Lloyd Eliot Ibbitson passed away at Creston Valley Hospital on January 8, 2013 at the age of 84.
Lloyd came to the Creston Valley with his parents from North Battleford, SK in 1933. After receiving his education at Creston Valley High School, he enrolled at the Molar School in Vancouver to learn the barbering trade. He spent his apprenticeship under his father in Creston and eventually took over the shop. He retired in 1997 after working for 52 years. The atmosphere at Lloyd's Barber Shop was friendly and often humourous. It was a well known main street gathering place for people from all walks of life.
As a youth, Lloyd was a trumpet player who, as a member of the C.V. H. S. band, participated in some of the local Blossom Festival parades. While growing up he and his brother raised and sold raspberries on an acreage where lbbitson Street is now located.
In 1947 he married Marie Seitz of Medicine Hat, a quiet artistic lady who was well known for her homemaking abilities.
Lloyd was a skilled orchardist, having learned the art of pruning, grafting and other aspects of fruit management from his mentor Lyle Kemp, a once local fruit grower. For many years Lloyd grew Rob Roy apples and cherries on his hobby farm on Devon Road.
He was also an ardent fisherman who spent many hours fishing in his boat on Kootenay Lake with his father Roy, son Don and grandson Jason.
Lloyd will be remembered for his humour and his stories of the early days of Creston. He was a witness to the widening of Canyon Street circa 1947. He said the workmen who moved the buildings were so skillful that he was able to keep on working as the shop was jacked up and moved backward with little discernable movement during the operation.
Lloyd was predeceased by his parents, brother Bobby, wife Marie and son-in-law Slim Charman.
He is survived by sister Noretta (Keith), Crawford Bay; sons Don (Jennie), Creston and Doug (Lorraine), Salmon Arm; daughter Marj Charman, Creston; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one niece and two nephews.
By request there will be no service.
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetic Association, or to the charity of your choice.