Emily Ann Foerster

November 21, 1928 – August 1, 2016

Ann was born in Victoria to a physician and nurse (Russell and Charlotte Robertson) who met in the WWI trenches in France.

After Norfolk Girls School, at age 16 she travelled to Montreal to earn a dietetics degree at McGill University. While working at Hart House at the University of Toronto, Ann met and married Darryl Foerster, a fellow BC-er who was a physician from Nanaimo. Their lives together covered Nanaimo, Penticton, Central Saanich, and Salt Spring Island (1974-2014). Ann’s career included being a dietitian, at-home mom, school board trustee, and realtor. A gregarious and friendly person, she loved, among many things, animals, gardening, playing bridge, volunteering, and watching Jeopardy.

Ann will be sorely missed by her four children (Vicki, Diana, Bruce and Brien) and her four grandchildren (Angela, Brock, Emily and Benjamin).

A private ceremony will be held and, according to her wishes, Ann’s ashes will be scattered at sea off Salt Spring Island.

(Bill) William Gordon Earl

1936 – 2016

Bill passed away peacefully on July 16, 2016 with his wife Ann of 59 years holding his hand. 

Bill was a kind, loving husband, dad, papa, uncle, and cousin to a large and caring extended family. Survived by his wife, Ann, children, Kelly-Ann (Hue), Cynthia (Manny), Ryan (Marna) and 6 grandchildren, Ian, Jessica, Emilee-Ann, Ethan, Kai, & Sierra. 

Bill was always filled with stories, music, laughter, and life. 

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to his wonderful Greenwoods family, and staff and Hospice volunteers at Lady Minto Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name to Greenwoods Eldercare Society would be appreciated. 

Service at SSI United Church, Ganges on Tuesday, August 23rd at 2:30pm.

Joy Coupland

(nee Jennings)

 January 11, 1949 – July 15, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joy. She was surrounded by family and passed peacefully at Lady Minto.

Thanks to the wonderful compassionate staff at Lady Minto for being so kind to her and us for the past while.

She will be missed dearly by her husband Alan, daughter Louise (Tony), son Andrew (Megan), and her 5 grandsons Graham, Isaac, Charlie, Jacob and William. She loved her only brother David who passed away earlier this year on Salt Spring.

Joy was born in Birkenhead, England. During her youth she was a great dancer and was a member of the Liverpool Ballet. In 1974 Joy and Alan moved to Hull then to Chelsea, Quebec to enjoy a new country and opportunities. During her life she was always a volunteer for school events and worked with special needs children at the local school. She was the coordinator at the Chelsea Community Centre for years and loved being involved in the community.

Joy and Alan moved to Salt Spring in 2001 after the birth of their first grandchild. Here she was very dedicated to the Salt Spring market and sold her knitted strawberry hats and various other creations. Joy always loved knitting and was known for never following a pattern yet always designing beautiful knitted clothing. She was a bright light and enjoyed her market friends and having a good laugh every Saturday afternoon. She enjoyed being part of her grandsons daily life and loved sneaking them for ice cream or to the beach.

There will be a small family service.

Mary Doreen Small

March 3, 1928 – July 14, 2016

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mary Doreen Small, beloved mother and friend. Mary passed away peacefully at home on Salt Spring Island.

Mary Small (nee Cotton), who was predeceased by her husband Don on February 26, 2016, leaves behind four sons Jay, Peter, Chris, and Matthew; their spouses, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; as well as many lifelong friends on Salt Spring Island, White Rock, and Victoria.

Forthright and fun-loving, Mary was the focal point of a lively and loyal social circle, as well as being a touchstone for many who came to her over the years for advice and encouragement. While we deeply mourn Mary’s passing, there is comfort in knowing she truly enjoyed a life well-lived.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held September 24, 2016 at the Royal Canadian Legion on Salt Spring Island.

Carol Ann Wenger

1950 – 2016

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Carol Ann Wenger (Sisson). She passed away peaceful at Lady Minto hospital, surrounded by family July 5, 2016.

