Ruth passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 6, 2011 at Parksville, B.C. She was born on November 22, 1919 and was aged 91 years. Beloved wife of Alan; Ruth will be missed by all who knew her. No service by request.
MADDOCKS, Ruth
Ruth passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on April 26, 2011 at the age of 70 years. She is survived by her husband Ray. No service by request. Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to the charity of ones choice.
MASSICK, Linda Cheryl (nee Mahaffey)
Linda was born on August 1, 1947 and passed away on March 11, 2011. Predeceased by her parents Edward C. and Pearl E. Mahaffey, she is survived by her husband Murray Massick, children Tara Massick of Surrey, B.C., Glen Massick of Nanoose Bay, Keri Willie-Massick of Nanaimo, grandchildren Marissa, Madyson, Brian, Brayden, Kaleb, Kailynn, Hailey, brother Brian (Judy) Mahaffey of Port Alberni, sister-in-law Louise (Greg) Brunt of Parksville and Jeani, uncle Norman (Isa) Waugh, and her four nieces and their families. Linda was a resident of Lantzville for over 40 years, where she and her husband built their family home and raised their three children on the beach. Linda was a wife, sister, mother, nana and friend. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered. A Celebration of Linda's Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 730, Parksville, B.C. V9P 2G8 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 255 - 2000 Island Hwy, Brooks Landing, Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 5W3.
MATHES, Ilse (nee WALTER)
Ilse was predeceased by her husband Arthur Mathes in 1973. She was born in Germany and after immigrating to Canada in 1953 she settled in Toronto. Around 1990 Ilse moved to Nanaimo, finally settling in Parksville. She spent her last years at The Gardens in Qualicum Beach. A special thank you to the 3rd floor care unit for taking such good care of Ilse. Interment will be with her husband in Mississauga, ON. Ilse will be remembered for her love of animals and who often could be seen walking her dog in the neighbourhood.
MAY, Betty June
A life well and fully lived ended peacefully, at home; on December 16, 2011. Betty will be deeply missed by her husband James and daughters Barbara (Graham), Pamela (Joe), and Nancy (Charles). She also leaves two very special grandsons, Dylan and Owen Riley, and was the cherished sister of Alan Platts (Eleanor) and his family. Betty was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and trained as a medical laboratory technologist. After marrying Jim in 1953, they spent several years in northern Alberta where May Contractors brought electrical power to rural areas. After Jim joined Canadian Utilities in Edmonton, the family moved to Whitehorse, transferred to Drumheller, and later to Grande Prairie. Betty and Jim retired and moved to Nanoose Bay in 1986. Life was an adventure that Betty fully embraced. She had a keen sense of humour and showed determination in everything she undertook. Betty was a bright student, an accomplished figure skater and curler, ski instructor, private pilot, Boat Wise instructor, and hockey player. She was as skilled with a chainsaw as she was with a sewing machine, equally comfortable as a gowned lady at the regimental ball or spending the day outdoors in waders catching trout – truly an original. Betty was a caring person with a strong social conscience and a goal of making other people’s lives a bit better. This was apparent in Whitehorse where she provided grub-stakes to trappers, her involvement with the Friendship Centre in Grande Prairie, and as a volunteer with the Feral Cat Society in Nanoose Bay. During her twenty six years of retirement, PGOSA activities were the thread that created a tapestry of pleasure and purpose. Betty had a wonderful touch with animals. Many dogs and cats had happy lives after being found on her doorstep. She loved the outdoors and was happiest when fishing, sailing, working in the garden, or storm watching with her beloved dog, Girl. If desired, donations can be made to the SPCA or Oceanside Hospice Society in Betty’s memory. A memorial service, officiated by Reverend Lynn Cawthra, was held on December 19, 2011 at Yates Funeral Service, Parksville, B.C. THANK YOU The family of Betty May extends sincere and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people whose help enabled us to care for Betty at home. Her quality of life was enhanced by your kindness, thoughtfulness, and professional care. Special thanks are extended to the staff of Sue’s Senior Care, VIHA Home and Community Care Program Nurses and Community Health Workers, Pharmacists at Shopper’s Drug Mart, volunteers at Oceanside Hospice and Legion Lending Cupboard, Dr. Carey Sulz, Reverend Lynn Cawthra, friends and neighbours. Your support brightened her days and helped us during a difficult time. James, Barbara, Pamela and Nancy.
