A well-known figure from one of Burnaby’s pioneer families passed away recently.
William Alastair Moore, more commonly known as “Dinty,” died on Dec. 16 at age 92.
Moore was the second-youngest child of Montague Moore and Harriet Hutchings, who lived in the Hart House mansion at Deer Lake with their seven children.
Moore was a widely known character at Deer Lake and a founding member of the Dogwood Canoe and Kayak Club.
As previously reported in the Burnaby NOW, Moore had a home on the south side of Deer Lake, which was sold to the city in the 1990s, when the park was expanding.
Harry Pride, a local historian and former parks board member, authored a book about the Moore family in 2002.
“He was a great outdoorsman (and) a great salesman, who built these very fine canoes,” Pride told the NOW. “He was an extrovert, very modest, always had a smile on his face (and) wasn’t afraid to try things out.”
According to Pride, Moore taught others about canoeing and safety on the water and was always on the watch to protect the environment.
“He was really well-known and well-liked,” Pride said.
The family was also known for holding social events, he added.
“During the war, they entertained soldiers. Lots of soldiers were away from home. The Moores had parties for them and would welcome them, and Dinty was part of that,” Pride said.
Moore was the longest living of his six siblings. He is survived by his four daughters – Anne, Kathy, Tish and Lin – and he leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His wife, Joan Sievenpiper, passed away in 2012. Moore used to paddle across the lake to Joan’s home, while he was courting her.
In the new year, the family will host a private celebration in Moore’s memory.
