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Browse obituaries: 10 records found

John, Koster Thursday, 26 Aug 2010

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

John Koster Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 59 on August 26, 2010 in South Okanagan General Hospital. John is survived by his daughter Janina of Austria, and brothers Casey and Nick. John, with his family immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1957. His love of music led him to play acoustic guitar. John earned his Architectural and Structural Drafting Certification from Camosun College in Victoria, BC, and later moved to Calgary where he worked for several years. Having previously also learned the painting business from his father, John later moved to Bowen Island and like his dad, became a painting contractor. John was a gentle soul and kept his sense of humour until the end. He will be missed by all who knew him. John will be interred with his dad and little brother Michael, in the Penticton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Diabetes Foundation in memory of John. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family c/o hansons@shawcable.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of HANSONS\' ARBOR FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, Penticton, BC 250.492.4202.

Bueckert, Lorne Saturday, 14 Aug 2010

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

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It is with great sadness that the family of Lorne Bueckert announces that he passed away peacefully at the Lion\'s Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, BC, on August 14, 2010. Lorne was born in Moose Jaw, SK, on May 26, 1943, to Daniel & Hilda Bueckert. After a happy childhood, including four years at Rosthern Junior College, he attended medical school at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1967. Following internship at St Paul’s Hospital he practised medicine in Kindersley SK for 5 years, in Invermere BC for 28 years, and on Bowen Island in BC for 8 years. He was predeceased by his father Daniel in 1994, his mother Hilda in 2001, his niece Danielle in 2001, and his brother Dennis in 2007. He is survived by his wife Adeline; their son Evan (and his wife Georgia, and their children Julian and Saturna) and daughter Lani (and her husband Stephen Carr); his sister-in-law Joan Bueckert (and her children Frances and Anton); his sister Elaine (and her husband Richard Maj and their children Heidi, Gretchen, Lisa, Jessica and Daniel); and many other family members and friends. Lorne had a warm and engaging personality, an extraordinary intelligence and a broad range of interests, and exceptional talents in music, photography and the arts. He loved travel and adventure, especially endurance sports, and took the greatest pleasure in the achievements of his children and grandchildren. He lived an extraordinary life of dedicated service and good times. A celebration in his memory is at Cate\'s Hill Chapel, Bowen Island, on Thursday, August 19th.

Grohne, Patricia Reid Friday, 12 Mar 2010

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

Patricia Margaret Reid-Grohne, our colourful, artistic mother, passed away peacefully with her family on March 12, 2010.
Mum was born in Vancouver March 21,
1936, to Alex K.G. and Margaret Reid. She was a champion golfer and tennis player during her youth. After high school, she attended the Vancouver Art School. During this time she met
Ju?rgen Grohne who was visiting from Germany and unbeknownst to her would be her future husband. After finishing art school, the world came calling and her adventures began. She traveled solo; on a steamer down the Nile, rode camels to the Sphinx in Egypt, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and toured Europe — always sketching and drawing the wonderful
people and places she came across. Mum ended her travels in Germany to visit Ju?rgen and lived for 2 years while attending the Kunst Akadamie (art school) in Munich. In 1958 they were married. In 1959 her first child and daughter, Katharina was born.
The newly weds and daughter decided to make their home in Vancouver. Here she
had three sons, Gordon, Michael and Raef. After an initial period in West Vancouver, they settled near Fort Langley alongside a collection of sheep, chickens and ponies. All the while our mother still continued expressing her creativity. Whether it was spinning
wool which she hand dyed from her own sheep or helping us make sand candles, or doing pottery, sculpting, painting and drawing, she drew inspiration from the life and spaces around her.
Over the years mum had numerous shows throughout Vancouver and Bowen Island.
Her paintings grace many homes and businesses around the globe. Her vibrant, colourful visions are what made her a unique painter, and a unique person. She was a Colourist.
Mum’s ability to socialize with all walks of life led her to places most could only imagine. Her diverse group of friends and fun parties always made for interesting stories and laughs. However it was the people less fortunate that mum seemed to connect with and whom she would lend a helping hand when needed.
She was predeceased by her husband Ju?rgen (2004). She is missed by her children Katharina (Kevin), Gordon, Michael (Brenda), Raef (Darla), grandchildren Alannah, Joshua, Elissa, Alexander, Courtney and Alexandra, brother Tony Reid and nephews &
neices Richard (Alexander, Rachel), Susan and Michael, brother and sister in law Joff & Pat Grohne and nephews Tim, Hanno & Krischan Grohne.
A celebration of her life and art for close friends and family will be held on Sunday May 9th at 1:00 pm. For more information please visit www.PatriciaReidGrohne.com
Hollyburn Funeral Home 604-922-1221.

