Hedda Thatcher
December 31, 2010
Hedda Thatcher, born October 15, 1942 in Vienna, Austria, passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2010, in Victoria, BC, Canada. She is survived by her partner Tony Nicholson, former spouse David, her two sons Stephen (Carol) and Andreas, her granddaughter Alexandra, her sisters Annelies and Maja (Ewald) in Vienna, and numerous nephews and nieces. Hedda was a passionate teacher and mentor. Her love of languages and cultures, and her joy in promoting a greater understanding of them, formed a bridge that spanned five continents. Her loss will be felt by family, friends, and students around the world. Cremation and no funeral by request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Mustard Seed (www.mustardseed.ca). There will be an informal reception to celebrate Hedda’s life at the University Club, University of Victoria, from 2 to 4 pm, Saturday January 22, 2011.
Keely Meredith Kennedy-Todd
December 29, 2010
August 27, 1993 – December 25, 2010
Keely passed away peacefully Christmas Day evening, after a long battle with Juvenile’s Huntington’s Disease, with her Grandma and her best friend by her side. She is survived by her grandmother Jan Todd, mother Meaghan Todd (Stavros), father Lance Kennedy, grandparents Barb and Vic Kennedy, great-grandfather Clive Balfour, Auntie Mandy Kempster (Dan), cousin William, Uncle Bob Kennedy (Angie), cousins Colton, Alicia and Robyn, her best friend Lisa Pryer, her Auntie ‘Colle LeJeune, her cat Booger and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. We will miss her infectious laugh, her beautiful smile and her absolute love of life. Keely’s obsession with stuffies often had Grandma threatening to buy a bigger house just to hold them all! She spent 4 years riding with Victoria Riding for the Disabled and absolutely loved “her” horse Faensi. She attended McKenzie Elementary School, Colquitz Middle School and was in Grade 11 at Spectrum Community School. A special mention to Etta Epp, her educational aide and friend, who has been with Keely since Grade 6, and whom Keely loved dearly. Keely had a love of hockey, especially the Victoria Salmon Kings (her “cutie patooties”) and particularly her friend Marty the Marmot. The presentation of one of Wes Goldie’s jerseys before he left the team was one of the happiest days of her life.
We would like to acknowledge the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Shriners Club, Variety Club, President’s Choice Children’s Charity, and Giving In Action, whose generosity enriched Keely’s life in the last few years, and allowed her to remain at home with Grandma. A very special thanks to the wonderful staff of 4 North VGH Paediatrics, especially Erin, Heather and Jill, the amazing staff at Victoria Hospice, and the home nurses and caregivers who allowed Keely to have nearly a month at home before entering Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Keely’s memory to any of the above charities, VGH Paediatrics, Victoria Riding for the Disabled, the Huntington’s Society of Canada or Victoria Hospice.
A Memorial service for Keely will be held at McCall Bros., 1400 Vancouver St., Victoria, on Friday, December 31, 2010 at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow. The family requests that if you have a Salmon Kings or Vancouver Canucks jersey, please wear it to the service in honour of Keely. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Roger Gordon Chatham Jolley
December 28, 2010
July 26, 1954 – December 24, 2010
Sadly at 6:00 Christmas Eve, December 24, 2010, brother Roger Jolley passed away. His stout heart could not fight anymore. Writhing in pain, he fought a nasty cancer with every ounce of his strength. Brother Roger loved music, sports, people, animals, charities, helping out as much as possible and life. His Uncle Riv and cousins Diana, Robert, Louise, David, Suzanne and Kimberly will miss him dearly. And brother Phil truly has a gaping hole to fill.
A memorial service will be held at CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be deeply appreciated.
Opal Rhea Swaity
December 28, 2010
Opal Rhea Swaity passed away peacefully with her loving husband Paul at her side on December 26, 2010 in Victoria, British Columbia. Opal was born June 17, 1923 in Chattanooga, (Red Bank) TN and enjoyed a family-centred childhood. She was valedictorian of the first graduating class of Red Bank High School. In 1946 she was the first recipient of the Scholze Scholarship given by the Chattanooga Music Club. Throughout her life Opal cherished a deep love of music. She graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a BA in music in 1947 and later studied voice at the Julliard School in NYC. Shortly after joining the music faculty of Shorter College in Rome, GA she married Paul Swaity in 1952. Together they travelled throughout Canada and the southern US before settling in NYC where she continued to perform as soloist at churches and civic functions. She joined the New York Philharmonic in 1958 and retired from there in 1983. In 2004 she went with her husband to Victoria, British Columbia.
Opie loved to sing and she continued to share the gift of song even when her health was failing. We cherish those times of listening and joining in. Her gracious spirit remains with us all.
