Retiree Stories

George & Laurel Delgatty
Newcomers 1995, Flin Flon, Manitoba

George is a retired geophysicist who, with his wife Laurel, decided that Campbell River was their "Acco Pocco." Mr. and Mrs. Delgatty lived in Flin Flon, then Thompson, Manitoba before moving to Campbell River in 1995. They first discovered it in the winter of 1974 while visiting relatives. During that two-week stay they saw what a beautiful, fair-weathered place it was and decided they would vacation and retire here. They came, have stayed for nearly ten years, and plan to stay for the rest of their lives because of the security and confidence they feel in the community, the beautiful location, and the things to do.

George has very warm feelings towards the people here. He describes how feeling safe and secure increases his feelings of confidence as an individual living independently in Campbell River. "You're not under fire here." He talks about the "life style support system," meaning the health food stores, naturopathic medicine, range of professional services such as chiropractors and massage therapists who can solve any problem you have. More than anything though is the hospital. George has complete faith and confidence in it and says it is "second to none" and full of "sincere, wonderful people."

George and his wife love it here because of the outdoors, and the ways they can become involved with it. George recalls how during a Whale watching tour at Telegraph cove, an Orca came right up to the boat. Laurel Delgatty is a member of the avian rescue society and monitors bald eagles and their nests to help preserve the species. George fishes off the pier and occasionally rents a boat to go cod and salmon fishing. Because of our climate "you can put on warm underwear and Gortex and do just about anything at any time of year." Also, because of the location you have the "city life at your doorstep." George enjoys trips to Victoria and Vancouver to experience the city several times a year, but is always glad to return to a smaller, friendlier, more relaxed town.

Something George never would have gotten to do if he hadn't moved here was be in movies. Campbell River's scenery and highways are drawing more and more movie makers and hundreds of locals have been hired to act as extras. George has played a Viking in "The 13th Warrior" (filmed at Elk Falls park) and driven a car in the movie "Final Destination II" (filmed on the new highway.) When he's not acting himself, he greatly appreciates the entertainment available in Campbell River: the "Carnegie Hall quality actors" at the Tidemark Theatre and the "wonderful meals at all the pubs."

George is one of many who believe that Campbell River is paradise. He can't think of another place where you can do such unique things as get up close to whales, be on the set of a movie, have lunch at a resort, have every health service you need, and at the same time experience the warmth and trust of small town people.