April 2, 1941 - February 5, 2021
Carl passed away quietly at home in Burnaby, B.C., after a year-long battle with cancer, surrounded by those who loved him most.
Carl was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is remembered by his loving wife Margaret Hope (formerly of Armstrong), son Doug, daughter Julie, mother-in-law Marion Hope, and extended family. Carl was predeceased by his son David, 1962-2005.
Carl was a UBC grad with a Chartered Accountancy (CPA) designation. With his undeniable entrepreneurial spirit and natural gift for business, he founded Trailer Wizards, a company building flexible commercial trailers for rent. Under Carl's leadership, the company grew into Canada's largest national provider of such trailers. He sold Trailer Wizards in late 2019.
Carl loved railways and train systems, having train setups of HO gauge, G gauge and minirail. He was also a member of a club that arranged trips on their speeders on railways in Western Canada and the USA. This group visited Armstrong twice for their outings, one on the CN railway from Armstrong to Kamloops and again for a trip on the CP line from Armstrong to Sicamous.
Carl was also a dedicated philanthropist. He was clear about his values and to him a handshake meant more than mere documentation. Often, he would act at lightning speed to remove barriers from a project.
His projects have varied from financial assistance to the Armstrong-Enderby Anglican Parish to low cost housing at Ganges on Salt Spring Island. Once, on a visit to the Vernon Hospice he overheard a remark that the hospice needed more of a certain type of chair. The next morning chairs of the required type arrived at the hospice.
Carl's family and close friends will continue his work of helping others through his foundation - 625 Powell Street Foundation.
A donation in his name may be made to any charity of the donor's choice, or by visiting 625powell.org. There, the many organizations he supported are listed and donations may be made by visiting any of their websites.
A virtual celebration of Carl's life will be held at a time to be determined.
Carl Peter Vanderspek was a truly great man who achieved great things and cared deeply for the well-being of others.