Opal was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Clara Rhea; four sisters: Gladys Wallace, Leoma Young, Nina Robbs, and Margueritte Swingle; and her brother, Claude Rhea. She is survived by her husband, Paul Swaity and a sister, Dot Godsey, of Chattanooga. Opal is remembered with love and affection by her many nieces and nephews across the USA and Canada.
A Funeral Service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm at McCall Bros. Family Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s society in your area. Condolences may be offered to the family at McCall Bros.com.
Mildred (Todds) Cotter (nee Hewett)
December 28, 2010
Mildred also known as Todds died surrounded in love by her children, on December 23, 2010 in Victoria, BC. She was born on March 01, 1922 in North Vancouver, BC.
Predeceased by her husband, Les in 1996, sisters Nancy Hewett & Midge (Marjoyee) McKinlay, & bother Stephen.; Mildred is survived by her children, Craig & David Cotter & Julie Sanders; her grandchildren, Aynsley, Taylor & Leslie Cotter, & Step Grandchildren Jasmine & Ilea Sanders; cousin Jim Hewett and close niece & nephew Lindsay & Ron Hamilton. She will be greatly missed by many other relatives and friends.
Mildred studied dress design as a girl, worked in the family business Hewett Groceries in North Vancouver, & drove for the Red Cross during WWII, then worked at Corie Coal. She met Les Cotter through her sister Nancy, they married in1948 when service with the RCMP saw them move across the country not returning to British Columbia until 1974 after living in Regina Sask & Ottawa Ont. She enjoyed travelling although getting ready for any trip was agony for her, she loved it as soon as the house door was shut.
Mildred’s life revolved around her family and friends. Her charity spread to all those who were fortunate enough to know her. Giving to others was her life, she had a large heart, daunting spirit and level of energy that amazed everyone she knew. Working hard to help others came naturally to her. She was active within her church, Eastern Star, the Seniors Centre, as well as a lifetime of enjoying gardening, camping, travelling, cooking, & lawn & carpet bowling. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with family & friends, enjoying life to the fullest. Her playfulness & sense of fun will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Mildred’s life will be held at the Colwood Pentecostal Church, 2250 Sooke Road, Victoria on Wednesday, January 5, 2010 at 1:30 pm, with Rev. Andrew Hewlett officiating, with a reception of light refreshments to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Canadian Cancer Society 204 -780 Tolmie Ave, Victoria BC V8X 3W4.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.McCallBros.com.
William “Bill” Richard Duke
December 22, 2010
Born in Drumheller, Alberta on December 4, 1933 and passed away December 21, 2010 after battling cancer for 6 years. Survived by his loving wife, Janice of 54 years; his 5 children Sherryl Skaalid (Leiv), Jim Duke (Donna), Lori McKinnon (Bing), Bill Duke (Jeanna), Christine Hollins (Clay); 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and sister, Anne Beach; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At age 17, Bill left his home town of Rosedale to attend the University of Alberta where he completed a B.Sc. in 1955, B. Ed in 1956 , M. Ed in 1966 and his Ph.D. in 1970.
He started his career as Principal in Edgerton then moved to Innisfail for one year as principal- designate. The family then relocated to Delburne where Bill was Principal for 4 years. The next career change was as Superintendent of High Prairie School Division and then as High School Inspector in Lethbridge. Bill, Janice and family moved to Edmonton in 1968 where Bill completed his Ph. D. and held various positions with the Department of Education ending his career as Associate Deputy Minister of Education in 1990.
Bill joined Western Management Consultants soon after retirement and came to Victoria for a one-year contract however they remained for the past 15 years where Bill taught at the University of Victoria and Royal Roads.
As a life-long learner Bill presented many workshops all over North America and was a respected educator. Many of his students hold his “Billisms” with fond regard. He will be most remembered as a man who held a genuine interest in all his colleagues, students and friends as he treated everyone with good will and integrity. His sense of humour, intellect and love for animals will be missed.
The Duke family would like to thank special friends: Chris Burke, the DeSorcy’s and Pasini’s as well as Janice’s sorority sisters and neighbours.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on January 8, 2011 at 2:00 pm at OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 798 Goldstream Avenue, Langford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice, Richmond Pavilion 1952 Bay St. Victoria BC V8R 1J8 or www.victoriahospice.org
Claude Lacey
December 16, 2010
“Every man dies but not every man truly lives.”-William Wallace
LACEY, Claude, Loving father and son, faithful friend, and devoted husband was born April, 8th 1947 in Queenstown, New Brunswick and lived life! He passed away suddenly on December 13th 2010. Survived by his high school sweetheart, best friend and wife, Joyce of 47 years, sons Tony and Guy, mother Edith and cherished granddaughters Taylor and Sophia. Claude was a man who truly lived. Everything he did in life was done with passion and excellence. He was a friend to all he met and sacrificially served those around him. He loved the ocean and loved being out there on the open seas in his boat fishing, with his love and best friend, Joyce. Words cannot express how much Claude will be missed but we, his family and friends, will honor him in our lives with the joy that he found in living, loving and laughing. We love you, Claude and you will never be forgotten. Flowers are gratefully declined but donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice in Claude’s memory. A celebration of Claude’s life will take place at the Princess Mary Cafe in Esquimalt located at 453 Head street on Saturday, December 18th at 11am.
June Alfreda Parker (nee Copping)
December 16, 2010
November 25, 1923 to December 10, 2010
June left us peacefully in her sleep after a short, brave fight with cancer. She was predeceased by her husband William (Bill) Parker. She is survived by her loving children Stephanie Parker (Peter Law), Stephen (Joyce) Parker, Scott (Irene) Parker and Spencer (Betty) Parker, her grandchildren Willam, Tyler and Tessa Parker, her sister Gloria McLean, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. June had a large heart, daunting spirit and level of energy that amazed everyone she knew.
“I gave you my love. You can only guess how much you gave me of happiness. I thank you for the love you all have shown, but now it’s time I travelled on alone.”
No funeral service by June’s request. A remembrance and celebration of June’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in June’s name may be made to the SPCA or a charity of your choice.
Helvig “Helen” Poulsen
December 13, 2010
September 28, 1924 – December 13, 2010
Peacefully, surrounded with love, honouring life, Helen Poulsen has been welcomed home into the arms of the Heavenly Father. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Evans and her daughter, Jeanette. She is survived by her sons, Peter, Allan and Brian.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at Luther Court, 1525 Cedar Hill Cross Road on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Beatrice “Bee” Elizabeth Dickens
December 9, 2010
Beatrice “Bee” Elizabeth Dickens 1916 – 2010
Bee died in Glengarry Hospital, Victoria on Dec 8, 2010.
Since Bee was born December 23, 1916 in Nordegg, Alberta to Lil (Ellis) & Ben Dickens she would have been 94 years in 15 more days.
There were five children in the Dickens family – three died in infancy and her last sibling – her sister Dorothy died Dec 3, 2008.
Bee is survived by her cousin Bob (Ivene) Ellis of Richmond BC as well as other cousins in BC, SK, ON, England, Australia, & USA. Bee was a long time resident of Victoria. She attended Victoria West School, Oaklands School and Victoria High School. She retired in 1973 after working for the City of Victoria for 31 years – the last seven years as secretary to The City Park Commissioner. Bee worked for 38 years with the Victoria Civic Credit Union which was started in June of 1948 and she acted in the position of Secretary Treasurer until it closed in 1986. In 1984 she typed her last newsletter for the Victoria Horticultural Society – 11 years doing so with only missing one printing when she went to England in 1974. She could pronounce and spell correctly the names of plants, trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses.
After WW2 in 1946, Bee along with her sister Dot and some of their friends (10 to 12 members) formed the “Burton Ave Toy Group” and made toys, etc for children at Dr. Barnardo’s Home in England – most members were girlhood friends and lived near each other at the time in Oak Bay. They carried on with their group “The Toy Club” for many years – In 1987, the Burton Ave Toy Group, now reduced to seven active members, voted to send their 41st and last annual donation to Dr. Barnardo’s Homes for needy children in England. When they first started the Club, in the first three or four years they made upwards of a hundred stuffed toys but when the cost of shipping was so high they sent cash – as toys were once again available after the war. Their small donations were no longer able to buy sufficient English Pounds to make it worthwhile so then their small pittance went to one local Victoria charity, the name of which was pulled from a hat containing the personal choice of each member. About 1993 the Toy Club had about three picnics during the summer instead of their usual meetings in their homes, choosing a different Victoria Park every time. In 1995 the Toy Club Group was now reduced to six of the original members – the oldest was 81 and had known all of the members for 78 years – and had known Bee and her sister Dot for 68 years. This is such a long time for a very strong friendship to withstand the years. Finally the toy club was disbanded due to ill health of the remaining members and diminishing membership.
Bee had many interests – she enjoyed bike riding, camping and fishing in her early years, driving her car and visiting many places on Vancouver Island and visiting friends at Quesnel and her cousins in Richmond – a high light were the trips to England to visit family and see the sights. Bee never married or had children but she was very active with her four god-children and she and they have fond memories of their association over the years. She enjoyed Bridge, Mah-Jongg, Scrabble, crosswords and jigsaws. Bee was an excellent cook and baker and an avid and accomplished knitter and made many things for charity as well she did many items in needlepoint. Bee had a long and happy life until dementia and other medical issues took their toll. She moved to Glengarry Hospital Feb, 2007. Thank you to the staff there where Bee was for her last years. We want to acknowledge and express our gratitude especially to Janice Miller who spent many hours with Bee when we couldn’t be there and also to Maureen Bothwell for doing the weekends – they are special ladies. No funeral or service by request. Bee was cremated and her ashes will be interred at Hatley Memorial Gardens, Victoria. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
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