WRLA REMEMBERS

Alex Guy Coast Distributors

Working out of their garages, Alex, his wife Gillian and their partners established Coast Distributors in 1986.

With the company growing rapidly, it soon meant they needed to move out of their garages and into rented warehouse space. Following that, they moved into their own warehouse in Lantzville, north of Nanaimo. Although that warehouse has been expanded many times, it remains the company’s Island Distribution Centre.

Throughout the many changes, the company has seen it continues to run the way he intended. Built on honesty, integrity and exceptional service and with the support of his vendors and the outstanding team he built around him, that same business approach remains today, ten years after his retirement from Coast.

Always a firm believer in giving back to the community, his many philanthropic efforts will continue to help people for years to come.

Alex was a true business pioneer and will be greatly missed by his Coast Family but he will be missed even more by his loving wife of 48 years, Gillian and many other family and friends.

Richard James Smith Fries Tallman Lumber

Richard passed suddenly the morning of August 24, 2022 to the shock and sadness of his family and friends. Born April 9, 1968 in Saskatoon, SK, Richard was only 54 years old and is gone from us far too soon.

From a young age, Richard was quick to learn and excel at anything that was showed to him. One day learning to drive a standard, to the very next day driving heavy equipment with over a dozen gears; one day being shown how to ride a motorbike to the next day riding it on gravel roads to and from work—he had an amazing talent for absorbing things effortlessly.

Richard worked hard throughout his life, and was skilled and specialized in making doors of all descriptions. He shared his skill generously with everyone who needed help.

Everyone should be as lucky to have a Richard in their lives—someone protective, generous, and always present.

Wray Heywood Westrum Lumber

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to a good friend and former business partner, Wray Heywood. Wray passed away last week after a brief battle with cancer. We will miss his sense of humour and cackling laugh. The Westrum Lumber family wants to extend our sincerest condolences to the Heywood family. Cheers Wray.