John Samuel Purefoy Lane
October 31, 2011
October 27, 1924 – October 28, 2011
Our dear Father died peacefully on Friday, October 28, 2011 in Victoria. Predeceased in 2010 by his beloved wife Irene, he is survived and lovingly remembered by their 6 children: Stephen(Judy), Jenefer, Kathleen, Mark(Shelly), Martin(Catherine Mackay), and Celia(Tony Musgrave); also 8 grandchildren: Sarah Lane, Christopher(Jacquie) Lane, Dallas and Samantha Morrison, John(Makiko) Lane, James and Anna Lane, and Alex Musgrave; and two great grandchildren Samantha and Jacob Lane. Also survived by his brother David(Marjorie) Lane of Monkstown, Co. Dublin, sister-in-law Rosemary(John) Mellor of Co. Down, and brother-in-law Terence(Audrey) Smyth of Devon. He was pre-deceased by his sister Jil Lane. Born in Bognor Regis, England, son of Samuel and Dorothy Lane, he was educated at Aravon and Cheltenham before graduating medicine from Trinity College, Dublin. He and Mum married in 1949 and lived in Wales and England before emigrating to Canada in 1965. A dedicated and caring physician, he was devoted to his practice and patients. In addition to medicine, his whole life was suffused with his love of music. He was an accomplished organist and pianist. The family would like to recognise the wonderful care and kindness provided to Dad by the staff of Mt. Edwards Court Care Home.
Funeral service to be held Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 12:30 at Christ Church Cathedral, Quadra at Rockland Ave., Victoria, BC led by the Very Rev. Logan McMenamie and the Rev. Canon Herbert O’Driscoll. Reception to follow in Chapter Room. All welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Norman Charles Taylor
October 27, 2011
March 3,1949 to October 18,2011
It is with great sadness that we announce that Norm died October 18 in Victoria Hospice at age 62. He is survived by his spouse, Janis Kristjanson and his sister, Marilyn Taylor. He was predeceased by his parents, Gladys (King) Taylor and Tom Taylor. He also leaves behind an extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins, as well as close friends and associates who mourn his loss. Norm was a quiet and thoughtful man who was a talented aircraft maintenance engineer based in Calgary and specializing in major overhauls and regular maintenance on helicopters. He worked with such companies as SPAR and Ken Borek Air early in his career and in later years he operated as an independent contracting engineer. He loved the natural world and animals; his work enabled him to be outdoors. He recently described his work with his uncles on their farms in Manitoba in his teens as one of the best times in his life. At the age of 19 he travelled in an outboard motor boat with his dog up Vancouver Island to Port Hardy. In recent years he returned to Vancouver Island where he worked in Qualicum Beach with Ascent Helicopters. When he learned that his cancer would severely limit his life, Norm bought 34′ cruiser moored in Deep Bay, BC, where he spent the last part of his life repairing and upgrading his boat and enjoying it for touring and prawning. The highlight of that time was a month-long cruise with Janis on Desolation Sound and around the region.
As he requested Norm’s ashes will be scattered on the ocean and some will be interred with his mother in Brandon, Manitoba during a private gathering to celebrate his life.
Norm can be remembered through donations to the BC Cancer Foundation or by mail to BC Cancer Foundation 2410 Lee Ave. Victoria, BC V8R 6V5) where they will be directed to bladder and related cancer research or donations may be made to your local SPCA or Humane Society.
James John Vanyo
October 26, 2011
August 14, 1924 – October 23, 2011
Having led a full and rich life with the love of his large family and many friends, Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 87. Jim grew up on a Saskatchewan homestead in a close-knit family during the Great Depression. He left life on the farm at the age of eighteen to join the Fort Garry Horse Regiment of the Canadian Forces and serve our country in WWII. On June 6, 1944 Jim was one of the 14,000 brave, young Canadians who stormed Juno Beach in the D-Day offensive. As the regimental wireless control operator in the Colonel’s tank, he managed strategic communications. Jim participated in the liberation of Holland and was stationed in Germany when Victory in Europe was declared.
Jim married his wife Irene in Calgary in 1950 and they moved to Vancouver Island where he found a career in the forest industry. As a union leader, he worked tirelessly over many years to improve the safety and employment conditions of workers.
In 1958, Jim and Irene settled in Victoria to raise their family. He valued his family above all else and took great interest in the various endeavours of his many family members. Jim enjoyed over forty-five years of golf as a member of the Gorge Vale Golf Club. He was a gentleman of the highest order and will be remembered for his positive outlook, sense of humour, commitment to learning and his determination.
