The final ride is over for the “Old Cowboy”.
Jay “Mackie” Massimo Pozzobon of Chase, B.C. passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 20th, 2015 halfway through his 90th year. Born December 17th, 1925, the eldest son of Samuel and Assunta Pozzobon. Survived by his wife Rita, of 61 years, his six daughters; Aleta (Ben) Steinbach, Karen Prescott, Sharen (Bill) Trouton, Jan (Dale) Mortimer, Velda (Jerry) Prescott, Zena (Randy) Branson; 15 grandchildren, 17 Great-grandchildren, brother; Freedy (Jean) Pozzobon and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Pre-deceased by his parents; Samuel and Assunta Pozzobon; sister Maria McNary; brothers Sammy and Marino Pozzobon; grandson Jaye Prescott and son-in-law Jim Prescott, Jr.
Mackie grew up near Pinantan ranching and farming, breaking horses and raising cattle with his family. He later said that chasing cows was one of his favourite memories. He and his brothers rode to school on horseback and Mackie was on his own at age 12. We used to hear wild stories about the brothers, but not sure which ones we should have believed. Riding their horses into the beer parlours, knock-out boxing matches, bees & snakes around the school house, putting a calf in Harvey Heathfield’s office, riding the conveyor at Overwaitea, being bitten by a snake and the snake died or coming to terms with who was really responsible for getting stuck on the Pritchard bridge with a full load of hay. What we do know is they were all tough, no-nonsense guys with a penchant for mischief.
Throughout his life Mackie was truly a jack of all trades; rancher, farmer, bull-rider, logger, scaler, sawyer, builder, contractor, welder, miner, driller, beekeeper, blaster, dowser, and pilot, just to list a few, but he never did learn how to swim. Many of them were done simultaneously. His independent life started when he left school in grade 6 and looked after the herd of cattle in Pinantan. He then started logging and building sawmills. He married Rita Zinck in 1953 and raised his family in Chase where he farmed, owned and operated equipment and then started the first readi-mix concrete company in the area. In addition to pouring cement, he designed and built septic tanks. At the same time, he started his horizontal drilling business, built homes and later moved into the mining business. He was a self-made man and a true entrepreneur. Throughout this busy time, he was an active father and grandfather who took pride in the accomplishments of his daughters and grandchildren.
Mackie always owned a favourite horse or 17 and loved to Chariott race. He continued to ride well into his 80’s when visiting in Alberta. Mackie tried everything he wanted to try and travelled everywhere he wanted to go (Europe, Barbados, Canada and the USA). He was the Chairman of the Chase Waterboard where major projects included upgrading the fire protection services, and constructing the water reservoir, pump house and intake. He was a strong supporter of the community where he was the 1st member of the Chase Branch Elks club, Trustee on the School Board, Founding member of Fish & Game, Rod & Gun Club, Founding member of Silver Spur Riding Club, Member of Chase Lions Club, Member of Chase Fall Fair, Life Member of Royal Canadian Legion and Founding Supporter and member of the Chase Curling Club. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and making salami and wine. In 1979, Mackie and Rita moved to the Shuswap Lake where he tried to retire. Mackie was curious about things; a voracious reader and a successful inventor which he continued to do until late in 2010. He possessed a quick wit and a great sense of humour. Let’s face it, he loved a good joke or story, teased relentlessly and laughed loudly. He was loved by his family, and loved them all in return. Mackie had a life well lived! Forever in our hearts!
We thank the staff and care givers at Ponderosa and Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Centre for their care and attention.
Funeral liturgy was held on Monday, July 27th, 2015 at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Chase, B.C. at 2:00 p.m. with Father Fred Weisbeck officiating. A celebration of life to follow at 444 VLA (Veteran) Road, Chase, B.C.
Condolences may be sent through Schoening Funeral Services at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Inland Hospital in his memory.