Dorothy Ann Barber
March 5, 1929 – July 13, 2017

Ann (née Hamilton) was born in her family home in Nelson, BC. As a child, she spent summers frolicking on Kokanee Beach and winters playing in the snow. After graduating from high school, Ann headed to BSS in Toronto for Gr. 13, making new lifelong friends. After graduating with a BA from U of T, Ann hitchhiked across Europe in 1951 with girlfriends – long before it was the thing to do!

As Mum loved snow and cold weather activities, it’s no surprise she met her future husband during a U of T party – in a snow bank! Jim and Ann were married in 1951. They raised four children in West Vancouver, where Ann and Jim instilled the love of outdoors in their children with ski trips, summers swimming and rowing on Kootenay Lake, and Sunday walks in Lighthouse Park. A delicious and adventuresome cook, she passed on her love of good healthy food to her children.

Ann approached everything with gusto! She was an enthusiastic lifelong volunteer and took leadership roles in the Anglican Church, Canadian Federation of University Women Club (CFUW) and the NS Volunteer Action Centre. She hosted bridge parties and dinner parties. She especially loved when the “English relations” came to visit!

In 1987, Salt Spring Island called, and she and Jim began their new life, soon filled with new friends and roles through the church, Trail and Nature Club, the library and CFUW. The grandchildren loved visiting their beautiful waterfront home.

Ann enjoyed life to the fullest with lots of outdoor adventures: downhill and X-country skiing, cycling the Gulf Islands, zodiac-ing in the Queen Charlottes, hiking, walking and bird watching, Despite valiant tries, she never did master tennis or water-skiing!

Ann always had her furry friends nearby as well: Timmy, Maggi, Chelsea and Penzy were her walking companions for many years. Penzy joined Ann and Jim on their epic trips across Canada and up to the Yukon in their Dodge Ram van.

We will remember Ann for her wit and her bite (as one person recently said, “She was always original!”), her intelligence and humour, her laughter and smile, big family dinners around the table, dynamic conversations, delicious cookies, daily morning exercises (even when camping in a small tent!), and as kids, being dragged around the block canvassing for yet another charity, the way she swam in the ocean with her feet sticking out…

Predeceased by husband Jim (2012) and daughter Suzie (1969) and son-in-law Mitch (2017), Ann will be very sadly missed by Tony (Ivana), Brian, and Jennifer; 9 grandchildren: Jackie and Alex Barber; Thomas, Samantha and Madeline Barber; Pippa, Simon, Daniel and Robyn Millerd; and 3 great grandchildren Tal, Freya and Rowen.

Ann’s family thanks the entire Greenwoods staff from the bottom of their hearts for the loving, compassionate and playful care they gave our mum over the last five years. She especially loved the music, back scratches and joking! We also thank Dr. Dan Kalf for his kindness and understanding, and expedient trips to Greenwoods as needed.

A service will be held this Thursday July 20 @ 1:30 pm at All Saints by the Sea Anglican Church on Park Drive. If you should care to do so, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Greenwoods Foundation would be much appreciated.

JOHN PARRY DAVIES
Oct. 16, 1926 – July 4, 2017

John Davies died peacefully on Saltspring Island after a long, slow decline with dementia, which never affected his enjoyment of family and friends. He is survived by his much loved wife, Noreen. He will be greatly missed by his children, Gillian and Michael (Pamela) and his grandchildren Joshua, Evan and Sarah, as well as his sister Ann, and his nieces and nephews Diana, David, Valerie, Christopher, Sue and their families.

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Reznick for his care of John for over 20 years, to his caregivers Tema and Janet, whom he loved and who brightened his days. Also to the wonderful staff at Lady Minto hospital whose love, caring and compassion made his last 14 weeks as comfortable as was possible.

John and Noreen retired to Saltspring Island from West Vancouver in 1993, where they made many new friends who became very important and supportive in their lives. They also enjoyed visits to the island by friends and family from around the world.

John was born in Lallaguda, India and as a small child returned to England where he grew up with his older sister Ann. After serving in the RAF, he graduated from Faraday House in London with his Mechanical Engineering degree and later studied Hydro Electric engineering at Imperial College, London, which launched a career which took him around the world. John came to Canada in 1955 and married Noreen on July 2, 1960 in Chenies, England, returning to Ontario where they lived for 11 years and started their family, before coming to British Columbia in 1971.

He lived an extraordinary life, with a sparkle in his eye and a quick wit. He was loved by all who met him. Over the last part of his life, the overwhelming sentiment felt by those around him saw him as “such a lovely, kind and gentle man” – the way he was throughout his life. He will leave a hole in many people’s lives and will be thought of often and fondly. Go in peace John – you will live on in our hearts and be remembered always!

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church on Saltspring Island at the beginning of August (date to be announced in the next Driftwood). In lieu of flowers, donations to Lady Minto hospital would be appreciated.

Lorna Cameron
On June 14th, 2017, Lorna Cameron passed away at the age of 60 at Greenwoods care facility on Salt Spring Island, after a long, courageous struggle with Huntington’s disease.

