Donald (Don) Stephen Layzell

January 4th 1926 – April 9th 2016

Don passed on quite peacefully at the last at Royal Jubilee Hospital Intensive Care ward April 9th in the company of his beloved daughter Betty-Lou and son in law Peter. He had a number of health issues complicated by his advanced age, but had been living independently and enjoying life and his many friends until the last two weeks of his life. Even then he retained his acute intelligence, sense of humour and stoicism in the face of suffering.

Don was born at Priddis Alberta and grew up during the dirty 30’s in very deprived circumstances. At 16 he traveled to Vancouver and fended for himself. When 17 he answered the call to arms and served with the Canadian Royal Air Force. He always maintained that was the best thing that had happened to him, except meeting his wife Hilda. When demobilized he took advantage of the Veterans university scheme and in spite of limited high school education by dint of hard work and native intelligence obtained his degree in teaching from UBC. He loved his career in teaching the young and many former students stayed in touch with him until after he retired. He married Hilda his wife of over 60 years April 3 1947.

Don will be remembered by his family and many friends for his intelligence, kindness, generosity, and always taking time to listen to whatever they had to say (unless there was a horse race about to start!)

He was a keen traveler who loved to research everything about his prospective destinations and maintained an insatiable curiosity about every aspect of them. Don and his wife visited their daughter in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia. He was able to check off a number of items from his bucket list in his last years by taking annual road trips with his Grandson DJ to Yellowstone National Park, the North West Territories, and Newfoundland, visiting his prairie relatives en route. He wanted his Grandson to know B.C. and they traveled every main road to do so. He loved watching his sports and was a keen football, hockey and golf fan and was watching the Masters on his last morning.

This much loved man will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Irene Alice Brown Goglin Johnson

It is with enormous sadness we announce that Irene passed on April 9, 2016 in Ladysmith. She was born in New Westminster on June 19, 1931 to Stephen and Mary Brown (both deceased). She married her first husband, Harold Henry Goglin in 1948. They moved to Prince George where they had six children. Harold died in an airplane crash in 1961. Irene married her second husband William (Bill) Johnson in 1966. They had one daughter.

Irene joined the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion in 1970 remained an active member until she no longer had the strength to attend the meetings.

Bill and Irene moved to Surrey in 1971. They lived for several years before moving to Salt Spring Island 1980 where Irene worked in a teashop and later opened a sandwich cafe. In 1998, they retired to Ladysmith and to their RV. They travelled across Canada twice and spent many fun filled winters in Arizona. Everywhere she lived, Irene was a popular, well-loved person.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Doreen and June, her brother, Jim, and her daughter, Brenda Lee Irene Campbell (2007).

Irene was the center pin, the heart and the home of her family. She will be deeply missed by her husband Bill, her children; Joy Berkana (James Fajber), Stephen Goglin (Shirley), Elaine Blanco (Evan), Micheal Goglin (Teri), Shannon Winters (Denny), Shelly Johnson (Jim), her 15 grandchildren, her 12 great-grandchildren and her great-great-grandson.

She will also be missed by her brother Doug, her many nieces and nephews and her dozens of friends.

Services will be held at Telford Funeral Home in Ladysmith on Thursday, April 14th at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.telfordsladysmith.com

Telford’s of Ladysmith, 250-245-5553

Sharon Lynn Brewer (nee Bardal)

April 8, 1950-March 26, 2016

Our beloved Sharon came gracefully to the end of her journey on March 26, 2016 in Vancouver.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 30 years Bob, daughter Kristen (Paul), step-children David (Joanne) and Sara (Paul), brothers Stan (Dawna), Wayne (Sharon) and Paul (Melinda), Aunt Agnes, brother in law Jack (Sylvia), sister in law Elaine, nieces, nephews and many very dear friends whose lives she has touched.

Sharon’s joie de vivre and positive energy were a delight to all who knew her. She loved to gather friends around her dining table where her legendary cooking skills and the lovely ambience she created made wonderful memories for many. When the family moved to Saltspring Island in 1998, Sharon was able to realize her dream of starting a bed and breakfast, Clam Beach Cottage. It harnessed her natural gifts and gave her a perfect place to express them. Sharon and Bob loved to travel and seek out new adventures, though France and Maui were always closest to their hearts.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Drs. Tinker and Cheung and the staff of the BCCA Chemo Ward & OVCA Department for their professionalism and kindness.

We are also extremely grateful to the staff and volunteers of the Vancouver Hospice Society who went far beyond expectation in their kindness and concern for Sharon’s comfort in her last weeks.

Floral tributes are gratefully declined, though consideration of a gift in Sharon’s name to the Vancouver Hospice Society (4615 Granville St) would be greatly appreciated.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held on Saltspring at a later date.

Edna May Phillips

August 14, 1930 – April 5, 2016

Edna May Phillips (nee Reed) of Salt Spring Island was the wife of her loving husband for 63 years, John Alexander Phillips. She is survived by her four children: Susan (Robert) Metzger, Douglas (Debbie) Phillips, Matthew (Cathy) Phillips, Mark Phillips (and partner Margo). Grandchildren include Nina, Alexandra, William, Kat, Brandon, Melissa and great-grandchild Braelynn. Special friends are Leah Hansen and Diane Minichiello.

