Lt. Colonel (Ret’d) CD

John passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side. He was born into a pioneer family on Salt Spring Island. His great-grandfather, the Reverend E.F. Wilson was the first permanent vicar on Salt Spring in the late 1800’s, and his grandfather, Fred Crofton, came to Salt Spring from Ireland in the early 1900’s. Fred married Nona, one of Reverend Wilson’s daughters, and together they owned and operated the original Harbour House Hotel. Fred and Nona had seven children, known as the seven D’s, as their first names began with a D. John was predeceased by his father Lt. Col. Desmond Crofton; his mother, Ida Crofton; sister, Sylvia Gale, and half-brother, Donald Corbett. He is survived by his loving wife, Marie, and his dearly loved sons, Desmond (Lat) in Hong Kong, Kevin (Lynn) in Gibsons, and Neil (Christine) in Victoria. John was very proud of his two grandsons James and Evan, and his granddaughter Leila, all of whom brought great joy to his life. He is also survived by his large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins and his dear aunt Denise at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring. John was educated at Glenlyon School, Oak Bay High, and UBC. He joined the RCAF at the age of 17 and trained as an air gunner, but he came down with scarlet fever and the war was coming to an end by the time he recovered. He continued his education at UBC and on graduation worked in broadcasting at CJIB Vernon. When the Korean war began, John was recruited to rejoin the RCAF and he had a long and interesting career, including postings to Whitehorse, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Victoria and France. One of the highlights of his career was serving with the UN peacekeeping forces in the seventies, stationed in Damascus. On retirement from the Air Force he and Marie returned to Salt Spring to the old family home and he was active in community affairs. He had many interests and he took courses from Simon Fraser University in Biblical Archaeology, Shakespeare, and Art History among others. One of his great loves was jazz, and he never forgot at the age of 18 on leave in New York, seeing many of his idols performing in Greenwich Village. John and Marie later moved to a seaside cottage on Salt Spring and spent many years enjoying their life by the ocean before illness caused them to move to Victoria to be closer to their family.

“Goodnight sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”

With many thanks to Dr. Peter Innes for his compassionate care, to the wonderful nurses of Home Care and Palliative Care, and a very special thank you to our dear friend Tammy Collins for their loving care of John.

A private celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.

AUG. 20, 1911 – JAN. 5, 2009

A long time resident of Salt Spring Island, Isabella passed away on January 5, 2009 at Lady Minto Hospital. Isabella was predeceased by her loving husband, Laurie in 1979 and more recently by her son-in-law, Dave Winter. She leaves behind her daughters Yvonne (Andy) Bryant and Donna Winter; grandchildren Chris (Laura) Bryant, Morley Bryant (Todd Abercrombie), Kim (Nicholas) Walker, Keith (Lauren) Winter and Laura (Eric) Rowlett; and seven great-grandchildren whom she adored.

Isabella was born on August 20, 1911 in Newcastle, England. After the untimely death of her father, Colin Sinclair Carswell in 1919, she and her mother, Ellen Carswell moved to Victoria. She attended Quadra Elementary and Victoria High Schools, and later worked in the offices of the Hudson’s Bay Company. She was also a member of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir. Isabella felt very fortunate for the opportunities she was given during this time in her life, and this forged a spirit of generosity that would form a deep part of her personality.

In 1932 Isabella and Laurie were married and she became immersed in island activities on Salt Spring. She pursued her love of music and participated in many musical productions. Isabella’s motto was ‘do all the good you can for as many people you can’, and thus was active in community work through the Sunshine Guild, ACWA, and the PTA. Later, she worked with Laurie at the family store, Mouat Brothers, until their retirement in 1969. She was an avid gardener and Isabella’s flowers brought joy to many people.

Isabella lived independently until she was 94, and the family would like to thank Dr. Robert Crichton and the staff at the Lady Minto Extended Care for the care and kindness our mother received over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations may be made to the Extended Care Unit of the Lady Minto Hospital, 135 Crofton Rd., Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 1T1.

A service will be held at the All Saints Anglican Church, Ganges, on Sunday, January 11, 2:00 p.m.

WATSON, JUNE BEVERLEY

(ECCLESTON)

Born Sept 30, 1927

Passed Jan 4, 2009

Predeceased by ex-husband EW Watson. Service Jan 17, 1pm. North Langley Community Church, 21015 96th Ave.,

Langley, BC.

February 17, 1922 – January 2, 2009

Jean passed away peacefully in Lady Minto Hospital with family by her side. She will be greatly missed by sons Brad (Barb), Bill (Maureen), daughters Sherry (Roger), Lynn, and grandchildren Jasmine, Lexa and Aidan. She will also be sadly missed by sisters Audrey & Joy as well as many relatives and a multitude of friends. Jean was predeceased by her husband Frank.

Jean lived on Salt Spring Island for 38 years and was an avid golfer until just 6 years ago. She was active in her church, with hospice, visiting Greenwoods residents and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at All Saints by the Sea Anglican Church on January 24, 2009 at 1:30 pm. Special thanks to Dr. Jan Malherbe, Dr. David Woodley, and the caring nurses and staff at Lady Minto for their excellent and compassionate care of her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation in her memory.

LEXI JADE GRUNDY

A Service and Celebration of Life for Lexi will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31 on Salt Spring. Location and details to follow.

Inquiries by email:

grundy@ns.sympatico.ca