Mark Crampton Stuart
March 13, 2009
Mark Crampton Stuart passed away peacefully in his home on January 20, 2009 at the age of 83 years. Predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Olive Stuart; and sister Sonia.
Lovingly remembered by Lucie; Mike (Fran), Bob (Bev), and brother-in-law, Don.
Children, Guy (Liz), Ian (Jillian), and Ross (Christine).
Grandchildren, Celena & Sara, Jennifer & Daniel, and Garrett & Breanne.
Nephews, Mark (Donna), John, Earl; Richard; Craig & niece Andrea (Joe); and friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Mark was a life long learner and teacher, who always found time to help others. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors with his family. Mark served as a machinist at Yarrow’s Shipyards for more than fifty years.
Special thanks to Dr, Ken Chan and staff, and the very dedicated care-givers for the tremendous support to Mark and his family during a stoic and inspirational battle with mesothelioma.
A Celebration of Mark’s life will be held at SEQUOIA GARDENS MEMORIAL, 4665 Falaise Dr. on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 1:00 pm, with interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. A reception will be held at Sequoia Gardens following interment.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation of Vancouver Island, or the Canadian Cancer Society
Ida May Matheson
March 13, 2009
November 25, 1936 – March 10, 2009
A native Victorian suddenly passed away at home. Predeceased by her daughter, Linnie in 1985, she is lovingly remembered by her husband of 53 years, James; her daughter, Margaret (Norman); her son, Scott (Ann); five grandchildren, Virginia, Alanna, Kaitlyn, Keegan and Sarah; great granddaughter, Ashley; as well as her extended family.
Ida will be remembered for her great heart who was always there for her family and friends.
A graveside service for family and close friends will be held at ROYAL OAK BURIAL PARK, 4673 Falaise Dr. on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, 107 – 1001 Cloverdale Ave., Victoria BC V8X 4C9
Maria DiBattista (nee Antonacci)
March 13, 2009
Maria DiBattista (nee Antonacci), born in Italy on April 26, 1921 passed away peacefully on March 11, 2009. Predeceased by her husband Angelo DiBattista; survived by her sisters Philomena, (France) and Guisepina (Italy). She will be lovingly missed by her daughter Franca and son-in law Robert McQuade; son Gianfranco and daughter in-law Scheryl DiBattista. Grandchildren Steven and Terina McQuade, John and Corne McQuade, Terasa DiBattista and Sebastien Masek, Phillip and Erin DiBattista, Matthew and Vanessa DiBattista. Great grandchildren Isabella and Gabrielle McQuade, Andrew and James McQuade, Tara DiBattista, Noah and Jacob DiBattista
We wish to offer our thanks to all the staff at Central Care Home for taking such good care of our Mom, Nonna and Prononna.
Graveside service will be at Royal Oak Cemetery on Monday, March 16th at 11:00 am. Small reception to follow at the home of Phillip and Erin DiBattista, at 1:00 pm, 468 Wain Road, North Saanich, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Central Care Home, 844 Johnson Street, Victoria BC
Charles Robinson
March 11, 2009
January 1, 1924 – March 9, 2009
Charlie passed into the presence of the Lord on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 3 pm in his favorite chair, from complications of a short struggle with cancer. He was with his family and was 85.
Charlie was born in small town in the Ukraine on January 1, 1924, to Tony and Tina Stebelski. The family immigrated to Fort William – Port Arthur, Ontario in 1931 to seek a better life. When the family moved to Victoria in 1941, Tony opened his shoemaking business and the family name was changed to Robinson. It was much easier to be accepted into the business community having an anglicized family name. Charlie had an elder sister, Stella and four younger brothers, Ted (Red), Eddie, Walter, and Joe. Charlie was the eldest son. Surviving siblings are Walter and Joe.
Charlie was proud of his wartime service, 1943-1947. Following the war he sought further education at The Vancouver School of Barbering. He always wanted to work for himself. He lived by his own advice when he opened his own Barber Shop at Hillside and Quadra. He operated the business at the same location for 42 years. Charlie had a huge, successful and loyal clientele. He specialized though, in 2 styles of hair cuts; short and shorter. After work Charlie and Ted would cruise on their Harley’s and impress the local ladies. They frequented the Empress Hotel where he met Elodie Schellinck. She was smitten with Charlie or maybe it was that 1949 Harley Davidson, they were married on March 26, 1951 in Victoria.
