FORSEY, Ellen Mae (nee: Damon)
June 7, 1939 to December 15, 2010
The world has lost a joyful spark and a beautiful dreamer. Ellen was spunky, feisty, genuine and unpretentious, warm-hearted and caring, with a quirky sense of humour, strong opinions about most things, and a sense of purpose and determination that was truly inspirational. She loved laughter, found joy in the company of family and friends, enjoyed life's simple pleasures, devoured mystery novels, chocolate, and popcorn, and never failed to be awestruck by the beauty in nature. When the Big entered her life in 2006, she gave it one hell of a fight. She volunteered at Meals On Wheels (Sooke), and, at age 69, she amazed us all by completing the Great Walk (64 K) for the third time. Several bouts of cancer finally got the best of her at age 71, despite the wonderful care and support she received from Drs. John Kinihan, David Wolovitz, and Rob Waite. Ellen was born in Kamloops, raised in Vancouver (John Oliver HS), and had a successful career in real estate (Surrey). She was predeceased by her father, George Damon (1968), mother, Josephine Damon (Florence) (1994), and son, Michael Gates (MacBeth) (1985). Ellen leaves behind so many who will miss her, especially her husband and soul-mate, Ted Forsey, and sister, Marge Damon, along with numerous sisters- and brothers-in-law, other family members, and a great many close friends and acquaintances. To know her, was truly to love her. And she loved us all, too. A celebration of her life will be held sometime in January. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ellen's name to your favourite charity.
GELDREICH, Melvin (Bud)
April 16, 1915 - December 13, 2010
Melvin (Bud) Geldreich, beloved husband of Marie (Ancion) passed away at the age of 95 at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Bud is survived by his wife Marie of 66 years, daughter Sharryl (Helmut Schwarz) of Port Alberni, B.C., grandson Mark (Aileen Campbell) in New Zealand and his only living brother, Ron Geldreich of Bow Island, Alberta. He was predeceased by his parents Alma and Max Geldreich, brothers Ray, Merle and Vern and sister Maxine Thurlow. Bud was raised on the family farm south of Bow Island, and was a well known builder in southern Alberta. He retired in 1978 and moved to Qualicum Beach, B.C. with Marie where he enjoyed golfing and fishing for many years. We wish to sincerely thank Dr. McIntyre and Dr. Martin and the staff at The Gardens at Qualicum Beach where Dad resided since 2006 for the excellent care and kindness he received. We also thank the doctors and staff in the emergency room and on the 6th floor of NRGH for their excellent care and support during Dad's final week. A Funeral Service was held at the Church of the Ascension, on Monday December 20th, 2010 at 11:00 am with Father Jozef Kobos officiating. In lieu of flowers a donation in Bud's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
GRANT, Kenneth
With his loving family by his side Kenneth Graham Grant of Parksville, B.C. born on April 9, 1939 passed away on December 15, 2010 at age 71 years. Ken was loved and respected by his family and his friends. He will be missed very much. There will be no formal service and if desired donations can be made to a charity of ones choice.
