Maple Ridge community reflects on the life and legacy of local businessman

The community of Maple Ridge lost a pillar last month, with the passing of local businessman Owen William Fuller.

Fuller, who worked at the family business, Fuller Watson Limited, was also very involved with the community.

For Gordy Robson, councillor with the city of Maple Ridge, not only was Fuller a good friend, but he believes he was a pillar of the community.

“I remember him back as far as 50 years ago. He led more promotions of Maple Ridge than anyone in the history of the community. He was a pillar of our community,” he said, adding, “The community will miss him.”

Robson said he remembered Fuller and his partner’s involvement and attendance at every parade and celebration in the city.

The unique Christmas bells that brighten up the streets of Maple Ridge, were an idea brought in from Calgary, by Fuller, who was at that time involved in the Downtown Merchants Association. Robson reminisced over how Fuller brought the original bells out from Alberta in the 60s’ and remarked over his passion for the community of Maple Ridge.

Moreover, Fuller, along with Ro Vienotte, spearheaded the original street-lighting project by persuading local merchants to finance their purchases, while the municipality would store and install them each year.

“He was deeply involved with the community,” Robson said.

Tom Meier, the co-founder of Johnston Meier Insurance agencies, also remembers Fuller as being a great guy. The two worked on and off on various committees in the city. He remembered being on the parking committee with Fuller and remarked that he was an “icon in the community.”

“He was an honest man, you could trust him and even in his senior years, he was full of energy,” he said.

The Maple Ridge Museum also remembered Fuller’s contributions to the community and especially highlighted the street-lighting.

“One of Owen Fuller’s bright legacies is of course his part in the purchase and saving of our communities beloved Christmas Bells that decorate downtown during the festive season,” said Shea Henry, executive director with the museum.

Henry also recalled that Fuller’s family store was the first business to relocate from the overcrowded Port Haney to what would become the new town center, most other Port Haney businesses followed suit.

“Although the building has been remodeled several times over the years, Fuller-Watson has remained a fixture in downtown Haney,” she said.

Former Mayor Ernie Daykin’s earliest memory of Fuller is visiting the then Fuller-Watson General store as a kid, with his sister, to visit Santa at the toy section. Not only does he have fond memories of Fuller from when he was a kid visiting the store, but also from later, as an adult.

“He considered me as a peer and not like the snooty-nosed kid who would visit his store,” said the former owner of Windsor Plywood.

Daykin also described Fuller as one of the pillars of the Maple Ridge community, and remarked that Fuller was a straight-shooter, a man full of integrity and a man of faith.

“He always, always had a smile on his face, and he was a great salesman. But he also provided great service. As time changed, he changed with times and his business kept evolving,” Daykin noted.

Daykin ran into Fuller a couple of years back at a local hardware store and the two reminisced over the old times, how Haney had changed over the years, the politics, everything.

“Even from my political days, I don’t think he always agreed with my views but we could always have respectful conversations. And even when he didn’t agree with something, he didn’t just point it out, but he also offered solutions,” he said, adding that there was much to learn from Fuller’s legacy, especially his perseverance and the thoughtful way in which he contributed to the community.

He was one of the early members of the Maple Ridge Baptist Church origins of which can be traced back to when his grandparents hosted small gatherings in their home. He was a member of the church and was the one who helped acquire the property and helped through the construction of the Maple Ridge Towers - Baptist Housing facility for seniors.

For all his contributions to the community, Daykin noted that Fuller never sought limelight and quietly went about his business in the community and supported the community in a variety of ways.

“The old Fullers of the world are not easily replaced,” he concluded.

Fuller passed away on Jan. 29, and a private, modest celebration of life service is being planned.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Fuller, people can visit the Tribute Store.

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