October 26, 1926-June 11, 2008

Peggy Thorne peacefully passed away with family by her side at the Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island. Peggy was born in Bournemouth, England and moved to Vancouver in 1951 with her husband Gordon and first born son Calvin. A second son, Gary, was born in Vancouver, followed by two more boys, Greg and Gordy, who were born in Calgary, Alberta. The family also resided in Edmonton, Alberta in the early 1960s. In 1979 Peggy and Gordon retired to Salt Spring Island where they spent 29 wonderful years of retirement. Developing new friendships and rekindling old ones, the pair spent many an hour entertaining, traveling and leisurely undertaking their passion for golf.

The arrival of grandchildren opened a whole new focus to Peggy’s life. The role of Gramma and Nana was a stage on which Peggy gave some of her best performances. Countless hours were spent with her grandchildren Bryant, Chelsea, Ashley, Leea, Thomas, Ellie, Julie and Shaun, each of whom brought a smile to her face every time she was blessed with their presence.

The family would gratefully like to acknowledge Dr. Paula Ryan, the staff of Lady Minto Hospital, and Cathy, Deb, Roselyn, Megan, Lynne, Sandy and many others who cared for Peggy and her family during her last few days. Their compassion and attention to Peggy was most appreciated.

Peggy is survived by her husband and four boys, daughters-in-laws Adele, Candie and Patti, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews all of whom miss her dearly and remember her fondly.

No service at her request. Donations may be made to either the Lady Minto Hospital (250-538-4845) or Parkinson Society of BC (800-668-3330).

Bert was born in Taber, Alberta, the youngest of 14 children. He spent his younger years in Alberta. In 1963 he moved to Salt Spring Island and established a body shop. He was the first government certified auto body mechanic on Salt Spring Island. When he retired in 1973, he and Emma were enticed by the weather and the fruit trees and moved to Summerland, B.C. They returned to Salt Spring Island in 1990. Bert was predeceased by his wife Emma (Riehl) in 1992.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his son Larry (Ethel) Fraser, Salt Spring Island (SSI); grandchildren Michael (Noella) Fraser, SSI, Holly (Claude) Pinel, Saskatoon, Sask., Scott (Morven) Fraser, SSI, Calvin (Deanna) Fraser, SSI and Kelly Fraser, Grande Prairie, Alberta; daughter Delores (Trevor) Owen, Kamloops, B.C.; and grandchildren Cheri Henderson, Los Angles, CA, Brenda (Bob) Cooper, Kamloops, Brian Henderson, Fernie, B.C. and Keith Clarke, Victoria, B.C.

He will be fondly remembered by his 20 great-grandchildren. He always had a secret stash of jelly beans ready for their visits. During his retirement years, Bert became a talented woodworker. He built Larry and Delores each a grandfather clock, and cedar chests for all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family and many many friends cherish the burl tables and pieces of miniature furniture and buildings he created for them. Bert also kept busy with his love of reading and gardening. In 93 years, he was never idle and always had a project on the go!

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 12, 2008 between 7 and 9 pm at Hayward Funeral Home #22 – 315 Upper Ganges Rd.

A graveside service will be held Friday, June 13, 2008, 11 am at the Central Cemetery, on Salt Spring Island, B.C. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dennis passed away, gently and in peace at home, after a long battle with cancer. In his last months he was constantly surrounded by loving caring friends and family. Visits, phone calls, emails and kind thoughts from many others would have him say he was “a lucky man”. True to his Irish ancestry, he remained brave-hearted and steadfast to the end. Then, as he was wont to do, he left us on his own schedule.

Dennis was predeceased by his mother and father. Later, in 1977 he lost his infant son. He is survived by his wife Gloria, his brother Warren and nephew Sean and many caring and much loved cousins in Calgary.

At his request, his ashes will be spread over his favorite hikes and special places on his beloved island. He asked that there be no service for his passing. Therefore, an intimate memorial gathering will take place at his home with family and closest friends to remember and celebrate a full, passionate life.

A very special thank you to the nurses and home support staff that worked diligently and with care to fulfill Dennis’s wish to die at home. This thank you is also sent out to his physicians Dr. Crossland, Dr. Reznick and his naturopathic doctor Chuck Alsberg.

May all beings be free of suffering. May all beings know the great good fortune of their great nature.

May all beings be at peace.

ROBERT PEEL died May 29 at Cairnsmore Place, Duncan. Bob was the son of Harry and Mary Peel. He lived on Dogwood Lane, SSI from 1980 until 2000 when he left to live on his boat. He leaves his wife Noot Peel of SSI. No service by request. Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Salt Spring Island Foundation.

I’Dell was born June 13, 1919 in Cambrie, Saskatchewan to Dick and Edith Alexander. She died peacefully May 23, 2008 at Lady Minto hospital on Salt Spring Island. Lovingly remembered by her daughter Ann & George Hignell, daughter-in-law Lynn Watson, granddaughters Linda Staples with husband Roger, Danna Suntok, Dawn Watson, with husband Stephen, Kerry Watson and by four great-grandchildren Katie and Ryan Staples, Graham and Leah Suntok. She will also be remembered as a ‘special’ aunt by many nieces and nephews.

Her early years were lived on Vancouver Island, in Nanaimo and Port Alberni areas. She spent 42 years in the Kootneys and moved to Salt Spring Island in 2001 to be near her daughter. She enjoyed her new friends and neighbours made while living in the Brinkworthy Retirement community. Here she could always get a game of crib, bridge or mah-jongg. She was an avid gardener with roses being her speciality. She loved her family.

I’Dell is predeceased by her first love and husband Cyril Watson, her second love and husband Monte Robinson. Also predeceased by her three brothers Jim, Lorne and Bob Alexander. Lastly by her beautiful son James Cyril Watson in June of 2007. Our dear Mom, you are safe home at last.

The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to the staff at Lady Minto Hospital for all the kind and tender care you gave I’Dell through her stay. Please know that you, each and every one, are appreciated and do make a huge difference. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. Paula Ryan and Dr. Jan McPhail for their compassionate support. And, to those hospice angels, you gave us the peace of mind to take rest. Thank you.

A tea to celebrate I’Dell’s life will take place June 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the clubhouse, 135 Brinkworthy Place. For those who wish to, a donation in memory of I’Dell may be made to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation or the Bessie Dane Foundation and Hospice.

Christina was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on Sept. 21, 1915. She was raised in Burnaby and trained as a teacher. In 1940 she married Dick Pattinson in Ottawa. After the war the couple moved to Alert Bay where they lived, worked and raised their three children.

In 1977 Chris and Dick chose Salt Spring Island as their retirement home. Christina continued to be an active and community spirited person. She enjoyed many activities and opportunities that her new home afforded – The Painter’s Guild, the Trail & Nature Club, Salt Spring Island Sailing Club, Salt Spring Island United Church, various exercise groups, her garden and proximity to her family. She recently joined a community singing group.

Christina passed away on May 22, 2008 in Lady Minto Hospital. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 67 years, Dick, her daughter Jane and sons Howard and Alan, four grandsons and sister, Tot. She will also be missed by many other friends and relatives who enjoyed her positive spirit.

A celebration of Christina’s life will be held at Salt Spring United Church at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. In lieu of flowers, Christina’s wish was that donations be made to Lady Minto Hospital, Ganges.