Howard “John” Edwin Mills

June 23, 1930 – Jan. 16, 2016

Howard “John” Edwin Mills, 85, of Saltspring Island, passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2016. John was born to the late Albert and Dorothy Mills on June 23rd, 1930 in London, England. He always claimed that he weighed 13 lbs and since all witnesses to this event had pre-deceased him, we could not argue.

He arrived in Canada in 1953 working as a gandy-dancer, fisherman, coalman, dishwasher, and as a radar technician on the DEW line. He graduated with a B.A. from UBC, receiving a fellowship to Stanford where he received an M.A. In 1965. He then became a member of Simon Fraser University’s charter faculty, proud to be a “founding father” of the University, retiring Professor Emeritus in 1995.

A prolific writer, he published 8 books, mostly novels. The latest, Still No Word From Nancy, was published in 2015. John was a great wit, sophisticated satirist, passionate chef, generous host, loving husband and was active in church and community. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting John, liked him and enjoyed being in his company.

He married Elaina Hyde in 1983 and moved to Saltspring Island in 1999. He knew that Elaina would outlive him and often joked that he hoped he would not end up in a “home” on an “iron lung”, while pretending to be convinced that the family was plotting against him in this regard. John is also survived by two children: Adam and Emma Hyde of Vancouver, BC and 3 grandchildren: Finn, Makena and Kristjan.

Since John was alone at the moment of death we don’t know his last words. Perhaps “sic transit gloria mundi”, or “in manus tuas me commendo”, or equally possible “Oh shit!” would have passed over his lips. Had John written his own obituary, he would have done a much better job than any of us. We will truly miss this most wonderful man.

A memorial service will be held at 3pm, Friday February 5th, 2016, at the All Saints by-the-Sea Anglican Church in Ganges, BC.

Eamon Lin MacQueen

Apr. 18, 1980 – Jan. 13, 2016

With profound grief, we announce the death of Eamon Lin MacQueen, our beautiful son, brother, (great) grandson, nephew, cousin, kin, friend, and spiritual warrior. Eamon, aged 35, died of unknown causes in Victoria, BC, on January 13, 2016 while in the stabilization unit of the Eric Martin Pavilion. 

Eamon was born in Kelowna BC on April 18, 1980 to Carol (Roy Stewart) and Lindsay MacQueen. He leaves behind stepmom Stefanie Denz and siblings, Aulden, Frieda and Ella MacQueen-Denz, Leah and Carl Westlind, and grandparents Nick and Eileen Radelfinger, and Peter and Millie MacQueen.

Eamon was embraced by our entire diverse community. He left us far far too soon. Eamon was a formidable chef (clear the kitchen), reader, artist, media arts whiz, origami master, mathematician, chess player, conversationalist and staunch defender of free and creative thinking. He loved a good joke. Even a bad joke. Eamon risked, challenged, and lived a hard life as an adult. He loved his childhood. He loved his community and family. He loved to think and ponder chaos theory and fractals. There was never a kinder heart nor more loyal person. His spirit lives on within us all. 

Eamon’s life celebration will be at the Beaver Point Hall 2-4 pm, Saturday January 23, 2016 on Salt Spring Island, BC.

There will be music, food aplenty, and opportunities to connect and swap stories. All are welcome. Bring a dish to share. If you have any memories you would like to share of our dear Eamon there will be an open mic. We thank everyone for the generous support we have received. Donations can be made to the food bank or community services in his memory.

William Herron Wilson

Aug. 15, 1923 – Jan. 12, 2016

William died at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island B.C. He was born and grew up in Prince Rupert, B.C. and joined the RCAF in 1942, serving with 419 Moose SQN as an Air Gunner. After the war he worked in Search & Rescue and as an Air Traffic Controller, until his retirement in 1965.

After living in seven provinces, Germany and England he moved his family to Salt Spring Island in 1967. He loved the Island, its peace and quiet and as he would say, “the best weather in Canada”.

William was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Veronica in 2005 and his son, George in 2002. He is survived by two daughters, Heather and Ann (Yasuyuki), six grandchildren, Michael (Darlene), Scott (Debbie), Veronica, Heather, Alexandra and Jonathan, and two great-granddaughters, Naomi and Leah.

The family would like to thank Dad’s friends and neighbours for all their help and kindness.

No Services will be held by request.

Helen Keys, nee McLean and formerly MacNicol

April 23, 1933 – Jan. 8, 2016

In deepest sorrow we announce the death of our wife, mother and grandmother, Helen Keys, most recently of Sidney B.C., on Friday, January 8, 2016.

Born in Dawson Creek, B.C. (April 23, 1933), the first child of Isobel Allen of Fredericton, NB and Donald McLean of Moose Jaw, SK. Helen grew up in Trail, B.C. She graduated with a B. Comm. from UBC in 1956 where she was president of the UBC chapter of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.  

