Allan “Mac” Sherman

October 20, 1944 – April 3, 2015

It is with deep sadness that I speak of the passing of my beautiful soulmate Allan who just left this world on Passover.

He fought the most valiant fight for many years, but thank goodness he’s now at peace. He showed me a joyful side of life and I will be eternally grateful for my 23 years with him.

Rest In Peace my dear, kind man. Your love surrounds us still.

A Celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

Allan Richard Wilson “Willie”

October 11 1946 – March 28 2015

Sadly Willie passed away on March 28th, he is survived by his mom Lucy, Brothers Don, Harry and Al, sister Cathy, daughter Zoë and grandson Logan.

Willie loved the outdoors, travelling, fishing and anything to do with the ocean.

A huge thank you to the staff at Lady Minto Hospital, Dr. Butcher and the paramedics for all their care and support of Willie, also to his good friend Ron who has been a huge help both during and after his passing.

Willie will be dearly missed, always loved and never forgotten.

Paul Adams

Oct. 14, 1952 – March 23, 2015

Paul passed away at age 62, with family by his side. He will be remembered as a wonderful father, friend, husband, and skilled carpenter on Salt Spring for over 35 years.

Please join us for a memorial tea on Sunday April 5 at 3:00pm at the Beaver Point Hall to celebrate Paul’s life.

Andrew Gibson

December 22, 1919 – March 22, 2015

Andy Gibson was born in Toronto, Ont. Canada and passed away peacefully on March 22, 2015 at Lady Minto Hospital, Salt Spring Island at the age of 95.

Andy was predeceased by his wife Betty (2012) and son Peter as well as his sister May.

Andy is survived by his daughter Molly, his sisters Barbara and Kay and brother Art. He is also survived by his three grandsons and six great-grandchildren.

A master mariner and WW2 veteran in the Merchant Navy (1937-1945) Andy chronicled his life at sea in his book Head of Oak.

After the war Andy with his wife Betty and sister and brother-in-law built and operated a fishing lodge in northern Ontario that still operates today.

Later Andy had a successful career as an Ontario land surveyor until in 1962, he moved his family to southern California. Always guided by his strong environmental, political and social conscience Andy and Betty were both active in the 1960’s civil rights and anti-Vietnam movement.

After several years in California Andy returned to Ontario to continue land surveying and in 1984 retired to Salt Spring Island.

Editor and prolific writer Andy was the lyricist for the Salt Spring Raging Grannies for many years as well as a founding member of O.G.I.F.A. (Ometepe Coffee).

World traveller, amateur musician and astronomer Andy was invited to teach astronomy to many high school classes in California.

Andy was a lover of languages and all things Shakespearean a history buff and a community activist.

Although Andy loved travelling he always looked forward to returning to his island home.

His family wishes to thank Dr. Gummeson and all the wonderful staff at Lady Minto Hospital for their kindness and compassion.

We would also like to thank Greenwoods and Braehaven staff.

A special thank you to Jean Brown whose support has been invaluable.

A celebration of Andy Gibson’s life will be held at a later date in order that family members can attend.

Daniel James Evans Davies

Daniel James Evans Davies, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away March 18th in the Victoria General Hospital at the age of 89. 

Dan was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho where his father was working.  The family soon moved to Lethbridge and then on to Medicine Hat, Alberta where the family was residing when their mother died.  The four children were then raised by their maternal grandparents in Lethbridge.

Dan enlisted in the Navy in the later part of WW2; after the war, Dan used his war service to enrol in university to become a teacher.  Dan taught in Lethbridge and High River before settling in Calgary to teach in several schools.  For many years he was the Language Immersion Consultant for the Calgary Public School System. 

Dan travelled extensively around the world, except during the few years when his partner was sick, then Dan stay exclusively on his retirement dream – Salt Spring Island.  These past years, Dan has frequently cruised several times each year but he always returned to a very active life on Salt Spring.  He willing gave of his time to several service organizations and sang in choirs around the island. 

Dan was predeceased by his parents, his siblings – Wendle, Janet (Moline) and Tom as well as two nephews and two dear friends Don Boyes and Cynthia Downe. 

Dan was a very special man to his ten nieces and nephews – each knew how much Dan loved them for just being in his life.  He was always interested in their activities and proud of large or small accomplishments. 

Dan’s funeral will be held at the Salt Spring Island United Church, 111 Hereford Ave at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 28. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Salt Spring Island Seniors Society, 379 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, V8K 2V4 or the Salt Spring Island United Church.

Christopher Fraser Metcalfe

July 31, 1955 – Mar. 17, 2015

Christopher died suddenly in his sleep on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. He is survived by his partner, Tangerine Penney; mother, Devon Metcalfe; sister, Rowan Metcalfe, daughter, Amanda Marcaso; son, Jason Metcalfe; and five grandchildren.

Chris was an adventurer who had a passion for photography, nature and boats. When he was not sailing or working on his boat, he enjoyed the peace and tranquility of his life with Tangerine in Lake Cowichan.

A memorial will be held on SSI at a later date.

Sikundar Umedaly

October 30, 1927 – March 14, 2015

Sikundar passed away peacefully in Lady Minto Hospital on the evening of March 14th in the presence of his wife Sylvia and close friends.

Sikundar was born in Mombasa, Kenya, grew up in Uganda, studied in England and returned to Uganda as an electronics engineer and started his own business. In 1963 after a whirlwind courtship he married Sylvia and their son Shamir was born two years later.

Sikundar was active in sports and won several national badminton and tennis titles in Uganda. He later took up golf and boating and spent many happy hours on Lake Victoria in his speedboat.

In 1972 the family left Uganda and moved to Canada. They settled on Saltspring in 1991 where he made many friends. He enjoyed walking in Ruckle Park and watching the birds and deer which frequented their property. He was also an avid golfer and a member of the Mason’s Admiral Lodge #170.

Sikundar is survived by his wife Sylvia, his son and grandsons George and Philip, his sister Molly (Krishan) UK, brothers-in-law Peter (UK) and David(Uganda), sisters-in-law Ruth (New Zealand), Asha (Uganda), Lella (Vancouver) and many nieces and nephews including Umeeda and Nareena of Vancouver.

His life was joyful because of his many Saltspring friends including Don, Harry, Hafiz, Henry and Kiduk. His constant companions during his last days were Diana, Sid, Reayane, Michelle, Ramanand, Ann and Keki.

His friends Grant, Debbie and Rusty of Electronic Ark were patient and encouraging when helping Sikundar with his computer so he could research Indian Classical music. His passion for his computer and music helped him through many challenging times with his health. He passed away listening to The Valley Recalls by Hariprasad Chuarasia.

Sikundar was a regular at Lady Minto Hospital in his later years and got to know many of the staff well including Leah and the reception staff, Treen and the lab staff, Brenda and Suzy at the emergency check-in and many nurses including Izzy, Ian, Colin, James and Kathy. Cami, Della and Jon took care of him on his last day and kept him peaceful. Sincere thanks to Dr. Ron Reznick and Dr. John Morse who guided his care. You are amazing people and he loved you all.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory to the Lady Mint Hospital Foundation, 135 Crofton Road, V8K 1T1 would be appreciated.

Thelma Irene Scott Carey (nee Blaver)

October 30, 1918 – March 10, 2015

“Mah” to us all, passed away peacefully, at Greenwoods Eldercare Society, at the accomplished age of 96, with her children Joanne and John at her side.  

Born in Toronto, Thelma and Doug Scott moved to Vancouver in 1949, to raise their family. After Doug’s passing in 1965, Mom worked for the VSB, and later in the legal field. Marrying Patrick Carey in 1979, Thel and Pat soon took up residence on SSI.  Mom chose to remain on her beloved SSI after Pat’s death in 1985. Thel had become part of the community, having joined the golf club, the United Church, IODE, bridge clubs, seniors for seniors, and of course, her choir, the Lost Chords. The relationships she formed through these passions, rooted her to this island, and in turn, her blessed friendships.

