July 14 1951 – to – January 27 2011

Randy was born in Vancouver, B.C and passed away peacefully in the Victoria General Hospital with his wife and daughter at his side. Randy was predeceased by his father Elmer (Sy).

Randy will be sorely missed and forever remembered by his loving wife Trudy, daughter Tammy, son in-law Rob, granddaughters Alexis and Sarah, mother Dorothy, sisters Wendy and Beth, Brothers Gary, Rodger, Patrick , and a large extended family.

Randy and Trudy were married in Vancouver and moved to the peace of Salt Spring in 1972. Randy loved Island life and made a long successful career at BC Ferries. Randy’s true passion was supporting his community. Many of us remember him best as Salt Spring’s “Fly-In” Santa for over a dozen years. He was heavily involved in many community groups including; Royal Canadian Legion, Masons, Eastern Star, Lost Chords Seniors Choir, SPCA auctioneer, and SSPLASH. His final gift to the community was his work with the Masons to establish a new permanent Food Bank Building.

Please join us for a celebration of Randy’s life at the Legion, Meaden Hall, February 19th at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Salt Spring Food Bank.

Sagness, Robert Edward

March 28, 1929 –

January 23, 2011

Bob was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He passed away peacefully at home on Salt Spring Island after a brief illness.

Predeceased by son Stephen – 1975

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his loving wife and best friend of 55 years, Rita. Also sons Ted and David and daughter Lisa (Tony) and grandsons, Steven, Ben and Kevin and 3 great-grandchildren. As well his sister Andree (John) and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

A Memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at the family home on Friday, January 28 – 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Happy Boating, Bob!

Margery Isobel Sampson (nee Dempster)

December 1921 –

January 22nd, 2011

Predeceased by Harold Henry Sampson, the love of her life and by her beloved brother Jack Dempster. Born and raised in Victoria, BC Margery worked full time, running the news stand at St Joseph’s Hospital until her retirement.

Free time was spent with family on Salt Spring Island, or traveling BC and the Yukon in their truck and camper. Margery was very proud of her family connection to the Dempster Highway.

She had wisdom, wonderful wit, a great love for adventure and life and she was always ready to feed unexpected company, entertain grandchildren or sit and chat. She enjoyed many outings with the CNIB.

Margery is survived by her three children Margaret (Neil), Douglas, Phyllis (Edwin), as well as Grandchildren Troy, Tannis, Julia (Nick) Lane (Melissa),Megan, Declan and Great Grandchildren, Ashley, Jade, Kaylen and Adam (predeceased 1994).

Service is planned for Friday January 28th at McCall Brothers Viewing at 11am. The service at 12:30 will consist of the sharing of memories by family and friends.

Margery will be laid to rest by her husband’s side at Hatley Memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

LEE, John W.

(son of Frank & Margot) passed away peacefully at age 90 years on January 20, 2011 at Valhaven Extended Care facility in Abbotsford. John was predeceased by his wife Glady in 2010, after 64 years of marriage and is survived by his sister Helen; 5 daughters, Mary Austin (Rodger), Linda Sanger (Ian – deceased), Wendy Slavin (Carl), Diane Pastor (Al) and Barbara Grimmer (Bruce); 14 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law Flo Dow and Rose Spooner; brother-in-law Ray Meade and cousins Verna, Laura and Marion. John and Glady met while working for CIBC at the Ladysmith branch prior to World War II. John served in the Canadian Army (Signal Corp) from 1942 (age 21) until war end and was a member of the 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade. His home regiment was the Rocky Mountain Rangers. John and Glady were married in 1946 following John’s return from service overseas. They started their married life in John’s home town of Kamloops and also resided in Prince George, Burnaby, Williams Lake and Saltspring Island before retiring to Parksville in 1985. Dad loved music and will be remembered at Valhaven for his constant singing. His family will remember competitive family games and hilarious nicknames for everyone and of course he selected a nickname for himself too, so he was known by all as “The President”. Our parents considered themselves very fortunate to be together until separated by death. We were also very fortunate to have all 5 daughters and some of their family members together to celebrate Dad’s 90th birthday on December 4, 2010. At their request no funeral ceremony or memorial service will be held. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. We are forever grateful for the compassionate care extended by the staff at Valhaven to both our parents. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the charity of your choice.

Wiebe & Jeske – 604.859-5885

Eric Stanley

Bracher

Nov. 9,1920 – Jan.19, 2011

90 years

Eric grew up in Vancouver with brother Noel. Both boys were early stalwarts of the rustic summer Christian camp Artaban on Gambier Island. Many stories and experiences were formed by those years working as team members helping others enjoy this unique and beautiful place.

