr. Blackmore, and others who made his life better, plus the entire Zion Park Manor staff, his regular caregivers, enough for their many kindnesses and caring that went above and beyond their duties. They loved his wit, sense of humour and wealth of knowledge which he shared humbly.

He spoke seven languages and helped put his siblings through university, as well as successfully running one of the largest nursery operations in British Columbia. He was extremely respected and involved with the UBC Botanical Gardens where he worked with them in their early planning stages. In 1958, after fellow nurseryman John Massot travelled to California, and brought back the concept of nurseries selling plants in plastic tubs, he and Robert pioneered the practice in Canada!

Robert often joked that the ornamental cherries planted on boulevards in Vancouver came from his grafts and nursery stock. He was also a member of the DPS (Desert Plant Society), and the Magnolia Society.

He was a well-respected plantsman from Richmond to Aldergrove, to Bradner where he established successful nurseries and had many international contacts in Asia and Europe. Robert’s experience/knowledge in both propagation and grafting, was unexcelled and, as well, he understood most details and hardiness levels about all the ornamental plants of the Lower Mainland.

Over the years, he was the go-to man for any questions about one’s plants. He developed a new and rare form of Hosta and no one was more educated in more topics than this humble and witty man as he was also a top chef!! Robert was pre-deceased by his father, Norman; his mother, Mae; brothers, Lorne and Don; his sister, Barbara; his sister-in-law, Connie, and nephew, Peter, and Peter’s son, Ryan.

As well, he was also pre-deceased by his business partner of many years, Roy Dann. He is survived by his wife, Judy;

We are all missing him and will continue to miss him for the remainder of our lives. Good night, Sweet Prince, as you pass into “The Land of the Forever Young” to join your little friend, Gladys, whom you escorted there the night after her passing, just as the sun set between the two mountains off the Coast of Scotland.

Robert’s celebration of life will be Sat., May 12, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Newlands Golf and Country Club, 21025-48th Ave., (604)-533-3288, Langley, B.C. in the Copper Ballroom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wreck Beach Preservation Society (28616 Haverman Rd., Bradner, B.C. V4X 2P3) or to the charity of your choice.

Arms around you all,
Judy Williams-Corbett (604-308-6336)

Our Wreck Beach family has lost another member!

 

Ian Lees has past away…

My name is Candie Lees.
My brother in law Ian Lees (Digger) passed away on December 29, 2017.

As I understand, Wreck Beach was one of Ian’s favourite places to be.

I’m reaching out to let anyone who knew him know of his passing and to let them know that Ian’s celebration of life will be at the Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace below….

 

Canadian Memorial United Church:  1825 W. 16th Ave, Vancouver

January 19th (Fri.)  at 11:30A.M.

It will take place on Friday Please RVSP  mdle3005@gmail.com  if your able to attend!

Rod Harrison… Celebration of his Life!

Obituary as Published in The Province

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Rodney Bruce Harrison
June 23, 1949-March 17, 2017

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It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Rod Harrison while on vacation in Cuba.

Predeceased by his parents Raymond (1988) & Carmen Marguerite(2005) Harrison, and Aunts Dorothea Sandercock (1987) Harrison & Daphne Sandercock (2008). Rod leaves behind his dear friends, Allan Kane, Bill McKitrick, Dino Tsiropolous, Lisa Hansen, and Paul Hucul and the BC Kyokushinkai Karate family, as well as many other friends.

A Burnaby South Class of ’67 graduate, Rod was athletic and musical.  He loved sports, animals, nature, travelling, and jazz & blues.  In 1979, he earned his M.A. in
Communications Studies (SFU).

Rod held many positions including at S.F.U., Dale Carnegie, Burnaby Hospital, Vancouver Canadians Baseball Club and the Government of B.C..

At age 65, Sensei Rod obtained his 3^rd degree Black Belt (Sandan) in Karate.  He taught Karate at the JCC Kyokuhinkai dojo for 20 years.  Rod lived his life based upon the Kyokushin principle:  “ We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm, unshaking spirit.” In that he lived this way, may his spirit rest in peace.

Rod was a generous and dedicated blood donor who reached 160 lifetime blood & platelets donations.

A passionate football & sports fan, Rod was the proud owner of a magnificent painting of a  BC Lions football game at Empire Stadium, which will be donated to the BC Lions Hall of Fame in his name.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on

•  Thursday, June 29^th at 7:30 p.m.
•  Jewish Community Centre: 950 West 41^st Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 2N7.

If you wish, donations may be made in Rod’s memory to the BC Heart & Stroke Foundation.  A beach celebration of life date will be announced later.

Dear Wreck Beach Friends of Rod Harrison:

Wreck Beach was Rod’s sanctuary and as such he kept it close to his heart and did not share his love of the beach with his “upstairs” students and associates.  Thus, out of respect for Rod, his close friend, Al, has asked that should you attend Rod’s  celebration of life  at the Jewish Community Centre, that you help keep Rod’s confidentiality about the Beach.  At a  later time TBA, we will be holding a celebration of life for Rod on the beach.  Thank you for your understanding.

Judy Williams

Rod Harrison… our long time friend!

The beach has lost another long-time friend in Rod Harrison.

Quiet, dedicted to Wreck and a friend to so many, we lost Rod to a massive heart attack on March 17 2017 while he was vacationing in Cuba.

At least his friend and fellow Wreck Beacher, Allan, was with him at the end. RIP, Rod.

Archive>>

Peter “Herbie” Leuthard’s Celebration of Life

Peter “Herbie” Leuthard’s Celebration of Life

• May 21 (Sat.) 1:00PM
• Bottom of Trail 6

Please bring a potluck dish or rolls and cold cuts, etc., with you and beach musicians are invited. 

Call Judy at 604-308-6336 to volunteer to bring food or to help carry items down the trail.

Archive>>