KHAN, Mushtaq Ahmed
(October 8, 1919 - October 11, 2010)
passed away Monday October 11 at the age of 91 years. Mushtaq was born in Najibibad, India and grew up in Bijnor, India. He graduated from the Bengal Veterinary College, Calcutta in 1935, and received his Master of Science (Entomology) at Michigan Sate University in 1948. After the partition of India, Mushtaq proceeded to Karachi, Pakistan with his first wife Servia and their four children. Servia passed away in 1952, and Mushtaq and the children emigrated to Canada in 1954. He met Catherine in Guelph, Ontario and after their marriage in June 1955, he worked for Agriculture Canada in Ottawa, Ontario for two years before moving to Lethbridge, Alberta in 1957. Mushtaq was a Senior Research Scientist at the Lethbridge Research Station for 28 years. During this period, Mushtaq received his Doctorate from the University of London, England in 1972. After his retirement in 1984, Mushtaq and Catherine moved to Qualicum Beach, British Columbia in 1988. Mushtaq was an avid community member, which was evidenced by his membership in Rotary International, the Oddfellows Lodge of Lethbridge, Alberta (of which he was Grand Master in the late 1980's), and the Islamic Centre of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Mushtaq was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather and great-grandfather and an example of diligent hard work and perseverance, life long scholarship, and devotion to his faith. His wisdom and unconditional love shaped the lives of many of those close to him. Mushtaq is survived by his wife of 56 years, Catherine (Cleghorn), his children Ishtiaq, Ashfaq (Sharon), Afaq (Linda), Surraiya, Jane (Randy Royer), Cathy, Camilla (Barry Bonetti) and Jemal (Debbie), his grandchildren Stephen (Raelynn), Heather (Craig), Nika, Dhana (Greg), Alexia (Al), Sabrina, Emily, Jordan, Ashley, Ryan, Alia and Kevin, and his great-grandchildren, Mikhail, Sasha, Jack, Ryan, Samantha and Haylie, his brother Farooq Ahmed Khan (Houston, Texas) as well as many nephews and nieces in India and Houston, Texas. There will be a visitation on Tuesday October 19th at 7pm at the Yates Funeral Home in Parksville and the graveside ceremony will be on Wednesday October 20 at 2pm at the Qualicum Beach cemetery with a reception to follow at the home. If friends so desire memorial tributes can be made to The Mushtaq and Catherine Khan Endowment supporting Islamic Studies at the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Alberta.
KING, Janet P.M. (nee Denniston)
1928 - 2010
Jan died peacefully on November 4, 2010 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after suffering a stroke. She leaves behind husband Bill, sister Betty Berrington (Peter), daughter Sarah Staley (Scott), son Brian (Catherine Nickerson), grandsons Bill & Todd Staley, Nick & Wilson King and their mother Rocio. Jan was born in Victoria and went to school at St. Margaret's, Norfolk House, and Oak Bay High. She and Bill raised their family in West Vancouver before moving back to the island in 1997. She loved her bridge, walks and many friends. Jan worked in retail fashion in Victoria, Lake Louise, San Francisco, Portland and West Vancouver, however the job she loved most was being a homemaker for her family. A celebration of life will be held at the Craig Bay Club House in Parksville at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 20, 2010. Donations in Jan's memory can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 730, Parksville, B.C., V9P 2G8.
KUHAR, Hjordis Eugenia (nee Johnson)
It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to our Auntie Hjordis. Hjordis passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 29th 2010 in Qualicum Beach, B.C. Predeceased by husband Sam in 2002. Hjordis Eugenia Johansson was born in Haparanda, Sweden in 1918 and came to Canada as a young girl. Homesteading on Ross Road with her family, living most of her life between Aldergrove and Abbotsford, B.C. Hjordis moved to Qualicum Beach to be near family support in 2006. Hjordis and Sam enjoyed over 61 years of marriage. To the day she passed away, Hjordis never stopped grieving for her loss of Sam. Hjordis is survived by an extended family of nieces and nephews and all of their families. Along with brother Rudy (Helen) Johnson of Williams Lake, B.C. and cousin and best friend Ellen (Pete) Jacobsen of Portland, Oregon. Predeceased by two brothers and their wives, Fred (Mary) Johnson, Aldergrove, B.C. and Nestor (Mae) Johnson, Williams Lake, B.C. Graveside service at Aberdeen Cemetery 28417 Fraser Highway, Abbotsford, B.C. Thursday Oct 7th at 1:30 pm.
