Gordon Alton

Feb. 13, 1955 – Nov. 1, 2015

Alton, Gordon, known by many world-wide by his online moniker, “Tailgunnerson,” passed away suddenly at the age of sixty on the first of November, 2015 at his home near Ganges, BC on Salt Spring Island.

Gordy was born to parents Merle and Isabelle on Feb. 13, 1955 in Red Deer, AB where he would remain until his late thirties when he relocated to Salt Spring Island, BC. On the island, the proud father of three (now grown) children eventually found happiness working at the Mouat’s Hardware store and/or Windsor Plywood, doing odd carpentry jobs as well as other work in almost any trade (this “jack-of-all-trades” was master of most!), and connecting online with many veterans of war, their family members, those currently involved in the military, and others involved in the conflicts of our past. He’d been fascinated with his dad’s war stories as a child and he continued to gain as much knowledge as possible over the years. Via the internet using his alias, “Tailgunnerson,” numerous friends were made and Gordy received many cards and messages of thanks for helping countless war vets and for the work he did encouraging thanks and remembrance for, “Those who gave so much for the lives of so many.” In recent years, Gordy was blessed to be able to travel all over North America, to old battle locations in Europe, to many army bases, and to meet his online friends in person.

Gordy is survived by his son, James Alton, of Victoria, BC, two daughters, Jessica Alton, of Penhold, AB, and Krista Alton who lives in Red Deer, AB with his son-in-law Robert Nonni and granddaughters, Kassandra, Jasia and Vee-Enna, his friend (and mother to his children), Susan Alton (nee Jobagy) of Penhold, AB, several extended family members including aunts, uncles, and cousins and countless friends who scatter the globe. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Gene, Terry, Dave, and Tommy Alton, his grandma, Florence Alton (with whom he was very close), and his parents, Merle and Isabelle Alton.

The Tower Museum in Bassingbourn, England, where Gordy’s father was stationed in WWII, is currently closed due to need for major repair. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via the 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association via the Online link: http://www.91stbombgroup.com/ or by mail to: 3674 Sunset Lane, Oxnard, CA 93035 (checks payable to “The 91st BGMA”)

Special instructions should read: Donation to the Tower Museum in memory of Gordon Alton.

A memorial service will be held Nov. 21, 2015 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Royal Canadian Legion located at 120 Blain Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC.

Marianne Leber

July 25, 1937-October 24, 2015

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marianne Leber on October 24, 2015 at age 78 in the oncology unit of the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.  Marianne was a resident of Ganges from 1982 to 2006 working as an interior decorator and as a nurses’ aide at the Lady Minto Hospital in the early 1980’s. 

Marianne will be greatly missed by her husband Hubert, daughters Helga (Wade), Rita (Thomas), Janet (John) and son Peter (Karen); four grandchildren Kirsten, Danen, Christopher and Annie; three great grandchildren, Savana, Lukas and Ren; her brothers and their families, and many wonderful friends. 

All are deeply saddened and mourn her passing.  Marianne’s family thank all for their support during this difficult time.

Heinrich Otto

July 3, 1926 – Oct 24, 2015

With great sadness we announce the passing of our father, Henry (Heinrich) Otto, on October 24, 2015, aged 89.

Henry was born in Dreihausen, Germany, the only child of Hermann and Christine Otto. He worked in his family’s stone quarry and stayed there after it was sold to a larger developer, but his real interests lay elsewhere: he was a part-time journalist and photographer for a local newspaper and pursued numerous hobbies that reflected his love of animals: raising sheep, bee-keeping, and caring for various birds. He married his wife Dorothea (also from Dreihausen) in 1962 and both of their daughters were born in Germany.

In 1975 he immigrated with his family to Ontario and so, at age 49, he started an entirely new life as a dairy farmer. With the help of friends and neighbours, along with a great deal of hard work and sheer tenacity, he built a successful Holstein dairy operation and thrived at being his own boss. A great blow came with the death of his wife in 1980, but through the support of friends, church, and his own perseverance, he was able to surmount even this tragedy and continued running the farm and taking care of his daughters.

In 1996, having retired, Henry moved to Salt Spring Island and quickly embraced the island and its community.

Henry was a man of many interests and passions and in his late years his great loves were raising fancy chickens and birds, making blackberry wine, and taking part in diverse SSI events. He stood out on an island known for its unique characters and Salt Springers will remember him well for his “Oh Henry!”chocolate bars and, above all, for his favourite slogan “Arms are for hugging”, both of which he distributed liberally to all who knew him (and to many who didn’t). Bringing a smile to another person’s face gave him joy in return and the world is a poorer place without him.

He leaves behind his two much-loved daughters Katharina of Salt Spring and Elisabeth (Craig Keller) of Boulder, CO, and one grand-daughter, Lucia, who miss him very much and hold him in their hearts.

His family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to his longtime family doctor, Dr. White, for the excellent care and genuine caring that he provided over many years, as well as to Dr. Barcan, who always brightened his day. A sincere thank you also goes to the staff at Lady Minto hospital for their kindness and comfort, particularly in his last week. Finally, deepest gratitude to the Salt Spring Island hospice volunteers who were with him in his final hours and helped ease his journey from this life into the next.

A memorial service to celebrate Henry Otto’s life will be held at the Salt Spring United Church on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

CECIL O. D. BRANSON Q.C.

April 18, 1935 – October 22, 2015

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Cecil after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his loving wife, June, son Dennis, daughter Leslie, three grandsons, one granddaughter, two great grandchildren. Also missing him is his constant canine companion “Connie.”

