June 9, 1933 – May 30, 2014
Born and raised in Vancouver, June received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from UBC in 1956. She later obtained a Master’s Degree in Health Administration at the University of Washington in 1982. June was the Director of Public Health Nursing for the province of B.C. During her 33 years with the B.C. Ministry of Health, June worked in six health units, both urban and rural, in 8 locations through out BC as well as 14 years in the central office Victoria. She was a leader, innovator and advocate, who believed in working collaboratively with both government and non-government agencies, and considered by her peers as one of the leaders across Canada.
Always embracing new challenges, she was a founding member of the BC Council for Families and later became the first Coordinating Director for B.C. Office for Injury Prevention. This office was first of its kind in Canada and has been used as a template nationally and internationally including in the USA, Europe and Israel. In these roles and other significant positions not listed, June devoted her career to improving health care and policy for British Columbians and Canadians.
In retirement she continued to lead, offering her services primarily through St George’s Anglican Church, as part of the Administrative team for the Community Resource Center; and initiated and ran a free Parent and Tots drop-in program for nine years.
With her boundless energy, she always considered family to be the most important aspect of her life. She is survived by her three children, Christy, Val, Jeff (Becky); six grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren as well as her two sisters Daphne, Merle (George) and their families. Her ever widening circle of relatives, friends, colleagues and many others whose lives she touched includes close family friend Elizabeth and her family.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 27th at 1:00 pm, St George’s Anglican Church, 3909 St. George’s Lane, Cadboro Bay, Victoria. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George’s Anglican Church.
Messages of remembrance for the family may be offered below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com.
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Diane Gladman (Read )
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Indi Kaur Sidhu So sorry to hear of your loss ….. RIP We in the Nursing community will miss her dearly.
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Cheryl Thorpe Dear Val, Christy and Jeff,
May the warm loving memories of your Mom offer you comfort and help to heal your broken hearts. She was an amazing role model for her children and grandchildren and I know she is greatly missed.
Her deep faith provided her comfort, as she was flown on the wings of angels to everlasting peace.
Knowing June, she is likely very busy organizing heavenly clinics and team leading a band of like minded angels. She lived the very definition of what a Nurse Leader should be.
Our sincerest condolences…. Cheryl, Michael, Chris and Hilary Thorpe
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Jim Horner My sincerest condolences Valerie, Christy and Jeff. What a wonderfully rich life your mom led, while making such an impact on so many people’s lives. She was such a gentle, kind woman… beautiful both inside and out. I hope your many happy memories will help you through this very tough time. You are all in my thoughts.
My sympathy to all of June’s family and close friends. I followed June in Cultus Lake and Yarrow. After I learned to read her writing she taught me so much.
When she was up in Peace River we would room together at Victoria meetings ( and play hooky together too! )
So many warm memories, especially in her lovely garden in Cadboro Bay.
Yours,
Diane Gladman ( Read )
Gibsons, British Columbia