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Bettie Pellett celebrates 100th birthday

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Bettie Pellett celebrates 100th birthday

BY MARCIA JANSEN

Driftwood Contributor

Bettie Pellett’s secret to turning 100 years old: always be a learner.

On Thursday, Jan. 20, Elizabeth (Bettie) Pellett will mark her 100th birthday. Pellett lives with her dog Sera, has a computer and a smartphone, and gets her hair done every week. 

“I still enjoy every day,” she told the Driftwood.  

A few days before the centenary milestone, Pellett sits on the couch with her dog Sera next to her. There’s a big stack of books and birthday cards on the other side, on the wall a painting of her and the beagle named Pekoe she had before Sera.

Pellett got Sera 11 years ago when she was in her late 80s. 

“Sera is 13 now, and I hope that she keeps going,” said Pellett. “Sera didn’t have social skills — she was always playing by herself — and her breeder wanted to give her away for free to the right person. She needed someone who could give her undivided attention all day, and luckily she came to live with me. I loved her from the moment I saw her.”

Together they make short walks around the house and in the garden. 

“Where I go, she goes,” Pellett said with a smile.

Pellett, whose maiden name was Dickie, was born in Santa Maria, near Santa Barbara in southern California.  

“I grew up in Long Beach with my three siblings, and I was the second child. We had wonderful parents who supported our growth. Education was very important to them. I went to high school, junior college and, during World War II, to a college that later became the University of California.”

In 1942 she married Bob Pellett, who shortly after their marriage was sent to the South Pacific to work at the Admirals Office. When Bob returned after the war, he went back to college and they both became teachers. 

“I got my master’s degree in American history and English writing and started teaching Grade 12 in high school.”

Teaching was her calling. 

“It is such a marvellous profession. I loved every minute of it.”

When she and Bob retired in their 60s, they moved to Salt Spring Island. 

“My sister who lived on Salt Spring Island had breast cancer and I wanted to be closer to her. I thought we would stay for a few months, but it ended up being for the rest of my life. I enjoyed it here. I love gardening, the island is one big garden itself, and became an active member of the Salt Spring Island Garden Club.”  

Pellett said she has had a good life. There were tragedies, though. Her younger brother Donald died of suicide when he was just 37 years old. 

“He fought during the war in the Pacific, became a successful doctor after that, but couldn’t live with the memories of the war.”  

The Pelletts did not have children. 

“It was something we wanted, but we weren’t lucky. That was hard, but as teachers, we always had young people around us. And Bob coached soccer and basketball and those kids spent time at our house as well.”

Over the years Pellett lost all her siblings, her husband, and had to say goodbye to many of her friends. 

“It is part of life. Sometimes I feel loneliness, especially with all the COVID-19 restrictions, but I don’t try to think about it that much because it limits your life.”

At almost 100 years old, Pellett is in a good place. 

“I am just happy to be alive. Every morning I wake up wondering what the day will bring. I start the day by reading the New York Times on my iPad, I love to read books and to spend time in my garden. I am also part of a Democratic club in California and join their meetings on Zoom. The computer is my portal to the world. I am interested in other people and cultures, there is so much to learn, I am rarely bored.”

Turning hundred when you are still living in your own house, caring for a dog and using modern technology is a rare feat. Is there a secret to it? 

“That is a hard question. But I would say, stay curious and keep learning. Always be a learner, it will enrich your life.”

Birthday Cards

Pellett’s friend Harry Burton is collecting birthday cards for her special birthday. If you want to congratulate Pellett, you can send a card to her care of Burton at 110 Heidi Place, Salt Spring Island, B.C., V8K 1W5.

Public opinion panel launched on Salt Spring

Driftwood Staff
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Public opinion panel launched on Salt Spring

Salt Spring Islanders are being invited to share their opinions about important island matters through a new online opinion forum called Salt Spring Insights.

Created by two local companies — Return On Insight, a market research consultancy, and Marketworks, a digital media company — the aim is “to raise the level of conversations here and offer a clearer picture of local opinion on Salt Spring topics,” they state in a Jan. 19 press release.

The process sees individuals sign up to become panel members. They will then receive regular invitations to participate in surveys on different topics and be eligible to win prizes for participating.

“Confidentiality is a crucial concern of Salt Spring Insights, and all information collected is kept strictly confidential, with no answers ever being attributed to individuals. All survey answers are summed up and presented in aggregate form.”

