Joseph Alexander Wilson
March 29, 2010
Joseph Alexander Wilson
July 11, 1915 – March 25, 2010
It is with great sadness that the family of J. Alex Wilson announces his peaceful passing on March 25, 2010 at the Parkwood Retirement Residence in Victoria British Columbia.
Alex was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years, Betty in May 2008. He is survived by his children; Neil (Peggy), Pam (Russ) and Peter (Jean); eight grandchildren; Geoffrey, Meghan, Blake, Kristen, Brent, Rebecca, Andrew, Katrina; four great grandchildren; Logan, Gabriel, Ava, Haley; and his brother Michael.
Alex was born in Sheffield England, immigrating to Canada in 1951 with his wife Betty and oldest son Neil who was 2 at the time. After settling in Canada, Alex and Betty had two more children, Pam and Peter.
Alex was a veteran of World War II, landing in France on D-Day+16 to play a vital, engineering role in building the Pipeline Under the Ocean (PLUTO). He rose to the rank of Captain. In Canada, he pursued a rewarding career that included the design and construction of numerous buildings in the Temiskaming region of Northern Ontario. As Commander of Cadets with the Algonquin Regiment of Militia in Haileybury, Ontario, he mentored many local individuals who remember him still with fondness and respect.
He was an accomplished draftsman / artist and is quite famous for his hand-drawn renditions of a number of famous British cathedrals. After suffering a broken hip in 2008 and a severe heart attack in early 2009, he proceeded to write his memoirs plus numerous short stories and poems for both adults and children, work amounting to many tens of thousands of words.
A Memorial for Alex is being held in Victoria at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 1525 Begbie St., Victoria, on Wednesday, March 31, at 11:00 am officiated by Reverend Travis O’Brien.
Alex will be dearly missed.
Frank Richard George Rosson
March 29, 2010
Rosson, Frank Richard George
September 23, 1918 – March 28, 2010
Frank passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital with family by his side. Frank was a 3rd generation Gordon Head resident. His parents met during the First World War and immigrated with Frank to Gordon Head in 1918. Frank was a quiet man who got things done in his quiet manner. He had a varied childhood. His first jobs were herding goats on Mt. Douglas during the summers and delivering milk throughout old Victoria. Frank left school at an early age, but was a very successful businessman. He was a co-owner of Creeds Roses and took pride in his ability to run greenhouses and supply western Canada with roses. His greatest accomplishments were his marriage to Grace and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He leaves to mourn his children, Rick (Karen), Sharon (Jack); his grandchildren, Kendra (Andrew), Shaun (Erin), Shannon (Ron), Joanne (Brent), John (Eiko), Bruce (Sandie), and his great grandchildren; Vanya, Ezra, Aaron, Alyssa, Nathan, Aly, Travis, Lyndsay and Carmen. Also, his brother Gerald, many nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
Frank loved his community, was a Friend of Gordon Head, and was an active member of his church. He spent many hours in his garden and gave away most of his produce and flowers. Frank was married to Grace, his wife for 58 years. They worked together, retired early and spent many happy travels in Britain, Hawaii and Palm Springs. They, along with Rick and Karen spent many happy times at their vacation cabin on Hornby Island. Thanks to Reverend Steele, Dr. Saunders and the caring staff at RJH and RBE3.
A service will be held at St. Dunstan’s Church, 1806 San Juan Avenue on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mustard Seed may be made in memory of Frank.
Helene Germaine LaRochelle
March 27, 2010
LAROCHELLE, Helene Germaine (nee Bouveur). Helen died peacefully at age 86 just before sunrise on March 25, 2010, in Victoria BC, with her daughter at her bedside. Helen was born on February 7, 1924, in Regina, Saskatchewan. After high school she attended a three-year commercial course at a technical school then took a position working for a family doctor until he closed his practice to join the army. She then worked at a local bank as a bookkeeper as she always enjoyed working with numbers. Helen decided to join the army herself and took her basic training in Kitchener, Ontario. She became a stenographer in the barracks and was promoted to Corporal. Helen moved to Victoria after demobilization of the army at the end of WW11. She then worked at the Legislative Buildings as a senior stenographer at the Ministry of Lands until 1958 when she married her husband.
Predeceased by her husband Larry (Frenchie) in 1984, her two brothers Roger and Peter, and son in law, Mike, in 2005. Helen is survived by her daughter, Denise Laderoute and her four furry grandchildren, whom she adored.