Edna served her communities in many volunteer capacities including extensive service and leadership at all levels of Scouting and Guiding; through her church and in many other charitable organizations.

Many thanks for the loving care provided by the staff at Greenwoods Complex Care Facility on Salt Spring Island where Edna lived for the last several years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation at ladymintofoundation.com or Greenwoods Foundation at greenwoodsfoundation.ca. 

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Salt Spring Island at Our Lady of Grace Church, 135 Drake Road, Salt Spring Island on Thursday April 14th at 12 Noon. This will be followed by a light lunch / reception at the church where the family would love to share memories with her friends. Burial will occur at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Fulford Harbour following the reception.

David William Jennings

August 28th 1950 – April 4th 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David William Jennings unexpectedly on Salt Spring Island BC. David was predeceased by his son Michael. He is survived and greatly loved by his 3 children Amanda, Lily (Damien) and Stephen (Jaymee) of Ontario. He adored his grandchild Riley and was always ready to show a picture of her. He will be very sadly missed by his sister Joy Coupland (Alan), nephew Andrew Coupland (Megan) and niece Louise Faulkner (Tony).

David was born in Birkenhead England. He was a trained chef and once cooked for the Queen. He owned and operated an Inn in Wales before moving to Canada in 1976 to join his sister. He was an avid fan of motorcycles and racing. He spent many months at the Isle of Man racing and watching. It was common to find engines and car parts hidden under the kitchen table for David to work on in his spare time. During his time in Ottawa he worked as a chef and manager at several exclusive restaurants, and eventually for the government managing large food establishments. He was always greatly loved by his staff and co-workers, always ready to have a good laugh and help out.

In 2006 he moved to Salt Spring to escape the winters of Ontario. He had several jobs and was fondly know as the British Pie Man to those who enjoyed his delicious cooking. He settled best at Mouats Home Hardware, and was always friendly and ready to help. He enjoyed going to work and his co-workers.

David will be remembered by his family and friends as a positive, happy, friendly and kind person who touched the hearts of many people. There will be no service on Salt Spring by the family. There will be a Celebration of Life in Ontario at a later date.

JOHN NOEL BRACHER

March 10, 1945 – April 3, 2016

It is with sadness we announce the passing of John Noel Bracher unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep at home with his wife by his side on April 3rd at the age of 71.

John was predeceased by his parents Col. The Rev. Canon John Noel Bracher and Josephine Bracher. He is survived by his wife Judi, daughter Lisa of Kelowna, son Alan (Natalie) of Montreal, grandchildren Kyle, Jessica and Donnie and great-grandchildren Nicolas, Layla and Kayden, brothers Peter (Jo) and Michael (Gigi) of Australia, cousins Susan Bracher (John Newman) and their son Chris of Salt Spring Island and nephews Peter and Michael and niece Christine of Australia.

Many thanks to Dr. Robert Crichton for his care and concern.

No service by request. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lady Minto Hospital or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent on www.haywardsfuneral.com.

Dr. Jerry Maxwell? Nestman

Sept. 21, 1928 – Mar. 31, 2016

?Following a stroke, Jerry passed away on March 31, 2016 in Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island.

He is survived by his loving sons John and Gerald of Alert Bay and Bruce (Ruth) of Vancouver, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Also survived by his loving sister Reneth MacKay.

While at King Edward High School, Jerry was an outstanding athlete, excelling in football, rugby, and track and field, earning the outstanding male athlete award in his final year. Jerry played football for the 1947 Blue Bombers who went on to be inducted into the B.C. Football Hall of Fame. While attending UBC Medical School, Jerry played football for the UBC Thunderbirds. Jerry was team doctor for the 1964 Canadian Olympic Hockey team that competed in Innsbruck.

After initially practicing medicine in Vancouver, Jerry moved to Salt Spring Island where he set up a practice and established the Arbutus Medical Centre. Jerry made Salt Spring his home for the rest of his good life. His last few years were spent at the Greenwood Society Residence on Salt Spring; his family is grateful for the care he received there.?

Eileen Frances Stubbe

March 30 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Eileen at Lady Minto hospital Salt Spring Island. At her side was her daughter Leslie Jo. Born in Moosomin Saskatchewan she was predeceased by her husband Alvin and brothers Donald and John Cameron.

Eileen grew up during the depression and loved to tell stories of her life and memories of those times. A career English teacher and librarian, she developed a life long love for the arts, theatre, novels, bridge and a glass of fine wine.

She met her husband Al Stubbe in Vancouver and as he was in the military they lived throughout Canada for many years. In retirement they settled on Salt Spring Island for the boating and Island lifestyle.