The first topic Salt Spring Insights will address among panelists involves Salt Spring Island Fire and Rescue, which has hired Return On Insight to engage with the public about attitudes toward firefighting and emergency service facilities here on the island.

“Diversity of thought is essential for any community to thrive,” the companies state. “By participating periodically in professionally crafted online surveys, managed and administered by an experienced team, islanders can safely and confidently add their unique perspective to Salt Spring Insights and help inform decisions and actions being taken to improve life here on our island, one issue at a time.”

To sign up, go to saltspringinsights.com, or for more information contact Return On Insight president Bruce Cameron at rbc@returnoninsight.ca.

Omicron variant causes staffing challenges, changes to Island Health services

Emelie Peacock
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Omicron variant causes staffing challenges, changes to Island Health services

Island Health has shortened laboratory hours, postponed some surgeries and moved staff around as the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant significantly impacts staffing across the health authority. 

With 2,095 active cases and 275 new cases reported across the Island Health region on Jan. 19, the health authority explained that staffing challenges driven by the spread of the Omicron variant are forcing several temporary service changes. In the region there are currently 60 people hospitalized with COVID-19, seven of those are in critical care according to data from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

“While temporarily pausing or changing services has a real impact on those who have to wait longer for care, we recognize it is necessary at this most extraordinary time,” Kathy MacNeil, Island Health president and CEO, stated in a Jan. 18 news release. 

“These are not actions we want to take, and we don’t take them lightly knowing the impact they have on those we serve.”

Temporary changes include postponing elective, scheduled surgeries at the majority of hospitals, which was done in early January and will continue until the end of the month at Victoria General, Royal Jubilee and Nanaimo Regional General hospitals. 

Some labs on Vancouver Island have either been temporarily closed or have had their hours reduced, including the Sidney outpatient lab. The Lady Minto Hospital medical lab will be open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon only, with these hours until Feb. 28. 

Some ambulatory care services, the care provided on an outpatient basis, are being slowed down. The services that are ongoing are for those with the greatest need. 

“Staffing levels are being adjusted on a day-to-day and shift-by-shift basis, and in advance whenever possible, to balance risk and help utilize human resources most efficiently across the system,” Island Health explained. 

Staff are being deployed from surgical and ambulatory areas to areas where they are more critically needed. In long-term care homes, contingency plans are in place that allow for staff to move across sites if needed. 

Island Health stated that “additional leadership supports” have also been added on evenings and weekends as well as on-call to ensure healthcare teams have the support to give “safe patient care during this challenging time.” 

Salt Spring Island reported 29 cases of COVID-19 between Jan. 11 and 17, compared to 27 the week prior. Across the other Southern Gulf Islands, five cases were reported last week, compared to seven the week prior. 

Salt Spring’s COVID-19 testing facility moved earlier this month from the hospital to Meaden Hall. Isolation and testing protocols have also changed in response to the rapid spread and short incubation period of the Omicron variant.

PCR testing is being recommended only to those who have specific symptoms and are at the highest risk, meaning they are over 65 or have underlying illnesses or severe symptoms. At-home testing is also being provided at certain testing sites. 

The health authority recommends to follow BCCDC guidelines for whether to get tested, and call Island Health’s testing line at 1-844-901-8442.

COVID testing site now at Meaden Hall

Emelie Peacock
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COVID testing site now at Meaden Hall

Island Health has moved its COVID-19 testing site from a temporary structure outside the Lady Minto Hospital to the Salt Spring Legion building. 

Meaden Hall at 120 Blain Rd. is now the place where anyone recommended to get tested will get their test. Andrew Leyne with Island Health stated via email that the “comfort and safety of our patients and staff, as well as accessibility” were factors for the shift.

As the spread of the Omicron variant affects all of B.C., testing and isolation protocols have changed. Leyne confirmed that someone with mild symptoms and no risk factors for severe illness does not need to get tested. It’s best to follow BC Centre for Disease Control guidelines for whether to get tested, and call Island Health’s testing line at 1-844-901-8442. 

“The call centre will call you back to determine next steps,” Island Health stated. “If you require testing, you will be sent a link and passcode to book a time to pick up an at-home test kit from one of our testing sites.” For details on how to use a rapid antigen test at home, go to bccdc.ca and search “Rapid Antigen Testing for COVID-19.”

