Arthur James Davey

October 31, 2009

Loving husband and father; adored grandad; and loyal friend Arthur James Davey passed away October 30, 2009. Left to share in many happy memories of him are his wife of 60 years Mollie; his beloved children Sharon (Rick); John (Mary) and Corinne; the five grandchildren who were the joy of his life, Chelsea (Nathan), Kayll, Caroline, Heather and Joelle; his sister-in-law Betty Tattam, nephew David, niece Margaret and their families; as well as many friends. He was predeceased by his brother Jack in 1942.
Art was born in Victoria on August 10, 1922, except for the 20 years spent in Calgary working with CP Rail, he lived in the Oak Bay area for his entire life. He served in the Canadian Army Signal Corps from 1942 until the end of the war. He was the Dad who attended all his kid’s sporting or concert events; the one who was always there to help clear the local hockey rink of snow; the one who drove other kids to the hospital to get stitches when the puck hit them the wrong way; a quiet and gentle man who will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Art’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Road on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.. If friends so desire, memorial donations can be sent to either the Oak Bay Lodge Adult Day Center; Broadmead Veterans Center; or the Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation.
The family is extremely grateful to all the wonderful Doctors and Nurses at the Royal Jubilee Hospital who took such good care of him; in particular Dr. MacDougall; the emergency room doctors and nurses; and the staff in the Richmond Pavilion Hospice for the wonderful support and care provided to the family.

Mary Innocent Gorman Collison (nee Martin)

October 29, 2009

Mary was born in Victoria on May 16, 1911 and departed this life peacefully on October 27, 2009.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Clifford S. Collison in 1981 and by her brother R.K. (Tim) Martin in 1991.
Mary was a devoted and much loved aunt to Stephen (Penny) Martin and Caroline (Bob) Duncanson and great-aunt to Andrew, Geoffrey (Lindsay) and Brian Martin, Sander (Emily), Laura and Heather Duncanson.
She was a dynamic and independent-minded woman, serving her country as a WREN in World War 2 and living in Montreal, Toronto and 12 years in London, England, before returning to her native Victoria.
While limited in her later years, she lived her life with joy and gratitude. The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Ted Rosenberg, Minn, J.R. Wight and her dedicated crew as well as the caregivers from Beacon Community Services and the clinicians from the Gordon Head Oak Bay Health Unit for all their kindness, care and professionalism. Through their unfailing efforts she was able to fulfill her fervent wish to remain at home until the end.
A funeral service will be held at St. Matthias Anglican Church (600 Richmond Avenue) on Saturday October 31, 2009 at 2:00pm. There will be a visitation at the Church in advance of the service starting at 1:30pm.
There will be a graveside service and interment on Saturday November 7, 2009 at 1:30 pm at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Anglican Primates World Relief Fund (http://www.pwrdf.org) or the Canadian Red Cross (http://www.redcross.ca )

Ragbier Singh Bhandar

October 27, 2009

Ragbier Singh Bhandar born in Victoria, British Columbia, January 5, 1935, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, October 26th, 2009. He will be missed immensely by his devoted wife of forty five years, Hargian Bhandar. He will be lovingly missed by his four children; son, Devin and daughters, Davina (Mike), Brenna and Deanna. He will forever be greatly loved by his granddaughter, Kira. He is predeceased by his father, Sardar Singh Bhandar and mother, Amar Kaur; sisters, Harbhajan Samra, Gurbachan Sidhu (Gurdev); brother, Jagjeet Singh Bhandar and Seta Dhillon (Hardial). Survived by loving sister, Mindo (Ragbier) Rhandawa and brother, Sukdev (Veronica) Bhandar and brother-in law, Sirjeet Singh Samra. Ruggy was a successful businessman and property owner in the City of Victoria. He enjoyed spending his time with his close friends and family. We will always remember the family car trips, summer cottaging in Campbell River, picnic lunches at Witty’s lagoon, tennis matches and the fishing excursions. Dad was a devoted family man, who took a great deal of care of his family matters and supported his extended family over the years. He had fond and close attachments to his many nieces and nephews and their children. Ruggy was also an active member in the Sikh community. His father had immigrated to Victoria from Punjab in 1907 and Ruggy and his siblings grew up amongst this community of early Punjabi settlers. His community was very important to him, as he has contributed to the growth of the Gurdwara and had served in the past as the treasurer for the Sikh Topaz Temple. Dad spent his entire life in Victoria. At the age of nine, he began working by selling the evening Times Newspaper. As a paper boy he staked out key corners of the downtown core. He often shared great stories of the city and how it has changed in his life time. As a teenager he began working in sawmills, along side his father and cousin. He worked in sawmills through the night-time shifts while attending Victoria High School during the days. As a very self directed and hard working person, he began making investment in property at a young age. He followed his aspiration to be financially secure through his hard work and dedication to the management of his business interests. He took a major trip in his young adult years to Asia and India. It was on this trip that he was introduced to Hargian. They were married and started life together through an adventurous honeymoon around the world. Their shared passion for travel continued throughout their lives. Together as a couple they grew their business, their family and enjoyed many wonderful times. They remained each others support in very tragic and dark times in their families, through the loss of their siblings and parents and other hardships. He was a man who was driven by his goals of achieving security, for himself and his family. He established a strong sense of a work ethic and dedication to family in each of his children and he definitely lived by setting a very sound example. We are grateful to have had him as our father and he will be sorrowfully missed. Heartfelt thanks to Jo-Ellen Morrison and Rinah Zaragosa for their loving care and support to our father throughout his illness. Thank-you to the many doctors and medical staff, including Dr. Lim, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Liebscher, Dr. Schlatter, and particular thank-you to the attention and support of family Dr. Bill Cavers. The family would also like to thank the amazing team at the Victoria Hospice and the Palliative Response Teams, the community nurses and Mary Taylor who offered the necessary support to keep dad at home through his last days. The family would like to ask that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Victoria Hospice, 1952 Bay Street.

