March 28, 1951 - April 13, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with profound sadness that the family of Earl William Staten announce his sudden passing on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Kelowna, BC. Earl was born on March 28, 1951 in Revelstoke, BC to James William and Gwen Staten.
Along with his older brother Don, the family moved to Nelson, BC in 1962, but Revelstoke always remained near and dear to him throughout his life. Childhood summers were often spent at his grandparent's orchard in Kelowna, and in Vernon visiting his Auntie Pat and cousins.
The move to Nelson proved to be a lucky one as Earl met his future wife Lorna in 1973 and the two were married on June 28, 1975 and welcomed two children, Allison (1981) and Chad (1985).
He followed in his dad's footsteps with a long career at CP Rail (later Kootenay Valley Railway) as a conductor before retiring in 2008. He was able to put those railroad skills to good use when he became a volunteer with the Nelson Electric Tramway Society. He would often be found in the summer wearing his conductor's uniform driving the streetcar along the Nelson waterfront for tourists and his grandsons.
In addition to his volunteer work on the Street Car, Earl had a life full of many interests and hobbies. He was a passionate musician, playing guitar and singing in a duo called That Girl and Earl with Diane Strom for the past 18 years, spending the summers touring around the Kootenays and Okanagan.
Earl was known as the family historian and shared his love of genealogy with Lorna, their research often taking them to England, Scotland and the Maritimes.
He obtained his Pilot's license through Air Cadets in 1969 and at one time owned a 1939 Aeronca Chief. He was involved with the Nelson Pilot's Association for many years and always had a love of all things aviation.
Earl also had a passion for classic cars, including a 1951 Chevy Belair his Granddad Davidson had bought new. The 1932 Ford in the garage will now become a project for his son Chad, grandsons Nash and Austin and nephew Dylan Leahy to complete. He enjoyed playing tennis and could often be seen walking up or down the hill to go and pick up his newspaper. He was also a talented photographer and loved to complete his daily crossword.
Earl enjoyed the annual trips he made to Hawaii with Lorna and also trips to the Caribbean, Britain, Holland, France, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
Above all else, the most important thing in Earl's life was his family. He was an amazing and much loved husband, father, grandpa, cousin, brother-in-law and uncle.
Earl was predeceased by his mom (1996) and dad (1978), his in-laws John (1996) and Joan (2018) Reichardt and his older brother Don (2023).
He is survived by his adoring wife Lorna, his children Allison Marie Staten of Kelowna, Chad William Staten (Zoey St. Louis) of Nelson, his two grandsons Nash William and Austin John Staten also of Nelson and his Grandpuppies, Dexter and Squeak.
He is also survived by in-laws Donna Scheible of Calgary, Steve (Rose) Reichardt of Victoria, Janet (George) Leahy of Nelson, Kathy Olson of Victoria, Mike (Wendy) Reichardt of Nelson; Nieces and Nephews Karen (Kevin & Mason) Trudel, Erin(Jason & Gavin) Franklin, Dylan Leahy, Kyle(Katie, Asher & Mabel) Olson, Jaryd (Hope) Olson, Caitlin (Dylan & Ella) LeBrun; Cousins Terry (Ann) Staten, Warren (Marilyn) Little, Alan (Kathy) Little, Bob (Catherine) Davidson and Dan (Kathy) Davidson.
A celebration of life will be held at the Prestige Lakeside Resort on Sunday May 26th from 2:00-4:00pm
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Nelson Electric Tramway Society via cheque or money order (payable to Nelson Electric Tramway Society) to Box 602, Nelson, BC V1L 5R4 or via e-transfer nelsonstreetcar@gmail.com
To leave a personal message of condolence please see Thompson Funeral Service website: https://www.thompsonfs.ca
'When he gets where he's going and he finds his star, I hope he leaves a place for a rhythm guitar'
-Lyrics by Earl Staten
Service Details
2:00 PM