CASSIDY, Felix Thomas passed away peacefully at age 84 on Monday morning March 9, 2009 in Nanaimo, BC.
Born September 16, 1924 in Glenside, Saskatchewan, Felix later moved to St. Paul, Alberta where he met his beautiful wife to be, Rose Hovelkamp. Not being fans of cold weather, Felix & Rose moved to California in 1958. Felix worked many jobs and graduated from the American College of Barbers in 1962. During this time it was always important that they spend summer holidays with family back in St. Paul, Alberta. Felix enjoyed the barber business and owned/shared interests in many shops, eventually establishing Harbour Park Barber Shop in Nanaimo, BC. At the same time, the dream to build a mobile home park on the “Island” was becoming a reality. Later Felix was able to sell the downtown shop and semi-retire to maintain the park.
Starting in the mid 80’s, the love of the sun lured Felix & Rose south every winter for holidays. Retirement was a busy job with motorcycle trips with friends, traveling with his family, and motorhome “snowbirding” in Yuma, AZ. He loved clogging, singing, square dancing and narrating all their travels and adventures on video tape. Felix was a World War II Navy Veteran, member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and Loyal Order of Moose.
Felix is lovingly remembered by: his dedicated wife of 53 years, Rose (Hovelkamp); son Darrell (Louise) of Pt. Roberts, WA; his daughters Carolyn (Ron) Tuson of Nanaimo, BC; Janice (Mark) Rakoczy of Phoenix, AZ; his grand children Mark and Stephanie Tuson of Nanaimo; Brei Rakoczy of Nanaimo and Pierce Rakoczy of Phoenix; his sisters Marie Theroux of Bonnyville, AB and Anne Littlemore of Nanaimo, BC; sister-in-law Mary Stasyk of St. Paul, AB; his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Felix is predeceased by his parents Edward & Matilda and his brother Homer. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and the Wexford Creek Residence for their kind attention and wonderful care. The family would also like to thank friends and family for their loving support. Special thanks to Heinz and Sandra for their dedication over these last few years.
A Celebration Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 301 Machleary Street, Nanaimo, BC at 10:30 am, Monday March 16, 2009. A reception in the Church Hall will follow the mass, all are welcome to attend. A private interment will be held at Cedar Memorial Gardens in the Field of Honour. In lieu of fl owers, the family requests that donations be made to the Canadian Diabetic Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC.