Blunt, Gwen

Vancouver Sun: 2012 June 5

May 10, 1943 - May 30, 2012 

Born in Newcastle, England on May 10, 1943 to John and Charlotte Lewis, Gwen passed away at Cottage Hospice in Vancouver on May 30. She is survived by her son Andrew (Erin) and her grandchildren Elliott and Charlotte who adored their "Grandma G". Gwen was a longtime teacher and librarian who appreciated the smaller things in life such as a glass of wine with friends, a good book, or a walk on the seawall on a sunny day. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gwen's name to the BC Cancer Agency or St. James Community Service Society (Cottage Hospice). There will be no service by request but please drop by and join us for an informal gathering at Monk McQueens (601 Stamps Landing in Vancouver) on Saturday June 9 from 2 to 4 pm.

King, Helen (nee Manery)

Prince George Citizen: 2012 January 12

June 8, 1916 - December 20, 2011 

Helen Marion Manery was born to Similkameen pioneers, and grew up on her parents' farm and orchard in Cawston with her five siblings. She received her teaching credentials in 1935 and got her first teaching job in Kaleden. There she met and married Ron King, and together they raised five children. Helen sewed their clothes, taught them poetry and songs, and instilled in them the values close to her heart. In the 1960's the family moved to Prince George. Ron worked for BC Telephone, and Helen continued her teaching career at Kelly Road and Peden Hill Elementary. She loved the kids, the creativity, and the challenges of teaching. She went to night school and to UBC to continue her education as a school librarian. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Prince George, taught Sunday School and Pioneer Girls, sang in the choir, and participated in missions societies. She lived out her faith by adhering to the values she had learned as a girl. Love people, live with integrity, work hard, stay true to your commitments and give generously to others. Helen exercised a life long gift of offering hospitality to others. The King home was always open to young people, friends and family. Sundays after church, Helen hosted lunch for visitors to church, and many people also stayed in their home for extended periods of time. After Ron and Helen retired to Kaleden, they welcomed many of their Prince George friends to their home by the lake. Helen was kindhearted, caring, and supportive. She also had an independent spirit. A woman ahead of her time, she omitted from her marriage vows the promise to obey; she thought that to love and honour was sufficient. She had a pragmatic sort of wisdom, choosing the practices that worked for her from the pendulum swings of educational theory. She had an artistic flair, knitting sweaters and crocheting bedspreads for all her grandchildren. In her final years, despite the loss of many abilities, she retained her sense of humour and her gentle disposition. She often expressed gratitude to those who cared for her. After almost seventy years of marriage, Ron died in 2010. We who remain are blessed to have shared Helen's life: children Douglas (Vivian), Elaine (Bill), Meredith (Bill), Barbara (Jon), Judith (Randy), 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and a large extended family. 

A celebration of Helen's life will be held in Kaleden on the August long weekend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope International Development Agency at hope-international.com or to Canadian Baptist Ministries at www.cbmin.org.

Russell, Mildred Evelyn

Vancouver Sun: 2011 December 29

Forever known as ""Torchy"" passed away December 21/2011, with her family and friends at her side at her home at The Waterford in Delta. Torchy was born on January 11/1925 and grew up on the Red River in Winnipeg. There she spent many happy days exploring the river with her speed skates in the winter, and her canoe in the lovely summer months. Torchy was married to B. Alan Russell on May 6th/1949 at the Canadian Memorial Church in Vancouver. From rooming houses, to the Little Mountain army barracks where Al finished his degrees, they were looking for just right place to settle. In 1955 just after daughter Gail and son Dean's birth they found their family home on West 37th Ave. The birth of Neil and Gary followed. With her family complete, Torchy found her passion in volunteering. Most recently, Torchy was the Past President of the ladies auxiliary of the War Amputations Society of Canada. Her first love was words, and she worked for many years as the voluntary librarian at Lord Byng School. She also spent many hours helping in the early days of the Planetarium. In her later years, Torchy was a dedicated worker at the Ladner Hospital Auxiliary and was a member of the Ladner United Church. Torchy and Al loved to spend their summers at Cultus Lake where they bought a cabin in 1960. Every summer Torchy was the inspiration of the swim club and was her children's biggest fan. She was an amazing person. In her spare time she was a skilled bridge player, who also loved bowling and lawn bowling. Her favorite station was the CBC because it kept her in touch with the world and more importantly with Canadian stories. Torchy is predeceased by her parents, Lenard and Jenny Bishop, her brother, Rick (Betty) Bishop and her daughter Gail Londry. She will be sorely missed by sons Dean (Sherry), Neil (Fran) and Gary (Fern) as well as her nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The family would like to offer our very grateful thanks to the nurses and staff of The Waterford who cared for her with love and compassion in her last years. Also special thanks to Dr. Ken Lai, for his thoughtful and professional attentions over Torchy's life. 