Cecil was born in Victoria. Educated at University School, Victoria College, and in 1962 received his law degree at UBC. He was called to the bar at the Victoria Courthouse in 1963. He practised as a well-known and respected barrister for most of his working life, first with Sullivan, Smith & Bigelow, then with Jones, Branson Emery and Carfra. In 1977 the lure of the Vancouver legal scene took him to that city, and he joined Edwards Kenny and Bray as senior litigating partner. Cecil thrived practising law, and over the years in addition to his busy practice he lectured at three BC universities. He was a legal scholar whose home library was extensive. In 1984 he received his QC. An interest and knowledge in the growing field of arbitration led to a position as Executive Director of the B C International Arbitration Centre. In 1995 Cecil decided to move his office to a cottage on the grounds of his Salt Spring residence and arbitrate cases. He then travelled widely arbitrating international commercial cases and using the internet to adjudicate domain name disputes and other issues relating to intellectual property.

As an elected Bencher of the Law Society of BC, Cecil served on numerous committees and was appointed a Life Bencher . As an international arbitrator he served on working committees for UNCITRAL and NAFTA both dealing with drafting regulation with regard to international trade laws.

As a talented athlete, Cecil’s busy life was balanced on another court. On the tennis court his competitive nature flourished. Cecil was a long time member of the Salt Spring Tennis Association where he and his wife, June, made many friends.

Cecil wished to be cremated. There will be no funeral. A family gathering will be held at a later date for a celebration of Cecil’s life.

The family wish to thank the staff of Lady Minto Hospital, especially those in the Palliative Care Suite, the Hospice volunteers, and Dr. J. White. The care and compassion that Cecil and the family received was greatly appreciated.

Joseph (“Geno”) Patrick Bernie

Joseph died suddenly and tragically on October 10, 2015, on Salt Spring Island, B.C., at the age of 45 years.

Joe is mourned by his four brothers; Don (Kim), John (Megan), Richard, and Michael (Doris), his sister, Barbara (Steven), and his mother, Phyllis. He is also survived by his nieces; Katie, Shayla, Erin, Heather, and Ariel, and nephews Clayton, Tyler, Patrick, and Martin.

Joe was an accomplished artist whose talent was obvious to those who saw it. He was uncompromising in his desire to live his life in his own way.

A private family memorial for Joe will be held at a later date.

“You can’t be twenty on Sugar Mountain

Though you’re thinking that you’re leaving there too soon”.

Connie (Constance) Minette

Aug. 19th, 1940 – Oct 9th, 2015

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear mother, Connie. She made our lives very rich and wholesome. Mom was so proud of all her children and grandchildren and she truly cherished their visits. Connie was described by friends and family as caring, thoughtful and gracious. She was an avid and skillful bridge player and could beat anyone in a game of scrabble!

Connie will be sorely missed by her children Ken Minette (Tracey), Susan Minette (Rhonda), and Carol McRae (Kelly); her grandchildren Sophie, Clay, Kai, Taylor, Hailey, Kianna, Eric, and Ty; her sisters Joanne (David), Georgina (Burritt); many cousins, nieces, nephews, other family and many dear friends.

We would like to thank the kind staff of Victoria Hospice for treating mom with caring reverence to maintain her dignity in her failing health. There will be a Celebration of Life on Galiano Island, her beloved home for 34 years; in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Victoria Hospice.

Mom we love you, we miss you but we know you have gone to a better place and you are probably snuggling up to dad and catching him up on the last 14 years.

You will always be in our hearts,

We love you so much,

Ken, Susan, Carol and families

Gerald Keith Holman

June 9th, 1927 – October 6, 2015

On October 6, Gerry died peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital. He was predeceased by his wife Joyce. Gerry is survived by his son Ron (Janis) of Jasper, Alberta and daughter Diane of Saltspring, BC.

Gerry was born in St. Thomas, Ontario.

He enjoyed a long career with CN Rail and never lost his love of trains. Many thanks to the compassionate and caring staff of Lady Minto Hospital. No service by request.

Online condolences can be made at:

www.haywardsfuneral.com 

Kenneth Aubrey Renaud

October 23, 1943 – October 31, 2015

Kenneth Aubrey Renaud, Architect, businessman, entrepreneur passed peacefully in his sleep early on October 31st, 2015 in his Salt Spring home at the age of 72. Kenn is pre-deceased by his mother Mabel Renaud and was her only child. His father was killed in World War 2 when Kenn was an infant. Kenn was married and divorced twice and had no children. He developed a family of friends during his life, with whom he had enduring relationships.

Kenn was born in Edmonton on October 23, 1943. He graduated from Ross Sheppard Composite High in Edmonton. In the period from 1963 – 1971, he attended the University of Alberta and earned an Honours BA in Fine Arts, Physics and Philosophy and then attended Architectural School at the University of British Columbia. He became a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and became a partner in the firm – The Focus Group (Edmonton) – where he managed a number of government and institutional building and design projects in Alberta, and was involved in the development of the University of Alberta Hospital.

In 1985, he moved to Salt Spring Island and built a home on Booth Inlet where he worked as an architect, became involved in property development and was engaged in a number of business ventures. He was CEO of The Blue Frontier Inc. and developed the Pacific Golden Mussel Franchise. Kenn was a keen environmentalist and marine enthusiast, with a vision to expand the fisheries industry in the Gulf Islands. He also volunteered his time to local Salt Spring planning and development issues.

Kenn will be remembered for his intellect, his love of a good debate, commitment to community, life learning and nature.

Kenn will remain in the hearts and memories of his long-time friends: Peter Pardee, Randall Kay, Ken Waldie, Jean, Frank, Jennifer and James Greenough, Peter Ind, Lydia Kawun, Pirjo Raits, Kathy and Deon Venter, Rob and Sylvia McKenzie, Nadja and Chris Duesterdiek, Geoff and Colleen Mahady and many more.

A private memorial service will be held for Kenn on Saturday, December 5, 2015.