Charlie was a happy go lucky kind of guy, had many interests, enjoyed many activities, including a good game of Solitaire. He was a very talented oyster shucker, you had to have the “knack.” He loved to travel and did most of it after he and Elodie retired in 1990. His favorite destinations were Bali and St. Petersburg Square in Moscow.
He enjoyed music of all kinds from Pavarotti to Harry Belafonte. Charlie always wanted to be trained as a singer. He enjoyed a good John Wayne western and any National Geographic show, Charlie appreciated God’s creation.
His project in his later retirement years was restoring the 1964 emerald green Cadillac 4 door sedan deVille. It was pure pride and joy for him to accomplish this with Shawn. Charlie’s dad, Tony passed it onto him. He was so proud of it.
Charlie loved to be around people. He usually had a big embellished story to tell; maybe too good a story. He would give you an opinion anytime you needed it about politics, social issues and current events. His sense of humor and straightforward attitude made you want to be around him.
Charlie is survived by wife Elodie of 57 years, sons Bruce (Maureen), Mark (Laura), Shawn (Carmen), and daughter Dana (Jim).Charlie had 6 grandchildren Megan (1981-1988), Erin, Sarah, Leigh, Kirk and Claire.
A mass will be held at St Patrick’s Church, 2060 Haultain Street at noon Friday March 13, 2009. Father Hill to officiate. The Mass will be followed with a graveside burial at Royal Oak Cemetery. No grave flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army Victoria ARC or The St. Vincent De Paul Society.
Our sincere thanks are extended to Drs. Frank Egan, Jeff Mccracken and John Kinahan, hospice nurses Matthew, Carol, Susan, and Beacon Services. Their genuine commitment to Charlie’s care was exemplary.
Mary Anne Fisher (nee Walwyn)
March 10, 2009
After a brief and unexpected illness, announcing the death of Mary Anne Fisher (nee Walwyn), tapestry weaver at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, B.C. on Friday, March 6, 2009. Born in Toronto, October 6, 1929, she is survived by her beloved partner Fred Tanner of Victoria, B.C., a gem of a soul who brought happiness and love to Mary’s life. Mary will be greatly missed by her three children: Ian Fisher of Mississauga, ON, Kate Fisher of Victoria, B.C. and Sue Fisher of Toronto, ON. Daughter of Arthur and Ruth (Harris) Walwyn, Mary is also survived by her sisters Joan Randall of Toronto and Pat Walwyn of Collingwood.
Mary’s life was shaped and transformed in 1950 when she sailed to England and lived on Ebury Street in London, England for a year. When she returned to Toronto, she enrolled at the Institute of Child Study, inspired by her uncle the Institute’s project director Dr. William Blatz. Mary was a remarkable artistic talent and was an accomplished weaver. Her framed tapestries hang in numerous corporate and private collections. Mary’s many creative talents were also demonstrated in her elaborate gardens in Toronto and at Cedarly Farm in Mansfield, ON. Mary planted abundant seasonal perennials and stocked the cold room with vegetables and preserves. The farm also grew to include Mary keeping ducks, chickens, beef cattle and sheep. The colours and natural elements from Cedarly Farm inspired Mary and her life-long passion for wool and weaving. Using goldenrod to dye wool from her own sheep, Mary spun the wool and soon moved to weaving landscape tapestries. Cedarly Farm was a huge source of pleasure for Mary, which she discussed right to the end.
Mary began a passion for politics at age 15 with her dear friend Moira Lawrence. All her life, she delighted in working on and following politics and elections. In her later years, Mary voraciously kept abreast of the national political landscape and carefully tracked the news and Op Ed pages.
Mary’s family acknowledge, with great appreciation, the caring and strong commitment of the Royal Jubilee Hospital medical team, especially the exceptional nurses of Royal Extension 3. Cremation has taken place in Victoria, messages of condolence can be made through McCall Brothers, 1400 Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3W3 or www.mccallbros.com. A tea and reception to celebrate Mary’s life will be held in Victoria on Saturday March 14, 2009 at 2 pm at Somerset House 540 Dallas Rd., and in Toronto on Saturday April 4, 2009 at 2 pm at The Estates of Sunnybrook.
Edith Violet Rainer (nee Taulbut)
March 9, 2009
Edith passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Sunday March 8th, 2009.
Born in Worthing, Sussex, England, June 9th 1925, Edith is survived by her loving husband of 66 years Joe, her children Val (Don), Jerry (Karen), John (Valerie), Donald(Sandi) and Louise (Mark), 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, her sister Eva (Gordon) nephews Michael and Ian and their families.
