Tribute

Chester passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16 at Elim Village in Surrey. Predeceased by his loving wife, Eva, he will be fondly remembered by his children Cyril (Roberta), Darlene (Mark) Johnson, Patricia (Arnd) Beckmann, Graham (Faith), and Jennifer (Bryan) Wasden , twelve grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, children under guardianship Michelle Mottishaw and Donald Atkinson and many members of his wife’s family of origin.

Born in Alberta, Chester moved to BC with Eva and his three oldest children in 1954, eventually settling in Surrey. He worked for many years as a psychiatric nurse, learning the electrical trade over time and finishing his working life at Pearson Hospital in Vancouver doing electrical maintenance. He retired in 1986 and a few years later moved with Eva to Vernon, BC. Retirement offered many opportunities to do volunteer service at home and abroad; he was active in his church, Gideons International, and The Upper Room Mission in Vernon and, as well, his wiring skills were appreciated by family, friends, survivors of Manitoba floods, and many struggling churches in foreign countries.

The summer of 2003 brought difficult times when Eva suffered a serious stroke. From then until her death in 2010, Chester cared for her faithfully but then his own health started to deteriorate. In 2012, he moved into an assisted living home but was transferred into a complex care facility a few years later. In the summer of 2016, he was accepted into care at Elim Village in Surrey where more of his family could spend time with him again. He was a kind and funny man who elicited love and affection from those who spent time with him.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Chester on Saturday, March 3 at 1pm in the lower auditorium of Johnston Heights Church, 9612 – 152^nd Street, Surrey, BC. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Gideons International in Canada.