MARLENE (1943-2021) & TONY SMITH (1936-2022)

Tony Smith, born and raised in Paris, ON, graduated from Queen’s University, Chemical Engineering, under the Regular Officer Training Program with the Canadian Armed Forces. His three years of serving were spent flying fighter jets in Europe, based in France.

Marlene Smith, born Marlene Charko in Winnipeg, MB, daughter of an Air Force Officer, lived in many different places. They were stationed in France when she turned 18.

And at 18, Marlene attended her first Officer’s Ball. Tony took one look at her and followed his heart …they were married October 28, 1961, and were blessed with their son, Don, 1962, and daughter, Rhonda, 1963. The family settled in Newmarket, ON, for 25 years.

Marlene loved to organize and volunteer. In Newmarket, she founded the Newmarket Crafters and Newmarket Hospice. On Salts Spring, she spearheaded the arts activities for Salt Spring Island’s Millennium Project and was part of the Salt Spring Arts Council, a supporter of SSNAP, and an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Marlene was incredibly artistic. She had a fine arts degree. She designed a line of silk screened clothes and created a variety of beautiful porcelain and clay pottery, paper mould sculptures and paintings.

In Newmarket, Tony channelled his intellect, gentle nature and sense of humour into teaching seniors chemistry and physics at Bayview SS, becoming a favourite teacher at the school. He loved speed, loving to fly fighter jets, ski and sail. He loved being physical, playing squash, practicing yoga and was an active member of the Salt Spring Trail and Nature Club. He volunteered with the Roscommon Strata and Salt Spring Search and Rescue.

Tony and Marlene thought about and experienced life outside the mainstream – e.g. forty years ago, they were healing themselves with homeopathy, Jungian therapy, and massage. They opened to their spirituality in a variety of ways – e.g. meditation, kundalini dancing, and time in nature. They were both avid readers, fiction and non fiction. They loved music and dancing. And, they grew and loved to smoke the “herb” … Tony earning the nickname, “Mr. Green”.

Their Georgian Bay island cottage, built by Tony, was their favourite place. Besides swimming, sun worshipping, and spending time with extended family, they loved to explore the Bay together, heading off for the day in their Albacore sailboat, “The High Flyer”. Later, it was mainly at the cottage where they spent time with their grandchildren, both being wonderfully creative and loving grandparents.

They lived in Ganges for 23 years. They loved the Salt Spring community and natural environment. They loved to entertain their friends, working together to create wonderful meals. One year, they purchased warm socks and handed them out to those in need.

In November 2019, they moved from BC to Guelph, ON, to be close to their daughter. In June 2021, Marlene was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She spent her final months looking after her beloved husband, finishing a few paintings, and enjoying time with daughter and family. She was able to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Marlene chose a medically assisted death (MAiD) and passed away, with courage and Grace, at Rhonda’s home on November 20, 2021.

Tony continued to live with Rhonda and family, gently fitting his routine into their life. He quietly grieved the loss of his beloved wife, and two months after her death, he followed his heart once again …passing away on January 21, 2022, with his daughter by his side.

Tony and Marlene are survived by son, Don Smith, grandson Aaron Smith, daughter-in-law Zhang Wei; daughter Rhonda Christie, son-in-law Doug, grandsons Reaves and Alex; Tony’s brother, Peter Smith, sister-in-law Dallis; Tony’s sister Wendy Hilliard, brother-in-law, Ashley; Marlene’s brother, Ron Charko, sister-in-law Bonnie; Marlene’s sister, Janice Charko, brother-in-law John.

Tony and Marlene will be deeply and forever missed by their cherished family and friends.

Randall W.D. Smith
2021

Randy, beloved husband of Paula Smith, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2021, in his 73rd year.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. K. Smith, Dr. A. Freeman, and their teams in Ganges and Victoria; staff at Lady Minto Hospital, RJH, BC Cancer Agency, SSI Palliative Care and Haywards Funeral Home.

Randy’s obituary, tribute and photos may be viewed at forevermissed.com

RAYMOND ARTHUR FRASER
May 13, 1943 ~ Feb 11, 2022

Sadly we must say goodbye to Ray Fraser. He fought a noble battle with his cancers. He leaves his caring wife Else and his son Jason (Cat). He has two grandchildren, Lily and Evran. There will be no funeral as per his request. Thank You everyone for your help and kindness.
“Adios”

Simone Fidelman
October 21st, 1942 ~ January 14th, 2022
 
We would like to announce the passing of our beloved Simone Fidelman.

Simone was born in the Netherlands the youngest of seven children. Simone’s remaining siblings, 9 nieces and 12 nephews remember their Canadian aunt Simone with affection.

Simone arrived in Canada in the late 1960s. She worked with Children and earned her degree in Counselling Psychology. Her kind and creative way of working with her clients was legendary. She was a counsellor in Nunavut, in Golden and here on Salt Spring Island at IWAV for the last 13 years.

She reluctantly retired in the late summer of 2021 at the age of 79.

Her death came too quickly after her last days at work. She surrendered with grace to her last days, encircled by friends and family. She nurtured deep friendships and adored her chosen family, the Vaillancourts, Don, Kathleen, Maia and Serena and their spouses Brad and Jeff, and children Cyrus, Madrid, Rowan, and Cooper.

Simone loved to write, to paint, to dance and to knit! She adored playing games, music, nature, her cat coco. She will be easily remembered for the unique and warm woman she was, and for the wisdom she easily shared with friends and clients alike.

Simone lies at rest in the Green Cemetery here on Salt Spring Island. The ceremony took place on January 16th, 2022, attended by many of her loved ones.

Simone will be deeply missed.