It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Hubert Poschmann. We lost him quickly, but gently, after a brief illness, on the morning of December 16. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lynne, his daughter Johanne (Sean) Stovell, and his daughter Stephanie (Wayne) Melvin. He was the much loved "Poopa" of Miles and Dannon Stovell, and a nice Opa to Jesika Melvin. He will be dearly missed by his two sisters, Irmgard Lischewski , and Ursula Reder, his mother-inlaw, Edna Bennett, brother-in-law Jack (Barb) Bennett, and sister-in-law Judie (Sheldon) Ahola. He was a favourite Uncle Hubert to many nieces and nephews.

Dad was proud to be both a Fisheries Officer for DFO, and a Commercial Fisherman with his west coast trollers (Valdeze & Sea Trek II). He greatly enjoyed time at the Victoria Curling Club, and then later at the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club. Dad was known for his kindness, his gentlemanly manner, his patience, his extreme loyalty, and his love of story-telling. Because of these attributes, he had a great many friends and extended family who are also heart-broken by his passing. Please know that he loved you all, and was concerned for your welfare and happiness. Dad's motto was "What we have, we share", and there could be no greater blessing in this world than to have had him for a father. He truly was an exceptional man.

A mass will be held for Dad at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 301 Machleary Street, at 1 pm on Saturday, December 20th. In lieu of flowers, donations to the B.C. Cancer Agency or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. 518206

Guest Book for Hubert J. Poschmann

"Please accept my sincerest sympathy during this most difficult time. Those of us that trained with Hubert only a couple of short decades ago appreciate the genuine warmth and knowledge Hubert brought into our lives. Hubert readily shared his experience and wisdom during our brief time together. I had the pleasure of also enjoying Hubert's company and friendship during our 'exchange' trip to Newfoundland. During that time I quickly learned how truly proud he was of his family; he shared many stories of salmon fishing and family adventures. You can rest assured that the guidance, spirit and thoughtfulness Hubert extended to us all will continue to live on in our hearts."

L. P. Sydney, NS

"I had the complete pleasure of knowing and working with Hubert. He was both knowledgeable and passionate about the resource. We had some good discussions. I will carry with me fond memories of him. Hubert brought in the last gillnetter fishing during closed time at the end of the San Juan net fishing in 1994. After that the fishery was vastly reduced. I have a picture of Hubert standing on the deck of the gillneter with "Altino". Hubert will be missed."

R. O. Victoria, BC

"Hubert was truly a gentle man. Humble and giving, I recall working with him up in Port Hardy during a troll fishery. We needed the help and he was just the man for the job. Many trollers knew him when we boarded and had much respect for him (as a fisherman and a Fishery Officer). He will be truly missed. My sincerest sympathies to Hubert's family."

T. P. Victoria, BC

"I have the fondest of memories sharing a week of requalifications with Hubert in the not too distant past. I was both impressed and inspired by his fitness, strength and love of the job for someone in his 70's. Truly amazing. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. He was a gem of a man."

A. B. Vancouver, BC

"Hubert was a truly lovely man and the world is less warm for his leaving. He left his gentle mark on everyone he met and was a tremendous mentor to many. So sorry I could not be there in person to say farewell...my sincere condolences to Lynne and all of Huberts family, I am sure you have many great memories...rae"

R. D. Vancouver, BC

"As a Fishery Officer and someone who worked with Hubert when he first joined DFO, I am deeply saddened by his passing. Hubert and I worked many a day together in the Nanaimo area telling stories and laughing. He often told me of his daughter who used to fish with him and occasionaly got sea sick. He loved those happy days. Hubert was a proud man and had a strong character that showed us all what dedication and loyalty was all about. I will always have fond memories of Hubert. Rest in peace old friend."

S. C. Prince Rupert, BC

"I felt a deep sense of loss when I heard of Hubert's passing. I enjoyed listening to him talk of his gold mining days at Bralorne and his salmon trolling experiences on the West Coast. I have fond memories of him speaking in a fatherly voice with poachers about the error of their ways. Thank you for all the wonderful memories."

S. B. Victoria, BC

"Hubert was a kind and gentle soul. When you talked with him you truly knew you were talking to a genuine person who seemed to have compassion for all. I know he touched many in the Department. We can honour his memory by emulating his thoughtfullness when dealing with others. Ask yourself, "How would Hubert react to this?" or "What would Hubert say to that?". By doing so we will all have kinder and more compassionate lives."

