In Memory of

Donald Vincent Clarkson

June 11, 1915 –

October 22, 2008

Donald Vincent Clarkson passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord in the company of his loving wife Ruth Clarkson. He passed on Wednesday, October 22, 2008. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, his sons Peter Clarkson & Doug Hamm, and his daughters Sandra Dyck, Gloria Dale & Shelley Clarkson. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don was a graduate of John Oliver High School in Vancouver, B.C. He then attended the Fairview King Edward High School of Commercial Radio Operators’ Room 19. Don found his passion for lighthouses during his summer relief position at the Quatsino, Race Rocks and Triple Island Lighthouses.

He was then a radar operator on the oil tanker “The California Standard.” His lifetime interest was radio communications and being a part of the H.A.M. radio club. Don received medals for his service with the R.A.F. ferry command during World War II.

In 1972 he and Ruth moved to Salt Spring Island from Abbotsford. Here he enjoyed the island life and ended up retiring here in 1980. He lived a full and happy life to the age of 93. He always enjoyed travelling around the world and being surrounded by his family.

His family would like to extend thanks to the staff of the E.C.U. at Lady Minto Hospital for their continuous and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lady Minto Hospital Foundation. Memorial service will be held at Salt Spring Island Baptist Church November 8 at 3:00 p.m.

NE7FQ signing off…

On Sunday October 12, 2008, Betty Jean Tyrchniewicz, mother, daughter, and sister passed away at 49, following a battle with cancer. Betty passed peacefully and consciously in the presence of good friends, a brave and noble soul, returning home.

Betty was born on November 26, 1958 in New Westminster, B.C. She grew up in Winnipeg with her parents and two sisters, running the family restaurant. After university she worked for Parks Canada in Northern Communities and eventually settled with her daughter Emma in Saskatoon, before coming to the coast and living on Cortes and Salt Spring islands.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Emma, her sister and brother-in-law Debbie and Greg Baskrak, (legal guardians of Emma), her sister Linda Ritchie, nieces Lindsey, Natalie and Lauren, and her brother Daniel Boychuk. She will also be remembered and held dear by her extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Yoga Studio in Ganges on Salt Spring Island.

Donations to the Salt Spring Island food bank (268 Fulford-Ganges Road) are gratefully accepted in memory of Betty and her generous heart.

January 7, 1941 – October 3, 2008

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Val at our home on Salt Spring Island in the loving care of her family after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Val is survived by Peter Ian, her husband of 44 years and friend for 58 years, her sons Peter Benjamin (Aneesa), Guy Christopher (Jody) and Jonathan Mark (Michelle), and grandsons Jeremy and Charlie, her sister Rosemary (Robert) and many cousins in the UK.

Val was born and educated in Northampton, England and after attending college obtained her teaching degree. Children were the principle focus in Val’s life. She loved and respected each one of them and they loved her in return. After a career in four schools in England, Val and Peter emigrated to Canada in 1966 where they raised their sons and lived in Edmonton, Calgary and Salt Spring Island. Val relished her life and was always thankful for what it offered, referring to it as a “big adventure”. She will be sadly missed by us all.

The family wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank everyone involved in her care over the course of her illness including the professional care of her Doctors DeKock, Crossland, Weinerman and Lim, the home nursing support team, community home care and the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Kim Murray. We would also like to recognize the numerous friends from All Saints Church, Admiral Lodge and the rest of the islanders who helped out with their many gifts of love, support, flowers and food, etc. This kindness will always be remembered. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, Ganges, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10th.

JANUARY 24, 1950 –

SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

Gone too soon

Jack was a man of boundless energy and determination who enthusiastically embraced life and all its adventures with a sense of curiosity and wonder. With his unfailing positive spirit and caring manner, he touched many people in his various roles of teacher, paramedic, coach, athlete, sailor and pilot. An avid tennis player, Jack treasured his many friends in the Salt Spring Tennis Association and could often be seen riding to the tennis courts on his motorbike with a racquet in his backpack.

