At Ascent Coffee, we're proud to partner with businesses that share our values—and we're honoured they choose us in return. You can purchase your favourite beans from this cherished community hub and tourist attraction in Northern British Columbia.
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What began as a bold venture in the early 1980s has evolved into a beloved institution, the Rosswood General Store. As you step through the doors, you're not just entering a place to buy goods; you're walking into a living piece of history, where every shelf, every smile, and every story is steeped in the legacy of a family that turned a simple idea into the heartbeat of their community.
The Geier family, originally from Cranbrook, ventured to the wilds of Terrace in the early 1970s, driven by the promise of opportunity. Among them were Wilf Geier and his mother, May.
Wilf, who carried an adventurous spirit and thrived on challenge, was left with quadriplegia after an accident in June 1977. Despite the physical limitations, Wilf's appetite for life never dulled; instead, it fueled a determination that defined the next chapter of his life.
May, the matriarch, possessed a strength and patience that only an exceptional mother could muster. With an unyielding resolve, she saw the potential where others saw only hardship. Living in a remote community, she recognized a need: the community lacked a store, and Wilf needed a new focus.
Together, this resourceful duo launched the Rosswood General Store in 1983. Their venture was more than a business; it became a lifeline for the community. The store was not just a place to buy goods; it was where neighbors gathered, exchanged stories, and found comfort in the familiar faces of friends. Under Wilf and May's stewardship, the Rosswood General Store became a cornerstone of the community, where you could find anything you needed and always leave with a smile.
For nearly three decades, the store was a testament to the Geier family's tenacity and the values of simplicity, honesty, and neighborly bonds. Even as the years passed and the world changed, the store remained a sanctuary of timeless tradition.
Wilf's passing in August 2010 marked the end of an era, and when May peacefully followed in 2022, it was the closing of a significant chapter. But the legacy they built was far from over. In 2012, Clarke Hanna, Wilf's nephew-in-law, stepped in to continue the family's work. Clarke brought with him a heart of innovation and adventure that breathed new life into the store while respecting the features that had made it valuable.
Significant renovations in 2016 reimagined the space, adding modern touches while maintaining the store's essential character. Today, the Rosswood General Store remains a hub of community life, offering a unique mix of international specialties, gluten-free and vegan options, and even the latest TikTok trends. It's a place where you can still find friendly conversation on the porch and catch up on the local news, just as you could in Wilf and May's time.
Reflecting on his journey, Clarke recalls his first encounter with the store nearly 20 years ago, when he was preparing for a kayak trip from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy. The Geier family's kindness left an indelible impression on him. Little did he know then that he would one day be at the helm, guiding the store into a new era.
Today, Clarke's commitment to the store and the community it serves is evident in every detail. From working with local producers to offering products you won't find anywhere else in the region, Clarke has ensured that the Rosswood General Store remains a vital part of the Nass Valley and beyond. It's not just a store; it's an experience, a piece of the north's history, and a beacon of what makes small communities special.
"It probably sounds cliché, but the customers are the best part of working at the store," says Clarke. "We are lucky enough to hear often that coming to the store is an excellent experience and that we are an invaluable addition to HWY 113."