Kenneth Stevens

June 24, 1928 – March 24, 2016

Sadly, we announce Ken’s passing on Thursday, March 24, 2016. He is survived by his sons, Keith and Brian (Lea-Anne); daughter, Sharon; grandchildren, Dana (Ross), Kimi, Sean, and Brodie; as well as many extended family members and good friends. Ken was predeceased by his wife, Chris in December of 2015 and son, Norman in August of 2006.

Born in Ganges on Salt Spring Island, Ken worked for the Department of Highways around the Gulf Islands for over 35 years. He and Chris enjoyed many winters rving in Yuma, Arizona with their friends and family.

Ken was a very outgoing person who loved to laugh and socialize. He was a fun loving father and grandfather and his family were the highlight of his life.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please considering honouring Ken’s memory by making a donation in his name to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 200 – 4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6.

Our cherished memories will always be with us,

Mom & Dad.

With Love From Your Family

To send a condolence to the family please visit

www.yatesfuneral.ca

YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM

(1.877.264.3848) in care of arrangements.

Shirley Vida (née Dalton)

April 17, 1924 – March 23, 2016

Pre-deceased by husband Peter (November 2015) and son Mark (May 1954), Shirley died peacefully last week on Salt Spring Island.

The youngest of three sisters, she was born and schooled in Harrow-on-the-Hill, London, England. After the outbreak of WWII, she spent happy years of evacuation in Aberystwyth, Wales as a University of London student. She graduated with a degree in English Literature and went on to obtain a Master of Social Work from the London School of Economics.

She and Peter emigrated to Montreal and then to Vancouver, where she worked in various hospital and therapeutic settings as a social worker, researcher, and administrator. She loved her career and its challenges: running a foster home for boys in Montreal, and a YWCA hostel for young street women in downtown Vancouver. She was active in the Girl Guides, loved singing, fine knitting and embroidery, reading and travelling. She and Peter travelled far and wide, and sailed extensively in the coastal waters of BC.

On retirement to Salt Spring she became an active member of the Community Society Board and the SS Singers; later in Victoria, she was a docent at the Royal Columbia Museum and a trainer with Volunteer Victoria. Shirley spent her last days in the gracious care of the Residential Unit staff at Lady Minto Hospital.

Shirley is survived by her sister Marion, children Alison and Drew, grandchildren Naomi Jason and Michael Vida, who will all miss her. A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, March 30, 2pm, at the Royal Oak Burial Park Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.

JOHN WESTON PICKERING

17 July 1931 – 21 March 2016

Eldest son of Jack and Kate Pickering, John is survived by Claire, his wife of 60 years; their children Mary, Jennifer, and Michael and their spouses Ron, Colin, and Catherine; his grandchildren of whom he was immensely proud, James, Patrick, Sam, David, Robbie, Josh, Annalise, and Olivia; his brother Tim; nephew Nigel; niece Sarah; and large extended family.

After a long and healthy life well lived and well loved, John died unexpectedly and peacefully at Salt Spring Island, BC, with Claire by his side.

John gave his family a charmed life. He deeply loved them and they loved him deeply in return. All his life, his priorities were his family, his friends, his church, and his community. He gave himself to all of them with generosity, good humour, and grace.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at All Saints Anglican Church, 110 Park Drive, Salt Spring Island at 2:30 on April 2nd, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salt Spring Foundation, the MS Society of Canada, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Jean Stone

April 8, 1929 – Rose Valley, SK

March 10, 2016 – Calgary, AB

Jean, beloved wife of David of Calgary, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the age of 86 years.

Jean Beatrice (Erickson) Stone was born in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan on April 8, 1929. She was one of four daughters born to Betsy (Pederson) and Conrad Erickson. She and her three sisters Leverne (predeceased), Elsie and Connie grew up on a farm near Wadena, Saskatchewan. After graduating from nursing college in Saskatoon, Jean married David Stone on February 19, 1951. One son, Brian was born to the union. Jean provided nursing care in several Canadian cities during their many military postings, until she retired from her profession on Saltspring Island, British Columbia in 1986, where she was subsequently active for many years of volunteer work, sailing, knitting and gardening. Jean and David moved to Calgary, Alberta in 2014 to be closer to their family. They moved to Ste. Marguerite Manor in 2015, where she resided happily until passing away peacefully in Dulcina Hospice in the early morning of March 10, 2016 at the age of eighty-six after a long and fruitful life caring for others.

Jean is survived by her husband David, son Brian and his wife Jackie, granddaughter Lorelli and her husband Mike Nowell in Calgary, grandson Andrew and his wife Lisa in Melbourne, Australia, and six great grandchildren, Juliet, Lola, Lily, Henry, Jack and Oscar; her sisters Elsie Joyce and Connie Dodds, along with their and Leverne Anderson’s extensive families. All who knew Jean were extremely fond of her, and she will be sadly missed by her loving family, relatives and many friends.

