Welcome to the very first post on the new Seaview Breeze site! And what better way to begin than with a quick introduction to the new Seaview Breeze editor – Christine Moore.
Christine and her husband Glenn rolled onto the street in 2025 – official newbies! Now newly retired, they spent the last several pre-retirement years dreaming, planning, and building their home at 1412 Seaview. After plenty of sawdust and decision-making, they are happily (and finally!) settled in and ready to enjoy this next chapter.
In the spirit of getting to know more of the wonderful people on our street, Christine answered the call to take over from Elaine Prodor, who so graciously steered the Seaview Breeze ship for the past eight years and was ready to pass the baton.
Along with keeping the street-wide email humming along, Christine will now take the helm of the semi-annual newsletter. As a proud newcomer, she’ll be leaning on our terrific community for stories, updates, photos, and the little gems that make Seaview such a special place. With everyone’s help, the newsletter will continue to be a delightful treat for the whole street.
To many of us, Bob Emmerson was first and foremost a wonderful neighbour. He was always ready for a chat, whether over the fence or in the driveway of his garage, and he greeted everyone with that easy, genuine smile. Bob carried a natural warmth and openness that made people feel at ease, and his steady kindness left a lasting impression on our community. He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the good cheer he shared so generously with those around him.
Robert Emmerson, born on February 23, 1941, in New Westminster, British Columbia, passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 84. He will be deeply missed by his family and by all who knew and loved him. Bob grew up in Haney, British Columbia, working at the family grocery store, Emmerson’s Market. He graduated from Qualicum College, making many friends during those years and keeping in touch with them throughout his life. After school, Bob joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and travelled widely, stationed at bases throughout Canada as well as in Germany. He served his final years in the military with Search and Rescue teams in Gander, Newfoundland, and Comox.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Bob completed a finance program at Camosun College. He then worked in the insurance business in both Comox and Campbell River, retiring at 60 to travel, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy life at Miracle Beach.
Bob was an avid vintage car lover and, in his retirement, rebuilt a 1935 Chevy pickup and toured Canada and the U.S. with his Boler trailer. He later restored a spruce green 1954 Chevy Bel Air convertible. He was a proud member of the VI Cruisers and the Vintage Car Club and enjoyed many road trips and car shows with dear friends and with Sharon by his side.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his son, Robert (Erin); and his daughter, Shannon (Brent). He was fiercely proud of his three “awesome” grandsons, Milo, Morris, and Zac, whom he affectionately called “his boys.”
Friends knew Bob as a warm, witty, generous, “glass-always-half-full” kind of guy, able to see the possibilities and humour in any situation. He loved people, and nothing made him happier than spending time telling and listening to stories, drawing out a laugh or a memory, or nurturing a connection.
A celebration of life (and old cars) will be held at a date to be announced. Should you wish to remember Bob, the family encourages donations to local ostomy support groups or cancer societies, or asks that you take a moment to remember Bob in your own way. Take a drive, admire a classic car, or share a story about him with someone you love.
Roy (RC) Smith was a much-loved neighbour, friend, and larger-than-life presence in our Seaview Road community. His warmth, humour, and unmistakable spirit left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. From his early prairie roots to his many years on the coast, Roy lived fully and generously. He loved swapping stories, sharing a laugh, watching the tides, and enjoying the view from his waterfront home.
Roy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved hockey, music, dogs, practical jokes, and the simple pleasures of home. His passing leaves a deep absence in the neighbourhood, but his energy, kindness, and joy for life will be long remembered.
In loving memory, Roy (RC) Smith (1934–2025), age 91, of Miracle Beach, Black Creek, BC, passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2025.
Roy was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and grew up in Mortlach. He always remained connected to his prairie roots. In 1964, he moved his family to West Vancouver, where he built his dream home in a sunny location with a sweeping, uninterrupted view.
Over a career spanning more than 40 years in the fashion industry, Roy built RC Smith Agency from a men’s clothing manufacturer’s agency into Great Pacific Label Co., working alongside his daughter Lynelle. He embraced opportunity and innovation and was never afraid to take creative risks.
