(nee Shields)

September 29, 1929 – May 28, 2009

Marie gracefully submitted to cancer, at home, in the company of those with the good fortune to share her passing.  Beloved wife of Bill for 61 years.  Mother to Steven (Linda), the late Richard, Sherry (Denis) Beech, Leslie (Lynn), Joanne (Craig) Blair, Melba and Elizabeth, 14 grandchildren, Katharine and Amber Scotton, Tracy, Amy, Keleigh and Rick Scotton, Diana, Melanie and Neil Beech, Victoria and Daniel Scotton, Maddie and Paul Mosure, Ryan Peck, 9 great grandchildren Jordon, Brandon, Rory, Summer, Caitlin, Samantha, Tyndle, Paige and Levi.  Big sister to Melba Barrett and Roy Shields. 

Marie and Bill traveled extensively during their married life together, exploring many countries and far corners of the world, allowing them to call such places as Port Hardy, Terrace, Hawaii, Salt Spring Island and Australia home. It was during their time in Australia that Marie first discovered her life long love for China painting, and the friendships that she would make along the way while working with this medium.

Marie began studying China painting in Queensland Australia, later earning her teachers degree. She was a very gifted and talented artist, whose prolific work, and visionary eye for detail earned her many awards and admiration.  

Marie leaves behind a standard of humility and compassion which will be hard to equal.  She is sorely missed.  May the peace she wished for everyone be hers above all. 

In lieu of a formal service, Marie’s family requests that her memory be honoured by way of donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE

for John Matheson, who passed away May 22, will be held

In Meaden Hall

On Saturday, June 20 at 2:00 pm

September 30, 1981 – May 19, 2009

Andrew passed away suddenly at his beloved Jupiter early morning the 19th of May. He was a true innocent, perhaps a musical savant, who cared deeply for other people’s pain. Communicating wasn’t easy for him, but his was a spirit that beamed outward to enchant and beguile all who had contact with him. Never one to complain, though suffering through innumerable surgeries, and physical difficulties, he was stoic and resolute in his capacity for life, and had an eagerness to share that joy with others. He liked to jam with guitar players, shake his rhythm-egg with gusto, strum with vigor, and made sure everyone knew their lines perfectly. When asked what the Sunday sermon was, Andrew without fail would reply that it was about the Word of God. It is to God that he is delivered up, but with crushing sorrow. The island community, and his Dad’s heart, is a bleaker place for his passing.

Andrew is survived by his father Sam, aunt Rose Marie of Vancouver, aunt Toyita of Columbia, SA., and cousins in Vancouver, Surrey, and Tampa, and mother Lynda of London.

A memorial service will be held at the Community Gospel Chapel on Thursday May 28th at 1:00 pm with a quiet viewing on Wednesday May 27th from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Flowers can also be sent to Hayward’s Funeral Service, or donations in lieu of flowers to Lady Minto Hospital.

April 28, 1915 –

May 17, 2009

John Gilman died on Salt Spring Island from complications from a fall just weeks after celebrating his 94th birthday with friends and family. A fiercely independent man, who loved the good things in life, John will be missed by all who knew him.

Born in Burma and educated in England, John immigrated to Canada at age 16. He worked on farms before attending the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. He opened a joint practice in Huntsville, Ontario where he met his future wife Jane Baker Smith, a first year student at OVC. Jane, unfortunately died of cancer in 1988 and is dearly missed by her family.

During WWII, John was a navigator in the RAF. After the war John was appointed to the faculty of the Ontario Veterinary College where he followed an intense teaching & research career path that spanned more than forty years. As professor of Veterinary Medicine with a specialty in Histology, he led the Department of Microanatomy and its research team to actively engage in the fields of cancer and medical genetics. Much of John’s own research over the years was aimed at investigating the link between smoking, nickel exposure and cancer, in part at the invitations of Imperial Tobacco Co. and INCO. Throughout his academic tenure, he impacted the lives of many hundreds of practicing veterinarians nation-wide, graduated students and fellow researchers and enjoyed a very significant international reputation. In addition to his academic pursuits, John served as Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Animal Care in Ottawa, with the responsibility of monitoring animal research facilities at Canadian institutions. Upon his retirement from OVC, John was named Professor Emeritus, University of Guelph. John continued to work as a consultant in Canada and abroad until well into his 70s. A scholarship in his name, the JPW Gilman prize, is awarded annually in his honour to the top OVC student in Histology.

In 1972, John moved to Salt Spring Island, where he enjoyed gardening on his wooded, five acre property. The beginning of Parkinsons forced him to sell his home in 2007 and move into Greenwoods Elder Care, Ganges. John is survived by his five children, Diane, Barbara, Brenda, Robert and Christopher; eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Heartfelt thanks to Deanna Ziraldo whose care and compassion contributed greatly to John’s quality of life during his last years. Thanks also to the nurses and staff of Greenwoods, Lady Minto Hospital and Dr. Woodley for their care and support.

A donation in John’s memory may be made to the research branch, Canadian Cancer Society or Parkinson Society BC.

Diana Ruth Meredith was born in Vancouver August 18, 1935; and died on Salt Spring Island May 16, 2009. She will be lovingly remembered as a daughter, sister, “crazy” aunt, cousin and friend. Predeceased by her parents Maude and George Meredith, brother Peter Meredith (Oma), brother-in-law Gerald Joslin (Jos) Watson, nephews David Watson and Alan Watson; survived by sister Patricia Watson-Webb (Bill Webb), nephews Gordon (Pat), Stanley, and nieces Jodie, Meredith, Carol (Doug), Barbara (Jim),and their children. She was employed by CNCP Telecommunications for 25 years as an Operator and devoted many years to caring for her aging mother. Diana was so loved for her great sense of humour, and known for her talent with needlepoint. Second to needlepoint, her other favourite hobby was watching and tracking stats for the Toronto Blue Jays. Her dear friends gathered at the Harbour House on May 20th to reminisce and remember her. Special thanks to the amazing nurses at Lady Minto Hospital for loving her like family until family could arrive.

As she so aptly named the Gange’s statue, “Merissa”, she too will return to the sea as we honour her wishes by scattering Diana’s ashes off the shores of Slyvan Springs beach on Vancouver Island.

Dec 21st 1948 –

May 15th 2009

Mark passed away on Friday, May 15th after a brief illness. He will be greatly missed by his wife Sheila, sons David (Bonita), Chris (Michelle), daughter Stephanie, grandchildren Alysha, Joshua, Mya and dear friend Merilyn.

No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bessie Dane Foundation or Lady Minto Hospital.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Ron Reznick, Jean, Leslie, Home Care Support and the wonderful nurses for their kindness and excellent care.