In lieu of a public funeral and flowers it is Jean’s and her family’s wish that donations be made to the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association 1245-70 Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB, T2H 2X8 Telephone: 1-403-206-9938. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Ste. Marguerite Manor and Dulcina Hospice for the care given to Jean.

In living memory of Jean Stone, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Calgary, AB., 1-403-276-2296.

Ann Shepherd

March 9, 2016

Ann Shepherd died just after 9:00 pm on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 after a long and happy life. She was 87 years old.

Annie loved and was loved by her husband of 60 years, Bishop Ron Shepherd who died in 2012. She was also a mother, librarian, beekeeper and hospice volunteer. Her passions included sewing avant-garde outfits that dazzled the communities she lived in. She loved throwing parties and would cook from dawn to dusk for days in preparation. Another passion of hers was hats. Whether heading to the beach for a lazy day of reading under an umbrella, or marching in a peace protest or dining out, Annie always had the right hat. But her greatest passion was children. She was a counselor at Camp Columbia in her teens and a children’s librarian in Montreal in her fifties, and in between those years she raised six children of her own. And with that many children, the memories are myriad. From long winter nights rocking them to sleep to ease their earaches or nightmares, to those endless summer days at the Lake, with melting revels in the sand, the soothing balm of her hands on their sunburned shoulders, and an unforgettably graceful front crawl, she was their hero.

A measuring stick for grace and character. Annie, a graduate of UBC and McGill, lived with her husband Ron on Salt Spring Island where they entertained friends from all over and were always happy to see their children, Mary, Jeremy, Christopher, Susie (2013), Timothy and Peter and 8 grandchildren. We will miss her so much.

Her Funeral Service will be held at All Saints by the Sea in Ganges on Salt Spring Island on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 2 pm.

Please make your donations to Canadian Cancer Society or Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.

McCall’s of Victoria, BC (1-800-870-4210)

Donald Edward Small

Jan. 3, 1930 – Feb. 26, 2016

Our dear father and husband Donald Edward  Small passed away peacefully on Friday morning at Lady Minto Hospital.

Loved by all who knew him. He was a busy man in his younger years, working in the trades and moving from Vancouver to White Rock to Victoria and then on to Salt Spring.

In the late seventies,  he and his wife Mary opened the Vesuvius Pub (which his old friends will remember). One of Don’s pleasures was his involvement  with the Royal Canadian Legion.

He is survived by his four sons, who made him very proud, Jay, Peter, Chris and Matt and their respective partners and our dear friend and “daughter” whom he loved dearly, Lesley Cheeseman.

He loved being a  Grandpa to his seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Extended Care for their kindness and care of our dear old Dad. In lue of flowers, donations to the new garden at Extended Care would be appreciated.

A wake will be held on April 2nd, 2pm at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Lena Ostapowich

March 12, 1918 – February 24, 2016

Lena Ostapowich passed peacefully at Greenwoods on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. Lena was born in Russell, Manitoba, the eldest of four children of Anna Lozowa Gallant and Joseph Gallant. As a young woman, Lena worked in the family’s general store in Russell. She had a fine head for numbers and was also a formidable card player! When things were slow in the store, Lena would sit and tat lace, creating beautiful doilies and other articles which decorated her homes in Russell and on Salt Spring. In 1949 she married Mike Ostapowich and joined him at the farm one mile west of Russell. In 1951 to their great joy, their son Dale was born. In 1965 the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Association bought their farm to build a reservoir, and they moved into town in Russell; but Mike continued farming on rented land until 1979. When Mike passed away in 1996, Lena sold her home in Russell and moved to Salt Spring to be close to Dale and his family. Sadly, in 2010 she lost Dale to cancer. Lena loved to garden and bake, and was a marvelous cook who took great pleasure in feeding people. She was renowned for her gentle wit, kindness, generosity and unlimited hospitality.

Lena is survived by her grandson Kevin (Jennifer) Ostapowich, great-grandsons Cole and Logan, and daughter-in-law Glynnis Horel. A light went out of our lives with Lena’s passing.

The family is grateful beyond words to Dr. Magda Leon and the other physicians who attended her in Greenwoods; to the incredibly caring compassionate staff of Greenwoods; and to the kindness and dedication of the Bessy Dane Hospice volunteers in Lena’s final days.

A service will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on March 9, 2016 at 1 pm with reception to follow in the church basement at 2 pm.

Jean Lorraine Campbell

Sept. 14, 1921 – Feb 16, 2016

Jean Lorraine Campbell lived an exemplary life. She was a wise mother, grandmother, and aunt — and a lovely, patient shepherd to a vast array of adopted family members, unexpected strangers, and sometimes actual sheep. She died peacefully in her sleep early in the morning of February 16, at Lady Minto Gulf Islands Hospital on Salt Spring Island. A virus and a stroke tipped her into the next world. Lorraine was 94. Lorraine’s enviable life was filled with hard work and simple pleasures, and she will be well remembered for all that she did, for her family and her community.