Carol was born in Brooks, AB and moved to a farm east of Olds when still a toddler. She went to school in Olds where she met her husband Ed Wenger and upon graduation, had a scholarship to the Montreal school of fine arts, but decided to go to nursing school to become an RNA and enjoyed nursing at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. Her passion was in the arts and went on to open the Touchstone Gallery in Olds where she supported local artists. After a sudden passing of Tanya (Ed and Carol’s oldest daughter), they moved to Salt Spring Island to help heal and find peace at the beautiful seaside home. Carol continued work in the arts, managing one of the local art galleries. After some health issues, Carol left the gallery, but then went back to working part time at Mouats Clothing for several years, taking pleasure in many aspects of her work.

During the course of her life, Carol enjoyed travelling with friends, creating original artwork, but mainly celebrations and gatherings with family and dear friends. Carol also lovingly tended to her garden, which she willingly shared with locals at their farm stand. Her artistry extended to the kitchen, and those she entertained were treated to one of her famous pies. She loved all animals, with a special fondness for horses. She took great joy in her 2 grandchildren, Edward and Adelaide, ages 15 and 14. Carol is survived by her husband Ed, daughter Sara, sisters Lorraine, Verna, Kathy and Penny and her brother Rick, as well as her parents George and Marg Sisson. Carol will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held for all to attend at a later date.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the palliative care staff at the Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island, as well as the warm and supportive hospice care ladies.

In lieu of flowers, please send condolences or a memorial donation to Lady Minto Hospital or by using the link – www.haywardsfuneral.com

Naren Kartar

Naren passed away bravely and peacefully at the Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island on July 2016, in his 67th year.

A West Vancouver native, Naren was: Son, Brother, Psychedelic Traveller, Whale Watcher, Peace Walker, Salmon Man, Farmer, Horticulturist, Radioman, Visionary, Bamboo Guru, Founder of “A Bambu Sea”, Peace Park, and Friend of Ford Lake, Rakan Man, Father and Beloved Partner.

Neighbour’s gathering, including a Music Jam will be held at Beaver Point Hall on Saturday, October 8th from 3pm to 8 pm, Potluck at 5ish.

Photos and flowers welcome. Donations can be made to the Salmon Enhancement Society.

Gratitude to all the caregivers who helped Naren in his time of need.

May all beings be happy – LIVE IN PEACE

Gordon English

July 5, 1926 – July 2, 2016

Gordon English passed away on July 2, 2016 in White Rock, BC, with family by his side, just a few days shy of his 90th birthday. Gordon was born in Vancouver in 1926, the youngest of four siblings (Fred, Margaret and Beryl). Early on, Gordon discovered a love for radio and communications and parlayed that into a career that would take him across B.C., Canada and around the world.

Gordon served briefly in the Canadian Army at the end of World War II, working in the Signals Section. Quick to learn and eager to succeed, he returned to civilian life and started his career in radio, working at CJOR, before venturing into sales. The lure of more advanced technical work saw him take on jobs with the B.C. Forest Service and then B.C. Rail. His love of challenges and ability to grasp opportunities led Gordon to found Westronic Engineering Sales Ltd. During his years at Westronic, Gordon also served as a Regional Director for the IEEE Canada. Gordon retired to Salt Spring Island in the 1980s with his second wife Sandra (Skinner).

On Salt Spring, Gordon didn’t slow down and volunteered his time and talents for many years, serving on the Board of Directors of the Lady Minto Gulf Islands Hospital, chairing the Southern Gulf Islands Community Health Council, the Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association and the Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club’s President’s Golf Academy. Through his leadership over five years, Gordon oversaw the fundraising campaign and construction of Meadowbrook Seniors Residence, where he and Sandra spent their last few years on Salt Spring.

Gordon was most at home in his workshop, whether designing and building an electric car or crafting beautiful, original furniture and boxes out of local wood. He also loved being on and near the water. From summers on Indian Arm at Woodlands to boating on the Banook, he was never far from the ocean. On Salt Spring, you could often find Sandra and Gordon playing golf and tennis and socializing with their many friends, where he was often at the centre of lively conversations. His family loved visiting the island and will remember him for his sage advice, unwavering support, his beautiful whistling and fantastic sense of humour. Dad, as a professional, volunteer, friend, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, you taught us how to succeed and how to be caring people.

