August (Gus) Schrauwen of Kamloops, BC, passed away peacefully in Royal Inland Hospital on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 87 years of age.
Born September 08, 1927, Gus was the last member of the original Schrauwen family that homesteaded on Dairy Road, Westsyde, BC in 1926, producing potatoes, apples & grains.
The family purchased the Manson Ranch near Jamieson Creek in 1943, clearing the land and building their home and farm with a family operated sawmill.
Operating as Dutch Dairy Farms, the family started a milk operation on the Manson Ranch in 1950 and a piece of BC history began.
Gus’s family expanded to a dairy bar and distribution centre on Tranquille Road in 1953. So many stories he told about delivering milk bottles to the Kamloops city residents, bulk to local restaurants, stores in Cache Creek, Clinton and Williams Lake.
Expanding further in 1961, 3 of his siblings (Adrian, Nick, Marie) moved to Armstrong and began production of milk, butter, ice cream, cottage cheese and Armstrong Cheese (still on the shelves today). Later Marie and family moved back to Kamloops and owned and operated Gerry`s Emporium in Westsyde, while Nick and family headed to White Rock to own and operate Campbell River Store. Adrian and family stayed on in Armstrong and Vernon to pursue further ventures in the north Okanagan.
When his oldest brother Peter and family moved to Bashaw, AB in 1966 to further expand the Armstrong Cheese and Dutch Dairy brands, Gus, his family and his parents remained in Kamloops managing dairy distribution. The home ranch in Westsyde, a beef operation, was his work in progress; he loved the animals and the outdoors. He took his pilot’s license and had a love of flying.
Gus took sole ownership of the home ranch in 1972, retiring in 1993. During his career, he purchased the neighbouring Jackson Ranch, installed a state-of-the-art 1470 foot pivot irrigation system and maintained a 350 cow/calf operation with range permit on Jamieson Creek. In 1980 he started a successful feed lot, feeding up to 5000 head annually, utilizing the feed from the 2 ranches. Cattle were brought in from BC, AB, and from as far away as Hawaii.
Predeceased by his parents, Constance (Stan) & Dimphna (Dina), brothers Peter, Adrian & Nick, and his only sister Marie.
Gus is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Gillian (Jill), children Carol (David), Janet (Jim), Ann (Bob), Ted (Jennifer) and their families, 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Gus had a fun, teasing sense of humour, which made his blue eyes sparkle. His strong commitment to family will be remembered fondly, and he will be missed greatly.
Service honouring Gus’s life will be held at St John Vianney Parish, 2826 Bank Road, Kamloops, on Wednesday, August 19 at 11:00 am. Reception to follow.
Donations may be made to the SPCA, 1211 8th Street, Kamloops, BC V2B 2Y3. Flowers gratefully declined.
6 Tributes
My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Uncle Gus was like a Canadian John Wayne, someone I always looked up to with his cowboy boots, and toughness. He always had the big Chevy pickup, and a love for what he did that was so inspiring. Later, he welcomed my young family out to the ranch where he showed the kids how to fish. He will be missed.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Virginia and Steve and family
To the entire Schrauwen family. A sad day as the last of the original homesteaders north of Westsyde is gone. Your dad was a man whom was impossible not to like and after a coffee or something a little harder was shared you always felt better for his visit. He will be missed. Terry
My condolences go out to all the Schrauwen Family on the passing of Gus. May His Spirit Always Be With Us All,and Gives You All The Strength he carried.
My heartfelt condolences to your families
Gus was a interesting guy to ” Chew the fat ” with, and he had a keen sense of right & wrong that he has passed on to his children & their families..RIP