Wednesday, April 22, 2026
April 22, 2026
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ROBERT JAMES ELLISON

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Bob was born September 14, 1943, and passed away peacefully in his sleep aboard his boat in Victoria March 28, 2010.  He is survived by his daughter Sarah (Allan) and grandsons Braiden and Cody, and son Sam (Nora) and grandson Griffen, sisters Pat (Murrough) O’Brien, Roberta Ellison, and Donna Ellison, and brother John (Marscia) Kaufman.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

No immediate service is planned.

ARTHUR GEORGE RUMSBY

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RUMSBY July 10, 1930 – March 25, 2010

Arthur George passed away at Braehaven Lodge Salt Spring Island. He is survived by his loving family, his wife Margery (SSI) daughter Roberta and grandson Michael (both of Spectacle Lake, BC), son Walter (Cindy) (SSI), and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents George and Marion Rumsby.

He attended Oaklands School, Lampson St. School and Esquimalt High School. Art was graduate of the 1949 class Victoria High School. After three years studies at Victoria Collage and UBC he worked as an electrical draughtsmanat Yarrows, V.M.D. shipyards in Victoria and at Vickers-Montreal. To be his own boss he worked as an electrical draughtsman and electrician for 17 years in the Shawnigan-Cowichan Valley Areas. He spent his pre-retirement years as supervisor of the Electrical-Electronic department for Naval Engineer Unit (Pacific). He treasured the 68 years he “lived and played” at his beloved Shawnigan. He always had many projects on the go and was often called upon to help friends with theirs. His retirement years were spent boating and camping which he loved dearly. Because of ill health he moved to Salt Spring in 2006.

The family wish to give heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shane Barclay, Emergency staff at Lady Minto Hospital and to the staff and residents of Braehaven for their care, patience and understanding.

Keep on a’ boating Art. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make a donation to Greenwoods or a charity of their choice. Private service will be held at a later date as per Art’s wishes.

GWENDOLYN HONOR LEE

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In Loving Memory of Gwendolyn Honor (Mitchell) Lee

 

Our beloved Mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed on peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital on Mar. 23, 2010.  She was 88 years old.

Gwen is survived by: her five children – Eric, Susan, Gordon (Susan), Bruce (Gail) and Wayne (Carole); her 10 grandchildren; and, her 15 great-grandchildren.  She was pre-deceased by her husband Wallace, brother Eldon, and an infant grandchild.

 

Gwen was born on May 10, 1921, and spent her early years in rural Manitoba.  When she was 17, she won the Canadian 4-H Poultry Club Judging Championship at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair, where she met her future husband.  She graduated from a secretarial college in Winnipeg in 1941.

 

Gwen was always an active person, raising five children, caring for foster children at home, in addition to many business, social and community activities outside of family times.  Over the years, she raised miniature Schnauzers, operated a hair dressing business, collected and sold postage stamps, belonged to Sweet Adelines clubs, sold Mutual Funds, and, sang with and led several church choirs.  She was also a founding member and first manager of the Beautiful Plains Credit Union in Neepawa, Manitoba. She served on the Saskatchewan Executive Council for the National Status of Women.

 

She moved to Salt Spring Island in 1989, and became involved in volunteer activities with the United Church and Salt Spring Seniors until she suffered a stroke in 1998.  She enjoyed her independent lifestyle in Brinkworthy, always supported by loving family and caring neighbours.

 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Lady Minto Hospital, and Dr. Leavitt, for their attention and gentle caring in Mom’s final days.  Donations in her name to Lady Minto Hospital Foundation would be most appreciated.

DOROTHY JEAN HAINES

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1924-2010

Jean Haines was a much loved, beautiful soul, blessed with a wonderful life. Always in our hearts, she passed away, too soon, on March 22nd, 2010.

She was predeceased by husband, Jack, in October 2000. Together they raised their family on Sunnyside Road in Surrey, then escaped to Saltspring Island in 1975. Never idle, they worked hard to build their home, and grew large gardens with a pioneer enthusiasm. They thrived on everything Saltspring had to offer, and in return offered their friendship and generosity of spirit. Jean enjoyed bowling and golf into her 80’s, and volunteered at the Lady Minto, Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop for 30 years. She could still beat us all at Scrabble. Jean moved to Oak Crest Drive in 2009, to live with daughter, Lauren, and was immediately embraced by the most welcoming, friendly neighbourhood in Victoria. She enjoyed working in the garden, and appeared to be getting younger not older.

Jean is survived by her sister Marguerite Thompson, sister-in-law Ivy Eastman, by her four children, Joyce Cowie (Barry d.2009), Bill Haines (Marie), Lauren Haines, Penny Youngash (Mark), nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. We will miss her, so much.

A memorial tea will be held for Jean Haines on Saturday, April 24th, at Beecher Place in Crescent Beach, from 11a.m.-1:30p.m. (Beecher Place, 12160 Beecher Street, at the beach. Access to upstairs room, at the back.)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lady Minto Hospital, on Saltspring Island www.ladymintofoundation.com/or become a volunteer in your community.

VALERIE GYVES

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February 15, 1918 – March 20, 2010

“Cherished by many, Loved by All”

Valerie Gyves passed away peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital, Salt Spring Island, B.C., at the age of 92 years, with family and friends at her side.

Val took her training at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Victoria, B.C. as an R.N.- after graduation at St. Ann’s Academy, Victoria, B.C. Val nursed in Victoria, Montreal, and mainly in Portland, Oregon, USA and took an early retirement as Head Nurse of the Pediatric  Department in Oregon.  Upon her return to Salt Spring, to care for her mother Carrie Gyves; she became an active member of C.W.L.W.I., O.A.P., and the Fulford Hall Committee.  She was also a long-term member of the Toastmistress Club.

