After 52 years, Vera Aura is handing over the keys to Johnny’s Fishing & Hunting.
The Revelstoke institution, which was opened by Vera and her husband Johnny in 1964, was sold to Alan Norrish; he officially takes possession this week.
“I have mixed feelings,” Vera told me. “Sometimes, I can’t stop crying, but other times I’m happy to move on.”
Nourrish purchased the property, which includes the store, the two garage bays next door, and three 50-foot lots.
He plans on keeping Johnny’s going and will be opening up a quick oil change centre called Revy Lube next door.
“Everything is going to stay the same what Vera’s doing, we’re just going to tidy it up,” he said.
While Nourrish didn’t describe himself as a big hunter and fisher, he said he does have a hunting licence and he fishes as a hobby.
He was born in Kamloops but his family moved to Revelstoke when he was four. His mother ran the high school cafeteria while his dad worked at Finning’s.
He moved away after high school, enrolling in automotive school but eventually working in the marine industry in Sicamous. He moved back to Revelstoke two years ago.
Norrish’s plan is to get through the summer, then renovate either in the fall or next spring. He and his business partner, Robert Nobles, plan on gutting the old shop and modernizing it.
“We’re keeping the name,” Norrish said.
He’s a skier and snowmobiler and a fan of water sports. Like many entrepreneurs coming to down, he believes strongly in Revelstoke’s future.
“I think it’s going to keep growing,” he said. “It’s a great place to live.”
Photo: Members of the Revelstoke Rod & Gun Club dropped by Johnny's last week to give Vera Aura flowers and thank her and her husband for their service to the community over the past 52 years. ~ Photo contributed