July 10, 1914 – June 25, 2010
Betty passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff at Lady Minto Hospital. Betty was a well known and well loved resident of Ganges on Saltspring Island where she lived for over 50 years. Born in Spokane, Washington, Betty had an adventurous life living and working in large and small communities throughout BC and across Canada including the far north. She had a passion for people and service which was reflected in her many and varied jobs and volunteer positions over the years in health care, education and on the BC Ferries. For anyone who knew Betty though, it was clear that her defining career chapter was spent in the service of the Canadian forces during and after WW II. There she forged life-long connections with friends and lived the values associated with service on behalf of one’s country. She also endured the loss of too many friends who died much too young in active service. Her love of the military life and related comradeship was extended right up to the present through many years of service in the Royal Canadian Legion, Saltspring Island Branch 92, where she was president in 1991 and 1992. Well into her 90’s, Betty continued to be a sought after guest speaker for elementary school assemblies on Remembrance Day. Long after Betty retired from paid work, she continued to contribute actively and energetically as a volunteer in many capacities on Saltspring including the Hospital Auxilliary where she was bestowed the honour of Lifetime Member. Betty loved participating in and following sports of all kinds. She kept active with many crafts and hobbies including a passion for her garden where she could be found from spring through fall. She also loved her home at Brinkworthy Place where she lived for the last 28 years and had many friends. Betty’s inspirational spirit and energy will be dearly missed by her family and friends. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion in Ganges from 3-5 pm on her 96th birthday – July 10, 2010. All are warmly welcome to join us in bidding Betty a fond farewell.