R. E. Prince Rupert, BC

"Earlier this week I was standing graveside for services for Capt Don Hardy when I learned of Hubert's passing. With sadness I relayed this message to our Fishery Officer honour guard. All were visibly shaken. This has been a difficult week for Pacific Region Fishery Officers losing two of our own. I attended Hubert's service earlier today and the attendance reaffirmed the love and respect that so many had for this man. He was unique in his maturity , positive outlook and fundamental understanding of conservation having been both a commercial fisher and a Fishery Officer. He will be missed by many.

J. L. Nanaimo, BC

"Hubert will be truly missed. He was one of the first Fishery Officers I had the pleasure to work with. He always treated everyone with respect and was always willing to help out or offer advice. We have lost one of our finest. His quiet but knowing way will always be remembered. Thanks for everything Hubert."

G. A. Campbell River, BC

"I was deeply saddened to learn that Hubert had left us. I worked with him on many occasions as he investigated fish habitat concerns on mid Vancouver Island. Hubert was a true gentleman and an accomplished professional in all aspects of the fisheries work he performed. He will truly be missed. Sincere condolences to his family."

R. R. Nanaimo, BC

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hubert. His accomplishments in terms of commercial fishing and then a career as a Fishery Officer is truly inspiring. I will always remember his positive attitude, his common sense and his patience. My sincerest sympathies to Hubert's family."

R. W. Qualicum Beach, BC

"Although I never had the pleasure of working with Hubert I know many officers who did and they always spoke highly of him. Please pass my deepest sympathy to all the family and friends."

R. N. Vancouver, BC

"On behalf of all Pacific Region Fishery Officers I would like to send our deepest sympathy to the Poschmann Family (extended family and friends). Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Hubert will be sadly missed."

Society of Pacific Region Fishery Officers (BC)

"To say that it was a shock to hear about Hubert is an understatement! I was deeply saddened to hear about Hubert's passing. He was a wonderful man, a devoted father and husband, a wonderful friend and a great co-worker. I had the honour and pleasure of working with Hubert (and Tom and Angelo...the Three Amigos) quite alot. Hubert was such a vibrant person and brought so much professionalism to the Fishery Officer ranks. He really loved what he did, and was darn good at it. I have many fine memories of doing boat patrols with Hubert, being on different training with him, and sitting back eating grapes and drinking tea with he and Lynne....even if I did make sure that I always got more grapes than he did (and he would remind me of that all the time). I miss you Hubert! Thank you to Lynne, Johanne and Stephanie for sharing your husband and father with us."

W. J. Duncan, BC

"I was saddened to hear of your loss, but know that you must find great comfort in knowing what an extraordinary life Hubert lived, and the manner in which he lived it. Thirty years after having met him, I still think often of his kindness, his integrity, his strength of character and his humour, all qualities which I greatly admired and respected, then and now."

V. H. Vancouver, BC

"I was so saddened to hear of the passing of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. I went through career progression training (as a Fishery Officer) with Hubert in 1991/92. We hit it off right away. Hubert's easy going style and friendliness made him a favourite of us Newfoundlanders. I came from an offshore background (especially on East German trawlers) and we had some great conversations. He always had a good story to tell. What I remember most is the love and pride he had for his family and how often he spoke fondly of them. He truly loved you all very much. I was really impressed how at his age (at the time) he kept up with all the younger guys. He had the utmost respect of everyone in the troop. I am starting to fill up now, so I'll just end by saying that Hubert was one of the finest gentlemen I ever met. I really admired what he did with his life and what an extraordinary one it was. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam (May he Rest in Peace)."

J. O. St. John's, NF

"Dear Stephanie, I am so very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of your dear father. He was equally blessed to have you has a daughter and I hope that the love you shared will give you some comfort at this sad time."

T. K. Victoria, BC

"My deepest sympathy to you and your family."

R. C. Victoria, BC

"Learning of Hubert's passing came as a shock and with much saddness. May God bless those left behind and to whom we extend our sincere sympathies. As a lawn bowler some of my most favorite times at the club was bantrying with Hubert about how "his pop machine" continually short changed me. His responses were more than equal to any of my complaints. Stories about his days as a Fisheries Officer, were priceless. You'll certainly be missed Dear Old Friend."

L.G. Nanaimo, BC

"I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family."

C. M. Victoria, BC

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Take care."

D. L. Victoria, BC

This site is for the use of society members and the general public.
Any information contained herein is for information only. For more information contact the Webmaster, all materials © 2009