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Owner of long-time Abbotsford business dies

Rick Pemble passed away on Jan. 8 after a battle with leukemia.
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Rick Pemble

The retired owner of Capt'n Crunch Auto Wrecking and Recycling in Abbotsford, who was well known for his passion for demolition derbies and boating, died Jan. 8 at the age of 64 after a battle with leukemia.

Rick Pemble had spent most of his life in Abbotsford.

He is best known for his auto-wrecking business, which he began in 1971.

He also won more than 300 trophies in demolition derbies at locations such as the PNE, Agrifair and BC Place.

Pemble's later years brought him boating on Harrison Lake, which he loved so much that he bought a small cabin there.

He was a member of the Harrison Yacht Club and Valley Power and Sail Squadron.

Pemble enjoyed working alongside his son Rickie and, in recent years, passing the running of the business on to him and his nephew Lee so that he could step back and enjoy retirement.

He is survived by his wife Gloria, sons Rickie and Lance, two granddaughters, four brothers, four sisters, and many other friends and family members.

A celebration of life takes place Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, starting at 2:30 p.m. In his memory, Pemble's family suggests donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada at llscanada.org.