January 7, 1941 – October 3, 2008
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Val at our home on Salt Spring Island in the loving care of her family after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Val is survived by Peter Ian, her husband of 44 years and friend for 58 years, her sons Peter Benjamin (Aneesa), Guy Christopher (Jody) and Jonathan Mark (Michelle), and grandsons Jeremy and Charlie, her sister Rosemary (Robert) and many cousins in the UK.
Val was born and educated in Northampton, England and after attending college obtained her teaching degree. Children were the principle focus in Val’s life. She loved and respected each one of them and they loved her in return. After a career in four schools in England, Val and Peter emigrated to Canada in 1966 where they raised their sons and lived in Edmonton, Calgary and Salt Spring Island. Val relished her life and was always thankful for what it offered, referring to it as a “big adventure”. She will be sadly missed by us all.
The family wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank everyone involved in her care over the course of her illness including the professional care of her Doctors DeKock, Crossland, Weinerman and Lim, the home nursing support team, community home care and the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Kim Murray. We would also like to recognize the numerous friends from All Saints Church, Admiral Lodge and the rest of the islanders who helped out with their many gifts of love, support, flowers and food, etc. This kindness will always be remembered. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, Ganges, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10th.