Marks Marion (nee Smith) peacefully passed away on December 27th 2011 at University of Alberta Hospital Edmonton Alberta at the age of 70, wife of late Chris (2009) and beloved mother of Anthony, Terry Lynn and Clare Marks (Michael). Darling to her grandchildren Mackenzie, Emma Jarae, Tyler and Annaka. Survived by her sisters Barbara (John) Scott, BC and Ellen Christian, UK, brother in law Kevin Marks, BC, sister in law Tina Gray and mother in law Jean Marks, UK. She will be greatly missed by nieces and nephews Debbie Graves (Paul), UK, Gary (Judith) Scott, AUS, Robert (Annalisa) Scott, USA, Sue (David) Burrows, USA, Phil (Taryn ) Marks, BC, Michael (Kelly) Christian, UK, and Christopher Marks, BC. Predeceased by her parents Bill Smith and Elsie Ireland. Marion will be greatly missed by all that knew her and hearts she touched. A celebration of Marion’s life will be held at Seba Beach Christian Fellowship Church in Seba Beach Alberta on January 7th 2012 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to STARS or any charity of your choice.

July 20, 1953 – December 21, 2011

Born in Nakusp, B.C., lived in Needles, Williams Lake and then 41 years on Salt Spring. He leaves behind his loving daughters, Tracy, Bridgette (Troy) and Sophie; granddaughters Cleo and Emma. He also leaves brothers Rick and Ken (Jayne), sisters Donna (Ted), Brenda (Pat), Barb (Roy), many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and many friends. Predeceased by his parents Bert and Bernice. Only Doug could say what he did and get away with it. He had an incredible way of helping people. Will be forever missed.

Celebration of life at the Farmers’ Institute, January 7, 2012 from 12 – 3pm. Potluck.

May 28, 1939 – December 17, 2011

The last trip we made together with our Border Collie Rain, we saw Jasper in the sunshine of September.

We headed for Edmonton the next morning, but our Sprinter camper van, affectionately known as Benny, coasted to a dead stop right in front of an automotive repair shop. Bill got out and talked to the mechanics as he always talked to everyone he met — with respect for what they did. They got us back on the Yellowhead Highway heading east, across a Prairie so beautiful in early fall. One could see 17 miles in all directions, or so Bill told me, and it was like flying in a small aircraft.

The cancer had returned but once again Bill would not allow it to conquer him and we continued on our journey to Saskatoon. Earlier, his good friend and physician Dr. Ron Reznick, poised at the starting line of the most arduous leg of the Tour de France, had written ‘Bill’ on the calf of his leg in ballpoint pen. Bill had told him, “Ronny, you can do it.” It had become his mantra too.

We returned home to Salt Spring Island from Saskatchewan just before Bill began to feel ill again. Always a fighter, he never gave up or gave in. Bill, now on the most adventurous journey of all, would still provide that gentle guidance as he always had, along with steadfast encouragement for all of us that loved him to move forward.

Although not a religious man, Bill was a very spiritual one who saw the wonderment in everything nature could provide. “His life was gentle, and the elements, so mixed in that nature might stand up and say to the entire world: ‘This was a man!’” William Shakespeare.

New found friends visiting Salt Spring Island for the first time from Brittany described the home that Bill built this way. “The organic nature of your home reflected the creative life-harmony that was the product of a gentle heart and a sensitive mind. A kindness reflected in the fact, that while we were with you, an injured deer had recognized your home as a sanctuary for it too at it’s time of need.”

It was once said that if Bill Yeo couldn’t build it, then it couldn’t be built.

As I write this and think of the mark that my husband left on the world, I realize it cannot be measured or quantified. His true gift was having the foresight to see in people what they couldn’t see in themselves and then helping them realize that potential beyond what they could ever imagine. For those of you who Bill mentored and guided, continue to allow him to be that reasoning voice in your head that always pushes you toward excellence, honesty and integrity. These are the things he valued most.

Bill left many marks on this world. He was the love of my life.

For those he knew — feel privileged. For those he loved — feel truly blessed.

~ Jacki Susan Yeo, December 2011

Mel Marchbank passed away December 15, 2011 at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island. Born in Shamrock, Sk., but grew up in Moose Jaw, Sk., he married Muriel Elaine Nielson in May 1950. He worked in many fields, retired at 45 and moved to BC. Fishing,operating a sawmill and foundry were a few of his hobbies. Predecease by his wife, Elaine in 2004, he will be missed by his 3 daughters, Beverly (Alec), Vicki and Brenda, 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren. No service by request. The family thanks Dr. David Woodley, hospital staff and friends for their support.

Doris Douglas passed away on December 12, 2011 at the Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island in her 97th year.  She was born in Dublin, served as a Wren in the Royal Navy in WW II and came to Canada in 1953.  She lived across the country, including Inuvik, settling into her lovely Salt Spring home in 1989.  There, she lovingly landscaped the entire garden and kept an immaculate home.  She was fiercely independent to the end, an avid gardner and voracious reader, a gracious hostess, and a wonderful friend.  She will be deeply missed by her daughter Marion Allan (Bruce Preston), her grand-daughter Michelle Toews (Terrance), her great grand-daughter Emily Rebecca, and her nieces Jeanette Turk (Buzz) and Gillian Donovan.

Marion and Bruce wish to thank Dr. Beaver and the hospital staff for their loving care of Doris, the amazing volunteers of the Salt Spring Hospice Foundation for their vigil and support, and dear friends Margaret, Bill, and Thomas Wakefield for their endless support.

Margaret Haines passed away peacefully December 7, 2011 on Salt Spring Island at the age of 86. She was born March 23, 1925 in London England and spent her childhood at Hamsey House in Lewes Sussex. In 1942 she joined the Woman’s Royal Navel Service until 1945 when she married Alfred Haines. In 1957 they decided to emigrate to Canada with their 3 children and ended up in Kelowna. Margaret has always believed in lifelong learning. While raising her family she took many courses to complete her education and became a registered social worker. She gave much of her spare time to the Girl Guides. From 1969 to 1971 she became a travelling trainer for the Girl Guide movement in Jamaica. In 1974 she was the coordinator and counsellor for the Victoria Silver Threads Service and in 1977 she became the Director of the Victoria Volunteer Bureau. She was the head of the Greater Victoria UNICEF committee in 1983. In 1987 she moved to her beloved Salt Spring Island. On the island she continued to give back to her community by working with many organizations including Hospice and Meadowbrook. Margaret always had a love of travelling and experiencing different cultures. Christianity and the exploration of the spirit were central themes in her life. She accepted people for who they were. Margaret will be deeply missed by her family: her children Vivien (Ralph), Diana (Ivan) and Michael (Rachelle), 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren as well as her brothers in England Andrew, John (Rosie) and Tim (Jean) and her many friends.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at All Saints-by-the-sea Anglican Church: 110 Park Drive @ Lower Ganges Rd. Salt Spring Island on Friday December 16, 2011 at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Margaret’s name to the Salt Spring Hospice/Bessie Dane Foundation at www.saltspringhospice.org or phone 250-537-2770.