Helen began her professional career in 1956 as one of the first female financial analysts and advisors with Gardiner & Company Investment Brokers in Toronto. She subsequently married James MacNicol and moved to Regina, where she worked for the Saskatchewan government as its first female analyst and later economist. She left active employment to begin, and raise, her family of four children.

In 1970 Helen returned to professional work, beginning a distinguished eighteen-year career with the federal government, first with CIDA, followed by the Departments of Finance; Industry, Trade and Commerce; and Foreign Affairs; including two successive appointments as Canadian Trade Commissioner to China and secondments to the governments of New Zealand, and Alberta, as well as the Asia Pacific Foundation. In her various professional roles Helen travelled extensively to first and third world countries and represented Canada at meetings of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Helen retired in 1988.

Helen married the love of her life, Gordon Keys, in 1980, and for the past 35 years they worked, loved and travelled the world together.

After retirement, Helen and Gordon worked with architect Hank Schubert to design and build their dream home on Salt Spring Island,  where she sat on the board of the Lady Minto Hospital and was appointed Alternate to the Salt Spring Island representative on the Capital Regional District (CDR).

Helen also pursued her creative side during retirement, becoming a talented and prolific quilter, stitcher and sewer, winning many ribbons in the Salt Spring Island and Saanich Fall Fairs, which were as rewarding to her as her professional accomplishments.

Helen was an inspiring leader with extraordinary vitality, great strength, dignity and grace. She was loved by many whose lives she touched. Her physical health began to deteriorate a number of years ago, the extent of which was known only to those closest to her, but her involvement with the world around her and her desire to leave the world a better place never flagged. Her suffering was great and her patience in bearing it while maintaining her sense of humor was inspiring to those who surrounded her to the end.

Helen’s family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire team of medical professionals of the renal unit of the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, for their compassionate care, understanding, and support, especially Dr. Caroline Stigant.  Finally, we express our thanks to Helen’s family doctor of 25 years, Dr. Ron Reznik, who delivered kind and attentive medical attention to Helen through the years.

Helen was pre-deceased by her brother Jack (John) McLean.

In addition to her husband, Gordon Keys, she leaves behind her sister Joanne McDonald  (David) of Vancouver  and brother Donald McLean  (Janice), of Oakville, ON. Her four children: Dr. Bruce MacNicol (Cynthia), Barrie, ON; Barbara Varro (Dean), Oakville, ON; Joanne MacNicol, Calgary, AB; Fraser MacNicol, Calgary, AB; her two stepdaughters Susan Keys (Robert Myles)  Montreal, P.Q. and Nancy Keys (Ezio Nadalin), Petrolia, ON; and her eight grandchildren: Brendan and Alix Varro;  Calum and Cheryl MacNicol; Blaire and Rhys MacNicol , and Caitlin and Emily Myles.

Condolences may be sent to, hkeyscondolences@gmail.com.

A service celebrating Helen’s life will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016, 11:30 am in the Sallas Room of the Sidney Pier Hotel, 9805 Seaport Pl, Sidney, B.C. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

PATRICK DERMOTT CROFTON?

MAY 29, 1935 – JANUARY 05, 2016?

LT.-CMDR. (RETIRED)??

LIFE IS FOR SERVICE??

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years Patricia, 4 daughters; Marietta (Greg), Virginia, Susanna, Tessa (Steffen)?and 8 grandchildren; Kel, Blake, Taylor, Mika, Hannah, Piers, Marissa and Marcus.??

Dearly missed by brother Mark (Jane) and sister Sharron. Predeceased by father Dermott and mother Doris.??

Pat was born on Saltspring Island BC in 1935, oldest son of a larger pioneer family which owned and operated the Harbour House Hotel (1916-1964). A true athlete, he excelled in rugby, tennis & boxing as a young man but his passion for all sports continued his entire life. The world stopped for?NHL playoffs, Olympic Games and Grand Slam Tennis. He would have been so pleased that Milos Raonic beat Roger Federer in the Brisbane Final this past week!??

After graduating from University School (now SMUS) and Royal Roads Military College, Pat became a proud member of the Canadian Military, serving on a variety of Canadian ships as Navigating Lieutenant, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander, CD (Canadian Forces Decoration).??

It was during his second trip to England on defence training at Greenwich that he was encouraged to call on the younger sister of the family Doctor from Saltspring (Dr. Ivor Williams). A month later Pat proposed marriage to Patricia Williams and brought her home to Canada. Thus began 58 years of love and happiness for “The Pats” as they were called by both family and friends.??

Upon leaving the Canadian Navy Pat worked the family farm and spent countless hours driving and supporting his four daughters in their sporting endeavours (& weekends at horse shows), long?remembered marching down the sides of field hockey pitches shouting encouragement and writing briefs of the games…even when not the coach! ?