Helen loved animals of all kinds. Her heart would ache if she heard a story of an animal in distress. She was a kind and polite lady who never lost her sense of humour, nor her youthful spirit and wit, even when she began to slowly go blind with macular degeneration and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the same year. She eventually sold the family home and moved to a nearby apartment and continued to shop and lunch with friends until she couldn’t see to ride the bus anymore. In March 2007 she moved to Parkwood Court for the care she so deserved. Her greatest pleasure in life was spending time with her daughter. She also enjoyed listening to her music CD’s, feeling the warm sun in her face, walking the Songhees on a sunny day, visits with her grand-dog, Chinese food dinners with her kid, or a simple coffee and a donut on a Saturday afternoon.
Sincere thanks to Parkwood Court for the past 3 years of care; to Dr. Antonsen, Dr. Veres, and the nursing staff of the Renal Unit on Royal 1 at the Jubilee Hospital; and most of all, thanks to the kind and caring staff of the Lodge at Broadmead for your compassionate treatment of Helen for the short week that she was with you. She was really looking forward to enjoying her new home.
No service by request. Private cremation at Royal Oak Burial Park. Donations may be made to the Victoria Chapter of the SPCA, Canadian Diabetes Assn, or the CNIB. Flowers gratefully declined.
Ni-night-Mama. You will be missed every day for the rest of my life. You belong with the angels now.
Frank Dennis Bunton Keeling
March 26, 2010
Passed away at the age of 90 years young on March 22, 2010 at 4:40 PM. He left peacefully with his family at his bedside. Frank will be remembered as a humorous, intelligent, innovative and courageous man who was admired by his friends, family and colleagues. Some of his accomplishments for which we are proud: WWII Veteran, a pioneer of Medicare and co author of the Foulkes Report; author of Nobody’s Son and Pride & Joy. He will be missed dearly by his sons Dennis and Michael and his daughters Jennifer and Michelle, as well as his 13 Grandchildren and 11 great Grandchildren.
A viewing will take place, Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 11 am – 2pm at Sequoia Gardens Memorial, 4665 Falaise Dr., Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers Frank’s wishes were to donate in his name to the Victoria Hospice Society.
“No dreamer is ever too small. No dream is ever too big.”
Will Rogers
Clifford McNaughton Rolfe
March 25, 2010
Clifford McNaughton Rolfe - VE7 GMR
Became a silent key on March 8, 2010. Cliff was born on January 4, 1922 in Victoria. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret and sister, Thelma Ozard and several nieces and nephews. Cliff was a great advocate of and showed much kindness to animals and was a life member of the SPCA. In Cliff’s retirement years, he pursued the hobby of amateur radio. He enjoyed speaking with hams in remote areas of the world and from all walks of life. He also belonged for many years to the Victoria Men’s Garden Club and the Victoria Parkinson Association. Flowers are gracefully declined, however, donations in Cliff’s memory to the Victoria S.P.C.A., 3150 Napier Lane, Victoria, BC V8T 4V5 or the Victoria Parkinson’s Centre, 813 Darwin Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 2X7 would be appreciated. The family also wishes to thank the care/social workers of Saanich Peninsula Hospital, The Lodge at Broadmead and doctors R.D. Nicoll and Dr. D.E. Bell.
Celebration of Life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow in the McCall’s Family Centre.
Edna Joan Brown
March 24, 2010
Brown, Edna Joan
March 9, 1922 – March 23, 2010
Born in Vanguard, Saskatchewan; 88 years young. Growing older may have slowed her down, but it did not diminish her spirit, her interest in the world around her, or how much she cherished her family and friends. Predeceased by her husband, George and her oldest son Ken, survived by Gerry (Margaret), Randy and Julie, Kevin (Ursula) and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Brown’s moved to BC from Saskatchewan in 1960 and retired to Victoria in 1980.
She enjoyed her many visits with family over the years and took genuine delight in the people she loved and what was important in their lives. Mom was gentle and kind, determined but not stubborn, patient and above all else a caring encourager. She will be deeply missed, never forgotten and loved always.
A Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2964 Tillicum Road, Victoria, BC. at 1:00pm on Friday, March 26, 2010. Burial to follow at Ross Bay Cemetery.
David Chor Sek Kwan
March 23, 2010
KWAN, David Chor Sek
March 5, 1935 – March 21, 2010
It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved husband, father and grandfather, David Chor Sek Kwan passed away peacefully at age 75 on March 21, 2010. David was born on March 5, 1935 in Hoy Ping, China. He immigrated to Canada alone and at a very young age. He had a rare entrepreneurial flair and was a true self made, successful businessman. David was known for his great generosity, kindness, humility, integrity, love for his wife and devotion to his family. He will be remembered for the things he most enjoyed doing. Dancing with his beautiful wife, cruising the world and enjoying fine meals with his family and friends. David had five sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Tina, daughters Angela (Brian), Tanya (Danny) and grandchildren Julianna, Matthew and Chanelle. The family would like to thank Dr. Allan Cook and Barbara, nurse Stephanie Steele, and all the caring doctors and nurses at the Victoria Hospice and the Vancouver Island Cancer clinic.
