William Thomas (Tom) Gossett, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 15, 2014 at age 78. Predeceased by his wife, Mimi, he leaves behind his two sisters, Antoinette Denning of Washington State and Elizabeth Karaman of New York City; his loving children, Walter (Kim), John (Lara), and Cathy (Kerry); his five grandchildren, Myrriah, Max, Trevor, Maria, and Calli. Tom was born in New York City on March 8, 1936 and was raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Tom and Mimi operated farms and businesses in Durand, Michigan, before moving to Salt Spring Island with their children in 1975. He was the founder of Foxglove Farm and Garden Supply, and Foxglove Farm, where he bred and raised champion Polled Herefords on Mt. Maxwell Road. Tom was passionate about preserving the island’s watersheds and was one of the founding members of the Water Preservation Society. He believed our communities sustainable health revolved around clean water. Tom took a stand on this which wasn’t popular with some, but he believed in the greater good: a principal that guided his life. His family would like to thank Dr. Ron Reznick, Donna Hickey, Jill Hickford and Barbara Brindamour for their loving care and attention. Special thanks to the multitude of loving nurses and care aids at Lady Minto Hospital and Greenwoods Care Facility. The family would also like to thank the many people in the Salt Spring Community for their support and kindness during this time.

“I was truly guided to come here and it has been a privilege to become a part of this unique community.”

– Tom Gossett

“All your past except its beauty is gone,

and nothing is left but a blessing.”

– A Course in Miracles.

A celebration of Tom’s “graduation” will be held at Foxglove Farm and Garden Supply on Atkins Road on March 29, 2014 @ 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.

Gregory C. Coles

Feb. 17, 1952 – March 5, 2014

Greg passed away peacefully on March 5th in his family home in Duncan after a lengthy illness with C.O.P.D.

Greg grew up in Victoria and spent most of his adult life on Salt Spring Island. He was predeceased by his father Cecil and is survived by his mother Ruby.

No service was held as per his request.

Dorothy Elfrieda

Mohrman

February 7, 1913 – March 3, 2014

At the age 101, Freda passed away peacefully. Fondly remembered by nephews, Barry and Jim Lepper and families. Freda began her teaching career at Salt Spring Island in 1936, went to Scotland on exchange, and retired from the Vancouver School Board in 1978. One student from Salt Spring, Bob Rush, still kept in touch. In earlier years, she enjoyed travelling with companion, Eric Springford. Thanks to the staff at Royal City Manor for her care over the last 14 years. Freda will be remembered as a quiet and kind lady. A family memorial tea will be held later.

BIRD, James Christopher

Nov. 2 1927- Mar. 1 2014

With deep sadness and broken hearts we announce the passing of Jim Bird, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born in Selkirk, Manitoba, he is remembered by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Dolores, two daughters: Debbie (Peter), Karen (Dwight), step-son Scott,  grandchildren: Robbie (Sally), Tawnee (Chad), Danica (Tom), Tyler (Holly), Shyla, Scott (Liana), great-grandchildren: Hailey, Max, Fletcher, Cassia, Kalem, Keaton and Carter. As well as many extended family members and friends whose lives he has touched over his 86 years.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Saltspring Island, B.C. (120 Blain), on Mar. 22nd 2014 at 1 p.m.

With respect, in lieu of flowers, memorial  contributions /donations may be sent to Selkirk College “The James Bird Award”, 301 Frank Beinder Way, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 4L3.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.earthsoption.com

ANDREW WHITE

1938 – Feb. 28, 2014

A tragic accident when he was an infant could easily have ended Andrew’s life before it had properly begun, but the courage and determination `which enabled him to survive became his lifelong hallmark. Andrew led a life of phenomenal variety and colour – sportsman, soldier, adventurer, artist – travelling over much of the globe. He was a keen boxer and rugby player while at school, after which he enlisted in the Green Howards regiment, winning a battlefield commission while in action in Malaya. He had a keen sense of justice, taking pride in using his physical prowess to protect others, whether smaller kids from playground bullies, or peasant farmers from terrorists during his army career. Next came a spell on a schooner in the South Pacific trading among the remoter islands of the South Pacific. He ended up in Australia where he worked in the outback, occasionally indulging his passion for ocean yacht racing. Intending to return eventually to Britain, his birthplace, he travelled eastwards to the USA then hitchhiked to Canada. He didn’t reach his destination, settling instead on Saltspring Island where he lived on a fishing boat, transformed into a home and sculpture studio. He produced a range of breathtaking wood sculptures and architectural works which combined functionality with beauty. Rory, his devoted dog, shared his life for twenty years. Andrew’s life was a poem of passion, a picture painted in vivid colours. You did the best you could with this life Andrew, our blessings for the next.

Thanks to staff at Fairfield Pavilion, Glengarry Hospital for their kindness and compassion.

Condolences and contact regarding memorial gathering to: liamummy@yahoo.ca

Christopher John Supina

November 19, 1971 – February 28, 2014

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our son Christopher.  

He will be remembered lovingly by his parents Larry and Mary Supina, sons Hamish and Connor, sister Tracey,  brother David and their families.  

Special thanks to Jim and Wendy McClean, Joan as well as his best friend/partner Pam.

Additional thanks to all his friends who saw him through and loved him through his struggles.

Christopher was born and lived in Alberta until age of 17, then he moved with his parents to SSI, and graduated GISS. He worked as a roofer, and completed with high marks a water treatment course which he was very proud of.