Lorraine was born in the municipality of Point Grey on September 14, 1921, and grew up in the Dunbar neighbourhood. She earned a master’s degree in science at UBC, studying agriculture, where she met James McGeer Campbell. They were married on December 29, 1944, while Jim was on furlough from the navy.

Lorraine’s father, Dr. A. R. Thomson, travelled widely in B.C., bought property on Saturna before it was fashionable, and built some modest guest cottages at Saturna Beach in the early 1930s. In 1945, Jim and Lorraine moved to Saturna to farm. They lived a life of glorious subsistence, and had four children — Jim Jr., Nan, Tom and Jacques. They also shaped both their own island community and others in B.C. with principled commitment as strong as the open-heartedness they showed to their steady stream of visitors.

Jim and Lorraine were both politically active. Lorraine served 13 years as a school trustee and 19 years on the board of the Lady Minto Hospital, where she spent the last two years of her life. Lorraine was instrumental in creating the Greenwoods Eldercare facility next to the hospital. In 1993, she received Canada’s 125th Anniversary Medal for community service, and in 2012 the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Yet much of what she did came without a title or a label. She was a pillar of the vital Saturna Women’s Club. She was central in organizing the Dominion Day Lamb Barbeque, a community fundraiser held for nearly 40 years at Saturna Beach, which often quintupled the Saturna population for a day.

Her folk-art birthday cakes at summer beach parties were legendary. The Christmas socks she fashioned from homespun wool were coveted. She wanted for nothing. A family story has it that UBC Dean of Agriculture Blyth Eagles once said he had two good students who graduated from his program. “They’re living below the poverty line on Saturna Island, and doing well.” Yet Lorraine’s wealth was considerable: from her love of place, family and friends, and her ability to share everything she had, including land sold and donated to help establish the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

Lorraine was predeceased by her husband (on November 29, 2015, at 97), her son Jim, and siblings Bob and Nan. She is survived by three children, five grandchildren (Faedra, Ian, Andrew, James and Mary Grace) three great grandchildren, and her sister Dougal. Her friends, living and dead, are legion.

In Lorraine’s memory, contributions for community development on Saturna can be made online or by mail to the Saturnina Foundation. Her life will be celebrated on March 12 from noon to 4 at the Saturna Island Recreation Centre. For more on the event or to share stories and photos of Lorraine, visit Campbell Farm, Saturna Island on Facebook.

DAVID FRANCIS KOS

July 23, 1944 – Feb. 15, 2016

Dave passed away gently at home on Monday, 15 February with his family around him.

Loved and missed deeply by Kay, children Krisi (Ron), Gretchen (Doug), Dylan (Suzanne), grandchildren Takoda, Shae, Sophia, Kiara, great grandson Cedric and brothers, Paul and Phillip.

Dave worked in First Nations Education as a teacher, counsellor, and administrator resulting in life-long friendships in Native Communities as he gained a deeper appreciation of their struggles. He also taught English Literature and English as a Second Language in Canada, United States, Nigeria, China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Burma, a rewarding experience with students and teachers, many of whom he maintained regular contact with throughout the years.

We will all miss his pure enthusiasm and passion for life. Every moment spent with his family, every travelling adventure shared with Kay, every tennis game with friends brought him lasting joy. He has lived and loved and we feel privileged to have shared the life of a truly wonderful man.

Sincere thanks to Dr. Reznick, Karen, Community Nurses and Home Support and Len, (what a team) who made it possible for Dave to be at home on the hill – it was so important to him. To our incredible network of friends who brought good coffee, stories, treats and loving support – he needed you and you were there. To David W. for your consistent commitment and friendship. To Krisi, Gretchen, and Dylan, for loving their Dad so completely.

Celebration of life to be held later in the summer sunshine, date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or a charity of your choice.

Ben Goodman

May 17, 1938 – Feb 15, 2016

After a short battle with cancer, Ben died peacefully in the early hours of February 15th 2016. 

Ben will be remembered as  a glass artist, an  energetic hiker and longtime member of the Hiking Club, a keen paddler and knowledgeable kayak guide, and an enthusiastic horseback rider. He also enjoyed sailboat racing, downhill and and cross country skiing. 

After retiring from a career in business, Ben returned to school and graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1990, before moving from Toronto to Salt Spring with his wife Judy in 1996. Life on Salt Spring suited Ben admirably, he enjoyed the artistic community and appreciated the outdoor activities. He will be remembered as an artistic and adventurous spirit, and a kind and thoughtful man.

At Ben’s request there will be no service; his family will hold a celebration of his artwork and his life later this spring.

If you wish to make a donation in Ben’s name, please consider the BCSPCA.