Eric joined Trans Canada Airlines (later to become Air Canada) in his mid 20’s in flight dispatch, working his way up in the ranks of this fledgling airline to become Systems Operations Manager. A 35 year company veteran, he lived with his young family in almost every major city in Canada ,as the airline opened new flight centres. Eric was a consistent optimist and storyteller par excellence with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the airline he loved.

An avid golfer, Eric, with his lifetime partner of 62 years, Grace, chose Salt Spring to retire and pursue his passion for the game. An early life member of the Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club, Eric shot his age at 79 on the course and was men’s club Captain in his 70’s. Those were his happiest years as he continued to golf until he was 89 yrs. with close pals.

Many will remember Eric as a keen and tenacious chess player at the Seniors for Seniors Centre where he also regularly volunteered as an off-island support driver.

As Eric logs his final journey, his family offers heartfelt thanks to all those who helped make his life so rich and bountiful. In particular, the people who cared for him in his last days: Dr. Woodley, his long time physician, Dr. Goranson, Jo Twaites and the staff at Lady Minto Hospital. Special gratitude to the inspired care in his final hours from the Salt Spring Hospice volunteers, Lorinne, Monika, Colleen and Beth.

He will be missed by his dear wife Grace, daughter Susan, son-in-law John, grandson Christopher who will miss his grandfather’s wisdom and endless jokes, nephews John (Judi), Michael (Gigi), Peter( Jo) and their children. Eric is predeceased by his brother Noel, (Jo) and granddaughter Emily.

Donations to Salt Spring Hospice would be gratefully accepted.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Eric’s life at the SS Golf and Country Club, 805 Lower Ganges Rd. on Wednesday, February 9th @ 3:00 p.m. Come and raise a glass to Eric. Refreshments served.

Kim was welcomed to the world on September 1st, 1961 by her ecstatic Mom and Dad, Jim and Elaine May. This raven-haired beloved first grandchild delighted her young uncles and aunts as well as family friends and complete strangers with her large brown eyes and warm, welcoming smile. A loving little girl, Kim soon greeted brother Kirby and sister Krista with great enthusiasm.

Born in Brookdale, Manitoba, Kim started kindergarten in Neepawa and finished high school in 1979 in Selkirk where the family had moved in 1970. Kim spent two years studying at the University of Winnipeg before marrying Jack Hoban in 1984. Before starting her family, Kim worked locally as a museum interpreter, cruise ship attendant, monument engraver, and flight attendant. She ventured twice to Alberta-at eighteen to work at Waterton Lakes, and a few years later to Banff. Special friends and memories from these days remained with Kim for life.

Kim’s first daughter, Bridgid was born in Selkirk in 1986. The trio soon joined family who had moved to Salt Spring in 1988, where son Ryfawn was born in 1989 and baby Lind-E completed the family in 1992. With three children under six, Kim found herself left to raise them without the support of a spouse. She took on the challenge with a positive outlook, never feeling sorry for herself and her situation.

Before the reality of single parenthood set in, Kim was faced with an even greater challenge when she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder for which there was no cure. Determined to raise her kids, Kim gradually worked her way into permanent BC Ferries employment, all the while bravely facing her illness.

Never one for enemies, Kim didn’t so much fight her illness as negotiate with it. For many years she managed to keep it fairly tame, trying every means she could find to keep it at bay. One of her greatest joys along the way was to share what she’d learned with others who were suffering. Generous and full of spirit, Kim always had time for those she saw hurting, even in her darkest days. She was never without that famous smile. 

Kim’s determination kept her with us for nearly eighteen years after the first diagnosis. She managed to see all three kids finish high school, Lind-E graduating in June of 2010. They are three young adults she was justifiably proud of.

After eight years of extreme suffering, Kim left us on January 18th, , aged 49 years. She will always be loved by so many.

The family would like to thank everyone who was there for Kim along the way. There will be no service, but friends are planning a farewell. Instead of flowers, give an orange tree to someone you love, a helping hand to someone in need, or a donation to the Lady Minto Hospital for the excellent care they gave Kim.

