Girl From the North Country From nursing, to a stint as an au pair in Paris, to studies in anthropology and English, to a flowering career as a writer of poetry, newspaper and magazine features, radio documentaries and, in her last year, her only book, Alicia lived a life of many achievements. But none so great as that of loving mother to her beloved daughter Charlotte Priest and loving wife of husband, Ben Parfitt. Born August 29, 1953 at the famed Mayo Clinic (Yukon Territory), Alicia spent her childhood in the tiny town of Elsa, a silver mining town, where she lived with her sister, Vona, father Gerald, mother Helen and grandmother Omi. From there, with notable interruptions, Vancouver became her base. There, she made lifelong friends first through the nursing community, then a self-described hippie house, and later through work at The Vancouver Sun. Many more lasting friendships began after her move to Victoria 19 years ago. Alicia spent her last days under the compassionate and loving care of staff at Victoria Hospice, assisted by friends and family. She was 61. She will be sorely missed by members of her extended family and by numerous long-time friends. Many great things happened for Alicia following her diagnosis with ALS three years earlier. And, at times, it enhanced her greatest qualities – her grace and humour, her nurturing spirit, her deep love of nature, her writing, and her love of friends and family. Her last written words for publication in the Canadian Medical Association Journal were: “…love truly is a medicine. Not a cure, but a salve of gratitude, comfort and peace. From acquaintances to close friends and family, I’m being carried away on a river of love. Who could ask for more?”

A memorial service celebrating Alicia’s life will be held in Victoria Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at McCall Bros. Funeral home at Johnson and Vancouver streets. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Victoria Hospice.

Farewell, Alicia. May whales always swim the West Coast waters you loved.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com.

  • Art Fredeen

    Ben, My sincere condolences for your and Charlotte’s loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting Alicia, but after reading your obituary, it’s absolutely clear just how special a person she was. You were blessed to have such love for one another. Art.

  • Jean Stewart

    Ben, you may well not remember me, but I sold you and Alicia the vacant, run down, “mansion” on Woodland so very long ago. It was a gem and a real labour of love for you and your young family. I have often thought of you both and your family and your names were never lost to me over time. I recall how much Alicia loved the blue hand-blown glass vase and the amount of work you both put into restoring that old place. I’m so sorry for your loss; I know not if you were still together, but a deep loss, none the less. My thoughts are with you.

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