Lorna grew up in the beaches area of Toronto, 4th in a family of 6, and the first of the Cameron clan born in Canada after her parents Elizabeth (nee MacMillan) and Ian emigrated from Troon, Scotland. She was pre-deceased by her older sister Heather who also succumbed to the disease, and will be missed by her nieces and nephews Cameron, Dylan, Owen, Marnie, Jade, Sierra, Danica, Kim, Tara, Becky, Maya, her brothers Jim (Sharon Cameron), Ross, Bruce (Susan Lundy) and Craig (Sandra Odendahl), her beloved dog Sable, and her many friends in Toronto and on Salt Spring, which she made her home since coming to the island with Shari Macdonald in 1990.

Lorna’s big appetite for life and her love of fun and adventure led her to ride motorcycles, jump out of an airplane, play women’s rugby and volleyball and celebrate life intensely. With a passion for dance, she was usually the first up and last down on any given dance floor.

During her life, Lorna worked as a recreational therapist to special needs adults, an ESL teacher, and an aerobics and dance instructor. On Salt Spring, she was a support worker at organizations such as Choices, Community Initiatives and a women’s counseling crisis line.

Lorna inspired all who loved her with her boundless, positive energy, infectious enthusiasm for dance, spirit of adventure and mischievous sense of humour. Later in her life, she was often seen surrounded by dogs, all vying for her attention (and treats from her treat bag) at places like Fernwood, Burgoyne Bay, Duck Creek and Channel Ridge.

Surrounded by loved ones during the last few days of her struggle, she died peacefully and graciously, supported in love and compassion by the wonderful staff at Greenwoods.

A celebration of Lorna’s life will be held on Salt Spring Island on Sunday, July 9 from 6-10 pm at Lion’s Hall, 103 Bonnet Ave. As Lorna would have wished, there will be food (potluck), refreshments, live music, and of course, dancing. A celebration of life will also be held in Toronto on Sunday July 16 at the home of Jim and Sharon Cameron.

Anyone wishing to honour Lorna’s memory is encouraged to donate to the Cameron family Huntington’s disease fund.

For what is it to die, but stand in the sun and melt into the wind?
And when the Earth has claimed our limbs, then we will truly dance.
Kahlil Gibran

Anna Rachel Carter Page
Nov.15,1956 – June 10, 2017

Born in Vancouver and raised in London UK, the only child of Raissa (photographer/activist) and Robin(visual/performance artist), Rachel returned to Canada in her late teens.

Rachel lived an artist’s life through and through. Though known and celebrated primarily as a singer/songwriter, she listened for her muse in music production, photography, painting, writing, computer graphics, fashion design, gardening/landscaping and in loves and friendships, always leading with an open heart, a big smile, boundless curiosity and determination to master a new skill. She created home and contributed enormously in many music/art communities, most notably London Ontario, Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Toronto.

The London Ontario music scene in the 70s and early 80s was musical gold for Rachel. Centered around the Change of Pace restaurant/music venue, she honed her songwriting and guitar playing skills in the company of a raft of fine aspiring musicians. She attended performances of just about every established singer/songwriter of that era. Rachel contributed her health food cooking skills to the club and she hosted the open stage night as well. She graduated in the music production program at Fanshaw College and formed many lifelong friendships during those formative years, among them her future husband Thomas Handy, then touring as a guitarist with Mose Scarlett.

After relocating again to the West Coast, she released two collections of original songs: Fool for Love (1989) and Chase the Blues (1993) and performed throughout Canada and the UK and in many of her community venues for many years.

Back in Toronto in 2000, Rachel and Thomas rediscovered each other and eventually married in 2003.They made beautiful music together and often sat in at each other’s gigs.
Like all artists, Rachel sometimes relied on other work to support herself. She was on staff at Bullfrog Studios in Vancouver, the feedstore in Maple Ridge and was an administrative assistant at ADR Chambers law firm in Toronto. All who encountered Rachel fondly remember her infectious joy and laughter at work.
Rachel transformed her empathy into compassionate action at every opportunity throughout her life. She mentored many young people – especially songwriters, fostered two children (Mayra and James), nursed her first dog Thyme back to life and became a fierce advocate for all those in need, in danger or marginalized in her community and beyond.

In 2004, Rachel’s life changed dramatically when she became permanently disabled. She courageously took on the task of managing her chronic pain, fatique and loss of mobility. To be closer to her family and friends, Rachel and Thomas moved west, settling on Salt Spring Island in 2006. Soon after, her recently widowed and disabled Dad joined us and together, with her two dogs Shiraz and Bella, we formed a family life of love and mutual support that sustained us during these 11 years. As such an outgoing and gregarious soul, Rachel sometimes felt the loss of her independence keenly and longed to embrace life as she had in the past. We are deeply grateful to our neighbours, her friends near and far, and fellow photographers, painters and singers who supported and celebrated Rachel during her years here on Salt Spring. They became comrades on many journeys of her creative imagination and these gifts helped her immensely in living with her disability.