Jim was pre-deceased by his loving parents, Andrew and Margaret Vanyo, and his brothers Frank and Alec. He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 61 years, Irene; his children Barbara (Robert), Debbie (Gary, deceased), Shelley (Barry), Jamey (Lynne) and Kathy (Tim); and his sisters Julie (Peter, deceased), Elizabeth (Leigh) and June. Jim also leaves grandchildren Renita, Cherise, Amy, Matt, Nick, Shannon, Jeremy, Nathan, Rob, Brenda, Janet and Steven; great-grandchildren Willow, Shyla and Ashly; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Parish on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Father William Hann presiding. A reception will follow at the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
McCall’s Proud Winner of Best Funeral Home in Victoria
October 26, 2011
Victoria, BC – McCall Bros. Funeral Directors Ltd was awarded the Best Funeral Home of the City for 2011 as rated by readers of Victoria News, Saanich News, Oak Bay News and Goldstream News Gazette. http://www.mccallbros.com/
The 17th Annual Best of the City Survey held by Black Press News via an online ballot process awards accolades annually allowing readers to vote and award best businesses in the city. Readers are asked to tell about what they like, love and are passionate about in this great city and companies are awarded for outstanding service by their own community.
Trevor McCall, Funeral Director, stated, “We are very honoured that we have been recognized by the citizens of Greater Victoria as the best funeral home in the city. Such an award is a reflection of our staff and we are very fortunate to employ funeral directors and support staff who put families first and are 100% dedicated to the families we serve.”
Quality service at McCall’s means the following;
- Always offering valuable information, care and assistance for families suffering loss of a loved one.
- An After Care program ensuring that surviving family members receive guidance on dealing with estate matters and provides grief support references if required.
- Being served by a family who has served Greater Victoria for 90 years and is proudly, locally owned and operated in an environment where most funeral homes are owned by public corporations.
- Availability of 3 locations in Greater Victoria broadening reach to the constantly expanding city and surrounding communities.
- Providing preplanning options for those wanting to make provision for their survivors to ease uncertainty of wishes and financial stresses in a time of loss.
About McCall’s Funeral Home
McCall Bros. Funeral Directors Ltd., established in 1921 by David M. McCall and James M. McCall, has provided four generations of capable and compassionate service to the Victoria community. The McCall funeral home occupies the same site it did 90 years ago. The firm was founded with the purchase of an older residence built by Victoria pioneer, J.H. Todd, who had established the Todd Fish Canneries located where the Empress Hotel now stands. Over many years the old Todd residence would be substantially improved to be what it is today. There are fourteen full-time and ten part-time staff members.
For immediate access to information about funeral options and the McCall’s free Pre-Planning Guide visit http://www.mccallbros.com/
Contact Information:
Trevor McCall
250-385-4465
trevor.mccall@mccallbros.com
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Alex Simonok
October 25, 2011
Passed away peacefully on October 21, 2011 in Victoria, BC. He was born in Nadwirna, Poland on March 13, 1920. Predeceased by his wife, Christine (Carol) in 1990. Lovingly remembered by his children, Alex (Lisa) and Nanette (Mark); his grandchildren, Colin, Cathryn and Emma-Sophia. Having escaped from a POW Camp and surviving WWII, Alex emigrated to Britain, where he met his wife, Carol. Together with their two children, they came to Canada and finally settled in Powell River. Alex worked at MacMillan Blodel as a millwright until his retirement in 1985. Alex was a devoted family man and his children and grandchildren were the love of his life.
Interment and Graveside Service will be held at Powell River Regional Cemetery on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 12:30 pm. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Esther Elizabeth Edwards
October 24, 2011
Esther Elizabeth Edwards, 93, of Victoria, wife of Robin Edwards, passed away on October l4th, 2011 at Victoria General Hospital. Esther was born on December 10th, l9I7 to Martha (Pat) Hutchison and Stuart Hutchison in Victoria. She was the eldest of 4 siblings. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Happy Valley where Esther grew up. She attended Victoria High School where she was active in sports and particularly enjoyed basketball. She worked as a professional nanny for several years and later worked in Eaton’s book department where she met and befriended many of the authors. Esther went on to write about local history for the Times Colonist Islander Magazine. In 1941 Esther married John Stewart of Spillimacheen, BC who passed away in 1979. She married Robin Edwards in 1983. She loved her old Studebaker and was an active participant in the Studebaker Club. She and Robin belonged to The Engineers Club, a photography club and a garden club. As a lifelong animal lover she was also an active member of the local SPCA. She was very involved with friends and neighbours and her wonderful sense of humour will be greatly missed. Esther was predeceased by her first husband John Stewart and brother George Hutchison. She is survived by her husband, Robin Edwards; his children, Willow Edwards and Marigold Edwards; sisters, Catherine Phillips and Elsie Duncan, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and their children. The family would like to especially thank Esther’s niece, Diane and her husband, George Copley for many years of faithful love and care for Esther.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets in Victoria on Monday, November 7th at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be held prior in Hatley Memorial Gardens at l:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Esther’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Victoria SPCA would be appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff on the Crofton floor of Selkirk Place for their kindness and compassion. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
Doris Cloke
October 24, 2011
“She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.