“PCR testing is most appropriate for symptomatic people at the highest risk,” Island Health stated. “That means people who are older, over age 65, people who have underlying illness and people with more severe symptoms where this makes a difference in how they get treated and access to treatment. It also includes hospital workers, emergency responders and others.” 

Public health advises anyone with symptoms (see chart below), even if they are mild, to stay home and isolate for five days.

Salt Spring Island had 34 positive cases this past week (Jan. 7 to 13), compared to 30 in the previous week. The other Southern Gulf Islands had two cases last week and 10 the week prior. The Greater Victoria local health area, which includes the Southern Gulf Islands, had 972 cases last week and 992 the week prior. 

Search and rescue crews respond to two calls on Friday

Emelie Peacock
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Search and rescue crews respond to two calls on Friday

As Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue (SSISAR) wrapped up two successful operations Friday, search manager and president Conrad Bowden said it’s been a busier start to the year than usual. 

The operations Friday involved getting a man from his home on Prevost Island to hospital in Victoria, then locating two hikers on Mount Erskine. The taskings are the second and third for the year, following a Jan. 3 rescue of a hiker off an icy and slippery Mount Erskine trail using a basket stretcher and a wheel. 

The first call for Jan. 14 came in at 4:45 p.m. A man had fallen from the roof of his house on Prevost Island, which is a water-access-only island. Working with BC Ambulance and the Canadian Coast Guard, three SSISAR members were transported to the island on the Cape Naden motor lifeboat. 

The man, a senior who had fallen between six to eight feet and had been lying on the ground for some time awaiting rescue, was brought by stretcher down to the Naden. All of the rescuers then accompanied the man to Swartz Bay for further medical treatment. He was stable and his spirits were high, Bowden reported. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Naden could only carry their own crew plus three SSISAR members, so the rest of the team headed back to the hall. As they were getting ready to go home, yet still geared up, they were told by RCMP that two female hikers needed to be rescued from a trail on Mount Erskine.

The two hikers had their cell phones on them and were texting with rescuers.

“They actually were using a mapping program to map their own hike,” Bowden said. “So they were able to send screenshots of that.” 

Using SSISAR’s own mapping software, searchers connected their team with the two hikers. 

They were brought out a little over an hour from when they first got the call at 6:15 p.m. 

“It’s great with all the technology and so forth that it makes it so straightforward,” Bowden said.  

He said it’s good for people to take into account that it can get dark sooner if they are on the wrong side of the mountain or if the weather is cloudy or foggy.

“Visibility can get very difficult much earlier than you might think,” he said.

Viewpoint: Environment’s protection sabotaged

Contributed Article
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Viewpoint: Environment’s protection sabotaged

BY MAXINE LEICHTER

Many of us have long assumed that the Islands Trust area is a special place where the natural environment is protected. This belief is a mirage. 

Whether or not the environment gets protected is actually left to the discretion of locally elected trustees. If we elect trustees who favour development over environmental protection, that’s what we get. This means the Gulf Islands have no more protection than they would under any other local government.

How can this be? The Islands Trust Act clearly specifies that the “environment” and the “unique amenities” of the Gulf Islands are to be protected — but that protection has been eroded for years. 

Our official community plan (OCP) contains mostly aspirational goals describing a utopia where every need, be it economic, social or environmental, is met. Even the few hard and fast mandates in our OCP, such as limiting the eventual population of the island to 17,000, have been ignored. For example, bylaws have been passed over the past few years allowing thousands of additional suites and cottages with no requirement that they be affordable, or even go to island workers. And now our trustees are considering rezoning the entire island to allow for even   more secondary residences.

The Trust Act requires that island bylaws be consistent with a policy statement adopted by Trust Council. But this requirement was subverted when Trust Council adopted a policy that local bylaws don’t have to be consistent with the policy statement if there is “sufficient reason.”

To make matters worse, last year, during discussions on a new policy statement, Trust Council passed motions to re-define the object of the Trust to include “protection of healthy and inclusive communities including, but not limited to, housing and transportation.” How is that protecting the “environment” and “unique amenities” of the islands?

Motions to make protection of the natural environment a top priority were rejected by the majority, including our trustees. Some trustees even argued that the word “environment” in the Trust object should be interpreted to include “people.” 

