It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Pia Lohin at Lions Gate Hospital in the loving arms of her Family May 9, 2014.
She will be forever missed by her husband of 27 years Gary, son Ryan, and daughter Janelle. Pia had a huge heart and was a shining light in the lives of her family and friends. Her infectious and positive attitude with everyone she associated with, even after her cancer diagnosis, will be a long lasting memory and a tribute to what a courageous soul she had.
“To say Pia was full of life would be an understatement.” Chris Bjerrisgaard a long-time friend and founder of Vancouver Craft Beer Week said “She was the kind of person who lit up a room and made everyone feel welcome, even if you had just met her that very second. Truly Gary’s biggest cheerleader and champion, her loss will leave a massive hole in the fabric of the Central City family. I know I will miss her greatly and am not shamed to admit I shed many tears when I heard of her passing.”
Sentiments echoed by Amanda Barry-Butchart, CAMRA Vancouver’s Events Coordinator, “With a smile that could warm any room, and a laugh that melted your heart, Pia was a beautiful soul with so much character. She’ll be remembered every time I drink an IPA.”
Pia really loved craft beer, was a huge supporter of the local craft beer community. and was a proud cheerleader for Central City Brewing. She was a big fan of IPA’s and loved that her name meant “beer” in the Hawaiian language. Many of you knew Pia for many years and knew how she enjoyed a good cask festival, and loved to travel to Victoria or Portland for a good fest there. I would like to invite all of you to her “Celebration of Life” at First Memorial Boal Chapel, 1505 Lilloet Rd, North Vancouver, on Saturday, May 31st at 10:00am.
If you would like to leave a comment for Gary and his family please go to legacy.com
Gary, I’m so sorry to hear of this terrible news. I offer my deepest sympathy.
Stuart
Hi Gary,
This is a terrible loss. You have our sympathies, and so does your family. We’ve been worried for months knowing that this might happen, and we only hope that you’re able somehow to cope.
As mentioned by Chris B., it didn’t take long to get to know Pia; despite knowing her for a relatively short time, both Ivana and I found her to be approachable and genuine. But then you already know this.
Pia was clearly dedicated to you. One recent memory I have is spending an hour or so in her company at last October’s BC Beer Awards, watching as you bashfully received trophy after trophy. She was much more excited than you and your team; she indeed was the cheerleader that she’s been described as. I remember with amusement how enthusiastically she took my unused ballots up to the festival booth to drop in that extra vote or two for Central City IPA.
We are fortunate we had one last brief chance to see her at a recent Whitecaps match. It was a poignant moment to witness you help Pia up those many stairs in her frail state. Take solace in the fact that you have been a good husband to her.
Dave & Ivana
I worked with Pia for several years and was so saddened to learn of her diagnosis last year and even sadder to find out of her passing. She was such an amazing person. Her heart was so big and her enthusiasm for life was infectious. I am so sorry for her dear family and wish them peace and strength in this tremendous time of heartache.
Gary,
Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Take care,
Tariq
I did not know Pia Lohin personally but a person can always get an idea of who a person is from their partner in life. I have gotten to know Gary over the last few years and he is a very friendly and genuine person. I am very saddened by this news. Gary you and your family are in my thoughts right now. Keep your children close and try to celebrate the life of an amazing women.
Pia was always so excited to see Jenny and myself at the events hosted by CCB. That light in her eyes, and the energy that made you feel so special in her company.
We had such a good time with her during the opening party at the new site last November. She gave us a private tour of Gary’s new office and the “grande” view of the brewery from the balcony. She was so excited to share. We had fun with Pia and Jenny posing for pictures in the upstairs lounge. What a wonderful memory…
Jenny and I send our condolences to you and your family. We will miss her so very much.
So sorry Gary to hear of your loss. Our Sympathies go out to you and your family at this sad time.
Pia I will miss you <3
Our hearts and good wishes go out to you Gary and your family. I was fortunate to play softball with Pia on the Sailor Hager’s team and she was always very bubbly, full of smiles and welcoming to all she met. My husband, Blaine was lucky enough to work with her at West Van City Hall. It is sad that Pia has left us but we are happy that we had the chance to know her.
We will miss her!
Dianne Barden
I am a relative of the Kaarama-family and just heard the sad news yesterday. So sad. I only met Pia once, in Finland, but we had great fun that summer, together with her brother Peter. My mother, a member of the Kaarama-family is still around. Our sincere Sympathies
Gary,
Thinking positive thoughts for not only Pia as she passes into Gods arms, but for you , the kids and your entire family…stay strong and please call upon us should you need anything at all. With much love,
Kel , Allison, Tatum and Neeva (Parry)
Meeting Pia at Hoppapalooza 2013 was a real treat. She was instantly warm and welcoming. Her giant smile lives on in our memories.
Gary & Family,
I had the lovely privilege of meeting Pia at a Spring Cask Festival last June 2013. My friends & I absolutely adored her personality and zeal for the craft beer community. In the short time we talked, her support for you all was very apparent. My heart is heavy for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. I will always cherish the fondness of that time I had in meeting her.
Gary;
My deepest condolences to you and your family through what I can only imagine is the most difficult of times.
Warmest Regards,
Daniel