It is with great sadness that the family of Herbert Leroy CHESLEY announce his passing on May 19, 2014 in the Hospice of Dunrovin Park Lodge. Herb (Herbie) was born August 11, 1933 and celebrated his 80th birthday last year with many family and friends at his Cotton Springs Ranch on West Fraser Road.
Herb was born in Smeaton, Saskatchewan to Arthur and Eunice Chesley and was the eldest son of five boys. Herb moved to Quesnel in 1953 where he met and married Irene Twan whom he was married to for 51 years.
Herb and Irene raised family, successfully ranched and logged west of Quesnel for over 50 years, Herb had an impact on so many people during his life. He was a great man of integrity, a great support within his community and always conducted himself honourably; for this he was loved and respected by his family, friends and business associates. He was certainly a role model of hard work for his children and grandchildren. He consistently shared his ethics of working hard at everything, supporting family and friends and above all sharing laughter.
Herb was diagnosed with cancer last fall but even that did not hinder his disposition and devotion to his ranch. He was still making phone calls, giving instructions and making plans for the ranch and logging just two days before he passed away. Herb spent his lifetime building a legacy for his family. His family will do their best to continue his legacy to ranch and log as he taught them to do.
Herb was predeceased at the time of his passing by both his parents, his brother Walter, sister-in-law Edna and his beautiful daughter Donna Marie.
He is survived by his wife Irene, and at the time of his passing his children; Vivian (Larry), Arthur (Jude), Gloria (Dean). His grandchildren: Mavis (Rick), Robyn (Zach), Brett (Kieron), Morgan (Ed). Great-grandchildren: Cole, Calleigh and Echo. Brothers; Ken, Don (Claire), Bruce (Pat), sister-in-law; Pat. As well as many other family members and cherished friends.
Herb was laid to rest on May 26, 2014
St. Ann’s Catholic Church, officiating Father Martin Peyton. Inurnment: Quesnel and District cemetery, next to his parents and his daughter Donna. Some of Herb’s ashes were placed in a rock overlooking the Ranch on Father’s Day.
Herb was a proud man always grateful for life’s blessings. Herb’s family would like to extend heart felt gratitude to all neighbours, family and friends that supported him and his family through this difficult time; specifically Norman Johnny; long term employee, friend, and neighbour for his loyalty and dedication to Herb. His physicians; Dr. Martins and Dr. Van Dyk, thank you for your care and compassion. Thank you to the Nurses and other health care professionals we encountered during Herb’s illness. Thank you St. Ann’s Catholic Church and all its members for their contribution and effort to his service. Thank you to the Pall bearers, honorary pall bearers and ushers who were all cherished friends and family of Herb’s and Irene’s. To the musicians at the service and tea, thank you, your music was very special to all of us. Finally, thank you to Clayton’s Funeral Home for all their compassionate assistance to the family in final arrangements.
Herbie hauled his last load of logs to Quesnel on December 18, 2013. Always the worker, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, neighbour....you will always be remembered as a GREAT man who made a difference to each one of us.
Two weeks before Herb’s passing, his daughter Vivian Catherine Kowal was diagnosed with cancer as well. It is with great sadness that we announce her passing on August 10, 2014 at the Williams Lake hospital, one day prior to her 60th birthday. Vivian is survived by her husband of 36 years Larry, her daughter Mavis (Rick) and grandchildren Cole and Calleigh and her adoring family and friends. As requested by Vivian, there was no service. Vivian was a loving and caring woman who will be deeply missed by all of us; the family is deeply saddened that we did not get more time with this beautiful woman who was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. We take comfort in knowing she is with her sister and father, We Love You Vivian.