(previously Burrows, nee Price)
1921-2009
Fern Schoch passed away peacefully after a short illness on July 15, 2009, with her husband Peter Schoch by her side. She will be dearly missed by Peter and by her daughter, Valerie Wasylishen and son Jim Burrows (Patti Olson); son in-laws Rod Wasylishen and Doug Campbell (Susan); step-sons Gren and Arn Schoch; and grandchildren Tim Campbell (Irene and Silas) and Robyn Campbell (Darren Wasylucha), Stephen and Eric Wasylishen, as well as nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Alexei and Ana Wasylucha. Fern was born and grew up in Indian Head, Saskatchewan. Despite the depression she took piano and clarinet lessons, played the church organ and sang in the church choir. She often talked about playing underage at different bars and community dance halls around the Qu’Appelle Valley.
She worked for the RCMP as a stenographer in Regina prior to marrying James Burrows (1961-1997) and continued this job during his war-time absence, until 1945. At that time they moved to Kingston, Ontario where their three children were born and Jim worked for Alcan. 1958 brought a move to Arvida, P.Q., quite a change and a challenge for the family. Fern soon became active with curling, golf, bridge and the Anglican Church. Her children remember Fern as a loving mother, not to mention fantastic cook. She married Peter Schoch in Bagotville, P.Q. in 1971 and the couple lived in various parts of Canada, finally settling in British Columbia in 1977.
Fern’s love of golf carried into memberships at the Royal Colwood and Cowichan Valley clubs in the 80s and 90s, to the point of being Ladies Captain at Cowichan Valley in the 1990’s. She was still enjoying a good game into her 80’s.
In 2004, they moved to Salt Spring Island where her son Jim and his wife Patti resided and could support them as they grew older. Fern had braved the tragic loss of her second daughter, Donna in 1995, taking solace in the company of friends and family and continuing her long-standing interest in bridge, golf and music; she played the piano until near the end of her life.
Thanks to the staff at Greenwoods for their care and concern during her stay of almost 3 years and to Dr. James White and the other kind medical staff at Lady Minto Gulf Islands Hospital. Donations in her memory can be made to your favorite charity.