Clarence Reginald “Spike” Leask
December 15, 2009
Passed away in Victoria on December 15, 2009. He was born in Victoria, BC on January 28, 1914. Predeceased by his sisters, Lillian Hobson and Helen Cartland. Survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Lillian; daughters, Lorraine (William) Green and Marilyn (Dave) Paterson; son, Jack (Flo); 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild and brother, Douglas (Maxine). Spike worked for BC Tel for 32 years and for 5 years rivetting at the shipyards during the War. He was a multi skilled craftsman who took great pride in the many houses and boats he built for himself and others. Spike will be sadly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Private Family Memorial will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Starr for his kind, compassionate care. And all the staff at Victoria Hospice for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice, 1510 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2.
Carl Desmond Palmer
December 14, 2009
Carl Palmer died peacefully after a stroke on Friday, December 11, 2009. Born June 3,1914 in Birmingham, England. He was predeceased by his wonderful wife, Eleanor (Bunny) on February 24, 2008 and his brother, Dennis of Calcutta in 2004. He leaves his daughter, Margaret (Mick); sister Renee(Rex) in Cornwall; niece Elaine (Dave) and nephew, Ian (Bette) in Birmingham. Having met Eleanor in a cycling club, they married in 1939. After completing a degree in Cost and Management Accounting by night school at the University of Birmingham, he worked as a cost accountant in a drop forge factory that mainly produced aircraft parts for the War. Due to colour blindness, he could not be in the Forces but instead acted in evenings for the Civil Defence A.R.P. rescue squad. In 1948, he, Eleanor and Margaret immigrated to Canada. His first job was as an accountant for Capital Iron. After 1949-54 at the B.C. Hospital Insurance Department, auditing hospitals all over B.C., he switched to a position with Revenue Canada auditing businesses, eventually moving to Ottawa to become Director of Audit Programs and finally Director of Management Controls. Despite having told his high school counsellor he wanted to be a chemist, not work in an office job, he spent his entire career doing so and said he loved every job he had. After retiring in 1978 he and Eleanor moved back to Victoria. As well as being a Chief Petty Officer with the Canadian Naval Reserve in Victoria and Ottawa, he held executive volunteer positions with the Victoria Horticultural Society, Victoria Chrysanthemum Society and the Board of Cemetery Trustees of Greater Victoria. He had many hobbies, especially golfing (being one of the original shareholders of Royal Colwood Golf Club), fishing, reading, gardening and travelling. Always interested in new gadgets, this Fall he delighted in his new touch screen computer. Carl loved telling stories (which his family and friends had to endure hearing repeatedly) … often making fun of himself. He had a terrific sense of humour. Always interested in what made people tick and what family and friends were up to, he would then question them as to why they were doing that activity – “what was the point of it?!” A lovable curmudgeon by many accounts. Many thanks to the kind staff of Glenwarren, Dr. Blair, Sharon and Jill.
A Memorial Reception will be held at the Victoria Golf Club on Beach Drive on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Donations to Pacific Housing Advisory Assn., 827 Fisgard St.,Victoria V8W 1R9 would be welcome.
Samuel Brendan Whitehead
December 14, 2009
9 May, 1986 – 11 December, 2009
The loss of our beloved Sam broke many hearts. For 23 years, his infectious smile shone with love and all who met him were better for it. A gentle, sensitive spirit, he filled so many lives with joy. His gifts of music, poetry and art confirmed his true compassion and understanding. His heart saw only the best in people and he did his best to cause no pain. We may never understand the why of Sam’s passing when all so loved him, but know that he is free and at peace from a darkness that became too great. Sam is survived by his grandmother, Nancy Duncan; his parents, Roger and Virginia; brothers, Mike (Melissa) and Cam (Hannah) and his partner, Lia. He is remembered with love by scores of friends and family.
Sam’s life will be celebrated in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 18, 2009. Reception to follow in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Archie Courtnall Centre, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC, V8R 1J8 or generosity to talented buskers.
Dorothy “Doris” Marion Drewry
December 14, 2009
Mom left us, in her ninetieth year, on Friday, December 11, 2009 after a brief illness. Doris and her identical twin, Alice, were born on a farm near Lashburn, SK on October 10, 1920 to Ernest and Beatrice Wren. Doris was a devoted wife to Neil, her husband of 65 years; dedicated mother to David (Joan Backus), Donna Field (Rick Gonder), Alan and Glen and beloved Nana to Alison Field and Stephanie Field, all of Victoria. She freely shared her love as well with numerous extended family and friends and will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched. Our sincere thanks to Dr. James Houston and the wonderful staff of Victoria Hospice.
“..and now, the only thing left is love”
A Memorial Service will be held in First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Road at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 18, 2009. Reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Victoria Hospice, 1510 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8S 5J2.
