Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Don Chown (Pops) on November 6, 2022, at the age of 73.

Born to Robert and Lillian Chown in New Westminster, B.C., Don was raised in various communities throughout the Lower Mainland, where he developed the strong work ethic that he would carry with him forever.

He met the love of his life, Sherry, while working as an electrician, and they wed in 1977, moving to Marysville shortly thereafter. The family home they built together was quickly put to use, as they raised their three children – Casey, Brianne, and Brad – and opened their doors to their future son-in-law, Curtis, who quickly became a cherished part of their family and a second son.

Don was a well-known and respected businessman in the community and opened his first company, Kimberley Electric, in 1979. Filled with an entrepreneurial spirit, he followed his passion for business and later purchased Western Canada Fire Protection and then the local salvage yard, marking the beginning of more than 20 years of Columbia Recycle. Don left an undeniable mark on the community and truly valued interacting with his customers over the years.

Always searching for new adventures, Don loved spending time at his property in Lumberton making memories with his grandchildren, and spent most winters in Mexico with Sherry and some of their closest friends. He was a popular figure in their resort community and was especially known for his compassion and kindness among the locals. As their itch to explore new parts of the world grew, Don and Sherry checked an item off their bucket list and recently enjoyed a memorable trip to Europe.

Don will be remembered by family, friends, and all those he touched as a man of integrity and generosity, with an infectious laugh that we’ll never forget. He was a trusted source of advice and wisdom for his children, who loved him deeply as both a father and friend. Don adored his grandchildren, and they adored him.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lillian Chown, and his older brother Bob. His absence in our lives will be greatly felt by Sherry, his wife and best friend of 45 years, and our family: sister Vicki Bryant (Bill); his three children Casey (Curtis), Brianne (Jeremy), Brad (Ashley); and his grandchildren Lilly (Mack), Aliya (Indy), Aiden, Bryden, Brett, and Owen; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

A celebration of life will be held on November 19, 2022, at the Kimberley Conference Center. Open visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and we welcome all friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to donchownmemorial@gmail.com, where the family will donate all proceeds to the local schools’ breakfast and lunch program(s).