William ‘Ritch’ Dowrey

~ 1947-2015 ~

AKA ‘3rd down’,

an avid BC Lion’s fan, passed from severe brain trauma. He will be fondly missed by his brother Allan, daughter Carolyn, son Curtis, and grand daughter Katelyn.

Ashes to be sprinkled at a Bowen Island family retreat.

Vladimir Pomajzl

~1946 – 2015~

Vlad was born in Czechoslovakia December 27, 1946 to Karel and Eliska. He was raised in Prague and immigrated to Canada in 1969 to continue his university studies. After obtaining an undergrad degree from the University of Alberta and a masters from the University of Toronto, the new engineer, having found his passion for running after coming to Canada, ran from the cold for Vancouver Island.

He met his best friend and love of his life Catherine in Victoria, where they married in 1985 and together raised three daughters, Natalie, Valerie and Carolyn. Vlad was passionate about his work; working for the Ministry of Environment in Victoria and Nanaimo until he retired.

An avid gardener, Vlad collected plants, especially palms, from around the world for his Salt Spring garden. The garden started in the 1977 when Vlad purchased an acreage on Salt Spring and built a small cottage. Over the next 3 decades, Vlad built the cottage into their dream home, growing his garden along side.

A private celebration of Vlad’s life is planned. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Vlad’s honour to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, Salt Spring Island, BC is appreciated.

Phyllis Margaret Gent

May 25, 1934 – Jan. 30, 2015

It is with deep sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Phyllis Margaret Gent (nee Bell) on Friday January 30, 2015 at Lady Minto Hospital, Saltspring Island, BC due to complications of Pulmonary Fibrosis at 80 years of age.

Phyllis was born in Scotland on May 25, 1934. A feisty and vibrant Phyllis left for a job at a catering company in England when she was 18 years old and soon met Fred, the love of her life. Phyllis and Fred married on April 3, 1954 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year, a milestone that was very dear to Phyllis’ heart.

In 1957 the young couple decided to move to Canada. After an adventurous ship and train ride they arrived in St. Catherine’s, Ontario with 2 trunks, their dog Tinker and $200 to their names. They then moved to Toronto for Fred’s work and their children Yvette and Derek were born – the absolute joys of her life. The family moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake where Phyllis bred Staffordshire Bull Terriers, some of whom she showed, and all the while raising the kids, a husband and a variety of occupations such as various retail sales including real estate, she was a born saleswoman.

In 1973 they relocated to Vancouver, BC for work and then arrived on Saltspring Island in 1977. Phyllis was a dedicated fulltime caregiver for in-home clients with special needs until she retired in 2006 at the age of 72. Phyllis remained passionate and cared for rescue dogs in particular the Shar Pei breed. She dedicated many years with rescue dogs right up until her final days with her latest dog Karlie.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Fred, Brother Kenneth, sister-in-law Vivian and granddaughter Nicole. Phyllis was predeceased by both children, daughter Yvette (1960-1986) and son Derek (1962-2004).

A very warm heartfelt thank you goes out to the doctors and incredibly kind and attentive nurses at Lady Minto Hospital who provided gentle and compassionate care to Phyllis.

There will be a celebration of Phyllis’ life, details to be determined at a later date, and will be available at Hayward’s Funeral Service at www.haywardsfuneral.com where condolences and links for donations may be made. Memorial donations may be made to Shar Pei Rescue at www.vancouversharpeiresce.com or SPCA Saltspring Island Branch at www.spca.bc.ca/branches/salt-spring-island.com.

Donald Oliver Stevens

Feb. 12. 1927 – Jan. 27, 2015

Donald passed away at Lady Minto Hospital, Salt Spring Island, on Tuesday, January 27th at the age of 87 years.

Beloved husband for 66 years of Kathleen Louisa Alice (Kit) of Salt Spring Island. Dear father of Lesley, Kay (Brian), Jim (Bev) and Amanda (Tom). Loving grandfather of Elizabeth, Georgina, Ben, Lindsay, Daniel, Erin, Christine and D’arcy. Great-grandfather to Kinley, Ruby, Henry, Aidan, Emma, Kayden, Lily and Mason. Dear brother of Douglas Stevens (Kathy)and cousin of Joan Phippen in England.

Don served with the Royal Horse Artillery in Palestine, the Metropolitan Police Force, London, England and the RCAF.

Born in England, Don and Kit immigrated to Canada in 1955. They have happily called Salt Spring home since 1991. Don was active in the community, including the South Salt Spring Seniors, and the Beddis Water Works and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion #92. He had many wonderful friends.

Our family wishes to thank Dr. Paula Ryan and the Kings Lane Clinic doctors and staff, who cared for Dad, Mum and us with much compassion and expertise. Thank you to Karen from Home Care and the staff at Lady Minto, who were both amazing.

A celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salt Spring SPCA, as an expression of sympathy.

In Loving Memory

Reggie Young

Feb 23, 1942 – Jan 26, 2015

Reg passed away peacefully, Monday, January 26 at Lady Minto Hospital surrounded by family.

Reg will always be remembered for his love of music, fishing, cars and living life to the fullest.

Family would like to thank Reg’s closest Friends, Doctors and staff at Lady Minto Hospital for all their support. With a special thanks to Kyla.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Victoria, refer to haywardfuneral.com for future details.

T. Ron Watson

Nov. 11, 1928 -Jan. 22, 2015

T Ron Watson passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 22. 2015 at the age of 86.

He was born in England on November 11, 1928, and immigrated to Canada in 1952, after marrying his best friend Elsie (Pip) Watson, on September 6, 1952. They landed in Montreal, and eventually made their way to the West Coast.

Ron started his career with BC Tel in Powell River in 1955, a career that included many transfers within BC, to Courtney/Comox, Little River, Victoria, and eventually Vancouver, where he retired in 1985.  Ron was an avid sailor, starting with his first boat in the 1960’s, and extending through years of sailing vacations in the Gulf Islands, and skippering many regatta’s with his son Greg as part of his crew. This love of exploring the Gulf Islands led to Ron and Pip leaving the hustle, and bustle, of urban life, and retiring to Salt Spring Island, BC in 1987.

Ron was an active member of Rotary International for over 50 years, and held true to their 4-Way Test in all dealings in his life. Ron was pre-deceased by his beloved Pippy in 1992, and leaves behind his son Greg (Ahava), his daughter Heather, his granddaughter Niquanne (Fraser), his grandson Stefan (Jill), and his first great grandchild due on June 25. Also remembering him are his dedicated companionship team, and many long time friends. In lieu of flowers we would appreciate notes in Dad’s memory posted on the Hayward site.

Memorial details will follow at http://www.haywardsfuneral.com/

Patricia Broughton

February 25, 1919 – January 20, 2015

One month shy of her 96th birthday, Patricia passed away peacefully January 20 at Langley Memorial Hospital. Formerly of Vancouver and Salt Spring Island.

Pat was pre-deceased by husband John and son Patrick. Survived by daughter Susan, daughter-in-law Phil.

Grandchildren Barbara, Amanda, Melissa and Adam. Six great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Abbigail, Maeve, Beau, Evelyn and Aubrey. Patricia lived on Salt Spring until about 12 years ago when she moved to Langley to be near her daughter.

She was an active member of the Hospital Thrift Store Auxiliary as well as the Seniors Centre. Patricia was feisty right to her end, passing in her sleep. Donations to the Heart snd Stroke Foundation in her name appreciated.

For more info contact susantrevordodd@shaw.ca