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

Cousins, Diana Margret

Died aged 67 on Tuesday night, following a brain aneurysm. A retired Delta teacher/librarian, she is survived by sons Grant and Brian, sister Lois, and brother Bobby.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 21, at 2:00 pm at the First Memorial Services Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver. All who wish to pay their respects are welcome.

Quiring, Richard Walter

Richard Walter Quiring ran his last race to his Eternal Home on December 13, 2009. Richard was born November 1, 1947 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Walter and Frances Quiring. 

Rich leaves behind his loving wife Shirley; children: Dean and Jody, Brenda, Shane and Joy, Rick and Karen; grandchildren: Alysha, Eryka, Jesse, Laura, Justin, Harley, Johanna and Jesse; his parents: Walter and Frances, three brothers and extended family. 

He obtained his Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary and taught at Crowfoot School at Siksika, Yellowknife, Drumheller, Calgary, Nakusp and Chilliwack. 

Mr. Q. spent many years teaching at Greendale Elementary School in Chilliwack. During this time, he received his Masters Degree from the University of Victoria. He loved to teach and valued the children in his care. He enjoyed working with the families and staff at Greendale Elementary School.
Funeral services will be held at Broadway M.B. Church at 3:00 pm on December 17, 2009. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Chilliwack Progress

Kendrick, Isabella (Bel)

It is with a profound sense of loss that Bel's family announces her passing on September 21, 2009. Bel was born in Fernie, BC, educated at Brandon College and UBC, and worked as a talented and enthusiastic teacher and librarian in Penticton, as well as later in her life at Alma College in Ontario. Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Bel was frugal with her own needs and incredibly generous to others, sharing her home, time, and compassion with all who crossed her path. Predeceased by husband Bert and sister Agnes, Bel is survived by her daughter, Margaret (Bill), granddaughters Ainsley and Lindsey, sister Mary Anne McCulloch, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.

The family wishes to express gratitude for the kindness and care provided by Dr. LeBel in Summerland and staff of Evergreen House, Lions Gate Hospital. No service by request. Donations may be made to Raise-a-Reader.

Stubbs, Gordon

BCTLA Honorary Life Member (1989)

Gordon died at Vancouver General Hospital on June 11, 2009 at the age of 91. Born in Stretford, England, Gordon was the youngest child of James and Mabel Stubbs, and was predeceased by his parents, wife Betty, sisters Eileen and Kitty, and brother Denis. He is survived by his daughter Susan and son-in-law Douglas Courtemanche, and his grandchildren Sarah, Thomas, Ian and Rebecca, as well as his niece and nephews and their families. Gordon graduated from the University of Manchester with a Degree in Music and a Teacher's Diploma. After immigrating to Canada he taught at Como Lake High School where he met Betty, who was Vice Principal. He completed a Bachelor of Library Science and a Masters Degree at UBC, where he taught for a number of years, and after retirement was honoured as a Professor Emeritus. Gordon was coauthor of Only Connect, Readings on Children's Literature. A highlight of his career was his involvement with a CIDA project to train librarians in developing countries, particularly in Fiji. Throughout his life he enjoyed entertaining friends with a piano recital. Gordon was a quiet, gracious, thoughtful man, whose presence will be missed. The family wishes to thank Mariesil and Amelita, and the caring staff of South Granville Park Lodge and the Vancouver General Hospital.

A donation in Gordon's memory may be made to the Library at VanDusen Gardens.

Granger, Hilda

Born April 20, 1915 in Moline, Manitoba, passed away May 21, 2009 at Hilton Villa Care Home in Surrey. "Miss Granger" taught school for 42 years, the first 15 in Manitoba moving to Surrey in 1948. She is best remembered as a teacher-librarian at Princess Margaret High School and Cloverdale Junior Secondary. She retired in 1975 and volunteered for the Girl Guides and Meals on Wheels. Thank you to the staff at Ivy Lodge and Hilton Villa. Hilda's life will be celebrated at a memorial service at St. Helen's Anglican Church, (where she faithfully attended and served on the Altar Guild) 10787 - 128 Street, Surrey, on Saturday, May 30, 10:30 a.m. Her ashes will be buried at St. Helen's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Helen's, Feed The Children Canada, or Union Gospel Mission.

Masters, Robin Geza

1958 - 2009 "Life gets rough, life gets tough, So tell me what you gonna do about it?" The Specials - "Pressure Drop" These words from one of Robin's favourite bands, encapsulates the last 9 years of his life. Our entire family's lives were turned upside down with the onset of Robin's carcinoid cancer. He was brave, long-suffering, remained unfailingly polite in the face of arduous treatments and side-effects, wishing for that elusive miracle. However, in order for us to come to grips with losing this wondrous 50 year young man, his wife, Karen, sons, Rory (Olivia) and Riley, and daughter, Emily wish to remember the husband and dad who was loving, dependable, a mentor to many, incredibly well-read, and inspirational. Robin's life-long passion for books and reading and love of children combined naturally in his chosen career as teacher/librarian in Delta. Before his illness, Robin was consumed with running, mountain biking, comic and graphic novel collecting, and supporting his children's many activities. Because he was extraordinary, he had an extraordinary number of friends and the love and respect of many colleagues. Remembering him also, are his sister, Evelyn (Ron) Embree, and brothers, Ian and Doug (Trudy) and several nieces and nephews.

A "Celebration of Life" (expect the unexpected!) will be held Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. in "Robin's library" at Delta Secondary School in Ladner. In lieu of flowers, you would be honouring our family with a donation to the Delta Hospice Building Fund in Robin's name.

"The only reason people die, is because everyone does it. You all just go along with it. It's rubbish, Death. It's stupid. I don't want nothing to do with it!" - "The Absolute Sandman" by Neil Gaiman