Our family received a great shock in December 2013, when Rachel and Robin were both diagnosed with cancer during the same week. Sadly, Robin passed away the following spring and, soon after, his sister Rosemary who was a favorite aunt of Rachel’s also passed. Rachel responded with great heart and courage, comforting others as they comforted her. She found strength by aligning herself fully to the natural rhythms of life during her last years. Living and planning each coming season and grounded in the spirit of this island, Rachel fully embraced her journey. She was able to shine her light for us much longer than was expected with her diagnosis, and lived comfortably at home until her final few days. She was given her last wish to see her garden in full bloom this year. Rachel died peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital at the close of a warm spring day, held in a circle of loving family and friends. She is deeply missed here at home by her partner and best pal Thomas and the dogs, Shiraz and Bella.

Rachel is mourned by her uncles Dan and Jonathan and their families, her aunt Pat, and her many Page family cousins: Jeannie, Josh and Shelley Willson, Page Willson, Suzanne, Chris, Monica & Thomas Brainerd, Katy, Norman, Duncan, Bradley and their families; by her brothers and sisters in law: Frank and Leta, Jan and Nancy, Matt, Lynne, Roy and their families. She is remembered fondly by Adrianne (her late mother’s partner) and all her friends in Wales and England,and her cousin and childhood friend Terri in Nova Scotia; all her music buddies/collaborators, including Jim and Darrell, and many sister pals – Peyton, Pam, Sandy, Suzy, Bonnie and Cherelle plus many others from her London Ontario, Vancouver and Maple Ridge days; also her artist friends Manuel, Marianne, Daphne, Spike, Philip and Dorothy who she met during her Dad’s long career as an artist and professor in Berlin and Munich and continued to stay in touch with.

Throughout her years and during her passing on Salt Spring, Rachel was constantly loved and supported by a group of close friends. We are forever grateful to our neighbors, Dave and Laurie, Bill and Helen, Chris and Brenda and our constant companions in spirit: Purna Ma, Elvira, Neil and Usha, Dan and Jeannine, Tom and Judy and Rachel’s adopted young ones, Krystl, Reg and Patricia.

We are especially grateful to our longtime family physician, Dr. Shane Barclay for his years of professional service and compassion for our family. His many consultations gave Rachel great confidence as her journey unfolded. Heartfelt thanks also for the support of our VIHA home nurses; Carolyn, Leanne, Roselynn and Karen, to Cheryl and the Beacon Community Services staff, the Red Cross, the Pharmasave staff and the nurses and support staff at Lady Minto Hospital who attended Rachel with great skill and care during her brief time there.

Thanks to the community of Salt Spring Island for the many, many kindnesses to Rachel and her family over the years.

No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lady Minto Hospital would be welcome. Please visit the online memorial for Rachel at www.haywardfuneral.com

Dr. Claus Eggert Andress
January 30, 1933 – June 23, 2017

Claus Andress died peacefully in North Vancouver, after a very long and dignified struggle with ill-health. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Alice. He will be sorely missed by his children and grandchildren: Catie Sharples and her husband Tim, their children Megan and Noah of Cookham, UK; Mary Wendling and her husband Gilles and their children, Sophie, Madeleine and Lucie of Nanaimo; Caroline Battista and her husband Perry, their children, Alice and James of North Vancouver; and Peter Andress and his wife Sylvia, and their children, Alyssa and Cyrus of Salt Spring Island.

Claus and his family moved to Salt Spring Island in 1975. He was the much loved veterinarian for the Gulf Islands from 1974 to 2000. He will be remembered for founding the Gulf Islands Veterinary Clinic in Ganges, and for his gentle and compassionate care of animals and owners alike. His career in the Gulf Islands holds many wonderful stories: being called out to attend to seals in Mayne Island harbour, rescuing an eagle which later went to a zoo in Germany, treating a horse on a ferry that had run aground…He was instrumental in bringing the SPCA to British Columbia. Claus had been a warden at St. Georges Church in Ganges. He was a keen member of the choir, “Tuned Air” for many years, and was a volunteer for the SSI hospice movement. He was a very active member of the community, belonging to the tennis club, Scottish Country Dancers, Johann Strauss Foundation, and the Salt Spring Players.

In 2003, Claus and Alice moved to Nanaimo to get the medical care that she required. As well as a devoted husband. Claus was a very involved grandfather and took great delight in spending time with his grandchildren. When Alice died in 2009, he moved to North Vancouver to live with his daughter Caroline and her family.

He was a wonderful, loving husband, father and grandfather, and we shall miss him terribly. Go well Dad; we will remember you with great fondness.

A memorial service for Claus Andress will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 2pm in St. Clement’s Church, 3400 Institute Road, North Vancouver, BC V7K 2K9.

No flowers please. Donations can be made to the Saltspring Island SPCA Shelter directly by cheque, or via the BCSPCA on their website at spca.bc.ca/branches/salt-spring-island