Funeral Services will take place at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, Victoria, BC on Friday, October 30, 2009 at 11:00 am. Followed by services and langhar (lunch) at the Sikh Temple, 1210 Topaz Avenue. Memorial Reception will follow at the Harbour Room at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort Victoria between 3pm and 7pm.

Ron Robson

October 27, 2009

ROBSON Ron – On October 25, 2009 at home in Victoria. He is survived by his loving wife, Chris; his daughter, Jamie and his son, Andy; his sister, Carol and his brother, Dan and their families. Private cremation by request.

Fiona Keen

October 27, 2009

31 May 1932 – 25 October 2009
Fiona passed away surrounded by her family on 25 October 2009 in Victoria. Fiona will be fondly remembered by her husband of 53 years, Monty Keen; her children, Lorna (George), John (Rebecca) and Meg; eight grandchildren and all of her many friends who she touched with her warmth, love of life and kindness. A small family gathering has been held. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 6V5. Condolences can be sent to the family through McCall Bros, 1400 Vancouver St, Victoria, B.C., V8V 3W3 or at their website: www.mccallbros.com.

Christopher Hobson Humble

October 27, 2009

February 7, 1949 – October 25, 2009
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christopher Humble on October 25, 2009, after a brief but courageous fight with complications from his battle with diabetes. He leaves his wonderful family to cherish his memory: his wife Shelley, son Craig (Shima), daughter Amber (Clayton), daughter Jade (Athal), brother Robert (Heather), grandchildren Owl, Coyote and Raven, mother-in-law Stephanie, and his wife’s extended family. He was predeceased by his father, Jack Humble (Rosina) (March 2009).
Christopher lived a very full life with a myriad of accomplishments. As a child he had much success with sports, particularly track and field which garnered him honours on a national level. He reached the level of Queen Scout, and was appointed Troop Leader in the 8th Fort Victoria Boy Scouts, which set the ambitious direction his life would take.
After a very successful career in Human Resources, Christopher “retired” with his own consulting business, which has kept him busy for the past 15 years. He served as the Chair of many professional Boards, lending his business expertise to a variety of organizations. A man of seemingly endless ambition and drive, Christopher always kept his eyes open for his next success.
An avid New England Patriots fan, Christopher loved his sports, regardless of competition level. Another pursuit Christopher enjoyed was travel – a cruise with friends, or a solo trek to Tokyo, there was no place he could not conquer. At home, Christopher enjoyed cruising through town with a latte (tall double shot, no foam, non fat, 180 degree) and Coke Zero, while listening to his Sirius Satellite Radio.
Christopher lived for his family and friends, forming close bonds with many people throughout his life. Known equally for his loving nature and distinct sense of humour, Christopher will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Christopher’s life will take place at the family home on Friday, October 30, 2009, at #122 – 75 Songhees Road (located on Paul Kane Road), Victoria, from 4 pm – 8 pm. Memories will be shared from 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Out of respect for Christopher’s unique sense of style, all men are asked to wear a Hawaiian/Tommy Bahama style shirt in solidarity for their friend. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation (www.victoriahf.ca).