To celebrate her life, a gathering of family and friends will be held in the New Year. Torchy lived her life with grace and hope. She met her many challenges with great strength and faith. We loved her, and she leaves an empty spot in our hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:1 ""To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:""

Gilchrist, Margaret (nee Peircy)

Vancouver Sun: 2011 December 16

February 24, 1933 - December 13, 2011 

Margaret passed away peacefully from cancer at the North Shore Hospice. She is survived by her three sons, Angus (Julia), Ian (Anita) and Bruce (Vicki) and four grandchildren, Duncan, Malcolm, Oscar and Tashi. Her husband for forty-eight years, Aluin Gilchrist, passed away in November, 2010. Born in Sussex, England to Alfred and Winifred Piercy, she was raised by her mother in Storrington during World War II as her father was stationed at a secret radar facility. Margaret was a keen student and attended Southampton University on scholarship where she studied Romance languages, including an elective semester in Grenoble. Margaret taught girls' secondary school for a year but then decided to emigrate to Vancouver for brighter prospects. She crossed the Atlantic on RMS Queen Mary, landing at New York, then travelled by train to Montreal and on to Vancouver. In Vancouver, Margaret quickly forged numerous lasting friendships. She worked at the University of British Columbia Library before returning to teaching, taking a secondary school position in Coquitlam. She met Aluin through mutual friends and in the early days they enjoyed hiking and skiing together. Aluin and Margaret married in 1962 at St. Monica's Church, West Vancouver, and lived together from then on at Eagleridge Drive. Margaret was particularly active at St. Monica's Anglican Church in West Vancouver as a leading member of the altar guild for many years. She will be remembered for contributing her prized preserves to church sales. For her longstanding dedication, she was recently awarded the Order of the Diocese by the Bishop of New Westminster. In later years, after raising her three sons, Margaret worked as a substitute teacher, librarian and ESL instructor in the West Vancouver district. In 1986, she worked as a host at the Canada Pavilion at the World's Fair, once again utilizing her talent for languages. Margaret also volunteered weekly for over twenty years at the Crane Library, UBC, making audio recordings for the reading impaired. After a diagnosis of osteoporosis, she became an active participant in Better Bones classes. Margaret was especially fond of her friends made at the Gleneagles Community Center. Among other activities, including painting and drawing, Margaret was an enthusiastic member of her book club. She was also fond of cats, counting Abyssinians and ginger-tabbies as her favourites. The Gilchrist family offers many thanks to all who visited Margaret and who cared for her at Lions Gate Hospital and the North Shore Hospice. 

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 17th, 1:30 pm, at St. Monica's Church, 6404 Wellington Ave, West Vancouver, followed by a reception at the Gleneagles Golf Clubhouse, 6190 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Somerville, Lucy Hope

Vancouver Sun: 2011 December 11

January 28, 1921 - December 3, 2011 We are saddened to announce the passing of our much-loved Mom, Mom-in-law, Grandma and Great-grandma, Lucy Hope Somerville. Lucy was born in Chilliwack in 1921, the middle child of Alfred and Kate Tranmer. At twenty, during WW2, she travelled across the nation by train to marry her soldier, Ron Somerville, who was posted overseas three days later; they did not see each other for another four years. After the war they lived in Haney, Penticton, Nelson and Vancouver. Lucy was a popular and loved teacher/librarian at Inman School in Burnaby for many years. Ron passed away in 1977. Mom eventually retired with her sister to Chilliwack where she lived another 25 years and recently moved to Pacifica Residence in Surrey where she made wonderful new friends. Mom enjoyed great health for her ninety years. Up until the last couple of months she was still reading avidly, acing killer crosswords, and embroidering beautiful tablecloths. She was predeceased by her husband Ron, her brother, Lloyd Tranmer, her son-in-law, J. Alan Duncan and many beloved friends. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Tranmer of Surrey, BC, and her loving daughters, Kit Schindell (Dal), Rachel Duncan, and Tracey Tartaglia (Larry). Missing her tremendously are her four adult grandchildren who adored her: Julie Tartaglia (Russ Cann) of New Westminster, Mike Tartaglia (Shannon) of Kelowna, Marieke Schindell (Tyrell Bobowski) of Vancouver and Claire Schindell (Ryan Bertoli) of Williams Lake. Her namesake, little Lucie Bertoli, brought her much joy. 