?The call to community service was strong with Pat. Throughout the 1970’s he supported and campaigned for many political Candidates at all 3 levels of Government before deciding to seek a role in Municipal Gov’t himself. From 1980-1984 he sat as an elected Alderman for the Municipality of Saanich.?He truly enjoyed his capacity to participate in the future of Saanich’s growth at a time when many changes were occurring. He was always happy to take a phone call from a Saanich resident?in the evening, discussing suggestions or concerns with equal heart. Some daughters not so happy with phone use.?

1984-1988 Pat was elected to the 33rd Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich. A big change for the Pats, with a condo to maintain as well as the homestead in Saanich, flights?back and forth every second weekend from Ottawa to stay in touch with both family and community events. They enjoyed this time immensely, meeting new friends of all political stripes and reconnecting with old Navy friends, Some of his most memorable achievements include: Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence.?Member of the Special Joint Committee on Canada’s International Relations.?Member of the Standing Committee on External Affairs & National Defence.??

After retirement from politics Pat continued to participate in the local Community, serving on various local boards including Oak Bay Lodge, Camosun College, Eldercare, Pearson College and Commonwealth?Games Society to name but a few. He has been a PROUD member of the Victoria Rotary Club (1991) and Victoria Golf Club (1973). The Pats are big supporters of local charities and always happy to?Participate in fundraising activities. They have also been very active in their church, St Peters St. Pauls.??

Pat made a huge impact on the lives of many. He was always a willing ear to a budding politician, young entrepreneur, friend or family member seeking advice or just a kind word. He will be greatly missed by all?who had the pleasure to know him and especially to his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and grandnephews who looked to him as a wonderful mentor.??

Thank you to both their wonderful friends as well as cherished neighbours at Mariner’s Landing that have added SO MUCH to their lives.??

A service of Celebration to Pat’s Life will be held on January 30, 2016 at 1pm at Christ Church Cathedral 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria BC officiated by the Ven. Lon Towstego. ??In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.

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

Patricia Ann MacFarlane  

June 25, 1930 – August 7, 2016

It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of our much loved Patricia MacFarlane.  She died Sunday August 7th in Extended Care at Lady Minto Hospital here on Salt Spring.  Patricia was born 86 years ago in New Brunswick. Her loving parents were Alda and Stuart MacFarlane.  She remembered fondly her happy childhood and felt deeply loved and cherished.

In the 1970’s, Patricia was a music producer at the CBC in Toronto. As well, she was a consultant in music education. She had an illustrious and varied career in the music world. As a lyric soprano, she won many professional competitions and was much sought after as a soloist.

Patricia was very suppportive of the Salt Spring musical community. She was a founding director of the Women of Note choir. Until June of 2015, many many vocal students passed through her capable and encouraging hands.  She was loved and respected for her musical acumen, her deep understanding of her craft and her insights that helped lead her students towards their goals.

Our deep appreciation for the compassionate and skillful care that Patricia received from the sensitive staff of Lady Minto Extended Care. As well, we are deeply indebted to Adele Storm’s care team who lovingly tended Patricia in her home for several months. Many thanks, as well, to the dedicated hospice volunteers who visited her regularly.

Patricia died as she lived, expressing concern for the welfare of her friends and deeply appreciative of her connection to her students. Each day brought many visitors to her bedside. Patricia wanted her obituary to include her statement, “I enjoyed life”.

A service to celebrate Patricia’s life will be held here on the island in the very near future.  Our world was enriched by her strong and dignified presence.  

Christine Nina Gay

Chris Gay – Salt Spring resident and partner in Rawsome Living Foods and Salt Spring Island Wheatgrass died on January 1st, 2016. Chris’ professional life was founded on her ability to articulate verbally what others often could not do for themselves. Chris was an early interventionist, working with children with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Advocating for their rights, seeing only the abilities rather than the disabilities, and adapting their world for inclusion became her raison d’être.

Chris loved music, writing, life and mostly her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. Chris is survived by her life partner and best friend, Jim Maurice; her children- Kate Nash (Kipp), Jean-Paul, and Eve; her grandchildren- Kai, Kumi and Kobe; her brother Ron and beloved mother, Nina.

Please join us on Saturday, April 2nd – 1PM to 5PM

Many people were inspired, mentored, loved, and appreciated by Chris Gay and touched by her heartfelt writing.

We will be hosting a gathering for anyone who wants to say goodbye and share their stories of Chris as a community. Chris would like people to laugh and hug and dance and listen to music.

Please join us on Saturday, April 2nd at 1PM at her new bench by the water at the end of Gasoline Alley behind the old “LOCAL”. It was a spot she would go to watch the sunrise and take in the water views.

We will gather at Beaver Point Hall from 2PM to 5PM (and possibly in to the wee hours) to come together not to grieve but to celebrate. It will be casual and spontaneous. Chris hated surprise parties.

“We dedicated 2015 to us, with our imperfections, insecurities, and indelible spirit. We guaranteed, it would be a year well lived.”