Deb died peacefully after a courageous but short battle with a brain tumour on December 21, 2014 in Hospice in Victoria, BC.
She was surrounded in love by her husband, Bob; brothers, Bill and Sandy; sister-in-law, Deborah and cousins from Toronto. Predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Anna, she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbours, and walkers on the Cedar Hill chip trail.
Deb was born on July 2, 1954 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She worked for many years at the Manitoba Provincial Government in Winnipeg and upon moving to Victoria, she worked for the BC Government. She loved life, family, friends, dogs and travelling. Her passion for nature, particularly birds, stimulated all who knew her and her warm smile was infectious.
A celebration of Deb’s life will be held in the spring in Victoria on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to the BC Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (WildARC) http://www.spca.bc.ca/branches/wild-arc/ would be appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
A celebration of Deb’s life will be held at McCall Brothers Funeral Home at 1400 Vancouver St. at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2015.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
-
Sallie Cabrera
-
Allan McGirr Bob: I join with others to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I met Deb only once (that last time I saw you) but could tell immediately what a nice person she was and a such a loving partner to you. Thinking of you.
-
Richard Stafford Bob…I am so sorry for your loss. Although I didn’t know Deb well at all, the way you spoke of her left the impression of a wonderful person. What a tragedy.
Take care Bob. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
-
Svein Haugen Bob and family it is with shock that I learnt of Deb’s passing yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Words are inadequate to express my thoughts. I am so sorry. Svein.
-
Cathy G Bob, thinking of you during this painful time. I know you will miss her. Deb was a beautiful person who was always smiling.
-
Lauren Boucher To Bob and family, my sincere sympathy at this sad time. It is hard to believe that Deb is gone. I had the pleasure of working with her for several years and she was always a ray of sunshine in the office. Since then, I would see Deb and Bob occasionally at the Opera or Jazzfest or a coffee shop enjoying time together, and we would have a pleasant moment of catch-up and conversation. Deb’s smile and good humour were a constant. She will be missed.
-
Gail Haines To Bob and all of Deb’s family, my sincere sympathy. I worked with Deb in Winnipeg and continued to be in touch with her and Bob over nearly 25 years. So many good memories of Deb, whether talking of our favourite exercise show that we wouldn’t miss in the ’80’s, hearing of her and Bob’s travels or how she loved living in Victoria. She was a truly special person; we are all so blessed to have known her.
-
Olga Dearest Deb, we know each other for a long time, enjoyed many operas together and travel to many places! On our travels, you were the sunshine to our little group, always enjoying, never complaining! Learned from you to be kind and unselfish and enjoy every moment! You are missed, love
Olga
-
Deb + Keith We didn’t know Deb well but when we met on the Cedar Hill Chip Trail and chatted about birds, ducks and dogs, she brightened our day. She’ll be missed very much. Our thoughts are with you.
-
Donna Dublin Dear Bob and family, my condolences to you during this sad time of loss.
Deb was a friend over the past decade or so and someone I recognized as a genuine, special person. She constantly expressed her love of nature in photography with a special affinity for birds and dogs. I enjoyed our times whether Deb was relaying stories of travel, or expressing her delights about a stellar culinary experience, concert or dance event, or even just the simple things shared with Bob in a day’s offering. If sweet Deb crossed our paths ever so briefly, or shared a longer part of the journey, we are ever so brighter because of her.
-
Anne Graves Such a shock to read this today. My late-husband and I were among the many chip trail walker that loved it when we bumped into Deb. She will be missed. Heart-felt condolences to her family.
-
Jan Wittal My heart is filled with sorrow for a lady who was taken from us way to early. My heartfelt condolences to all her family. I met Deb 16 years ago when I started working with her. She became a great friend and we shared many walks, shops and travel stories. Memories of her good nature, love of life and nature will stay in my heart always.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday….unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.” (quote). Love Jan
-
Rose McGuire My deepest condolences.
We have all missed Deb on the chip trail these past few weeks. She was such a lovely person and yes she did have an infectious smile. She schooled us on the many varieties of birds and would often share photos of them. It was a joy to walk around the course with her discussing everything from jazz, to the new bathroom renovation she was so excited about. She will always be a part of our little “community” and every time I pass the duck pond I will see her there…
-
Wendy Morris My sincerest sympathy to all of you. The Watson and Morris families spent many times together growing up especially Christmas Eve and New Years. I have many treasured memories with Deb. May your treasured memories help ease your sorrow for Deb who has left too soon!
I was not given the opportunity to meet Deb but by the way you describe her to me, Bob, she must be a wonderful, loving person. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Take care.