He leaves his loving wife, Sharon Bond, and cherished sons: Keith and David, who will miss him more than words can tell. He also leaves his sisters Patricia (Richard) and Jan (John), brothers Stan, Dan (Charlene) and Russ (Linda), his uncle Clifford Libby, aunt Jessie Weeks, father in-law and mother in-law Frank and Norma Bond, sisters in-law Barb (Ray) and Jan (Lance), many cousins, nephews, nieces and countless friends. Jack was predeceased by his parents John and Kathleen Barclay, his sister, Carol Perry, sister in-law Carol Goulet and his beloved Grandma Hicks.

Our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, colleagues and students who have shown their support in so many ways over the past two years and also to all the health care workers whose compassionate professionalism meant so much.

In Jack’s memory, please consider a random act of kindness and a donation to the charity of your choice. All are welcome to a service of remembrance at the Community Gospel Church on Saturday, October 4 at 2:30 p.m.

May the sea of heaven be smooth

and the sun never set.

January 10, 1944 – September 24, 2008

In the comfortable setting of her seaside home, with family and dear Ontario friends, Sharon and Sandy Tibbs at her side, Woodrina, (Woody, Woo) passed away. She was predeceased by her natural mother Irene Hughes (nee Strange) at an early age and later by her parents W.W. Hughes and Margaret Hughes (nee McVey) and step-brother John Vance of Fort Frances, ON. She is lovingly remembered by her adoring husband and best friend, Richard Dick of Salt Spring Island, BC; sisters: Sandra (nee Hughes) and Jack Walkey of Vermilion Bay, ON; Tammy Hughes and Daniel Ring of Richmond, BC; nieces and nephews: Jason and Jennifer Walkey and sons Vance and Rhys of Winnipeg, MB; Andrea (nee Walkey) and Clint Weiss and son, Jack of Thunder Bay, ON; Amanda Ring of Richmond, BC; and many, many wonderful friends around North America.

Woodrina’s early childhood was spent in Winnipeg, MB. Once she moved with her family to Fort Frances, she attended Robert Moore School. As a graduate of Fort Frances High School, she started her career in the Canadian Navy in Halifax in 1962. She subsequently worked in Ottawa, Bermuda, and Toronto in various government roles. Her professional career culminated as a Canadian Customs Inspector in Fort Frances and the surrounding lake ports. Sand Point Lake was one such special spot for Woodrina as many friends reside there. Woodrina and Richard retired to their dream island retreat on Salt Spring Island in 2004 so that their wish to live on the water would be a reality. As she said, “It is a blessing beyond measure to live near the sea.” As part of her island life, she renewed her love of dancing and became a trainer at “Curves” and made friendships that she cherished with the “Curves girls”.

Woodrina always had a passion for animals. She was devoted to selecting, training, and caring for numerous pets as companions for herself and Richard, friends and family. We know that her purse always had a corner for the dog cookies.

Woodrina touched the lives of many people wherever she went. With her genuine interest in people and their lives, her generous and caring spirit endeared her to many as a “special mother” to some and as a friend to all. She was a wonderful woman who was able to cross generational boundaries with ease. She was on the leading edge of trends and known to her friends and family for her ability to accessorize an outfit or a room.

At her request, there will be a gathering of friends to remember her on Salt Spring Island and in North West Ontario at dates in the future.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for the advancement of research for a cure.

It is with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Katherine Lautenslager, on September 14, 2008.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of fifty-five years Arnold and her children, Rick (Laurie) Lautenslager, Jane (Greg) Hicklin, and Greg Lautenslager (David Webb); as well as grandchildren, Jaclyn, Aaron, James and Dana.

Katherine lived a very full life, travelling extensively to all corners of the world and especially enjoyed her cruises and trips to Europe, DisneyWorld and South Africa. She found beauty in simplicity, such as her love for nature, animals, music and dancing. Katherine’s unconditional love and guidance given to her children will be missed and forever treasured.

A family Memorial Service will be held on Salt Spring Island, a place Katherine held dear to her heart. Family and friends can honour Katherine’s selfless generosity, through memorial contributions to a charity most meaningful to the donor. To email expressions of sympathy: heritage@hffs.com, subject heading: Katherine Lautenslager.