No motion has she now, no force;
She neither hears nor sees;
Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course,
With rocks, and stones, and trees.”
(Wordsworth)
Born March 28, 1921 in Melville, Saskatchewan; died October 11, 2011 in Victoria, after a protracted illness. When young, Doris lived in Vancouver, but for over 60 years called Vancouver Island–the place she loved best–home. Doris knew the island well, ranging from Bamfield, to the rural tranquillity of the Cowichan Valley and various points between, before finally retiring in Oak Bay. She loved wildlife and the natural world. Whether raising orphaned brown squirrels or harbouring a soft spot for crows, the furred and feathered clans figured prominently in her worldview. She loved dogs–especially her best friend, Boots, whose loss she never quite reconciled; every neighbourhood dog knew her as a soft touch in whose pocket treats were always found. From her daily walks along Willows Beach, around Cattle Point, and Oak Bay Village, Doris was familiar to many. She had an effortless way of turning strangers into friends; her open heart, her baking, and her generosity were legendary. Always eager for new experiences, she was in her 60s when she bought a piano and learned to play-well. How can one ever hope to condense a life so sorely missed? Doris leaves behind daughter Willow, son-in-law Denis, sons Ken, Alan, many dear friends, and not least, two young dogs who patiently keep watch at her window, vainly waiting for her to reappear. Many thanks to the dedicated and tireless RJH Hospice staff who eased her passing.
No service by request. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Victoria Hospice or the S.P.C.A. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
John (Jack) Ross
October 22, 2011
Born in Edmonton, AB on October 23, 1921. Passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. Four days short of his 90th birthday, Jack went to be with Eva, his loving wife of 66 years and grandson David. Lovingly remembered by his daughter Judy, son Richard (Sue), granddaughter Lisa (Doug), grandson Mike (Cindy) and great grandchildren Cassidy and John and a large list of extended family and friends.
Jack was very passionate about everything he did whether it was managing Rose’s Jewellers, his many years as a View Royal Volunteer firefighter, property development at Willis Point and Sooke, woodworking in his shop, or tending to his garden. The thing he cherished most was spending time with his family. He enjoyed life to the fullest!
A Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 235 Hartland Avenue from 5 to 8 pm; Eulogy at 6 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A.A.M.A.C. (Supporting Canadians with bone marrow failure diseases www.aamac.ca).
Luigi Gazzola
October 22, 2011
Passed away suddenly but peacefully on October 19, 2011. Survived by wife, Gisa; daughters, Liz and Monica and his beloved grandson, Brandon. Also survived by brothers, Pio, Quinto, Costantino; sister, Amalia; in-laws; nieces and nephews in Victoria and Italy. Dad was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Mario, Camillo and niece, Sandra.
Born November 22, 1930 in Castelfranco Veneto Italy, dad came to Canada in 1956. He and his brother Camillo ran their tile business until dad retired in 1990. Dad was an active member in the Italian Community. He was also awarded Honorary Citizen of Victoria in 1971 for his community service. Dad loved life and loved being surrounded by friends and family.
Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick’s Parish, 2060 Haultain Street on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 12:10 pm followed by entombment at Royal Oak Burial Park.
Laurence Jack Colyer Walker
October 20, 2011
April 19th, 1923 – October 16th, 2011
Laurence Walker, husband of Gwendolyn, father of Wendy and Iain, brother of Noel, Kathleen, Nancy and David, and grandfather of Jessica and Madeline, passed away peacefully in Victoria after a short illness.
Laurie was born in Long Eaton, England and moved to the U.S. at the age of 6. Early in World War II, at age 18, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. Retiring after 25 years, he joined the Canadian Foreign Service, serving a further 20 years at diplomatic postings in Europe and Asia. He and Gwen loved travelling and thoroughly embraced the culture of the countries in which they lived, instilling their great enthusiasm for the world and its people in their children and grandchildren. He recorded many events and escapades from these years with deftly drawn and hilarious cartoons that are now part of the family archives. After 50 nomadic years in service to Canada, Laurie and Gwen chose Victoria as their retirement home, enjoying their friends, the natural beauty of the island, and the best weather in the nation. Laurie had an encyclopaedic knowledge of military and world history which, combined with a unique perspective on life, a wicked sense of humor, and a great sense of fairness, gave him great respect, admiration and love from his family, friends and colleagues. He was a truly decent and wonderful man. We will miss him so much.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prostate Cancer Canada, the BCSPCA, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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