LOcaL news
Creston Valley Advance Thursday, February 21, 2013
www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca 3
Jennifer Huscroft
At the time of his final solo flight at age 86, Ken Huscroft was the oldest pilot in Canada.
Huscroft
From page 1 “It’s difficult to assess the impact that his loss will have on our community," Creston Mayor Ron Toyota said on Friday. “As the son of parents who were among our earliest settlers, Ken lived a remarkable life, one that touched hundreds — probably thousands — of people in countless ways. “I first got to know Ken when I started flying in 1966. For two summers, I worked as a pilot, spotting forest fires for J.H. Huscroft Ltd. For the last 12 years of his life we were fellow Rotarians — his 45 years of perfect attendance is just one indication of what a determined man he was when he made a commitment. Ken’s Rotary example has served as my inspiration to keep a perfect attendance record for my 11 years in the Creston Valley Rotary Club. “We use the word legacy too lightly at times, but Ken's legacy as a community builder, employer, family man and friend to so many is unparalleled.” Following are excerpts from the biography presented at Huscroft’s funeral by one of his sons, Kevin. “Kenneth grew up in Huscroft, together with his many siblings and cousins that lived nearby, playing with farm animals, roaming in the woods, and swimming or skating and playing hockey at the local pond. From his father and older brothers, he learned to love fishing and hunting and working in the family businesses of farming, logging and sawmilling. “Kenneth also learned the pain of loss early in his life. His older brother, Warren, was kicked by a horse while walking home from school and died in 1938. Then in 1942, his older brother, Burt, was killed in a logging accident while working in the family business. “When [the Second World War] came, Kenneth volunteered but was initially too young to serve. He returned to school
to complete high school math so that he could enlist in the Air Force to become a pilot, which he did in 1943. It was when he returned to school that Kenneth met his first wife, Kate Riddell. Kenneth and Kate were married in Lethbridge, Alta., in 1944. Kenneth earned his wings in Gimli, Man., where he finished first in his class, and was promoted to flying officer in 1944. He had also trained to land in cross winds at Fort Macleod, Alberta, thus coming to know much of the prairies. As the war in Europe was coming to an end, Kenneth was not sent overseas, and he was then discharged in 1945. Kenneth returned to the Creston Valley to work in the family logging and sawmilling business, J.H. Huscroft Ltd., often living in logging camps in the mountains for extended periods, sometimes with his young family. “Through the late ’40s and the ’50s, Kenneth and Kate had seven children: John, Warren, Gwen, Ruth, Kevin, Barry and Jeannie. Kenneth’s life changed dramatically in 1953 when his beloved oldest brother Elmer died in a sawmilling accident. With Elmer gone, the management of the family businesses fell to Kenneth, Leonard and Mickey, and from that day forward their mother forbade them to ever travel together in the same vehicle, out of fear of losing all of her sons in another accident. Kenneth’s father, John, died in 1964. … “Kenneth and Kate divorced, and then he married Gloria Woodford in 1974 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. With Gloria, he travelled to many parts of the world, seeing many places in Europe, north and south America, and many Pacific Islands. Gloria also worked with Kenneth at the sawmill for many years. Kenneth and Gloria adopted two children, Roselle and Derek, in 1978. And then Kenneth joined the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints], and became active supporting various church programs, especially those for youth.” To read Kevin Huscroft’s complete biography of his father, visit www. crestonvalleyadvance.ca/community.
New acupuncturist in Creston!
Zea Friesen R.Ac.
is a 2006 graduate of the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson, BC
Balance Point Acupuncture
• activates the body’s own healing energy • does not interfere with medications • safe for pregnant women, children and the elderly
“Acupuncture is part of a complete medicine.” Covered by most extended health plans and MSP in BC 1821 Canyon St. Creston, BC 250.428.0207 for an appointment
Lorne Eckersley
Creston Mayor Ron Toyota (left) presented the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal to Creston Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Mike Moore, honouring his 20 years in the profession.
Toyota, Kettle, Moore receive medals BY LORNE ECKERSLEY Advance Staff
There was a rare overflowing gallery at the Feb. 12 regular Creston town council meeting as firefighters and friends and families of Mayor Ron Toyota and Regional District of Central Kootenay chair John Kettle gathered to witness medal presentations. Hans Cunningham, former chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, stepped to the podium and presented Toyota and Kettle with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals. Cunningham cited each man’s lengthy record of community service that preceded their ascension to elected offices. Toyota presented Creston Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Mike Moore with the Governor General’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in recognition of “20 years of loyal and exemplary service to public safety in Canada.” Council Briefs •RCMP Staff Sgt. Bob Gollan presented his quarterly report, including statistics broken down into town and rural area police activity. (A full report will appear in
ARTWORK NEEDED LOCAL cresteramics, a not for profit organization in Creston is looking for local artwork and crafts to display and sell in our busy downtown store at 1022 Canyon Street. Right now we have the work of 25 amazing local artists and crafters displaying their wares in our store, and have room for more.
Please call Val at 250-428-5538 for an appointment
next week’s Advance, and can be found at www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca/news.) •A selected committee headed by Coun. Wesly Graham was struck to begin organizing the 2014 Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments annual conference, which will be held in Creston. •The town and RDCK have reached an agreement to extend the septage disposal service for another year. •A proposal to move the Creston Valley Farmers’ Market to town property adjacent to the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce was referred to staff for further information and will appear on next week’s meeting agenda. •Council endorsed a request to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for financial assistance to offset the costs of senior staff taking professional development courses in the coming year. •Colin Farynowski, manager of engineering, presented reports on the next phase of the trails system being constructed in partnership with local Rotary clubs and on initial plans to create one or more off-leash dog parks for Creston pet owners.
Mobile, On Site, and In House Training BC Workplace Emergency First Aid (OFA Level 1) Emergency First Aid/CPR Standard First Aid/CPR Emergency Child Care/CPR Standard Child Care/CPR Healthcare Provider Babysitting course Darlene Knudson 250-223-8005 Email: dar-lean@telus.net