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.

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.

(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.

Died suddenly from an arterial embolism March 11 in hospital on Saltspring Island. J.D., an irrepressible wheeler-dealer with a booming voice, never met an argument he didn’t like. John was a longtime horse breeder and owner who knew nearly everyone involved in equestrian activities in British Columbia. Born in Vancouver on June 17, 1927, he met and married Dorinne in Calgary in 1952-53. In the early days they hit the road across Canada, selling encyclopedias to everyone from millionaire entrepreneurs to dirt-poor farmers. The family spent 1961-64 working in Australia. John passed the Canadian Securities Course in 1968 and for many years was a fixture on the Howe Street investment scene. He is survived by Dorinne, daughters Laurie (David) and Lynne (Mark), grandchildren Robert (Doris) and Patricia, great-grandchildren Lance and Maximo, brothers Robin and Pat and sister Rosalyn. As per John’s wishes there will be no formal funeral service. Please raise a glass of your favourite libation in his memory and if you see fit, donations to the SPCA Biscuit Fund would be greatly appreciated. Special thanks to the staff at Lady Minto hospital, especially Dr. David Woodley and Dr. Jan MacPhail and all the nurses and paramedics.

Arrangements by Hayward’s funeral home.

250-537-1022.

March 8, 1922 ~ March 10, 2010

Ellen was born at Cape Scott, BC and lived a pioneer life with her parents, three sisters and two brothers. Tragedy struck the family in 1938 with the loss of her two brothers, only to be followed closely by the death of her mother. In spite of the hardships, Ellen had fond memories growing up in the wilderness, which kindled a lifelong love of animals. In 1942, the family moved to Nanoose Bay where Ellen met her husband Carl. They were married in 1944. Ellen and Carl raised their children Linda, Dale, Camellia and Ernest as well as numerous foster children in Nanoose Bay and were active members in the community. After retiring in 1974, Ellen and Carl moved to Salt Spring. Together they volunteered for Seniors for Seniors, Meals on Wheels and other groups. Carl passed away in 1980. Ellen continued helping with the Seniors for Seniors luncheons for many years.

Declining health meant Ellen needed the care that Greenwoods provides. She resided at Greenwoods for 5½ years, where she was known for her love of chocolate and coffee. Ellen passed away peacefully at Greenwoods on March 10 and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Thank you to the staff at Greenwoods, Dr. MacPhail and the Hospice Volunteers. No service by request.

Born Nov. 19, 1924

Reg died peacefully on March 10, 2010 at Lady Minto Hospital. Reg was born in Southampton, U.K. into a family of builders. Reg served in the second World War as able seaman on ‘The Phoebe’, participating in the Burma Campaign for 3 years.

Reg came to Salt Spring in 1981. He worked as a carpenter and was active at the Legion, the Golf Club, bowling and as a member of Croften Brook board of directors.

Sadly missed by his wife Vanda, many children and grandchildren and his snooker buddies at the Legion.

There will be no service at Reg’s request. The whole family wishes to thank the nursing staff at Lady Minto, particularly Susie, who showed special kindness to Reg.