LAVENDER, Valentine (Val)
Passed away peacefully at home December 11, 2010. Val was predeceased by his wife and soul mate Doreen last December. He will be greatly missed by his son, David (Sheila) and the boys: Jackson, Tony and Alex, his daughter, Mary Anne (Sarah and Simon), and other family members. Val was born February 1921 in London, England. At 19 he joined the British Army, and after basic training and Officer Cadet School he was sent out to India. Discharged as Captain in 1947, he returned to England. Later that year he headed out to Kenya in search of a warmer climate. Val loved the heat. He worked as an Electrical Contractor and then as Electrical Supervisor for the East African Railways. He met and married Doreen in Nairobi in 1955. In 1956, after the Mau Mau rebellion and a visit with her sister in Victoria, they decided to stay in Canada. It was a decision they never regretted. Val worked as an electrician in the Victoria Shipyards for a couple of years and then became an Electrical Inspector for the B.C. Gov't. He served as District Electrical Inspector for Port Alberni and then Parksville until 1975 when he was promoted to Regional Supervisor until retirement in 1986. In 1964, after several years in Port Alberni Val and Doreen moved to Qualicum Beach, where they raised their children, enjoyed their dogs and lived happily. Val loved to walk the dogs with the dog clatch at the baseball park. He was an avid Ham, amateur radio club: VE7VL and enjoyed mastering his computer. Val will be missed by all who knew him. Thank you to all the caregivers and nurses who took such gentle care of Dad in his last weeks. And special thank you to Frank and Lynsey for all they have done for Mom, Dad and us over the past several years, no words can say how much we appreciate all your love and support. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Oceanside Hospice Society, 210 Crescent Rd. W. Qualicum Beach, B.C., V9K 1J9.
LOZINSKY, Margaret Katherine (nee Torchia)
July 26, 1929 - September 11, 2010
Mom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was a wonderful woman with a real zest for life, love, family and friends. Predeceased by her loving hubby, Ed, in 1975, she leaves her children to mourn her passing: Carol and Ken Bucyk, Jim Lozinsky and Al Indaco, Deb and Chris Campbell and their children Aaron, Carolyn and Jesse, his Kim, and great-grandchild Hannah Grace. In her passing, Mom also leaves to mourn her sister Angie, who was with Mom from the start of her life to the very end. What a blessing! She also leaves many relatives to mourn her passing in Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg, Mom always welcomed ALL of our friends into our house and so she became their mom too. We want to acknowledge them all, especially Catherine. Special thanks go out to Rita for being the best kind of friend a friend could be. Welike to recognize Mom's bingo buddies‚ and the kind folks at the Parksville Legion who were so helpful to her during those Monday and Friday night bingo games. Our deepest appreciation goes out to Dr. L. McLure for his professionalism, care and compassion during Mom's illness. Also, thanks to the many nurses, oncologists and health care personnel from the B.C. Cancer Agency, Jubilee Hospital, Cancer House and NRGH. You treated Mom with great dignity in the darkest of times. To all who knew Mom, please accept our apologies if we've inadvertently missed anyone. In lieu of flowers, Mom asked that donations be sent to the Oceanside Hospice Society (210 Crescent Rd West, Qualicum Beach B.C., V9K 1J9), BCSPCA (Box 1407, Parksville B.C., V9P 2H3), or the Canadian Cancer Society (Box 1299, Qualicum Beach B.C., V9K 1T3). A celebration of Life will be held at Yates Funeral Chapel (1000 Allsbrook Rd, Parksville BC) on Saturday Sept 18, at 1pm.with a reception to follow for family and friends. Ti amo, Mom!
MACKENZIE, Catherine R.
Born June 4, 1922, in Stewart B.C., passed away peacefully, Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at Nanaimo Regional Hospital. Catherine is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Ann (Bill) Rogers, Ruth Mackenzie, Jane (Dean) Williams, as well as her brother and sister-in-law Peter and June Jack, and many nieces and nephews. Wonderful happy family times will be remembered by her grandchildren, Janine, Jennifer, Cara, Trish, Mack, Shane, Jill and Joan along with the newest generation, her great-grandchildren, Ben, Nick, Mackenzie, Logan, Sami, Morgan, Max, Cammie, Kendra, Bella, Calvin, Elizabeth, Taylor, Aidan and William. Catherine is predeceased by her husband, Duncan and youngest daughter Elizabeth Jean. A celebration of Catherine's life was held at St. Stephen's United Church, Wednesday November 17, 2010 at 2:30pm, with The Rev. Phil Spencer officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Catherine Mackenzie can be made to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Suite 102, 1801 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo, B.C., V9S 1H1, or www.nanaimohospitalfoundation.com.