Service will be held Saturday, March 27th at 1pm at McCall Bros., 1400 Vancouver Street, Victoria BC, V8W 3W3. (250) 385-4465
Ralph James Peltier
March 23, 2010
December 18, 1915 – March 22, 2010
Ralph passed away peacefully on March 22, 2010 to join his dear wife Rita who predeceased him in 1991.
Ralph was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan and spent most of his career at Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan in the sales and distribution division. He retired from Chrysler in 1973 and with Rita (nee Margaret Morton Westwater) moved to join family in Victoria. Not quite ready to retire, both Ralph and Rita worked for a number of years at Westburne and enjoyed that association very much.
Ralph was very active in the Presbyterian Church including serving as a member of the Session both in Detroit and Victoria.
He was also active in the Masonic Lodge receiving his degree in 1943 (Detroit Eureka Lodge #509 F. & A.M.). He was elected Worshipful Master in 1948 and a Life Member in 1983.
He always carried a love of music with him and upon retirement to Victoria joined the Arion Male Voice Choir. Ralph was also a longtime member of Victoria Golf Club.
He moved to Parkwood Place in 1992 and started a Bible Study Group which continues to this day.
Health issues forced his move to Beacon Hill Villa late in 2009 where he again made many friends and entertained playing tunes on the piano when he was able.
He leaves to mourn him his beloved daughter Sharon and her husband Michael Morgan, sisters-in-law Jean Thomas of Victoria, Eloda Westwater of W. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, special cousin Thelma Michels of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks both Dr. W. Beeston and Dr. M. Vaughan for their attention and care, and his long time friends Alan Dolphin, The Law Family and all the angels at Beacon Hill Villa for their gentle care and many kindesses.
We will miss his ready smile and sunny outlook but will remember him in all the champagne bubbles!
Funeral Service will be celebrated at McCall Bros. Family Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 3:00pm with a reception to follow in the McCall Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Eileen Dolores James (nee Bradford)
March 22, 2010
JAMES, Eileen Dolores (nee Bradford) – born August 6, 1924; died March 20, 2010. Predeceased by her husband Charles Henry (Harry) James of Moose Jaw and Regina, Saskatchewan. Survived by her daughters, Susan (husband Dale and children Jennifer and Chris) of Calgary; Kendra (husband Elliott and sons Oliver and Keaton) of Calgary; and son Craig (wife Christine and children Evan and Taylor Ellyn) of Victoria and a small number of relatives in Western Canada.
Born and raised in Lachine, Quebec, Eileen met her Harry during the second World War when he was stationed in Sherbrooke. They married after he returned from his posting with the Royal Canadian Airforce at Southampton, England and set up home in Moose Jaw in 1946. With Susan and Craig in tow, the family moved to Regina in 1954 where Kendra joined the family in 1958. Following Harry’s death in 1985 Eileen moved to Sidney, British Columbia where she lived until her death. Eileen was a proud member of the Lioness Club of Regina for many years and led the organization in many elected capacities. A member of the St. James Anglican Church parish in Regina, Eileen immersed herself in various church groups. She was an avid clarinetist, painter and art collector. Eileen’s passion was helping the blind – she was devoted to the Canadian National Institutes for the Blind organizing and participating in events. Her parents died some years ago and her only sibling – a brother Kenneth Bradford – died from wounds he suffered on a mission in Italy during the Second World War.
We thank the many dedicated health care professionals on southern Vancouver Island who helped Mom over the years as her dementia became more pronounced in particular, those at Sluggett House, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, and especially, Dr. Jovic.
A private family funeral service was held in Victoria with interment at the Regina Memorial Gardens beside Dad. In lieu of flowers donations could be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation or Beacon Community Services Association.
Benny Jensen
March 22, 2010
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a loving husband, father, step-father, grandfather and uncle. Predeceased by his parents Fred and Alice, and sister Lilli Lunde. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Marie; daughter Kathy (Gene) Lehna; son Frank Rasmussen; step-daughter Rosemarie (Al) Anger; grandchildren Michael and Cassandra Lehna and many more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his cat “Bubbles”. Ben was born in Copenenhagen, Denmark and immigrated to Canada in 1956. He always felt so proud to be a Canadian. He settled in Victoria with Marie and built their dream home that he called his Hatley Castle. Ben worked for Farmer Construction for many years, and always spoke highly of the Farmer team. Ben will always be remembered for his zest for life and his big smile. Family and friend gatherings were always a delight to Ben, whether it was a Danish feast, playing pool with his buddies, fishing or camping, he always enjoyed life to its fullest.
A Visitation will be held for family and friends from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday March 23rd at McCall Bros. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday March 29th at 11:00 am at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson at Vancouver St. with a reception to follow.
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