Doug Huggins was many things — a gifted architect, a potter of merit, a dear father, a devoted husband, and a very proud grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was an enthusiast, instrumental in cultivating the theatre scene in Vernon and the province of BC.
He was a Past-President of Theatre BC 1968-1970, as well as a Life Member and a recipient of the prestigious Eric Hamber trophy.
Huggins, a founding member of Vernon’s Powerhouse Theatre, passed away on April 9, 2018 in his Lower Mainland home at 95-years-old.
Daughter, wife, mother, friend, actor, director, visionary. Mary Huggins touched the lives of thousands during her remarkable 95 years. Most notably, she left a beautiful legacy of three children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren – each one, blessed by her passion, and her love.
Mary and Douglas – along with a few dedicated others – founded the Powerhouse Theatre. The pursuit of excellence in theatre led Mary to act in over 25 productions, and direct some 20 more. She also became the organization’s artistic director for several years, where she was responsible for developing the season playbill and procuring guest directors, costume designers, and others to raise the bar even higher.
George Siver
July 31, 1926 – September 9, 2020
A founding member of the Powerhouse, A WWII Veteran and was one of the last of eight founding members of the Powerhouse Theatre in Vernon. George loved the theatre, and build many sets and had humorous stories to tell about the time he played the Bartender in “Love Rides the Rails”. He was an excellent dancer, and frequently tore up the dance floor at Legion dances well into his 80’s. George loved a good story and had many tales to tell which, like a fine wine, improved with the telling. He was last seen dancing on the Powerhouse stage at the 50th Anniversary in 2013.
Nancy Siver
Founding member & Life member. Nancy died on April 24th, 2012.
James ‘Jim’ Brown
June 21, 1938 – September 7, 2020
Jim was certainly a character – unique, eccentric, delightful and entirely unforgettable. Live theatre was important throughout his life – he taught, performed, stage-managed and directed countless plays, and made many friends and no small impact at the Powerhouse Theatre along the way. His teaching career varied widely, including high school drama, a vice-principal ship and kindergarten.
David Jones
Dennis Learey
Dennis Eric Learey, at the age of 90, peacefully passed away in his sleep in the early morning of May 16, 2015. Dennis was born in London, England and at the age of 16 joined the Royal Air Force and served in Europe.
During WWII Dennis and Gwen’s families became close and right after the war in 1948 they were married. For their honeymoon they moved to Canada and settled in Vernon, BC. Dennis was devoted to his wife and together had a family of two sons Stephen and Eric.
Dennis and Gwen together became some of the founding members of the Vernon Little Theatre which later became known as the Powerhouse Theatre. At that time, Dennis did work at several jobs, including many years at Okanagan Electric, but his true passion was acting. Over the years he performed in over 60 plays and took on a wide range of roles from comedy to Shakespeare.
He won numerous awards for his acting, with the crowning achievement being when he was voted the Best Actor in Canada, in 1969 at the Dominion Drama Festival.
Dennis will always be lovingly remembered by his family—Stephen Learey and Shelly with their children Parker and Connor; and Matthew (Eric) Learey with Kristine and their children Denthew, Meta, Gwendolin, Eritin and Timeran.
For memorial donations and flowers Dennis wishes you to please donate to the Powerhouse Theatre.
Russell Cunliffe
Peter Loster
John & Mary Sherwood
John came to Canada with his wife Mary in 1980. He and Mary joined the Powerhouse Theatre soon after their arrival. While Mary helped out sewing costumes, working on set decor, house and box office when Powerhouse sold its own tickets, John helped with set construction and with the re-modelling of the upper dressing room. He was Treasurer of TAC for 19 years. John died on April 3rd, 2010, Mary in December 6 2005.
Penny Thorburn
Oct 15, 1955 – Oct 20, 2022
Fabric artist, Haute couture fashion designer, Pattern maker, Seamstress
Stage Manager and Costume designer extraordinaire, Educator
Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Stepmother, Grandmother, Aunt
Precious wife, Friend and inspiration.
At 8:30 am on Thursday October 20, 2022, Lorraine died in the Vernon BC home she made, shared and loved with her husband Dave. The bright autumn sun was working its way over the hills, surrounded by the richness of her art and passion, her favourite music playing on the iPod next to her bed, and the pine trees standing outside her studio window dappling morning light against the house. She passed in the most serene, tranquil, calm and beautiful way, taking her final peace-filled breaths with Dave at her side, her hand in his.
Christine Beveridge Gardner
January 6th 2023
In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Christine expressed her artistic talents in myriad ways – as a visual artist, as an accomplished calligrapher, as a talented clothing designer and seamstress, in choral singing, in the theatre and as a story-teller. She was a performer, and she also directed and produced plays at local theatre groups in Vernon and on the North Shore for many years. Christine will be remembered as considerate, generous, insightful, and a mentor to many. She had an engaging personality and wonderful sense of humour. She lit up any room she entered, and she never missed an opportunity to get up and dance. Hers was a life well lived.