Eileen is survived by her daughter Leslie Jo, (Phil) grandson Cameron, (Katheryne) and the love of her life great-grandson Gunnar.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Lady Minto hospital for the months of excellent care they gave to Eileen.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church on Salt Spring Island, May 7, 2016 at 2:30 pm. Condolences may be left at mem.com

BROWN, Ian Forsyth

Ian Forsyth Brown passed away on March 28th, 2016 after a long and healthy life of 92 years. He is survived by Dorothy Iris Brown, his wife of 68 years, now living at Lodge on 4th in Ladysmith. Ian and Dorothy grew up in Victoria during the 20’s & 30’s. Ian attended Vic High, where he was a good basketball player, playing with friends, George Gower and Morrie Hundelbee.

Ian served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War Two and was stationed in Calgary as an airplane mechanic. After the war, Ian worked at the Hudson’s Bay Company on Douglas St in Victoria. He built his first house in Victoria’s Ross Bay. In 1956, he moved his family to Chilliwack, where he was the manager of a local Hardware Store. Ian continued to work in the Hardware business throughout his career in places like Port Alberni (just after the tidal wave hit the town in 1963) and later Ackland’s Hardware. He worked as a Ter. Mgr. in Qualicum Beach, Reg. Mgr. in Victoria, GM in Toronto, and Reg. Mgr. in Calgary. He finished his career on Salt Spring Island. In 1971, Ian was the GM of Mouat’s Trading Company on Salt Spring Island, where he joined the Board of Directors as a minority shareholder, along with the Toynbee and Mouat family members. He retired in the mid 1980’s. Ian was an active member in the Lions Club, serving as president for the Chilliwack and Salt Spring Island chapters.

In the family Ian was known as, “The Great One” niece Sharon fondly remembers. Ian is also survived by his son, Tom Brown (father to Vanessa, Tristen and Clarissa) and his daughter, Janice McDiarmid (married to Stuart McDiarmid and mother to Sam and Benjamin). Ian is survived by five grandchildren: Vanessa, Tristen, Clarissa, Sam, and Benjamin, and two great-grandchildren: Huxley 22 months (son of Clarissa Brown and Matt Stuckenberg) and Rebecca 14 months (daughter of Vanessa Brown and Joseph Boucher. Tristen & Lisa Brown are expecting Ian’s third great-grandchild in August. Ian is also survived by his sister Thelma and her children: Doug, Barb, Marilyn and Brian. Ian will be missed by cousins Rohan Brown and Craig Brown along with their families in Australia. He will also be missed by cousins: Jill, Heather, Steve, Sharon, Kevin, Scott, Terry and Richard, as well as close friend, Mark Harrison. Ian was a man with a sense of humour. He was an amazing Carpenter, Basketball Player, Golfer, Pool Shark, Painter, Cartoonist, Cribbage Wizard and Ping Pong Player. Most importantly, he was an all-around loving father and friend. We were enriched by his love of life.

A Graveside Service will be held at Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on May 16th, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a donation page gofundme.com/x2x36grg in support of Ian’s great-grandson Huxley, who is affected by cerebral palsy. Condolences may be offered at tomb742523@gmail.com

Telford’s of Ladysmith 250-245-5553

Valerie Haigh, née Whitley

November 27, 1926 – March 27, 2016

Val Haigh, writer and adventurer, died in Lady Minto Hospital, Saltspring Island, March 27th, after a short illness. Predeceased by her daughter Kim in 1967 and her husband Ernest in September 2014, she is survived by her 5 daughters and their partners – Janet (Doug), Carol, Anne (Russ), Susan, and Nicky (Terry), 10 grandchildren, and 6 (nearly 7) great-grandchildren.

Val was born in the small village of Ferring, England, to Tom and Violet Whitley. She grew up in England and Scotland, and in the late war years she took to the farming life, working as a shepherdess. There she met the handsome farm assistant Ernest Haigh, and after a whirlwind 6-week courtship, they married in August 1949. Three farms and three children later, they decided that the best opportunities and adventures for a young married couple were in the colonies, and when the boat for New Zealand had a huge wait, they opted for Canada, and emigrated in 1955. Ernest soon got work as Farm Manager on Fernwood Farm, and so Saltspring became Val’s home, and stayed her home, however much she and Ernest travelled in later years. They bought property at Southey Point, and Val helped with clearing the land and building two houses while raising a family, soon grown to 6 daughters. Val delighted in her family, her garden, rowing, fishing, and the parade of freighters up and down Trincomali Channel. In 1968 Ernest and Val launched “Tryste”, a home-built trimaran, and began a 30-year life under sail that included two circumnavigations (one with daughters) and numerous trips around the Pacific, a rescue at sea, and building their new boat “Truce”. In 1999 they moved ashore and settled back into their garden home at the north end of Saltspring.

Val was a wonderful, strong, kind, intelligent, wise and caring woman. She loved life and her family and friends, and always stood behind Ernest in his crazy dreams. Happy to “live to tell the tale”, she wrote many magazine articles and two books about her family and her sailing days. There will be no service, but friends are invited to drop in for an open house and tea on Thursday April 7th, 4 PM – 6 PM, in the garden at 2961 Southey Point Rd. (lower entrance).

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost