Gordon Gilbert

passed away peacefully within his home on July 8, 2011 at the age of 83. Gordon is lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 58 years Marian, daughter Jacqueline (Randy) and grandsons Jonathan, Andrew and Logan. Born 1928 in Openshaw, Manchester, UK, Gordon served as a Red Beret with the Allied Forces in Germany after WWII, after which he immigrated to Canada. He began his 25 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces as a photographer, which provided him with the experience of travelling much of the world. He retired and moved to Salt Spring in 1978 where he enjoyed retirement for 33 years. Our gratitude extends to the Home Care Nursing Team on Salt Spring Island for the excellent care they provided Gordon through their compassion, unfailing support and hugs (especially Michelle, Maureen, Karen, Sharon, Stacey and Sharon) and to

Dr. Crossland, BC Ambulance Drivers,

Lady Minto Hospital Staff, Home Care Aides and Dr. White. As per Gordon’s wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please

consider a donation to the

Salt Spring Island Pathways, which Gordon loved to ride his scooter on.

November 9, 1949 – July 4, 2011

Henry Leier – Born Nov 9th, 1949 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He was one of 9 children (Elaine, Merv, Lynn, Al, Henry, Wray, Ron, Ken, Lorne). He loved his mother Wray and his Father Henry. Henry grew up in the prairies where he went to university to become a teacher. He was always goal oriented, and as such finished his teaching degree a year early. He taught math and physical fitness, later moving into administration. During this time he met his match and the love of his life – Margaret – soon after which they were married and had 4 children – David, Elisabeth, Christopher and Jonathan.

In 1980 Henry left teaching to start a building career, forming Protask with his brothers. One of their largest and most fun projects was the waterslide complex at the Sheraton Cavalier in Saskatoon, Sk.

In 1988 Henry and Margaret packed up their house and moved to Victoria. Soon after they were drawn to Saltspring Island were they settled permanently. Henry continued his building career, from 1990 to 2010 he and Margaret, via Leier Ventures, designed and built custom homes. Most owners worked alongside him to build their dream. Many of Henry’s closest friends today are customers with whom he shared on average, a year’s worth of special experiences.

Early 2000 Henry found his second love – golf. With help from his family he built a golf course on the lower part of his property, playing every evening with his wife and children. For the last 10 years he has played every chance he got and with every friend he had. He excelled due to his natural sporting ability and his clear focus.

Henry was diagnosed with colon cancer in late 2009. He spent his remaining time fighting the cancer as best as he could, loving and traveling with his wife, loving his children, family and friends – and holding and kissing his grandchildren – Ella, Jovin, and little Margaret.

Henry passed away peacefully on the morning of the 4th of July.

A gathering to celebrate his extraordinary life and exchange stories will be held Saturday July 9th at 4pm. Please come to Henry’s golf course at 176 South Rd – all are welcome.

He was loved very much by all who met him, and he loved everyone. His calm presence will be missed.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity, Victoria, P.O. Box 1357, Victoria TX 77902.

Ruth Adele “Del” St. Lawrence (nee McGregor) passed on to the great beyond on June 27, 2011 at the age of 81; peacefully, at the Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island, BC. She was predeceased by her parents Allister and Ruth McGregor of Morden, MB; brother Roy, and five dogs Paddy, Bip, Laddy, Sun Ye, and Cher. She is survived by her husband of 54 years Desmond who will miss his “PB” very much. Also left to mourn her loss are her sons Roy (Eva), Keith (Savita), and Sterling (Gina) and grandchildren Connor and Katja. Del received her degree in Interior Design from the University of Manitoba in 1952 and went on to work at The Bay Downtown Winnipeg on their floor and window displays. After having children Del focused on being a mom and homemaker. Her creative spirit inspired many and was put to use volunteering at the City of Winnipeg Assiniboine Park Conservatory and the Assiniboine Park Zoo, where she was a Zoo Docent in the Discovery Centre and education facility as well as contributing drawings to the zoo newsletter. She moved with her husband to Salt Spring Island, BC in December of 1996 to enjoy her love of tall ships and the sea. She will be missed by all who remember her wonderful affection, sense of humour and friendly smile. The family would like to thank the kind care and attention given to Del by the nurses and doctors of the Lady Minto Hospital in Ganges, SSI, BC. Des and family wish to invite family and friends to a celebration of Del?s life in Winnipeg, MB at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in the afternoon of August 6, 2011; time to be announced. Service and interment with celebration to follow. Contact Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens (204 885 9715).  Donations may be made to Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, or Canadian Diabetes Association in lieu of Flowers.  Online condolences may be offered at www.sandsfuneral.com

Passed away peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital on Saturday, June 25.