Mom decided against a formal service, but we will have a private family event at a future date to honour this wonderful woman. Please sign the online guest book - we'd love to hear from you. www.kearneyfs.com Kearney's Cloverdale (604-574-2603)

MacKirdy, Ina (Dearing)

Victoria Times Colonist: 2011 October 13

MacKIRDY, Ina BA, BLS, (nee Dearing) 

 

We are saddened to announce that our mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, Ina MacKirdy, BA, BLS, (nee Dearing) passed away peacefully at age 91 on October 10, 2011. Predeceased by husband and Cowichan School Superintendent, Harvey MacKirdy, son Mark, and sister Enid Dearing. She is survived by three children, Judy, John and Janis. Also five grandchildren, Jennifer, Sarah, Kayla, Corbin and Aidan. Ina completed her Bachelor of Arts degree and teacher training at UBC in 1941 and taught secondary school in Abbotsford. She later received a Bachelor of Library Science in the U.S. and continued her Teacher/Librarian career in Powell River. Always an active member of the United Church, early church work included summers in Prince Rupert and the Queen Charlotte Islands, and also included the past 39 years as a member of the Duncan United Church. 

Kennedy (nee Sinclair), Dolly

Parksville Qualicum Beach News Parksville: 2011 April 10

(nee Pearl Alberta Sinclair)
Died Age 96 (Jan 23, 1915 - April 10, 2011)

Dolly died after a three day illness with pneumonia at Qualicum Manor, Qualicum Beach, BC. Her parents were Archibald G. and Pearl A. (Logan) Sinclair. She is predeceased by her husband Thomas Alexander Kennedy, and her brother Robert A. Sinclair.

She leaves her daughter Robin (Roberta) D. Robinson and husband Sandy, her son David M. Kennedy and wife Linda, grandchildren David A. Robinson, Thomas M. Robinson and partner Sarah Wormsbecker, Michael H. Kennedy, Kiran K. Kennedy and husband Bruce Runciman, and great grandchildren Mhari and Ewan Runciman.

Dolly was born in Tofield Alberta where her father was a CNR station agent. She attended school in Edmonton, and during her teenage summers travelled with her mother and brother to Vancouver where she met Alex, her husband to be.

They were married in 1935 and lived in Powell River and Port McNeill in the days of high lead logging and donkey steam engines. In 1945 they moved to Vancouver. She began taking courses by correspondence from UBC in 1942, and graduated with a B.A. in 1950. This was a dedicated, long process. Immediately upon graduation she joined the Vancouver University Women’s Club which featured prominently during the rest of her life. She was active in many club interest groups and committees ranging from creative writing to important social advocacy ones.

While Dolly was president of the Vancouver Club it co-hosted, with the UBC Continuing Education Department, a Conference on The Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada, a benchmark for the place and rights women have in Canada today. Dolly was also active with the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), which has 110 clubs across Canada. She was Western Vice-president in the early 1980s and helped establish many new clubs. She has been a member of the Parksville/Qualicum Club since she moved permanently to Parksville in 1998.

Other educational achievements that Dolly was proud of were graduation from the Vancouver Normal School in 1956 and her graduation in the first class of UBC’s Library Science School in 1962. She worked for a time as a children’s librarian in Vancouver and as a high school librarian in Ladner. She then became active with the Vancouver Public Library Board and helped establish the BC Library Trustees Association, travelling widely throughout the province on their behalf. Education, art, music, books, travel, CFUW and libraries were dear to her heart. Her children and their families have many well chosen books in their libraries gifted from her. Dolly was a remarkable woman, always gracious; she brought inventiveness, enthusiasm, wit and fun to whatever she did.

The family wish to thank Sue’s Senior Home Care for the fine support at Dolly’s home, and she was wonderfully cared for by the staff at Qualicum Manor who made her last year a happy and comfortable one.