She will be lovingly remembered by her two sisters, C. Dorothy Dodds, Salt Spring Island and Phyllis Russell, Colwood, numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by an extended group of family and friends. Predeceased by sisters Shirley Reese and Deena Sanderson.

The Family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers that supported Val and cared for her.  Special thanks to Dr. David Woodley and the Nursing staff at Lady Minto Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit.

A celebration of Life will be held at Our Lady of Grace R.C. Church, 135 Drake Rd., Ganges, B.C. on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 10:30am.  Reception following at Fulford Community Hall. Burial will take place at a later date.

Flowers gratefully declined.  For those who so wish, donations may be made in Val’s name to the Lady Minto Hospital, with the family’s appreciation.

Val will always be remembered for her kind ways, her keen sense of humour, and her pure and gentle spirit that touched all who knew her.

ARTHUR PILON

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We are sorry to announce the passing of Arthur Pilon on March 18/10 at the age of 86.

He leaves behind one surviving brother Eugene (St. Eustache, Quebec), various nephews and nieces all residing also in Quebec, as well as numerous friends and neighbours on Salt Spring Island.

He was an active member of the Canadian Legion Branch 92. he was one of the last survivors of the Second Narrows Bridge tragedy.

We wish to give special thanks to Mrs. Julie Spencer and family. To Braehaven staff, Greenwoods staff and nurses at Lady Minto Hospital and to Dr. Leavitt.

Funeral will be held later in the province of Quebec.

GORDON HARVEY McCREA

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APRIL 29, 1927 – MARCH 17, 2010

Born in Verdun, Quebec. Worked for many years for Reardon Paint in Montreal, prior to moving to Calgary where he worked for Neilson Furniture & then Neilson Marine. He moved to Salt Spring Island in 1980 where he worked for Gulf Islands School Board until retirement.

He is survived by his wife Cora, daughter Elaine (Jules) and granddaughter Kaela, son Don, as well as two sisters Carol & Betty & numerous nieces and nephews.

At Gordon’s request there will be no service. Donations to the S.P.C.A. or Greenwoods would be appreciated.

My thanks to all the staff at both Lady Minto & Greenwoods for their excellent care of Gordon over the past two years.

RODNEY FREDERICK CHARLES FITNESS

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passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at home, surrounded by family. Rodney was born May 1, 1949 in Cuckfield, England living most of his adult life on Salt Spring Island, where he and Bo raised a family, ran successful restaurants, and enjoyed life. He leaves behind his father, Alan Filtness; sister, Sandra Filtness; ex-wife and companion, Bo Steven; daughters, Serena Steven and Julia Filtness; Laura Klein, and many friends. Rodney is predeceased by his mother, Freda Filtness and stepson, Jason Steven. Rodney was a well-loved man who enjoyed food, travel, spirituality, laughter, and the company of friends and family. The family wishes to thank Dr. Leavitt and the wonderful and caring homecare nurses and support workers. We are truly grateful for the abundance of love and support from friends and community. Friends are invited to join in a celebration of Rodney’s life Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 2 pm.  Ceremony to commence at 3 pm followed by a potluck dinner and dance.

WENDY CROMIE

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WENDY LEIGH CROMIE

December 7,1941-

March 11,2010

Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by those who loved her. She will be deeply missed by her children Patrick (Tee), Lyndsay (Steve), and Anna (Luke) and her Grandchildren Oliver, Emily, Lara and Lucy. Survived by her brothers Barney and Patrick, and her sister Jill.

Special thanks to Dr. Barclay, Susan Banks and the wonderful staff at Lady Minto.

Deepest gratitude to Wendy’s dear friend, Romi, for all his help.

For Wendy, give flowers to someone you love.

ALEXANDRA MARGARET BELL

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(nee Porteous), artist, died peacefully at the age of 76 (June 16,1933-March 11, 2010) on Salt Spring Island, B.C., with daffodils and crocuses blooming.

Alexandra (Sandra) blazed her own trail and left a mark from her start in Arcola, Saskatchewan— through school years in Winnipeg, with summer trains to Carlyle, the lake, and her grandparents and through the family she built with her husband, Bobby: her three children Nancy (Kevan King), Rob (Lynne) and June (Scott Simmons), and her six Calgary-born grandchildren, Kathleen, Parker, Jillian, Amanda, Keith and Thomas—until her final “Salt Spring Moment”.

Alexandra was a communicator with an eclectic and extensive body of work both as a radio journalist and travel writer. She provided public relations expertise to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, the Alberta Trucking Association, several oil companies, and lastly to Calgary Transit during the launch of the C-Train.

While living and painting in Elbow Park, Calgary, she was an active member of Christ Church, enjoyed golfing at the Glencoe Golf & Country Club and most importantly, loved and cared for her entire family. Away from home, she traveled extensively to paint in Europe and to work in Taipei and Hong Kong. As a “Snow Bird” in Arizona and Hawaii, she shared her love of travel with her entire family by including them on these, and many other trips.

In 2003, Alexandra became a Salt Spring Islander and embraced island life, pursuing her art and as a member of the Weavers and Spinners Guild, Painters Guild, Probus Club, Bridge Club, Book Club and a parishioner of the Anglican Church. As she had throughout her entire life, Alexandra continued to welcome family and friends to the beautiful island world she created and ensured that each visitor enjoyed treats and experiences meant especially for them, a ritual she continued until the end of her wonderful life.

A service will be held at St. Mark’s Church, 961 North End Road, north of Central, Salt Spring Island, B.C., at 2:00 PM Friday, March 19.

In lieu of donations or flowers, Alexandra would have appreciated those who knew and loved her doing something nice for themselves or their family in her memory.