Joan “Joni” Marie Sweeney
December 11, 2009
Joan passed away peacefully December 7, 2009 in Victoria BC, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Roy Sweeney and Lillian Cecelia Forrester.
She is survived by her loving sisters: Lorraine Adamson (Bert), Marion Sweeney, Frances Cornish, Donna Stochinsky (Bucky), Barbara Sweeney.
Lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews: Sara Adamson (Cam), Susan Adamson, Valerie Adamson (Steve), Daniel Adamson (Mandy); Tracy Cornish, Megan Cornish, Sean Cornish (Genevieve), Christopher Cornish (Monique); Lara Stochinsky Smith (Michael), Erin Silverman (Paul), Ava Stochinsky. She will also be remembered by her great nieces and nephews, Mitchell and Alexandra Adamson; Haedy Adamson; Aidan and Griffin Cornish; Tristan and Alexandre Cornish; Tanner and Carson Smith; Maya and Benjamin Silverman.
Joni was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 19, 1929. She spent her school years in Edmonton, then moved on to work in Chicago, London, and Paris. She returned to the United States in 1955 to join Pan American World Airways, where she had a long career. From her home base in New York City Joni travelled the world, developing strong friendships which continued throughout her life.
In later years she worked as an Interior Designer both in New York and Japan. Joni returned home to Canada in 2006. She will be remembered for her enormous heart, gracious hospitality, sense of humour and love of family.
Joni handled her lengthy illness with great dignity and bravery and received wonderful care during the last two years at Aberdeen Hospital. We thank all the thoughtful and caring staff, as well as her personal care-givers Lorna Donaldson and Michelle Handley.
No service by request. A celebration of her life will be held in Edmonton in the New Year. Donations may be made to Aberdeen Hospital, 1450 Hillside Avenue, Victoria BC V8T 2B7or to a charity of your choice.
William Hamilton
December 11, 2009
September 1, 1917 – December 4, 2009
Hamilton – William passed away peacefully after a short bout of pneumonia at Hospice in Victoria, B.C.
He was predeceased by his parents William and Marion, sisters Jean (late of Victoria), Rachael, Marion, Kate, Annie and brothers Tom, Jim, John and Robert all of Scotland. Willie is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Winnie and twin daughters Jean (Tom), grandchildren Christopher (Avril Johnson), Dr. William (Dr. Kelly Cox) and Jeanette Carlson and Janet (Dr. Gary) Dillabaugh, grandchildren Hamilton and Cameron Muirhead, step-grandchildren Brent (Miriam), Dr. Lisa and Trevor Dillabaugh. In Victoria, he is survived by his niece Marion Favor and her family. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Anne of Liverpool, England and many nieces and nephews throughout the world.
Born into a coal miner’s large family in Meikle-Earnock, Hamilton, Scotland, Willie excelled as an athlete from an early age. His first love was soccer and in 1934 he signed with the first division English team, Preston North End Football Club in Preston, Lancashire. As left half, he played with his room-mate Bill Shankly (latterly Manager of Liverpool FC) and good friend Tom Finney (later Sir Tom). During the years leading up to World War II, including 1938 when “Proud Preston” won the FA Cup, Willie played with and against the best of English footballers.
After the War began, Willie joined the Blackburn Police Force while still playing with Preston North End. In Blackburn he met Winifred Johnson, a Lancashire lass living across the street from Ewood, the Blackburn Rovers FC grounds and they were married in 1944. When League football was suspended because of risks from bombing raids, Willie joined the British Army and was posted (as he affectionately described “overseas”) to Cardiff, Wales. From here he “guested” with many teams for charity matches and enjoyed playing with, rather than against, many of the English League stars. At War’s end, Willie returned to Preston North End playing until 1949 when he transferred to first division Queen of the South in the Scottish League. In 1951 at the end of his playing career, Willie transferred to Hamilton Academicals as player manager until retiring in 1953. During his career, Willie played with some of the best footballers in the world and heard the roar of crowds from the pitch at Deepdale, Old Trafford, Wembley, Hampden Park and many other stadiums.
In 1955, Willie and his young family immigrated to Victoria where he was employed at the Dockyard. As football was still in his blood, he became player manager in the old Pacific Coast Soccer League where he was Player of the Year in 1960. After leaving the Dockyard, Willie worked in the building trade constructing many homes in Victoria.
In retirement Willie and Winnie traveled a great deal as their greatest pleasures were visiting family and friends. He also frequented Ardmore, Cedar Hill and Uplands Golf Courses. Willie was a kind and generous grandfather who spent countless hours with the grandchildren. In his last days, they all returned from throughout the world to visit with him.