Gordon is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Sandra, his five children Elizabeth (Peter Smith), Susan (Mark Bullock), Geoffrey, Janet (Bruce McMorland) and Diane (Rick Phillips) and his first wife Margaret (Peggy) English (Fennell). He was a cherished grandfather to Angela, Craig, Kyle, Colleen (Jason Riggs) and Evan, and great-grandfather to Kyle B. and Bethanee.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Gordon’s name to The Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, The Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on September 17 at the Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club. For details, please contact daughter Janet McMorland at 778-458-2303. Information will also be available at www.mckenziefuneralservices.com.

Phillip Reginald Barnard?

Oct.10, 1938 to June 30, 2016 ???

Phil passed away peacefully on June 30th, 2016 while in palliative care at Lady Minto Hospital, on Salt Spring Island with his daughters by his side. All three of his surviving children were by his side during most of his stay at Lady Minto.??

Phil’s career life started as an aircraft technician at the Canadian Forces Base Comox, from 1958 until 1965 when he left the service. In 1966 Phil, his wife Elizabeth and four children moved to Campbell River where he worked as a maintenance man at the Delta Inn. In addition to his regular job, he started his own sweeper business “Litter Trap Sweeper Service” cleaning plazas and parking lots. In 1970 he and Liz opened the restaurant/cafe “Phil’s Place”, which quickly became a magnet for the younger counter culture from the hippie movement, including many draft dodgers. The restaurant was closed in 1972 when the landlord refused to renew the lease, which Phil attributed to the restaurant clientele being considered to be less desirable.?Phil & Liz divorced in 1972, and he moved to Victoria for a few months with his stepson Rob. Upon following some friends to Salt Spring Island in 1973, Phil had found his new home, and moved to Salt Spring Island. He became a house painter, and did so until he retired in 2003.

Other than living in Peace River for a couple of years, Salt Spring was his home.??Phil passionately pursued many hobbies over the years.  He was a talented photographer, and had a great eye for portraiture, and would spend hours in the dark room. Phil carried on his love for mechanics where he put together a Ford Model A and T, both largely built from parts that he collected from all over the countryside. He played trumpet and harmonica. He could be found at the Saturday market with his model airplanes, boats and sculptures, all created from recycled materials. In 1999, he won first and second prize at the Fall Fair for some of his creations. He had a love for motorcycles and would be seen motoring around on his army green BMW, with a sheepskin seat and ski goggles. In more recent years, less mobile, Phil would ride the bus to Fulford Harbour to have morning coffee with friends. ??

Phil is survived by his children from his marriage to Elizabeth Campbell, step son Robert Barnard (Davis), Jennifer Brown, Susan Barnard and his grand children, Megan Lake,?Josh Brewer, Brennan Barnard, Kyle McNinch, Ruby Barnard and Jade Barnard.??Phil was predeceased by his son David Barnard, brother David Barnard, half-brother Barry Barnard, his father Reginald Barnard, and his mother Margaret Paxton (Daniels).??

The Family would like to thank the local bus drivers for keeping Phil mobile, Dr. Gummeson, Dr. Joe and clinic staff, the nurses & staff at Lady Minto Hospital, the hospice volunteers & Fred, Kathlene Horsdal and Launi for taking the time to be with, and care for our father in his last days.??A celebration of Phil’s life will be announced.

William Rogers (Will) Wood

Will passed away peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital on June 27, 2016

Will was a burner mechanic by trade and after his retirement, he became one of Salt Spring’s traffic flaggers and enjoyed working with the friends he made from Main Roads, BC Hydro and his co-workers.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Butcher and to Will’s caregivers who compassionately cared for him for 2 months at VGH and his last 2 months at Lady Minto. Our nurses at Lady Minto are very special as are the volunteers who sat with Will all night preceding his passing.

Loved dearly and sorely missed by his wife Arlene, family and friends and especially his special little dog “Charlotte”.

No Service by request.