(nee Gilmore)

Born February 15, 1926 in Vancouver.  Passed away January 17, 2011 on Salt Spring Island, former BC Minister of Education, first female Deputy Premier in Canada, passionate believer in public service, and gracious pioneer for equality by deed as much as word.  Daughter of Joseph John (Paddy) Gilmore and Mary Scott. Life-long champion of the underdog and noted pacifist, Eileen stood up to anyone on the playground making fun of her brother John (Jack) Gilmore.  Joined the CCF as a 15 year-old and later the NDP. Graduate of John Oliver and the Vancouver Normal School.  At 18, began teaching in a one room schoolhouse on Denman Island.  Diminutive Eileen’s views on corporal punishment changed forever when she faced the folly of trying to strap a sturdy 17 year-old grade 8 student for running her purse up the flagpole. Taught in Burnaby until 1956 when elected to the Burnaby School Board.  Served five terms as Trustee, three as Chair.  In 1966, elected as first MLA in new riding of Burnaby North and served five terms. Respected members on both sides of the Legislature for serving their communities. BC Minister of Education and Deputy Premier with the Dave Barrett NDP government from 1972-1975.  Particularly proud of introducing mandatory kindergarten; abolishing corporal punishment in BC schools (she received death threats for “banning the strap”) and creating the first aboriginal school district (the initial grad class invited Eileen back as their honoured guest, even though she was no longer Minister).  Retired in 1987, and became the first woman named Freeman, Burnaby’s highest honour.  Eileen believed strongly in our collective and individual responsibility as citizens.  She had firm convictions, but was a team player who practiced politics and life with dignity. Ever polite, Eileen’s favourite epithet was “That so and so!”  She will be missed. Eileen is survived by son, Robert Dailly, daughter-in-law Sally and grandchildren, Brodie, Freddie, Robbie, and Roxie of Salt Spring Island; dedicated and dear friend Les Harper; nieces, Cecelia Gilmore and Alison Kwasnycia and nephew, Kevin Gilmore; cousins, Eleanor and Billy Gilmore, and sister-in-law, Berenice Gilmore. Special thanks to Sony, Jay, and Terry, the staff and friends at Somerset House in Victoria, The Royal Jubilee in Victoria, and Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island, Dr. Woodley, Dr. Goranson and a very special thanks to al the caring nurses. A memorial at the end of April will be announced at a later date.  Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.

Born July 5, 1921 in Leoben, Upper Styria, Austria. Died January 15, 2011 on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada.

Alfred grew up in Austria and developed his appreciation of the outdoors in his youth, hiking and cycling in the mountains. He graduated from high school in 1938 and immediately enlisted in the mountaineering troops of the German army, quickly becoming an officer. From 1940 to 1948, Alfred was a prisoner of war in Russia. After his release, he became a journeyman painter in Austria. In 1952, he and Ingrid immigrated to Montreal, Canada, where he lived and worked until 1957. Moving West, Alfred lived in Vancouver until 1964, when he and his young family came to Saltspring Island. He had a long artistic career combining his painting trade with mural work and interior design. His passions included languages, art, history, geography, classical music and hiking.  Memories of Alfred’s kind demeanour, love of storytelling, artistic ways and strong moral principles live on in the hearts and minds of his six children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and community members. As Alfred tips his loden green hat goodbye, his family thanks the many people who enriched Alfred’s life. His family extends special appreciation to the staff of Lady Minto Hospital and the many visitors who treated Alfred with respect, compassion and sensitivity in the last weeks of his life.

A tea to celebrate Alfred’s life will be held at Beaver Point Hall on Sunday, January 30 from 1-4 pm. The Temmel family invites you to come and bring stories, memories and Alfred’s art to share.

Born Aug 16, 1953 in Vancouver BC; died peacefully Jan 13, 2011. A lover of nature, nothing brought greater joy to Chris’ heart than being in her garden with the birds and frogs. In her free moments Chris played the piano, flute or harp, and paddled with her dragon boat team on Cowichan Bay. Chris was an exceptional mother, loving sister and daughter, and devoted friend. She is survived by her sons Kevin and Alistair Brogan and daughter Gwyneth Born; her sister Susan, brother Jonathan, and father Maurice. The family extends special thanks to Doctors Trottershaw and Norgrove, and all the nurses, support staff, and volunteers who cared for Chris at Saanich Peninsula Hospital. A memorial gathering will be held at 1927 Barrett Drive, North Saanich on Feb 12 at one pm. Donations can be made in her memory to Somenos Marsh Open Air Classroom project.

1923 – 2011

Strong, beautiful, loving

and joyful beloved mother of Jane, John and Kathy Stack lived life to the fullest. She was a fearless traveller and an avid nature enthusiast. She had a child-like sense of wonder and appreciation for life, love and giggles. Marge spent many happy years on

Salt Spring.

She’s the sunshine

in our smiles.