Edith married Joseph, a Canadian soldier, and came to Canada in 1945 as a War Bride. An active member of the Vancouver Island War Brides Association, Edith was also a member of the Knox Presbyterian Church, Victoria and a Sister of the Unity Rebekah Lodge No. 145 holding various offices through the years. Many thanks to Doctor R. McKay, the physicians and staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital for their exceptional care of Mum, she now is at peace. Thanks for everything Mum!
A Celebration of Life will be held at Sequoia Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria B.C, Thursday, March 12, 2009, at 2:00 pm. Officiating will be Reverend Laura T. Kavanagh. Flowers gratefully declined, if desired, tributes may be made to a charity of your choice.
Alexander Tait
March 7, 2009
October 7, 1942 – March 4, 2009
Alexander Tait (Alex) passed away peacefully at his home from the effects of ALS, which he managed with grace and his trademark sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 40 years, Anita Tait; and his three daughters, Ann-Margaret (Edward), Janice (John), and Anita (Jared). He will also be sadly missed by his grandchildren Jessica, Jocelyn, Jamie, Alexander, Grace and Rachel; his brother, George Noble; and countless extended family and friends. Born in St. Combs, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, he worked as a fisherman and a mechanic. He moved to Canada to pursue his wife Anita. He later became a realtor and then a prominent entrepreneur. Although his work was very important to him, he truly will be remembered for his love of the water, boats, fishing and walking along beaches. He enjoyed traveling to many places in the world, especially to his homes on Saltspring Island and St. Combs, Scotland. He was known for his affectionate nature and the twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. He was dearly loved and will be desperately missed by all whose lives he touched.
A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, Victoria, on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 2:30 pm. A reception to follow at McCall Bros. Family Centre.
Joan Janis (nee Robson)
March 6, 2009
Our hearts are saddened with the passing of Joanie on March 4, 2009. She left quietly at home surrounded by love. She leaves husband; Steve (Popeye); daughter Debbie (Bernie) and pride & joys; grandchildren Todd (Michelle), Staci, Craig (Natasha); great grandson “sweet boy” Cashe and special friends and family. Predeceased by mother Margery; sister Doreen; and brother George. Joanie was a mother to many and a listener to all. Thanks to Doctors Connelly and Clark at RBE Jubilee Hospital for an extra 5 months and the wonderful palliative and hospice teams and Dr. Leslie. Bless you SANA-CLA-ME-UK, “you’re beautiful”. A Memorial service will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 10:30 am. Donations in her memory may be made to the Cancer Society.
Eleanor Margaret Bell
March 6, 2009
BELL Eleanor Margaret (Peggy) – Peacefully, on March 5, 2009 in Victoria, in her 93rd year. Predeceased by her sisters, Laura and Harriet; her brothers, Will and John. She is survived by her cousins, Barbara (John) and Dianna (Ken) and their families. Peggy taught Kindergarten in Victoria for many years and was very well travelled, seeing much of the world. She was an avid gardener recognized for her knowledge of and generosity with the fruits of her labours. A Service of Remembrance will be conducted by the Reverend Sandra McMillan from MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Thursday, March 12th at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception in the Family Centre. Flowers are gratefully declined; tributes, if desired, may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Helen L. Bird (nee Robinson)
March 6, 2009
November 18, 1919 – March 1, 2009
Baptized December 27, 1978
Helen died peacefully March 1, predeceased by Henry her loving husband of 60 years and
grandsons James and Jason.
She was the beloved mother of Rosa Bailey / Louise Jones and Sharon Bruhm; grandmother of John, and Peter; and great grandmother of Stephanie, Andrew, and Cypress. Also mourned by her brother Doug Robinson.
Born and lived her life in Victoria, Helen’s working career began in Robinson’s Bicycle Shop – founded by her father George W. – the present day Robinson’s Outdoor Store.
Her daughters remember her as a capable homemaker; sewing, knitting and keenly interested in all crafts. She also did volunteer work for several organizations. Henry and Helen enjoyed travel and visited many countries.
Baptism began a new life of dedicated service to God. Many will remember enjoying a cup of tea in the sunroom. She sleeps in Christ and we look forward to reunion on the day of resurrection.
Funeral Service to be held in the Christadelphian Hall, 1396 McKenzie Ave., at 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 12, 2009. If desired donations may be made to Agape in Action, 39 Manor Park Cres., Guelph, ON, N1G 1A2, or at the Hall.
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