Don Somerville

February 16, 1928 – November 18, 2016

 

 

Donald Chester Somerville passed away on Friday, November 18 in Oliver. He was 88 years of age. In the days leading up to his death, he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Audrye (2009); his Father, Chester; his mother, Minnie; brothers, Frank and Patrick and his great-granddaughter Chloe.

He is survived by his six children: Robert Somerville (Teresa), Chris Norton (Greg), Patrick Somerville (Margie), Pamela Minor, Dee Petersen and Elizabeth Richens. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 8 nephews and nieces and his sister-in-law Kay Gilders.

Don grew up in the Vancouver area and began his career at the Vancouver Sun. There he met his future wife, Audrye Toombs and they were married in 1949. In 1959 he purchased the Oliver Chronicle and later two other small Okanagan papers and ran two print shops. He worked tirelessly at his craft, working in his dark room to develop pictures, writing editorials, guiding his staff or trying to get that darn printing press and linotype to work. He was also very involved in his community.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 26th at the Elks Hall.