Mom’s love of family and friendship kept her going.  She had a sense of humour, and a quick wit that would stick with her through her years. Always positive, and never a complaint, that was our Mah. Predeceased by her much adored brother Colin, first husband Doug Scott, second husband, Patrick Carey; and step children, Mike, Carolyn, and Margie. Mom is survived by her daughter Jo Chambers (Tom), John Scott (BJ), and daughter in-law, Val Carey. Grandchildren, Meghan (Greg), Drew (Leesha), Danielle (Jay), Mike (Crystal), Andrea (Dave), Colleen (David) and Mark.  11 Great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and much extended family.

Her granddaughter Meghan Johnson and husband  Greg Allen, had the ultimate gift of living on SSI, with Thelma for the past 18 years…raising their children Zoey, Kiel and Izabella, in the presence of their “perfect” Mah.

It has been a blessing, dear Thelma, you will be so missed.  Heartfelt thanks to the nurses and all the staff at Greenwoods, and Dr. Paula Ryan, for their ongoing care and compassion for our Grandmother.  

Donations can be made in Thelma’s memory to Greenwoods Eldercare Society.  

A memorial service will be announced and held in late May.  

We love you Mah

Alex Mitchell

April 17, 1925 – March 5, 201

The Man of the Roses Goes Gently into That Good Night

On Thursday March 5th, 2015 at Greenwoods Eldercare Society, we said a tearful goodbye to Alex Mitchell. A few weeks shy of his 90th birthday, Alex passed peacefully from congestive heart failure, rejoining Avril his long-time Lady of the Roses.

Residents of Salt Spring Island since 1990, Alex and Avril bought a lot at Brinkworthy, mere hours after driving off the ferry; such was his immediate conviction for the Island. He once mentioned the only regret he had in life was not coming to Salt Spring sooner.

Alex’s proclivity to embellish nearly everything led to two things: creative cooking and a career as a Driftwood columnist. For nearly a decade Islanders read about all aspects of his upbringing in Scotland, his love affair with himself, his deep love for Avril and her struggle with Alzheimer’s, his own defeat of prostate cancer and a couple of knee replacements. In 2000 Alex published a compilation of Driftwood articles into his popular book and CD titled A Rose Every Friday. His conversations were legendary and few residents of Salt Spring were denied them. Rare is the individual who didn’t receive a rose, magnetic frog or ladybug from Alex.

Born in Glasgow Scotland, Alex served as a Sub Lieutenant in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and was a Spitfire fighter pilot in the Second World War. Following his discharge, he trained as a teacher and taught at various schools in Scotland including schools for the mentally and physically handicapped and the deaf. After he and Avril immigrated to Canada in 1953, Alex continued his pedagogical pursuits ultimately earning a master’s degree in education and enjoying many years as a school teacher and counsellor in Etobicoke, Ontario. In retirement Alex and Avril moved west with their beloved cats Honey and Sam, first spending time in Vancouver (False Creek) and Victoria (Ten Mile Point) before settling, extremely happily, on Salt Spring Island.

He is predeceased by the love of his life, Avril in 1998 and leaves behind his sons Fraser (Jan) and Ian (Andrea), his granddaughter Kara and good friend Joan Phipps.

The family is grateful for the thoughtful and professional care provided by the staff at Greenwoods Eldercare Society and Lady Minto Hospital. In addition we wish to acknowledge and thank Dr. Ron Reznick and Jean Southgate for their friendship and support over the years.

In memory of Alex, why not give a rose to someone you love? Donations can also be made in Alex’s memory to Greenwoods Eldercare Society, or a local charity of your choice. A memorial service will be announced at a later date once we all stop crying.