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Stan's tree was a Christmas beacon for miles

Cloverdale's Stan Charney's 100-foot Douglas fir was a thing to behold when it was decked out for the holiday season.
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Cloverdale's Stan Charney holds a photo taken in 1976 of the 100-foot Douglas fir that used to be beacon for miles around at Christmas.

Stan Charney holds a photo taken in 1976 of the 100-foot Douglas fir at his home at 16567 78 Avenue, where he still lives (but the tree has since been topped for safety reasons).

Decorated with nearly 400 lights on a pulley system for changing bulbs and 32-bulb star, the tree in its heyday was visible for miles, making it a must-see on the Vancouver Sun’s list of light displays.

Photographer Ralph Bower mailed him the print, wishing him the ‘best of the season.’

He's kept the photo, the envelope it came in, and the note from Bower, after all these years, along with some news clippings. He recently brought the memorabilia to the Cloverdale Reporter's office, where he treated staff to Christmas presents in the form of small boxes of candies.

Merry Christmas, Stan!

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