After an unexpected, fast and merciless battle with lung cancer, it is with sorrow and shock we announce the death of our father, Don Pelling, in the early morning of Monday, April 9, 2018, at his home in Ladysmith, BC. Vicki, his wife of 68 yrs, and their six children were there to offer comfort and support in his final days.

Born in Saskatchewan to George Young and Elizabeth (Hay) Pelling, Don was the youngest of three sons (predeceased by brothers Robert (Bob) and John (Jack)). As a child, he moved from Regina to Richmond, B.C. with his mother and brother Jack.

Don met the love of his life, Vicki, over a glass of coca cola and a hamburger when he was 17. They fell in love, married and, together, raised six children. His strong work ethic was instilled in his kids -- and ultimately in his grandchildren, of whom he was very proud and loved very much.

In the early 70s in Richmond, he established Don Pelling Insurance, then McCubbin Pelling Insurance and later Strataco Management. He participated in developing the province’s Strata Titles Act and took great personal pride in his accomplishments.

Don led a full life. He was an active member of St. Alban’s Anglican Church in his younger years, coached Richmond High School and Richmond community football, traveled the Pacific Coast highways in his motorhome, explored the coast line of B.C. aboard the San Souci III, his Canoe Cove, and enjoyed numerous handyman projects throughout it all. Don and Vicki were happiest on the water and found great pleasure fishing the Sunshine Coast and around Pender Harbour where, for a number of years, they entertained friends and family with a surfeit of fresh seafood and many memorable fishing expeditions.

For the last 20 years they lived in Ladysmith, where Don enjoyed spending the majority of his time in the garden growing flowers, herbs and unique blends of tomatoes, which they shared with their many friends – and he took great pleasure feeding the birds that habited the yard.

Don is survived by his wife, Vicki; six children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandson: son Don - Bradley and Ashlea (Dustin) & great grandson Keifer; daughter Joanne (Ross) - Reed (Laurence), Taylor and Lauren; daughter Deborah; son Greg (Julie) - Blair (Rachel), Frazer and Kelsie; son Brad (Janice) - Jonathon; daughter Victoria (Mike) - Declan and Cian.

Thank you to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Emergency Room staff, the Nanaimo palliative care staff, and the 24-hour care worker for their herculean effort to help Don spend his final days at home - as was his wish.

At Don’s request, there will be no service. Cremation followed by a private family gathering this summer were his final request (after a smoke and a scotch). Flowers gratefully declined. Friends may make donations in memoriam to the Ladysmith Resource Centre Association. Those who knew and loved him will always remember Don’s determination and his advice, “Don’t wait until you can afford it or you will never have it.” We know he is at peace, fishing that elusive school of Coho. He will be missed.