AUSTRING – OSCAR ARNE
Born Jan. 3, 1916 Beaver Flat, Saskatchewan. Passed away peacefully July 9, 2005 at 89 years of age, with his family by his side. Predeceased by his first wife Alice, his infant daughter Norma, his sister Signe Granger and his brother John Austring. Survived by his wife of 26 years, Beverley, daughter Arlene (Don Young), son Arne (Val), stepchildren David Hecker (Ann), Debbie (Doug Odin), Darren Hecker, much beloved grandchildren Jeff Young, Kristen and Claire Austring, John Hecker, Melissa and Megan Midan and great grandchild Haley Hecker. Also survived by sisters Ruth Austring, Carola Lightfoot, Clarice Schill, Ragna Flynn and many beloved nieces and nephews. Oscar’s family moved to Pitt Meadows 80 years ago and he and his father started the blueberry industry not only in Pitt Meadows, but they were also instrumental in developing blueberry farming provincially. He was President of the BC Blueberry Co-op for 27 years and was a founding member of the North America Blueberry Council. Oscar was a Pitt Meadows councillor (alderman) between 1950 to 1965 and was Mayor of Pitt Meadows from 1966 to 1975. He spent many years involved in Rotary, the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. He was an active member of the Golden Ears Winter Club and indulged in his passion for fishing throughout BC. Oscar had a wonderful sense of humour and really enjoyed any kind of get-together with family or friends. He will be missed by his morning coffee buddies and lunch buddy Don. Oscar was admired and respected by colleagues and loved by all who knew him. The family would like to thank the nurses of 1 South and 2 West and especially Dr. Allen Neufeld who showed extraordinary kindness to Oscar and his family. A Celebration of Oscar’s life will be held Friday, July 15 at 1:30 P.M. at Maple Ridge Alliance Church, 20399 Dewdney Trk. Rd., Maple Ridge. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. MAPLE RIDGE FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM (Osborn’s) Ph: 604-463-8121