Elden Philpott died suddenly in Kelowna General Hospital on Sunday March 12, 2006. He was born September 21, 1920 in Waterhole (Fairview), Alberta. He leaves to mourn his wife of 34 years Vesta. His children Gerry Burton (Bill) of Calgary, Rod (Riki) of North Saanich, Sheila Ray (Glen) of Vanderhoof, Richard of Edmonton and Bernie (Bonnie) of Maple Ridge. Grandchildren: Sandra and Bill Burton, Dane Philpott, and Jason and Tyrel Ray. He is also mourned by his brothers Dale (Gwen) of Sidney and Richard (Joyce) of Kelowna. Elden was pre-deceased by his parents Alma and Ernie Philpott (formerly of Vanderhoof), his brother Joe (Joyce) of Kamloops and his first wife Jean of Vanderhoof. Elden is also mourned by his step-children: Marie, Charles, David, Ian and Andria.
When Elden was one year old he and his parents moved from the Peace River Country of Alberta to Salem, Oregan. They lived in Salem for two years and then moved to Bellingham, Washington. Elden started school in Bellingham in 1926. The following year they moved to a ranch near Prince George (Bednesti Lake) where his mother taught him his A B C’s until they moved to Vanderhoof in 1929.
After he finished going to school Elden worked for his dad, learning how to repair motors and welding and all the other things that one needs to know in a small garage that repaired most everything that was brought in.
He got a job with Lee’s Transport and drove truck from Vancouver to the Pinchi Lake Mercury Mine, delivering supplies. Mercury was a commodity that was in great demand for airplane instruments during the Second World War.
After the war was over, in 1945, he went back to work for his dad in the garage. A new garage was built and the Ford dealership was added. He continued working for his dad until the business was dissolved in 1960.
He worked for the Provincial Ministry of Highways in Vanderhoof until his retirement in 1983. Elden and Vesta moved to Vernon, B.C. in 1984 and in 1990 they moved to Armstrong, B.C.
A celebration of Elden’s life will be held at a later date.