Roy was truly larger than life. From his gold tooth and hockey antics to his legendary practical jokes and vast collection of memorabilia, he brought energy to every room. He was forward-thinking and adventurous. He owned one of the first Suburban trucks in Vancouver, bought and sold rental properties, and built a beachside cabin. He had a natural instinct for opportunity.
He adored his life partner, Patricia, and cherished his family, including all their dogs. His hockey days at Hollyburn and in Courtenay were a big part of his life. He looked forward each year to annual fishing trips with his friend Don Deydey (Nighty), and later with Scott, Marshal, and Paul. He loved travelling with Patricia, family, and friends, but he was always happiest coming home.
After retiring and building his second dream home at Miracle Beach, Roy developed a passion for chopping and piling wood. He spent countless hours watching the ocean for the next prized log drifting in on the tide. He enjoyed birdwatching and entertained others with his skill at calling eagles and predicting the weather by observing the fish sculpture. Whatever he was doing, music was always playing in the background, especially jazz.
Roy is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son Scott (Carol); his daughter Lynelle Arsenault (Paul); his grandchildren Sarah Watters (Kyle), Emily Minni (Robbie), and Marshal; his great-granddaughter Mia; his brother-in-law Harry Staseson (Sharon); his sister-in-law Mary Lou Staseson; and many nieces and nephews.
The sun set on Roy as he headed to the outdoor rink, skates slung over his shoulder, ready to burn up the wing on a clean sheet of ice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay on February 28 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
William (Bill) Frank Enns passed away on February 14, 2024, at his home in Black Creek, BC, surrounded by his family. The following reflects the Dignity Memorial obituary.
Bill was born in McCreary, Manitoba, on September 21, 1933, and grew up on a farm. He is survived by his wife, Katie, to whom he was married for almost 69 years, and their five children: Robert (Sandy), Paul (Laurie), Janet (Dave), Mark (Charlene), and Krista (Joe). He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and his two sisters, Caroline and Cora.
In 1966, Bill moved his family to Vancouver Island, BC. He found work at Oyster River Engineering, where he demonstrated his skill in steel construction and within the logging industry. He also built his own home. In the community, Bill became well known among local farmers as the man who could fix anything.
Bill had a winsome personality and a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed building and took pride in expressing creativity and artistry through his work.
He was also known as a man of faith, which he expressed through goodwill toward others. A fair and honest man, he loved the Lord and remained faithful to his wife and family to the very end. May he rest in peace in the presence of Jesus.
Earl “Cla-chum-se-nup” Smith was born at Saltery Bay on Nootka Island in 1935. He was the sixth of 18 children, and two of his siblings were adopted by his parents.
Earl spent happy childhood days in his mother’s Nuchalaht village. His ancestors had lived there continuously for more than 6,000 years. His parents, Esther and Joe, worked hard in canneries, logging camps, and wherever work could be found along the coast. Earl and his siblings were cared for by their large extended family. During those years, he learned the stories and language of his Nuchanulth culture.
His father was descended from the line of ranking chiefs of Nootka Sound known as “Maquinna.” The name means “bearer of cooking rocks” and reflects high social standing and influence.
Earl’s father’s people are the Ehattesaht of Esperanza Inlet. His mother’s people are the Nuchalaht of Nootka Island. Together, they are two of the fourteen Nuchanulth Nations whose traditional territories stretch along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Earl had countless relatives among the Nuchanulth people, from Nootka Sound to the Makah in Washington State.
The Nuchanulth people were known for their seamanship and their skill at harvesting food from the sea. However, their traditional hunting and gathering way of life became endangered when wage employment was introduced through colonization.
At the age of seven, Earl and his siblings were taken by federal authorities and sent to Indian residential schools far from home. With quiet dignity, Earl spoke about his struggle to survive abuse and to hold on to his language during his time at Christie School in Tofino and later at high school in Kamloops.
