Blog Posts

POWERING HISTORY: CHARLES MILLER AND THE STAVE FALLS POWERHOUSE

12/1/2024

What's On! Mission | Looking Back

by Ellen Nguyen | Photos provided by Janis Schultz

Charlie with wife, Yvonne

Charles Albert Miller, affectionately known as “Pompa” by his grandchildren, was a man whose life was intricately woven into the fabric of the Fraser Valley. Born in Eastbourne, England, on October 21, 1902, Charlie's journey to British Columbia began in 1903 when his parents, Marcia Elizabeth and Albert George Miller, brought him to Ruskin. There, his father purchased 160 acres of land, laying the foundation for the Miller family's deep roots in the area.

Charlie’s early life was marked by hard work and resilience. His first paid jobs were at Heaps General Store and later at a shingle mill. In 1921, Charlie and his father opened their own sawmill, known as "Riversiding," on the family's land. The mill operated until they logged out all the timber on the surrounding 1,000 acres, at which point they sold the equipment. This period instilled in Charlie a strong work ethic and a deep connection to the land, qualities that would define his later years.

In 1925, Charlie married Blanche Yvonne Antaya, and they soon started a family. Their daughters, Jacqueline, born in 1926, and Charmaine, born in 1928, grew up in the Ruskin area, initially living in the house Charlie’s parents had settled into upon their arrival in 1903. In 1932, after Charlie secured full-time employment with BC Electric, he built a new home on what was then known as Miller Road. The family eagerly moved in before the interior was even finished, excited to begin this new chapter. The house, a blend of Charlie's carpentry skills and Yvonne’s eye for charm and convenience, became a cherished home for the Miller family.

Charlie's career with BC Electric, later BC Hydro, spanned over three decades. He worked as a carpenter at the Ruskin generating station, constructing outbuildings that have since been lost to time. He genuinely enjoyed his work, and his dedication to the job was evident in everything he did.

Charlie’s love for the outdoors was equally strong. Throughout the 1930s to the 1950s, Charles and Yvonne were active
members of the Mission area, particularly through their involvement in the Mission Rod and Gun Club. Charles served as the club’s president for many years, earning a reputation as an outstanding naturalist. An avid fisherman and hunter, he often spent his free time in the woods and on the rivers of the region, passing on his passion for nature to his grandchildren.

After retiring in 1963 and the death of his wife in 1977, Charles moved from Hatzic, where they had been living, back to Ruskin to live with his daughter Jacqueline. He devoted himself to chronicling the area's history, capturing the stories of early pioneers and the native Salish Indians. His books, The Golden Mountains (1973) and Valley of the Stave (1981), are treasured for their detailed accounts of the region’s history and are essential reading for anyone interested in the Fraser Valley.

The Miller home, with its rich history and significance, still stands today, protected under a "Heritage Revitalization Agreement" signed in 2010.

Charlie Miller passed away in September 1988 at the Pleasant View Home in Mission, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, community service, and a deep love for the Fraser Valley. His story is not only a tale of one man’s life but also a reflection of the pioneering spirit that helped shape the Fraser Valley.

Charlie's paycheque from BC Electric

Charlie and his father at Miller’s Mill “Riversiding”, 1922

Charles Miller, age 18 in 1920 Photo used with permission from Maple Ridge Museum #P03346

From Estate to Endowment: Jack Heptonstall's Gift to Mission Community Foundation

11/30/2024

What's On! Mission | Giving Back

Submitted by Mission Community Foundation

In early 2020, Mission Community Foundation was advised that it had been named the primary beneficiary of Jack Heptonstall's estate. The estate consisted of 120 acres in a prime location in Hatzic Prairie. Jack left the Foundation his property with instructions to sell it and create six funds from the proceeds. It was his desire to forever memorialize the family name in the community where he lived with his sister, Barbara, and loved all his life.

In 2023, the Mission Community Foundation received $3 million from the Heptonstall estate. To date, we have received approximately $7,227,000.

The following funds are now available for use:
Jack Heptonstall Bursary: Available to students entering scientific fields of study.
Barbara Heptonstall Bursary: Available to students entering nursing.
George Cox Heptonstall Bursary: An adult bursary for individuals aged 19+ who live in Mission and want to return to school to improve their marketability.
William & Edith Heptonstall Bursary: An educational bursary open to any field of study.
Elsie Dale Bursary: An educational bursary open to any field of study.
Heptonstall Family Fund: A granting fund for registered charities in Mission.

