Harry Anaka

Harry was born March 4, 1944 in Nanaimo BC to Viola and Harry Anaka Senior, where he spent much of his youth and discovered his lifelong love for fishing. He later moved to the lower mainland where he went to high school in Coquitlam, and later BCIT for forestry.

In the late 60s, he moved north to Houston, BC where he started his professional career as a forester for Northwood and Canfor, continuing until his retirement in 2003. He was appreciated for his area knowledge, practical approaches and respect of all in the industry. Harry’s career included many wild and wonderful places, spectacular wildlife encounters, endless gravel roads, and a regular dose of sweat and suffering.

In 1970 Harry married Sandy, his wife of 56 years, and she joined him in northern BC. In 1972, they started putting together adjoining pieces of land to create a working cattle ranch just outside of Topley, where they raised their two children. Harry smashed his knuckles a hundred times on farm equipment, but his happy place was always in the fields. To his last day he had fencing staples in his jacket pockets.

In the fall of 2024 Harry and Sandy made a big migration south to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island to simplify their life and trade fenceline for shoreline. Harry spent time on the ocean with his son and grandson and had started a small garden in the back yard to grow his own vegetables.

Harry loved being outside and was never too far from a campfire. His culinary legacy is the campfire potato. He had an endless fascination with nature which he continued to share with the people around him. He treasured salted garden tomatoes, birds at the feeder, camping trips, big trout, stars and sunsets.

Harry had a magical life and a kind spirit. He taught his kids how to have fun, work in the rain and laugh at the crazy stuff. He and Sandy worked hard and cherished the property that came to define them together.

Harry will always live in our hearts and the sparks we see in our fires. He was an exceptional big-hearted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife Sandy, his children Tobi (Coby) and Jesse (Katie), his grandchildren Jakob, Saffy and Sky, and siblings Bill, Darlene and Sue.