There will be a celebration of her life at The Old School House, 122 Fern Rd. W, Qualicum Beach, at 2 PM on Sun. May 22. In lieu of flowers we invite you to make a donation in her memory to a charity of your choice.

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

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

Chiu, Jean Elaine

It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Jean Elaine Chiu. She was born on December 13, 1934 in Hong Kong and passed away on November 28, 2008 in Surrey Memorial Hospital. Left behind to mourn are Clifton, husband and soul mate for 50 years, Corinne (Vincent) only daughter, Natasha and Gabrielle, grand-daughters, as well as two brothers, Sandy and Wilson, and four sisters, Alma, Mabel, Maize, and Mimi. Jean was born and raised in Hong Kong and educated at St. Paul's Convent School and Hong Kong University. She taught English at St. Clare's Girls' School for nine years with a year off for post-graduate studies in education at the University of Toronto and at UBC. After moving to Canada in 1968, she completed a Master's degree in Education. She taught in the Delta School District for 30 years where she was teacher-librarian at Annieville and Jarvis schools before she retired to a life of being a full-time grandmother. Jean was a lover of classical music, an accomplished seamstress and a crafter of jewellery. Her extended families will miss her many artistic talents and her generous spirit. Her circle of friends, colleagues and former students will miss her vivacity, infectious energy and sense of humour. In lieu of flowers a donation to Mount St. Joseph Hospital Tapestry Foundation for Health Care ( www.tapestryfoundation.ca ) will be most appreciated. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. R. Lee and all the nurses at Mount Joseph and Surrey Memorial hospitals who looked after her during her battles with pneumonia. A Celebration of Jean's life will be held in the future.

Slavik, Helen

Helen was born November 27, 1941 in Lethbridge Alberta and passed away September 1, 2008 in New Westminster at the age of 66. Helen will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a dynamic teacher/librarian in the Coquitlam School District for 33 years before she retired in 1999. Helen's friends and colleagues were always entertained by her many stories of her travels and her wicked sense of humour. Her memory will be cherished in the hearts of all whose lives she touched. Helen was predeceased by her parents Martin and Jennie, sisters Betty and Ruth, brothers Milan and Joe, nephews Allen, Robert and David. Helen is survived by her sister Lydia (Art) Perini of Taber AB, brother John (Ann) Slavik of White Rock BC, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the staff at Queen's Park Care Centre who looked after Helen in her last years. They would also like to thank the many friends who loyally stayed with Helen throughout her final journey.

In lieu of flowers donations to the BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated. No service by request. A celebration of Helen's life will take place at a later date.

MacIver, Dolina

We regret the passing of Dolina MacIver who died peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the age of 100. Dolina is survived by her sister Christina and nieces and nephews. Dolina was a longtime resident of Vancouver and had a long career as a teacher and librarian. She will be greatly missed. There will be a private family remembrance.

Francis, Alice Mary

October 25, 1920 - February 28, 2008 We sadly announce the passing of Alice Mary Francis on February 28th, 2008, in Maple Ridge, BC at the age of 87 years. She was predeceased by her husband Blaine. Alice will be greatly missed by her son Norman, daughter-in-law Pat, daughter Leanne Stewart, son-in-law Dean, and grandchildren Kimberley, Sarah, and Luc Francis and Jordan and Brett Stewart. Alice will also be greatly missed by her brother Alfred Knowles, sister Jean Wilkinson and brother-in-law Fred, as well as many nieces, nephews, and long-time friends. Born in Unity, Saskatchewan, Alice moved to Grand Forks, British Columbia with her family at a young age. She attended teacher training in Victoria, and first worked as a schoolteacher in the Kootenays and in Keremeos. Alice moved to Oliver in 1945 where she met her husband Blaine, and where they lived happily married for 54 years. She taught at the Oliver Elementary School from 1945 to 1948 and was the school's librarian from 1965 to 1975. She was well respected by colleagues and students alike. Alice was an active member of the Activity Club, the Oliver Historical Society, and the United Church. She was a kind-hearted person who loved life at home, as well as traveling abroad. She enjoyed camping, fishing and cross-country skiing with her husband Blaine, as well as cooking, canning, pie-making, and organizing arts and crafts for her grandchildren. Alice loved music, and played the piano and organ.

A memorial service to celebrate Alice's life is to be held at the Oliver United Church at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8th with a tea to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Graham Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. will be greatly appreciated.