It’s easy and tempting to follow the same growth pattern as other communities. But that’s not what the Trust Act says. Those who wrote the Trust Act would roll over in their graves if they could see how the words “environment” and “unique amenities” have been distorted to enable, rather than limit, development.

The voices in favour of continuing the current trend speak loudly. Protections will decline unless the community objects. 

The Islands Trust Policy Statement is being revised this year. I urge you to write to our trustees at ssiinfo@islandstrust.bc.ca  and ask them not to violate population limits in our OCP, and to support motions at Trust Council affirming that the word “environment” in the Trust Act means “natural environment” and that “unique amenities” means one-of-a-kind features that do not exist anywhere else.

Trustee Report: Public input welcomed on Trust Council matters

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Trustee Report: Public input welcomed on Trust Council matters

By LAURA PATRICK

Last week, I provided an update on the Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee’s work. Now I am providing you with an update on the Islands Trust Council’s work and how you can have a say.

Trust Council is a federation made up of all 26 trustees elected across all the islands in the Trust Area. Your input is important as it helps me to ensure that Salt Spring’s voice is being heard at this larger table.

2022/23 Budget

In December, Trust Council endorsed a draft 2022/23 budget for public consultation. On Jan. 21, a public survey will be released to provide information on the draft budget and gather your feedback. 

The 2022/23 draft budget includes $588,500 in new grant revenues, as well as the expenses that these grants will pay for. Net of expenses paid for by grants, the budget increase over the previous year stands at approximately two per cent. So why is the proposed general tax increase at 4.88 per cent (down from 5.16 per cent stated in a Dec. 16 Trust news release), if this net spending is only up by two per cent? This is because previous budgets relied on larger draws from surplus and reserve funds to offset taxes, which is not uncommon for governments.

The draft 2022/23 budget is drawing a lesser amount from surplus and reserves than previous years, with the difference being funded by an increase in taxes. The draft budget includes funding for all operations and for projects, including $108,000 for Salt Spring Island planning projects (Ganges Village, Housing Action, and Ecosystem Protection), and a special tax requisition of $75,500 for the Salt Spring Island Watershed Protection Alliance.

Islands Trust Policy Statement

The current Trust Policy Statement was prepared two decades ago. It is being updated because it doesn’t speak to our responsibilities around reconciliation, climate change or affordable housing. I’m certain you have heard a thing or two about the first draft, because I have certainly heard from you!

We paused the work on updating the policy statement early last summer and have, instead, been working on preparing a more inclusive and accessible public engagement process. This took some time, but you can anticipate hearing soon about the many ways in which you can participate.

Governance and Management Review

A select committee of Trust Council has been guiding a review of the governance, management and operational structure, focusing on the effectiveness of three key elements: governance in determining the strategic direction of the organization; planning services; and advocacy activity. The consultant’s report will be publicly available in March. I anticipate that recommendations will range in complexity and time scale.

I also anticipate that the public will need to be engaged in order to implement many of the recommendations. You have my commitment to get this report out to the public as soon as possible, which should be around the March 8-10 Trust Council meeting.

Strategic Planning Initiatives

Trust Council’s work is guided by a strategic plan, which you can find on the Islands Trust website.

There are several actions outlined in the plan, but I want to provide you with information regarding Trust Council’s decision to ask senior government for the same authority that municipalities have in order to regulate issues around trees (under Section 8 of the Community Charter). These are also known as tree protection bylaws or, in some municipalities, tree cutting bylaws. I know there is considerable concern with the Islands Trust advocating for these powers. The province is taking a cautious approach and has requested more information on how this authority would be used.

If the Islands Trust is granted this or a customized form of this authority, each local trust committee would still need to develop and implement their own tree bylaws. I have heard a strong desire from some Salt Springers for an approach that favours stewardship, education and voluntary compliance rather than imposing new bylaws. Should the Trust be granted the new provincial authority, I will consult with the community before formulating any directions to staff.

As one of your two elected trustees, I want you to know that I value your input. Please feel free to reach out to me via email at lpatrick@islandstrust.bc.ca.

One of the easiest ways to keep up to date on what we’re working on is to subscribe on the Islands Trust website. Make sure to click on the News Releases box to receive notifications on the Trust Council activities.

The writer is a Salt Spring Island Local Trust Committee member and a member of the Islands Trust Council Executive Committee.