The family would like to thank Dr. Leon, Marjorie, the caring staff at Lady Minto and her many friends for their love and concern.

Goodie will be missed by her daughters Jane and Anne, her son Rob, and all her grandchildren. Goodie met her first great-grandchild, Ava, during the weeks while she was in hospital.

“And let there be no moaning of the bar when I set out to sea.”

Those who wish can made a donation to SOLID in her memory.

May 12, 1931 – June 16, 2011.

After a long illness Dr. Earl Claxton, respected elder of the Tsawout First Nation (East Saanich), died peacefully last week at the Jubilee Hospice in Victoria with his family at his side. Keeper of a wealth of knowledge of traditional WSANEC (Saanich) culture and the SENCOTEN language, Dr. Claxton received an Honourary Doctorate of Laws at the University of Victoria in 2006 for his work on documenting and preserving the language. He was best known on Salt Spring Island from his visits to speak at cultural events – most recently at an Elders Luncheon at Beaver Point Hall in April 2009, hosted by SSI Justice and Reconciliation. All those present were moved by Earl’s gentle spirit and humour, the great responsibility he carried as one of the last fluent speakers of SENCOTEN and the depth of his sorrow at the steady loss of ancient cultural connections in these islands, linked to the passing of the language. He will be deeply missed.

Known with respect and affection in his community as Uncle Earl, he worked for BC Ferries for many years and, according to family, was a jack of all trades. He will always be remembered for his commitment to the preservation of the SENCOTEN language, building upon the work of late Dave Elliott Sr., author of Saltwater People. For many years Dr. Claxton worked with the University of Victoria as a curriculum developer and researcher for the SENCOTEN language as well as for the Lummi First Nation in Washington State.

Dr. Claxton leaves his wife Joanne and four children including Earl Claxton Jr., also a keeper of cultural knowledge and Chief Allan Claxton; brother and former Chief Louis Claxton and Belinda Claxton, an important knowledge-keeper in the traditional use of plants. He also leaves eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and countless friends. A celebration of life for Dr. Claxton was organized by family on Monday, June 20 at the Saanich Fairgrounds followed by a funeral Tuesday morning and burial at Tsawout Cemetery.

(nee Clynch),

July 13, 1918 –

June 15, 2011

Born in Ballycastle, Ireland, Maeve was the eldest daughter of William and Anne Clynch and sister to Bernard, Benny, Ettna, Vincent and Madeline. The family emigrated to Montreal, Quebec in 1929, where she met and married Alexander Walker in 1937; the couple had two daughters, Barbara Ann and Judith Maeve. Maeve was widowed in 1958 on the eve of their 21st wedding anniversary. After 7 years of widowhood, Maeve met and married Stanley Ross Davis and moved to Toronto, where the couple lived and worked until retiring to their Century home in Elora, Ontario. Eager travelers, Maeve and Ross spent many vacations exploring other countries. Maeve was again widowed in 2001 after 35 years of marriage to Ross. A talented fashion buyer, Maeve worked for the Simpson’s organisation for 25 years as manager of Better Women’s Sportswear in the Montreal store, and later area manager for all Toronto stores in the junior division. Additionally she was co-coordinator of all the junior departments across Simpson’s Canada and oversaw all overseas buying – attending fashion shows across the fashion world from New York to Europe. Maeve received acclaim for her design talents when hotel Baron Conrad Hilton built the Chateau Champlain in Montreal and part of the grand opening was a fashion show for which Simpsons was responsible. Maeve designed 10 outfits for the show. Look Magazine gave Maeve accolades, writing, “Maeve Walker does not have to take a backward step to any of the American or European designers. Bravo!!” After Ross’ death, Maeve moved to Salt Spring Island to be closer to her family. She first lived at Meadowbrook then moved to Greenwoods where she spent the last six years. Family members wish to acknowledge the wonderful care she received while at Greenwoods. Gillian Hickford, a companion to Maeve from her move to Salt Spring, not only was a caregiver to Maeve, but also a friend to her family. We were so fortunate to have her. Maeve leaves behind and will be missed by her daughters Barbara McCaffrey (Mac) and Judith King, grandchildren John (Tanya), Andrew, Elizabeth, Kyle, and great-grandchildren Naomi, Davis, and Nathan, her only surviving sibling, Madeline O’Hara (John), and several nieces and nephews. Maeve will be remembered in a private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, donations to Greenwoods Eldercare, Salt Spring Island, BC, or the BC Alzheimer’s Foundation. would be appreciated. Condolences may be expressed at vmaevedavis@gmail.com.