Retiree Stories

Larry Lundrigan
Newcomer 1955

There are few people who know the city of Campbell River better than Larry Lundrigan. He has worked as a fireman here for 26 years, retiring as the assistant chief, but before that he worked as a logger, fisherman and jail guard. He has lived here for nearly fifty years and is staying because of his close ties to the community, the recreation, and the services of the town.

Larry came here in 1955 and has never gone to live elsewhere. When he arrived what is now a busy city was hardly more than a few businesses along one main street. Since then the town has always "gone up." He knew just about everyone and was close friends with Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown. Both pioneering conservationists and Roderick a prolific author of twenty-five books, the home of the Haig-Browns has now become a BC heritage site and operates as a museum and center for seminars. Nestled in the trees and backed by the Campbell River, it is now a lovely, well preserved place to visit. "I remember that Ann used to let the sheep come right into the house," Larry remembers fondly, "and that Roderick's study was always immaculate."

Larry enjoys CR's location on Vancouver Island, "One need never go off the Island, if you so desire. Everything is here - a beautiful Capital City to visit and enjoy, many small towns up and down the coast plus remote wilderness areas throughout. We have many recreational opportunities - hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, RVing, diving, skiing. The climate is so hospitable - you can walk all year round, and the views are always so fantastic." A long time member of the Tyee club, Larry describes the catching of a forty-seven and a half pound salmon as a "three day high."

Campbell River offers many services which make it accommodating to retirees. "It is nice to have a choice of theatres, library, restaurants, plus the fact that some of the stores and pharmacies will deliver to your home. This is a benefit as one gets older and might not be able to drive. People coming to Campbell River have a good selection of Service Clubs to join plus we have every denomination of religion available from which to choose." We also have educational opportunities from the North Island College and Parks and Recreation Depts."

Larry has found Campbell River to be a great place to retire. His main reason for choosing this town was because he has many good friends here- but he wouldn't have stayed if it wasn't a beautiful place to live with an interesting history and the services important to a retiree. He has seen the town grow and change over the years and he looks forward to what the future might bring.