The Mission Community Foundation would like to acknowledge this incredible gift and how it will support the City of Mission, FVRD, and surrounding areas. This bequest will be a game changer for the Foundation, as it exponentially expands the existing endowment, enhancing the Foundation's ability to help students, registered charities, and nonprofits in Mission.

If you’d like to make a meaningful difference for Mission, please consider including the Mission Community Foundation in your will. Your donations are tax-deductible. To learn more, visit missioncommunityfoundation.org

THE 73rd ANNUAL ROTARY CAROL FESTIVAL BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO MISSION

11/29/2024

The 73rd Annual Rotary Carol Festival filled the Clarke Theatre with festive melodies and heartfelt giving on Wednesday, November 27th. Presented by the Rotary Clubs of Mission, this event brought together community choirs to support the Mission Community Services Society Christmas Bureau.

Local choirs inspired the audience with their performances, spreading the spirit of joy and generosity that defines the holiday season. The evening highlighted the talent of our community’s young performers and seasoned singers alike, featuring:

E.S. Richards Arts-Based Curriculum School Primary Choir
Albert McMahon Elementary School
Mission Senior Secondary School Concert Choir
Hatzic Middle School
Sing OUT
Hillside Traditional Academy
Westminster Abbey Boys Choir
Valley Christian School
Rotary & Friends Pop-Up Choir
Mission Senior Secondary School Jazz Choir
E.S. Richards Arts-Based Curriculum School Intermediate Choir

All proceeds from the concert will go toward supporting the Christmas Bureau, ensuring families in need can experience the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

The Rotary Club of North Fraser and Mission Sunrise Rotary express their gratitude to all the participants, attendees, and volunteers who made the event a success, and especially the sponsorship of Taylor, Tait, Ruley & Company. Together, we are making a difference in our community this holiday season.

Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation's "Masquerade Ball" Gala Raises Over $200,000 for Local Hospitals

11/28/2024

Submitted by Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation's grand gala, "Masquerade Ball," presented by Snowcrest Foods, delivered an unforgettable evening of elegance and generosity, raising over $200,000 to support local hospitals.

The evening commenced with a mesmerizing acrobatic performance by the Abbotsford Dance Centre, setting a tone of wonder and excitement. Hosted by the charismatic Howard Blank, the event captivated attendees with a thrilling live auction that raised an impressive $19,100 in contributions.

Highlights from the auction included:

Two Abbotsford Canucks suite tickets for a home game this season.
A luxurious getaway at Sandpiper Golf Course in Harrison Mills, including a one-night stay in a one-bedroom cabin, golf passes for four, and $200 at River’s Edge Restaurant.
An all-inclusive stay for two at Sundance Guest Ranch in Ashcroft, BC.
A stunning Blue Tanzanite & Diamond ring, donated by Lanka Jewels.
The showstopper: Two tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, donated BC Pavilion Community Benefit Program and PavCo, accompanied by a $1,000 Mastercard gift card donated by the Conair Group, which garnered a remarkable $12,000 bid.

The event’s "Fund a Need" initiative was a standout success, raising over $100,000 to address critical needs at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Fraser Canyon Hospital, and Mission Memorial Hospital.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year's gala," said Liz Harris, Executive Director of FVHCF. "The generosity and support from our community have been truly inspiring."

For those who couldn’t attend but wish to contribute, donations can be made via email at info@fvhcf.ca, by phone at 1-877-661-0314, or through the website at www.fvhcf.ca.

Additionally, FVHCF is hosting an online 50/50 raffle at https://fvhcf5050.rafflenexus.com/. The draw will take place on Monday, December 16, at 2:00 PM, with the winner receiving up to $20,000—just in time for the holidays.

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation continues to dedicate itself to raising funds for essential equipment and programs endorsed by Fraser Health, supporting communities across Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs.

The Magic of Rotary Gala Unites Mission Rotary Clubs to Support Local Initiatives

11/27/2024

This past weekend, the Rotary Clubs of Mission came together to host The Magic of Rotary Gala, marking their first gala since 2019. The event united all four Rotary Clubs in Mission, showcasing their shared commitment to fostering community spirit and supporting local initiatives.
Attendees were treated to an evening of connection and celebration, with funds raised directed toward impactful projects that benefit the Mission community.