At nineteen, Earl returned to Zeballos to work in the logging industry.
In 1976, he hosted the largest potlatch ever held on the west coast. Nearly 1,000 members of the Nuchanulth Nations gathered in his mother’s village on Nootka Island, where Earl had played as a child. The potlatch celebrated a new chief and the strength and resilience of his people.
In 1983, Earl was elected chief of the Ehattesaht band. He worked to preserve the language and stories of his people and to encourage pride in their heritage.
In the late 1970s, Earl moved with his parents to the Lower Mainland for work. There, he met his wife, Mary. Together, they returned to Vancouver Island to be close to Earl’s large family, and Mary’s family later followed.
In 2019, Earl and Mary moved into their home at 1439 Seaview Road. They enjoyed visits from family, and the laughter of children often filled their home.
In his later years, Earl enjoyed walking in the neighbourhood and making new friends.
Earl has returned to the arms of his ancestors and the spirits of his Nuchanulth homeland. He is celebrated, honoured, and deeply missed by his beloved wife Mary and by his extensive community of family and friends.
In January 2021, our mother, Dora Stotzer, a long-time resident of Seaview Road, passed away peacefully. Her spirit now begins a new journey of freedom and peace. Her magical presence, which brought a smile to everyone she met, will be deeply missed.
Dora’s adventurous spirit showed itself at a young age. She was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. As a teenager, she lived through the war with her older brother and sister. She loved sports, especially hurdling and swimming. Swimming became a lifelong passion. She qualified for the German Olympic swim team but chose not to compete. Instead, she set out for Canada with her architectural drafting certification and a sense of adventure.
She arrived by boat in Ontario. There, she lived and worked and met the man who would become her husband. After two years, they drove west across Canada and settled at Miracle Beach on Vancouver Island. They loved the area, and it became their home for the next 65 years.
For a short time, Dora lived in Ocean Falls. She and her young friends taught themselves how to ski. She often spoke of her happy memories in the remote paper mill town, which had an Olympic-sized swimming pool overlooking the ocean. Her love of swimming never faded. While living at Miracle Beach, she swam in the ocean every day, no matter the season. Even in winter, she braved the cold water without hesitation.
Dora had a deep love of the outdoors. She enjoyed hiking with Ruth Masters and was active in the Comox District Mountaineering Club. She went on canoe trips to the Broken and Octopus Islands, Donna Lake, and many places close to home around the Alders Beach area.
At the age of 59, she took up skate-skiing. She often headed up the mountain to escape the grey rainy days below and find sunshine above. She regularly competed in the “Snow-to-Surf” race. She also enjoyed kayaking and played tennis, table tennis, and volleyball.
Dora had always wanted to visit Asia. At 69, she traveled to Nepal with a group of friends and trekked to the base camp of Mount Everest. She returned home smiling after that great adventure. Soon after, she traveled to Thailand and loved the warmth and sunshine.
She loved classical music and performed in concerts. She played the recorder, flute, and piano. Even in her later years, she kept a harmonica close by. Many will remember her baking. She made a dark rye bread and a much-loved poppy seed cake. The cake recipe has been passed down in the family.
When her children were young, she taught them to play chess and encouraged them to spend time outdoors. As they grew older, she continued to share adventures with them. She cruised on the water with her daughter Karin and son-in-law Gavin. She visited her daughter Monica in Canmore, Alberta, where she hiked and skied in the Rocky Mountains. She also traveled to the prairies to visit her son Rolf, his wife Veronica, and her grandson Blake before they moved back to the valley. Every trip she made was enjoyed to the fullest.
Dora spent her final years at the Comox Valley Seniors Village in Courtenay. She was well cared for and enjoyed the activities and musical entertainment there.
Our mom will be deeply missed. May her energy and spirit forever wander her beloved forest and the surrounding sea—biking, walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and simply watching. She will live on in our hearts.
We offer a warm thank you to the many local friends and neighbours who kept a watchful eye on our mother during her later years at home on Miracle Beach.