Salt Spring RCMP provide 2021 4th quarter & year-end statistics

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Salt Spring RCMP provide 2021 4th quarter & year-end statistics

SUBMITTED BY SSI RCMP

As of Dec. 31, 2021, Salt Spring Island RCMP responded to 2,948 calls throughout the year, averaging eight calls per day. This is a decrease of 30 calls from the 2020 call volume of 2,978 calls for that year.

Of the near-3,000 calls this year, there were 520 mental health-related files, 505 traffic-related complaints, and 112 calls to Centennial Park and the downtown area. Dozens of sex-related offences were reported to SSI RCMP; an additional 56 calls involved COVID-19 and/or Provincial Health Orders and enforcement. There were 122 motor vehicle collisions reported and police responded to 40 firearms-related offences. Over the course of the year, police conducted over 1,300 foot patrols in the Centennial Park and downtown areas. Police also gave presentations at some of our local schools and participated in various community events.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, there were 684 calls for service between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31; in addition to the near-700 calls for service, Salt Spring RCMP conducted 92 vehicle stops (violation tickets and warnings), 55 licensed premises checks (bar walks) and 233 foot patrols through Centennial Park and other areas. Statistically, this means that during this 92-day period, police conducted one bar walk every two days, two-plus foot patrols per day, and one traffic stop per day, all in addition to the seven to eight calls for service each day.

Police responded to six sexual-related offences, nine firearms calls and 144 mental health complaints in this fourth quarter. Police aided the BC Coroners Service on multiple local investigations, responded to road wash-out and flooding complaints, and attended multiple fires during this quarter. Mental health-related complaints accounted for 21 per cent of the total call volume in this three-month period.

Some of the calls from the last quarter of 2021 are detailed below:

October 2021

• A fraud was reported to SSI RCMP where over $100,000.00 was taken from a resident’s bank account; international efforts have been made by SSI RCMP to further the investigation.

• A lost resident was found and transported back to their residence by police.

• Police responded to multiple attempted suicides by various males and females throughout the month.

• A male who wanted to be shot by SSI RCMP was taken into custody without violence and transported to hospital for assessment.

• A bicycle was reported stolen to police.

• Police responded to a single-vehicle MVI that heavily damaged both the truck and private property; reparations are being made by the driver.

November 2021

• Police responded to a firearm complaint where shots were heard.

• Police assisted Sooke RCMP in locating a missing person.

• Police responded to a baby locked in a running car; police assisted with gaining access to the car and the baby returned to her parents.

• SSI RCMP were contacted after a toilet covered with ketchup and sparkles was placed in a resident’s yard; the suspect was identified by police and a warning given.

• A pet owner called Police to report her cat had eaten an unknown type of mushroom and died

• An impaired driver was caught by SSI RCMP; Criminal Code charges were laid and the matter is going before the courts.

• A military projectile was found on Baker Beach; SSI RCMP attended and then contacted the Explosives Disposal Unit, who safely detonated the projectile.

• SSI RCMP executed a warrant for a male who had failed to pay child support for the past few years; the male was arrested and a court date was assigned to him.

• Police were called to investigate a report of a male youth who sexually assaulted his younger sister.

• Police responded to a report of a vehicle doing donuts on a school field; the vehicle and registered owner have been identified by police and charges are pending.

• Police intercepted a package of illicit drugs shipped in the mail to a Salt Spring address; the investigation is continuing.

• A male who had been arrested by SSI RCMP in 2020 for throwing rocks through business windows failed to attend court and a warrant for his arrest was subsequently issued. Police in Langley, B.C. apprehended the male in November 2021 and a new court date was provided. The male subsequently didn’t show up for court again and another warrant has been issued for his arrest.

December 2021

• A male with outstanding warrants for assaulting a peace officer was arrested by SSI RCMP and given a new court date.

• Police attended a workplace accident where a worker was injured by a crane; Workplace Safety attended.

• After catching hydro wires on the roof of a reversing delivery truck, a hydro pole broke and struck a vehicle; paperwork was later given to the delivery truck owner/operator by police.

• A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle, resulting in injuries and the need for surgery.

• SSI RCMP were called to a male who stated he had been threatened to be shot with a long bow; no charges were laid at the request of the male who reported the incident.

• SSI RCMP were called to a female who was threatening to cut herself with a knife and broken glass; the female was subsequently taken to hospital for assessment.

• Police were contacted by a male who advised his power was out and he needed help starting his generator; police attended and power was restored.