Fondly remembered for his love of music, endless guitar playing, zest for the great outdoors, beautiful art work and his kindness and love of animals.

A celebration of life will be held on April 5, 2014 starting at 1:00 pm, at Central hall where he spent countless hours sweeping up popcorn after the movie was over.

In lieu of flowers, donations graciously accepted at the SPCA.

MACKENZIE, Paul Arthur

Passed away February 22, 2014

at the age of 74.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Pam MacKenzie and three daughters, one son and one brother: Lynette and her husband Mike, Charlene and her husband Dale, Deanne and her husband Shawn, Ryan and his wife Kristine, John and his wife Gena and their children Regan and Stephanie. Eight amazing grandchildren brought joy to Paul’s days: Garrett, Jay, Miranda, Jakob, Evan, Jimmy, Solenne and Mac.

Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at the University of Chicago followed by a Master of Arts in Language from the University of Victoria. A 34 year career in Education began first in Kamloops, then Saltspring Island and finally in Nanaimo. Paul loved to teach – most of all he loved the relationships that came from teaching – he was a gifted teacher.

For the majority of their time on Saltspring Island Paul worked a beautiful eleven-acre hobby farm. Paul, when “outside” on the farm, was determined, curious, patient and genuine in his love for the animals and his land. All of these qualities defined Paul in every endeavour of his life.

In 2006 Paul and his wife Pam retired to Kelowna. Through Newcomers Club and Harvest Golf Club Paul and Pam have made many friendships that have delivered an immeasurable contribution to their happiness. Thank you.

Paul’s love, companionship and gentle spirit will be greatly missed but never forgotten by his family and friends. Rest in Peace Poppa.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

Vera Payne

August 3,1921 – February 18, 2014

Vera passed away peacefully at 92 years of age on Tuesday February 18 at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island.

She was predeceased by her husband Ron in 1998. She is survived by her son David and daughter-in-law Kathleen.

Vera and Ron had been long term residents of Salt Spring when she and Ron retired to the island in 1974. Vera had been a long time volunteer for over 25 years at the hospital Thrift Shop in Ganges. She was also an active member of St Marks and All Saints Anglican Church parishes.

A service is to be held at All Saints Anglican Church in Ganges on Friday, March 7 at 1:00pm. Vera has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be given to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation, Ganges in her memory.

The family would like to extend its sincerest thanks and gratitude to all nurses, doctors and care aides at Lady Minto for the care and compassion given to my mother during her time of need.

Alice Bibeau Tester

On the morning of Tuesday, February 18, 2014, we lost a natural treasure with the passing of Alice Bibeau Tester at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island. Last August, Alice celebrated her 100th birthday.

Alice was a remarkable person who enjoyed an even more remarkable life. She was rich with long-time friends who often referred to her as “little Alice” because of her diminutive stature. The dash (-) between 1913 and 2014 represented a life well lived. She loved Lyal, family, friends, children and especially babies, miniature horses, bantam chickens, dogs, cats, birds, her garden, learning to play the piano after becoming deaf, and playing two spoons on her knees. She found joy in writing poetry, riding horses and traveling. We remember Alice for her laughter and the ease in which she shared a colourful joke, embellished a story, or fabricated a tale or two. We remember her for her generousity and especially her annual Christmas gift of maple syrup from Quebec. She was a close life-long friend of Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chrétien and at one time, Alice was a guest of Mikhail and Raisa Gorbachev in Russia.

Born in Montreal, she was educated in a Roman Catholic convent before graduating as a Registered Nurse. While nursing in Hollywood, she met Lyal Tester, an electrician who was vacationing from Flin Flon. Everyone has a story or two about little Alice working as a nurse in medical/surgical areas and in the operating room including piercing the ears of many young Flin Flon girls, standing on a chair singing in her high-pitched French tone over a loud unruly patient, and preparing “French café” for the doctors and nurses at the Company Hospital.

Lyal and Alice left Flin Flon to manage a small motel in White Rock before retiring to Salt Spring Island in 1979. Lyal passed in 1986 and Alice remained in their home on Swanson Road until 1999 when she moved into Pioneer Village. In 2010, she moved into Residential Care.

A huge thank you to the compassionate and caring staff and volunteers in Residential Care at Lady Minto Hospital, Dr. David Beaver, Susan Astill and her friends and family. Special thanks to Donna Powell for her companion care and regular visits. Over the years, Alice appreciated keeping connected to her friends and family through cards and letters.

?If you care to make a donation in Alice’s name, please donate to the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation (135 Crofton Road Salt Spring Island B.C. V8K 1T1) for education for staff on dementia care to enhance their practice.

There was no service at her request. In August, there will be a celebration of Alice’s life and poetry. For more information, contact Ellen Mahoney at ellen.mahoney7@gmail.com.

Condolences, tributes or stories may be left on Alice’s Book of Memories at Hayward’s Funeral Service at http://www.haywardsfuneral.com.

Life’s Horizon – Alice Bibeau Tester

There always is a horizon beyond what we cannot see.

We wonder what the future holds. What is our destiny?

We do our best to shape the course of the days that lie ahead,

Hopefully days of happiness, and none that we will dread.

We all have those lofty dreams that spur our aspirations.

So we vow each new day to increase our dedication.

Life is full of obstacles that must be overcome.

Perseverance breeds success but our job is never done.

Each day there is a new horizon with a challenge we must meet

To realize our ambitions and gain the goal we seek.

We were all blessed to have little Alice bring joy to our lives.