MELDRUM, James Alvin
Oct 19, 1935 - Jan 4, 2011
After an eight month battle with cancer, Alvin died peacefully at home with his wife of 52 years, Kay Meldrum (nee Piepgrass) at his side. Also surviving him are his children; Jim, Hal (Violet), Judy Boorman (Chuck), Dan (Aynsley), grandchildren; Natasha, Konnar, Chrystal, Murray, Braden, Quinn, brother Ron Meldrum (Redwater, AB), ex-sister-in-law Marilyn Meldrum (Grand Prairie, AB) and many nieces and nephews. Alvin worked in the oil industry finishing up with Shell after 23 years. At retirement in 1988, he moved to Parksville where he volunteered for almost 20 years with TOTAMS (Time Out for Tots and Moms) and was very active with the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron (for 20 years) and the Probus Club. In 2007 he moved to Bowser and helped construct the Deep Bay Yacht Club just before his battle with cancer began. Alvin touched the lives of many in both communities. A small service of immediate family was held on January 8, 2011. A Celebration of Life will be held on the Easter weekend, time and venue TBA, and everyone who knew Alvin is invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 1299, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1T3 or the Oceanside Hospice Society, 210 Crescent Rd W, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1J9.
MITCHELL, Gail Sandra (nee DeMontigny)
Born August 30, 1948 in Victoria, B.C. a long time resident of Parksville, B.C. passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on March 2, 2011 in Nanaimo, B.C. Predeceased by her father Ray, Gail is survived by her loving husband Maurice Tieulie, her two sons James (Patricia) and Dean Crawford, both of Edmonton, AB, mother Suzanne, Victoria, B.C., sisters Diane (Bob), Duncan, B.C., Carol Dunsmuir, Victoria, B.C., brothers Wayne (Dorrane) DeMontigny, Campbell River, B.C., Ken (Amanda) DeMontigny, Victoria, B.C. and stepsons Richard (Darcy) Tieulie and Bradley (Shelly) Kitiuk, both of the Edmonton, AB area. Gail also leaves many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many friends. A Service of Remembrance will be held on March 10, 2011 (2:00pm) at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, 887 Wembley Rd, Parksville, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gail's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 1299, Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 1T3. Gail's family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for their kindness.
MITCHELL, Marjorie Elizabeth
Born April 9, 1927 in Belfast Northern Ireland, passed away in Qualicum Beach December 16, 2011 after a short illness. She is predeceased by her daughter Jean and husband John and is survived by her son David, of Nelson B.C., and her twin nieces Jennifer Carlisle and Rosemary Petrie, both of Comber Northern Ireland. Marjorie and John were married in Belfast in 1953, and soon after left for Montreal where their son David was born. They moved to southern Ontario, living most of those years in Oakville. Marjorie was very gregarious and made friends easily. Marjorie became very active in the fabric arts and embroidery community and met many of her closest friends there. After her daughter Jean passed away in 1982 she took up painting, thinking she might finish some of Jean’s unfinished works. Upon John’s retirement in 1990, Marjorie and John moved to Qualicum Beach to be closer to their son and return to life on another island in the ocean. Marjorie continued with her painting with the Schoolhouse and Nanoose painting groups. Marjorie was a founding member of the Arrowsmith Needle Arts Guild. She made many new close friends through those activities. Throughout her life, Marjorie loved to be out in nature. This was her meditation. It comforted her and reminded her of her childhood and father. Sometime she would be with John or her children, but she was always with one of her beloved Westie dogs. She was always exploring new places looking for new sources of fruit and berries for her endless assortment of jellies, jams and liqueurs. Marjorie learned to live alone for the first time in her life when John passed away in 2002. She continued her embroidery and painting with her large circle of friends, and of course, her walks in nature. No memorial service has been planned. However, if you wish to memorialise Marjorie, you may want to make a donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Go to www.natureconservancy.ca and follow the tab How to Help select in memoriam
MURLAND, Sture Jansson
Dec 20, 1934 - July 17, 2011
Stu passed away at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by his parents George and Mary Murland, he is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean, daughter Linda (Terry), grandson Stuart (Lindsy), sisters Jessie (Les) of Campbell River and Etta (Ken) of Edmonton, brothers Jim and John (Joyce) plus a very large, extended family. After serving in the Royal Canadian Navy for 22 years (where he was known as ¡¥Moe¡¦), he left as a Chief Petty Officer and went on to be an electrician for 30+ years. Stu loved to work and he enjoyed a vast array of music. He loved hockey and other sports and ran a Hockey Referee School in Victoria and Parksville. A Memorial Service will be held at Yates Chapel, 1000 Allsbrook Rd Parksville, B.C. on July 23, 2011 @ 1:00pm. Donations may be made to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, 1200 Dufferin Cres Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2B7 or the SPCA, Box 1407 Parksville, B.C. V9P 2H3.