Many Royal City residents and business people are mourning the death of a local businessman whose family has served the community for years.
Doug Pavan, owner of Pavan's Superior Optical on Sixth Street, died suddenly on Aug. 3 after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 58.
"He was a great man," said Harold Engman, a notary public whose office is also located on Sixth Street. "We are all going to miss him something fierce."
Engman and Pavan became fast friends after meeting at the Royal City Rotary Club about 15 years ago. Pavan, an honorary member of the Rotary Club, also served as president of the Dispensing Opticians Association of B.C.
Engman said Pavan had gout, so he was very aware of his health, he exercised two to three times a week, and he saw his doctor regularly.
"He was definitely into exercise. He exercised regularly over at Canada Games Pool," Engman said. "It makes it all that much more surprising."
Michael Sporer, a lawyer whose office is located near Pavan's Superior Optical, said Pavan will be missed.
"Doug was a well-known and well-loved merchant in New Westminster, particularly in uptown where his store is located and has been located for many, many years," he said "He was known by many, many locals and the business has served generations of New West families."
In 1955, Dan Pavan opened Prescription Optical on Columbia Street. In 1991, Doug joined his father in the family business known then as Pavan's Superior Optical and continued to operate the eye wear store after his father passed away.
Pavan's Superior Optical has been the recipient of numerous Readers' Choice awards, as selected by readers of The Record.
Pavan is survived by his wife Jane, 12-year-old son Conner, sisters and many friends and family. A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 1: 30 p.m. at Eaglequest Coyote Creek, 7778152 St., Surrey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