Willie was highly principled, a man from a humble beginning who used his gifts to rise to the top in the world of professional sports, to care and provide for a loving family and enjoy an independent retirement, living in the home he built until his final illness.
A celebration of Willie’s life will be held at the Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Rd, Victoria, B.C. on December 20, 2009 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice, 1510 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. V8S 5J2.
L. Alda Isaac (nee Hobbs)
December 7, 2009
1924 – 2009
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly loved Aunt, Grandmother, Great-grandmother and friend on December 5, 2009 in Victoria, BC. Alda was predeceased by her husbands; Jack Kemp (1964) and John Isaac (2008); her parents, Dorothy and Andrew Hobbs; her brothers, Weldon (Adrienne) Hobbs, Gordon (Betty) Hobbs and an infant sister. Alda is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and special friends, who will miss her companionship, her compassion, her sense of humour and her delicious baking. Alda graduated from the Ottawa Civic Hospital – School of Nursing, in June 1946. She moved to Victoria a year later and joined the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (where she spent the next 25 years). Alda then continued to work in other areas of the health field, serving in many capacities, until her retirement. In retirement, Alda and John enjoyed travelling and caring for their friends (not only the two legged kind, but four legged and the winged variety too).
A Celebration of Alda’s Life is planned for Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 2:00 pm at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, followed by a reception in the McCall’s Family Centre. A special thank you to the Victoria General Hospital and Mt. Tolmie Hospital for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Place, 919 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P4 or a charity of your choice.
John Daniel Runkle
December 5, 2009
John was born in Vancouver on October 11, 1917 and died peacefully in Victoria on Friday, December 4, 2009. He is survived by his loving wife, Louise (nee Ogilvie) of Ottawa; his elder son, John and daughter-in-law Susan of Fairfield, Iowa; his younger son, David of Victoria and two grandsons, Andrew and Nicholas. He is also survived by two sisters, Priscilla Statt of Vancouver and Penny Burd of Denman Island as well as many nieces and nephews in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and New England.
John graduated in Metallurgical Engineering from UBC in 1940 and served the war years in the RCAF, including England and Europe as Technical Officer with several Spitfire wings, attaining the rank of Squadron Leader. He received an honourable mention in the King’s Birthday Honour List for distinguished service.
After the war, he joined Alcan and spent his entire business career in sales and marketing management in Vancouver, Australia and Montreal, with special responsibility for international marketing of Alcan ingot products. He retired from Alcan in 1980.
He moved to Victoria in 1976 in a consulting role with Alcan but with time to develop a 230 acre family property at Henry Bay on Denman Island. The property, known as Komas Ranch, is now owned by twenty families each with a 1/20th interest and a waterfront site on which each shareholder has built a retirement or holiday home. The balance of the waterfront, enclosing the high wooded bluff at the extreme north end, has been left in its wild natural state as well as a long sandy spit known as Long Beak Point.
He was a founding member of Victoria Probus, a past Director of the SPCA and the Victoria Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed tennis, fishing, woodcarving and bridge, and was a high handicap member of the Victoria Golf Club.
A memorial service will be held at ST. LUKE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, BC on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined but for those so wishing, a donation in his memory could be made to your favourite charity. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Charles Manor as well as Dr. Inman for their excellent care and support.
John Kerr
December 3, 2009
November 1, 1926-December 2, 2009
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John Kerr beloved husband and father. John was born in Paisley, Scotland on November 1, 1926 after serving as a Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineer in the British Army during WW2. He moved to Victoria in 1948. In 1950 he met the love of his life Lillian Dupont and they were married at St. Johns Anglican Church in 1952. John worked for many years at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, as well as, the Greater Victoria School Board. He enjoyed music, gardening, fishing and soccer, but his number one love was his family. John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years; two sons, Jeffrey (Elaine) and Malcolm (Brenda); his sister Betty (Russell Sr.); children, Joanne, Russell Jr. and Adele. You’ll be forever in our hearts. The family would like to thank all mom and dad’s family and friends who supported us through this difficult time. A special thanks to the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital C3 and Hospice. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 11:00 am at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets. Interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park.
Phyllis Neithercut
December 2, 2009
Passed away in Victoria, BC on December 1, 2009. She was predeceased by her husband, Cyril (Ted) in 1978; her brother, Alan and her sisters, Peggy and Agnes. Phyllis was a long time resident of Regina, Saskatchewan and moved to Victoria in 1994. She is survived by her sons, Austin (JoAnne), Bill (Wanda) in Victoria and son, Jack (Charlene) in Regina and grandchildren, Sandra, Craig, Dean and Dallas. She will be greatly missed by all those who have known her. The family would to thank Central Care Home for their kind, considerate and compassionate care. Private cremation and interment in the family plot in Regina at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of choice.
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