Joseph Guy Rose

Joseph Guy Rose April 30, 1929 – June 7, 2019 With heavy hearts we wish to announce the recent passing of Joseph Guy Rose of Quilchena. Guy was predeceased by his parents Matt and Virginia (Guichon) and his sister Monica. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Hilde, sister Eleanor(Bill), brother-in-law Graham, sons Steve(Jill), Mike(Suzanne), Peter(Fiona), Paul(Kathy) and daughter Anne, 9 grandchildren Matt(Michelle), Jennifer(Wayne), Derek, Kaitlyn, Andrew, Ryan, Charlie, Jared and Megan, as well as 3 great grandchildren Zoe, Evan and Colbie, and numerous loving extended family and friends. Guy was raised in Kitsilano, Vancouver, his father having a long career in the Vancouver Police Department. Guy took his elementary and high school education at Vancouver College. From his teen years on, he spent his summers working for his uncles on the Guichon Ranch at Quilchena in the Nicola Valley. Soon after graduating from UBC in 1953 (BSc Agriculture) Guy and his two best friends decided to travel to Europe for a post- graduation adventure. En route, aboard the ms Masdaam, Guy met a pretty German girl who would become the love of his life. In 1955 Guy and his cousin Gerard each bought one half of the Guichon Ranch from the second generation family members. Guy and Hilde married that same year and built a home overlooking Nicola Lake and raised their family there. Despite being busy with the operation of the Quilchena Cattle Company, as well as the hotel, general store and farm machinery dealership, Guy still devoted much time to his growing family. Skiing was a life-long passion, starting at a hand-built cabin on Grouse Mountain, and later for many years, nearly every Friday over the winter the children would step off the school bus and directly into the Rambler station wagon and head to Silver Star. He was also able to contribute tirelessly to community service through virtually all his adult life. He was involved locally with the Kinsmen Club, Chamber of Commerce, Hospital Board and active with the Church. In 1979 he oversaw both the construction of the current Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Quilchena (on the exact site his grandfather built the original church in 1898) and the new Sacred Heart Church and adjoining Phelan House senior’s residence in Merritt. Guy also at various times served on the executive of the Nicola Stockbreeders and both the BC and Canadian Cattlemen’s Associations. In addition he was for a time a member of the Agricultural Land Commission and also sat on the Land Claims Panel of the BC Treaty Commission. Guy was also extremely honoured to sit on the Board of Directors of BC Hydro from 1981 to 1992 and then for two years as a director of the Forest Alliance of BC. He loved his beautiful Nicola Valley and the people who live there. Strong and lasting friendships were built with his fellow pioneer ranching families as well as his beloved friends in the First Nation community at Quilchena. For well over a century generations of “Quilchena people” have worked, celebrated, prayed and mourned together and Guy was extremely passionate and proud of that bond that today continues to endure. Travel was also an important part of Guy and Hilde’s life and they made time for regular trips to Hilde’s home town in Germany as well as other parts of Europe where many friendships were cultivated over the decades. To say they were sociable people is a great understatement. Guy and Hilde absolutely loved to entertain family and friends…some events bordering on legendary. In more recent years, Guy was able to enjoy more time spent with family, a particular highlight being a family Christmas cruise to the Caribbean to celebrate Hilde’s eightieth birthday. He especially loved gatherings and travel with his beloved grandchildren and most recently time spent with his great grandchildren. He was delighted at the arrival of little Colbie just three weeks ago. The family would like to pay tribute to Dr. Simon as well as the wonderful nursing staff of the Nicola Valley Hospital and the exemplary and professional care that was provided during his brief stay. The community should be proud of having such a well-equipped and caring facility. Thanks also to all who came to visit Guy during his last days to share affection, prayers and memories, including a moving prayer service in the Okanagan language. Thanks also for all the messages of condolence and support. Prayers will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Quilchena on Friday June 14, at 5:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merritt on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 am with internment to follow at Pineridge Cemetery where Guy will be laid to rest beside his parents. A further celebration of life is being contemplated for a date later this summer, though yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Nicola Valley Health Care Endowment Foundation (www.nvhcef.com) or the charity of your choice. Please visit "MerrittFuneralChapel.com" to post your greetings and remembrances.