• SSI RCMP were advised of people illegally harvesting clams on the west side of Salt Spring. Police attended and confirmed the legal licence of the harvesters.

• Police responded to a domestic violence situation where one partner was struck by the other with a hammer; the investigation is continuing.

• A male was assaulted downtown with a wooden fence post; the investigation is continuing

This past year has been one of challenge, stress, frustration and worry. It has also been a year of kindness, following rules for the sake of others, generosity and patience. Salt Spring RCMP wish to thank everyone for their patience and support of each other and provincial health directions during this pandemic.

WHEELER, Janet

Driftwood Obituary
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WHEELER, Janet

Janet Wheeler
1946 – 2022
Artist, healer, wife, soulmate, friend, mother and proud grandmother, Janet suddenly passed away on January 13th at Victoria General Hospital, with her husband and daughter by her side.

Janet was born in Sheffield, England and grew up in Kent, where she swam for the county. She trained as a teacher and graduated from her college with a distinction. She taught elementary school for many years and then became a teacher of flower arranging, taking part in national and international competitions, and was asked to teach in Russia at the time of perestroika, which she successfully did for three seasons. She developed a love of stitched textile and helped start and run her local Embroiderers Guild branch in the UK, her art continued when she moved to Canada in 2010 and she joined groups in Vancouver and then Salt Spring. She frequently exhibited her work, most recently in the Mahon Hall and the library here and enjoyed working with the many fellow artists in each group. She also valued her work as a healer in the Healing Touch ministry at Vancouver’s Christ Church Cathedral and regretted so much that the on-going pandemic had curtailed this work.

She had just celebrated her 54th wedding anniversary, and is survived by her husband, Simon and their two children, Clare, married to Alec, and Neil, married to Fay, and her three beloved grandchildren, Henry, Rowan and Finley, together with her sister Ann and brother-in-law, Bob.

She loved her cats, baking Victoria sponges and chocolate in any form.

Many, many thanks for all the medical help she received from Dr Paula Ryan and the emergency team at Lady Minto Hospital, including the paramedics and fire personnel who were on site so quickly, plus the Air Ambulance staff and all at Victoria General Hospital. Heartfelt thanks also to our local Beddis community who have provided truly wonderful love and support.

The funeral service was held Janaury 22 at All Saints by the Sea in Ganges, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

WAKE, (Charles) Julian

Driftwood Obituary
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WAKE, (Charles) Julian

(Charles) Julian Wake
(1947-2022)

Born in the UK on 16 February 1947, Charles Julian Wake was of Welsh, English, and Scottish ancestry. Going by the name of Julian, he was the son of Roger Wake and Olwen Mary Wynne-Finch. He attended Eton College. In 1966, he came to Vancouver to study forestry at UBC. Switching fields, he went on to earn a BA and MA degrees in social anthropology. 

Julian married in 1977 and had two children. The family lived a countercultural life in the Kootenays for many years.

Julian worked in multiple capacities for many First Nations in several areas of British Columbia. He had a deep appreciation and immense respect for First Nation cultures. His work also took him to Nepal, Jamaica, and Peru, and he travelled extensively, pursuing adventures and experiences. Wherever he went, he would always immerse himself in the customs and culture of the country. Valuing connection, he kept in touch with his friends around the world and made regular road trips to the Kootneys and across BC to see friends.

On retiring, Julian moved to Salt Spring Island where one of his pleasures was to go to the Saturday market. While he’d pick up the odd item, the main purpose of attending was to chat to his many acquaintances and friends on the island and to meet new people. 

At his home on Saltspring Island, he placed a number of feeders on his deck. He delighted in watching the birds visit. 

Julian was also a proud gardener. Despite his failing health, he turned the land on his property on Saltspring into a fine sanctuary. He planted a large vegetable garden, surrounding it with a high fence to ward off the deer. A string of Tibetan prayer flags fluttered from the tops of two of the fence poles. He sought out seedlings and unwanted rose bushes from neighbors to further enhance the natural beauty of his patch of land.  

Julian always spoke of his two children with kindness and love. He was immensely proud of them both and them of him.

On Sunday, January 16, 2022, a month before his 75th birthday, Julian died peacefully surrounded by family at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC.

Julian is remembered with love by his children, his family in the UK and France, and his friends in Canada and abroad. 

A memorial service will held in the future.

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