Church, John

Honorary Life Member (1983)

Born Victoria, January 23, 1924, predeceased by his beloved younger son, Eric; survived by his devoted wife, Shirley, of 60+ years, three marvelous children, Paul, (Patti), Rowena and Robyn, and ten equally marvelous grandchildren, Matthew, Douglas, Amanda, Rebecca, Adam, Julian, Jesse, Emily, Eric and Allison. In addition to his family, John received many honors in his long life. Private family service. Any contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation as well as John's political concerns COPE and/or NDP would be appreciated. 

Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from 6/1/2010 - 6/2/2010

McCutcheon, Janet Louise

Born August 17, 1940 in Winnipeg Manitoba, passed away peacefully on May 24th in Vancouver, B.C. Janet graduated from Kelvin High School in 1957 and attended the universities of Manitoba, BC and Victoria. Janet was employed by the Sooke School District as a Teacher Librarian and French Teacher at Spencer Junior High from 1976 to 1999, with a three year secondment to the Ministry of Education from 1987 to 1990. Janet is survived by her husband Dennis, son Tristan, daughter-in-law Shannon, grandchildren Cody, 18, and Natalie, 2 1/2, and sister Marianne Schumacher of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She will also be missed by many friends. Janet will be remembered for her sharp wit, sense of humour and incisive mind. Janet's family wants to thank the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Vancouver General Hospital for the gentle personal care they provided during the last weeks of her life. 

In lieu of flowers, all bequests in Janet's name should be directed to the Palliative Care Unit, V.G.H. 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., V5Z 1M9. It is Janet's request that there be no Memorial Service. 

Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 5/29/2010

Lavender, Lawrence Clayton

BCTLA Distinguished Service Award (1993)

Lawrence Clayton Lavender lost his two-year battle with cancer at the age of 65 on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at the Creston Valley Hospital with all of his family at his side. Lawrence was born on May 30, 1944, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and grew up on a farm in Chaplin, Saskatchewan. In 1962, he graduated from Chaplin High School and went on to Teachers’ College. He later completed his Bachelor of Education at University of Saskatchewan and his Masters in Education at Gonzaga University. From 1963 to 1967, Lawrence taught elementary school in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. It was there that he met the love of his life, Margaret Rose. In 1967, he and soon-to-be-wife Margaret moved to Creston, BC. On July 14, 1968, Lawrence and Margaret were married in England and in 1971 started their family with the birth of their son, Christopher and in 1974, a daughter, Amy. Settling in Creston allowed Lawrence to build a life full of all the things that he loved: family, good friends, gardening, fishing, cross-country skiing, camping, home-improvement projects, photography, travel and his career in education. Lawrence’s career in Creston began as Teacher/Librarian at Creston (Adam Robertson) Elementary School. He then became District Librarian, District Resource Centre Coordinator and, finally, Director of Instruction for the local School District. Lawrence retired in 1999, allowing him time to serve on Council for the Town of Creston for two terms and to focus on his passion for libraries, continuing his service as Chairperson of the Creston Public Library Board, and President of both the BC Library Trustees Association and the Canadian Library Trustees. During his 42 years in Creston, Lawrence was a member of Creston Jaycees (Senator #27578), a dedicated Rotarian, serving two terms as Club President, and an avid volunteer. Lawrence will be most remembered for his warmth, integrity, humour, strength of character and sense of community. Lawrence is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, son, Christopher of Edmonton, AB, daughter, Amy (Douglas) McShane of Canmore, AB, brothers Leonard (Ellen) of Chemainus, BC, Tom (Joan) of Sherwood Park, AB, John (Wendy) of Edmonton, AB, sister Helen (Ken) Horsman of Saskatoon, SK and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Leonard & Mary Lavender, of Chaplin, SK.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the Trinity United Church, with Pastor Harry Haberstock officiating. A Private family interment of ashes to take place at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erickson, BC. Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to:Creston Public Library Lawrence Lavender Reading Garden 531 16th Ave. S., Creston, BC, V0B 1G5. BC Cancer Foundation 601 West 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3 The Rotary Foundation Box 954 Creston, BC V0B 1G0