Mary Elizabeth Bradley (nee Pile)

October 23, 2009

Betty was born in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. She spent her early years on a farm near Nundle Australia. She attended school at a Roman Catholic Convent in Nundle.
Betty trained as a registered Nurse with the Salvation Army before joining Quantas Airlines as a Stewardess working oversees flights.
Betty arrived in Vancouver on June 13, 1957 from Sidney, Australia.
She nursed at Saint Paul’s Hospital where she met her lifelong friend Linda.
Betty took a job with the Federal Government, Department of Indian Affairs posted at the hospital in Moose Factory, Ontario (on James Bay).
It was after Betty transferred to Nanaimo that she met and married Ted Bradley on February 28, 1969.
Together Ted and Betty travelled extensively, making several visits to Australia and New Zealand. They returned to work in northern Canada delivering dental and health care services both for the Gov’t of Canada and Cassiar mining corporation. In the latter years they spent a good deal of time in the California and Arizona.
Betty struggled after her husband Ted’s death June 13, 2007. She move to Victoria, where she eventually settled in the Central Care Home. Betty improved markedly this year before being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Betty leaves behind three step-children Peter, Patricia, and Angus; 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren in Canada.She also leaves her two brothers and their families in Australia.
A reception to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at the Nanaimo Golf Club Saturday October 31, 2009 at 2 PM.

Alida Passarini

October 22, 2009

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alida Passarini on October 18, 2009, surrounded by her family, of a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Left grief-stricken, sister Renza, brother in law Nigel, treasured nephews Zak and Connor, and the beloved family dog Harley. Left to mourn are relatives and friends in Trail, Italy and Vancouver especially Cousins Marisa and Lawrence. She was predeceased by father Ermenegildo (1982), mother Ada (2004), and brother Renzo (1953). Born in Treviso. Italy on September 16, 1947 and immigrated to Trail, B.C. in 1953. After completing her education, she worked for 32 years for West Kootenay Power and Light. Upon retirement, she moved to Victoria (1999) to be closer to her sister and family. Began work at Sears as a beauty advisor and made many good friends through work and at the gym where she was a regular fixture. Alida lived for her family and cherished her time spent with them, especially her two beloved nephews. ‘It was all about the boys.’ One of the highlights of her life was returning to Italy after a 50 year absence; she forged a strong bond with her many relatives. She left a distinct impact on all she met which was evident in the overwhelming support she received during her illness. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. M. Vaughan and his wife Denise and family for their continued support throughout this harrowing ordeal. A special thanks to Laurie Wahl who always reminded her to ‘breathe in breathe out’ and to the many friends that gave so generously of their love and time. Many thanks to the B.C. Cancer Agency doctors and staff especially Drs. Lupe and Halloway, and to all the nurses and staff at Hospice. She is at peace now but we are all left with a huge hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Miss you forever-sweet sister.
No funeral by request. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice in Alida’s memory would be appreciated. A celebration of life will be held at the Uplands Golf Club on November
22, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Mervin Ronald Hempel

October 21, 2009

Passed away suddenly on October 19, 2009 and was ushered into heaven at the age of 65 years. He leaves behind his wife, Judith; son, Brad (wife, Shannon); daughter, Jennifer (husband, Darren); three grandchildren, Chelsea, Mackenzie and Jordan; brother, Herbert (wife, Allana); nephews, Robb and Michael and many extended family members.

Funeral Service will be held at Glad Tidings Church, 1800 Quadra Street in Victoria on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

Lorna Ellen Bernice Pollock (nee Latham)

October 19, 2009

Passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital on October 16, 2009 at the age of 79 years. She was born in Victoria, BC on August 2, 1930. Lorna was predeceased by her brother, Jack Latham. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Ken Pollock. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Audrey (Roger); children, Rick (Joan), Tarey (Kim), Leigh (Patti), Shari, Deb (Norm); grandchildren, Jeff and Kev, Jenny and Katie, Aysha, Sharra and Cecelia; great-grandchildren, Teagan and Lowen and many nieces and nephews. While Lorna and Ken were very busy with their four children and all their sports, she worked at Uplands Golf Club, played softball and found a passion in tenpin bowling. She represented Canada at many destinations in Canada, USA and Central America and was inducted into The Victoria Sports Hall of Fame and BC Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame. Specials thanks to the doctors and nurses in the ICU and 4th floor unit at Victoria General Hospital.

A Celebration of Lorna’s life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 3:00 pm. Flowers gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorna’s memory to the BC Lung Association.

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