“Who is the one, though finding fault, Who never seeks to blame? To whom you go when trouble comes, Whose love remains the same? Your mother.”
After more than four years of living with cancer, Maureen Beryl Coffey-Loeb Ross, known as Mo to most, passed away quietly and without pain on the evening of November 13, 2020 at The Views in Comox. She was 73 years old.
Mo is survived by her husband Neil of 38 years; her sister Eileen Webb; her brother-in-law Sandy Ross (Carol); and her son Grant Thiessen (Anne). She also leaves many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Cyril and Cora Coffey; her brothers Ivor and Roland Coffey; and her sister Brenda Simmons. She is also remembered by a close circle of loving friends who supported her throughout her illness.
Mo’s journey with cancer lasted longer than many experts predicted. When asked about it, she would simply say, “I guess I’m not ready to pop off yet.” That practical and determined attitude defined her life. She was never one for elaborate analysis. She believed in getting on with things.
Mo was born in 1947 in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, one of the oldest boroughs in England. Her parents farmed in nearby Shipton Moyne. At nineteen, she made the bold decision to leave her small English community and emigrate to Canada. She boarded the ship HMS Carinthia in Liverpool and arrived in Montreal on October 14, 1966.
During the voyage, she met her first husband, Terry Loeb, an accomplished guitarist. They settled in Winnipeg, Terry’s hometown, and became part of the vibrant music scene there. Around 1974, they moved to the Vancouver area. After Terry was tragically killed in a car accident, Mo faced another turning point in her life.
In 1980, she decided to move to Vancouver Island. With a tent, two cats, and a borrowed pickup truck, she headed to the Oyster River. Determined as always, she bought a copy of Canadian Wood Frame House Construction and, with help from her friend Neil and others, designed and built a cabin on the riverbank. There was no power, no water, and no phone, but that did not stop her. The cabin still stands today as a year-round home. Around that time, she even spent a summer commercial fishing to earn money and to conquer her fear of the water.
In 1982, she married Neil. Together they designed and built their home at Miracle Beach in 1988. Mo embraced Island life and worked at several jobs over the years, including one she loved at Sylvan Vale Nursery.
One special chapter of her life came full circle years later. In 1967, while living in Winnipeg, she had given birth to a son. In 2006, her son Grant found her, and they reunited in Manitoba. It was a joyful reunion, and Grant became a cherished part of Mo and Neil’s life.
Over the years, Mo and Neil enjoyed golfing, camping, and travelling together. They visited Mexico, England for family visits, Scotland, New Zealand, and even crossed Canada with a trailer to Newfoundland.
Mo created a beautiful garden that Neil calls his sanctuary. She fostered and adopted many cats, which she loved deeply. She took up painting with passion and never lost her willingness to try new things.
Even after her diagnosis, surgeries, and chemotherapy, Mo kept moving forward. Niagara Falls was on her bucket list, so she made the trip, walker and all. True to herself, she reminded everyone, “I’m not ready to pop off yet.”
Mo was fiercely independent and always willing to take risks. At the same time, she was a gentle and caring soul. She loved all creatures, whether furry, feathered, or human. She put others before herself and, now and then, enjoyed a good Scotch.
She was predeceased by her parents, Jane and Edwin DeGrey Seaman, and by her sister, Cherry DeGrey Osborn. She is survived by her husband, Mike “MJ” Johnson; her sons, Nick (Jen) and Tim Johnson; and her grandson, Richard Burke.
Alongside her husband Mike, she was co-owner of Wings Fine Art, a publisher of aviation art. She enjoyed spoiling her two sons, cooking for her family, and walking her two Labrador retrievers.
Lovingly known as “Chicken” to family and friends, she stood five feet and one-half inch tall, and that half inch was important to her. She was a firecracker who always put her family first. She was a true character and proudly eccentric in the eyes of those who knew and loved her.
She loved her husband and sons “as big as the whole wide world and more.”