MADSEN, Gudrun Kingo "Goody", (nee Jensen)
June 7, 1923 - November 22, 2010
Passed away suddenly at home from complications of diabetes. Born in Gislev, Denmark, she became the first licensed female butcher there. Gudrun was in training to become a nurse when she emigrated to Canada in 1957 with her first three children, joining husband Karl in Victoria. Fourth child Kenneth was born in Canada in 1965. Gudrun, Karl and Kenneth moved to Qualicum Beach in 1974. She had a special creative touch with everything she tried. She brought her artistic flair to her painting, sewing, decorating cakes, garden and floral arrangement, but most notably as a chef, both publicly and privately. Her family dinners were legendary. Locally, she fed many satisfied customers at the Glen Grey (now Gary's Bistro) and Shoreline Hotel (now known as the Old Dutch Inn). If you hadn't eaten her food, she very likely looked after your parents or grandparents as a member of Parksville Home Support, as Gudrun had gone back to school in her mid-fifties and relaunched the health care career she had always wanted as a certified care aide. She gave much comfort and cheer into the homes and lives of her clients until an injury caused her first retirement in 1984. She recovered to go on and dance with the Happy Squares, and was a member of the Nanoose Golden Agers and SOS volunteer drivers. This didn't keep her busy enough, so she returned to work as a private care aide, continuing into her seventies until her own health concerns took precedence. She managed to still camp and go fishing up until a couple of years ago, but never quit painting, baking or doing handcrafts, although her gardening was scaled back. She still couldn't say no to a bit of off-roading or a ride on a motorcycle. Gudrun was predeceased by her parents and three brothers, all of Denmark, and her husband Karl in 1983. Missing her sadly are son Kenneth Madsen (Lise) and grandson Karl, and canine family Chimo, Shida and Bandit, all of Qualicum Beach. Also left behind is daughter Vivi (Ted) Eveleigh and grandchildren Sharon, Greg and Chris Eveleigh; son John Madsen (Janis) and grandchildren Eric, Keir and Chelsea Madsen and grandchildren Mark, Steve and Jennifer Daykin, as well as five great-grandchildren, all of Victoria; and daughter Inger (Leif) Du Pont of Denmark, as well as numerous nieces and nephews there. We are missing not only a mother but a truly great friend as well. We love you Mom. There is no service by request; however there will be a private memorial at some future undecided date. Her wish was to have her friends and family get together over some good coffee and Danish open-faced sandwiches and think of her. As Mom felt it was important to make a difference, you can donate in her memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Parksville- Qualicum SPCA. She was a truly caring person who took great joy in helping others that needed it. Sincere gratitude to the paramedics and firemen for your valiant efforts; the RCMP, Victims Services for their kindness and support; Yates Funeral Home for their comfort at a very difficult time in our lives. Many thanks to everyone else that has been there for us.
MARCOTTE, Patrick
March 14, 1936 - September 30, 2010
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Patrick Donald Marcotte on Thursday September 30, 2010 at the age of 74. He loved many things in life including golf and travel and good friends, but nothing compared to the love for his daughters. Patrick was predeceased by his wife Patricia in April of 2010. He is survived by Tammy Marcotte of Adelaide, Australia, Lisa (Ward) Bradley of Calgary, AB, Karen Marcotte of Qualicum Beach B.C., Joelle (Mark) Francis of Kelowna, B.C., and his much loved sister Rosalie (Rudy) Cherkowski of Hudson Bay, SK. He was blessed to have six grandchildren, Nicole, Lindsay, Casey, Austin, Fraser and Julia. A celebration of Patrick's life was held on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 11:00am at the Catholic Church of Ascension, 887 Wembley Rd, Parksville, B.C. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 1299, Qualicum Beach, B.C., V9K 1T3.
McLEAN, Evelyn Fay
Born in Saskatchewan on October 29, 1917, Evelyn passed away at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on December 21, 2010. Predeceased by her husband Hector in 1954, she is survived by her sons, Jack McLean and William McLean, daughter, Carol Joyce Werner and grandsons, Stacy and Wade Werner. In 1947 Hector and Evelyn moved to Coombs, B.C. where they stayed until their passing. Evelyn was very active in the Arrowsmith Agricultural Fair. Special thanks to the home support workers for the loving care they provided to Evelyn in her last few years and to the Emergency Room staff at NRGH. A graveside service will be held at Yates Cemetery, 1000 Allsbrook Rd. Parksville, B.C., on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 1:00 pm.