Fougberg nee Collins, Margaret Linklater Monday, 08 Mar 2010

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

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Fougberg, Margaret Linklater (née Collins)

Margaret was born on Bowen Island on December 21, 1910 and passed away peacefully at Lionsgate Hospital on March 8, 2010, after living for a short time at Inglewood Care Centre. She was predeceased by her husband Thord (Slim), her parents, James and Irene Collins, her sisters Bertha Miller (Morgan), Ione (Betty) McIntyre, and her brother James (Jimmy) Collins. Left to mourn her passing are her sisters Jean Jamieson and Marion Moore, Marion\'s husband Jim, brother Roy Collins and wife Joy, and Jimmy\'s wife Irene. Her many nieces and nephews and their children will sorely miss her.
Margaret was a dedicated teacher, as many students in several BC communities will testify. She taught at Chilco, Lasquiti Island, Claydon Bay, Bowen Island, Surrey and Pemberton. She met her husband in Pemberton and they were married in 1939. She continued teaching in Pemberton Secondary School where she was instrumental in enrolling First Nations students from Mt. Curry Band of the Lil\'wat Nation into the Pemberton School. She retired from teaching in the early 70s. In 1977 she collaborated in writing and publishing Pemberton - The History of a Settlement. With her husband, she was active in the creation of the wonderful Pemberton Museum and an award of appreciation was given to them in 1990 by the Pemberton Museum and Archives Society. Her interest in history lead her and Thord to become involved in saving the Church of the Holy Cross at Skatin Nation, a church of great historic significance. In 1986, they were the recipients of an Award of Merit from the BC Museums Association for their years of dedicated service. In 1985, the Howe Sound School District gave a plaque expressing their appreciation for their years of trusteeship and contribution to outdoor education. The archives of both the Pemberton and the Bowen Island Museums will continue to benefit from Margaret\'s years of historic research. In 1990 she moved back to Bowen Island with her husband where they lived near the Collins Farmhouse, Margaret\'s family home.
A memorial service for Margaret will be held in the Bowen Island United Church on Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m., Reverend Shelagh MacKinnon officiating. A reception at Collins Hall will follow the service.

Ruskin, Olga Tuesday, 19 Jan 2010

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

Island friends will want to know about the Celebration of Life for Deep Bay resident Olga Ruskin. It\'s scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 23, at the Vancouver Club, 915 West Hastings. There will be lunch and some videos. (RSVP to Olga\'s son, John, at 604-922-0406.)
Olga Bruchovsky Ruskin\'s life was full. Born in 1931, she had a background in classical music and the arts. Despite earning a degree in modern history from the University of Toronto, she began a career in journalism.
After she married Warner Ruskin and moved to Vancouver, she took a Master\'s degree in history which later resulted in a biography of Gassy Jack.
Her varied writings appeared in a number of publications. Her interest in public access TV led to production and hosting of her own show Our Pioneers and Neighbours.
Active in the University Women\'s Club and the Vancouver Art Gallery, she was part of the team which established the location for the present Art Gallery. In the 1980s, she returned to UBC for a diploma in art history. Her varied interests took her to hundreds of gardens in Canada and the U.K. Inspired by these visits and the unique stories of the owners, she began to write for various garden magazines. One of her favourite pastimes was volunteering for Bowen\'s People, Plants and Places Tour. In 2006, she was struck by Guillain-Barre Syndrome which resulted in the loss of her ability to manage independently. Even so, her optimism and courage carried on and in her last four years, she utilized a new form of journalism by establishing her own video blog. And, at the age of 77, despite limited manual dexterity, Olga\'s New Year\'s resolution was learning to play the drums: she did well.
Her positive attitude underlined her joy in life. As she said,\" Bury my soul under a pink cherry tree and I shall live forever.\"

Dives, Harry Monday, 28 Dec 2009

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

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Harry Dives 1920 – 2009

Long-term Bowen Islander Harry Dives, known and loved by many islanders, gently curled up his toes, suddenly slipping away the morning of December 28, 2009. Harry is survived by Ethel, his loving wife of 59 years; his two sons Tony and Peter; daughter-in-law Carmen, and the joy of his life, Wilson his only grandchild.

Friends of Harry wishing to acknowledge his passing, are more than welcome to attend a memorial service to be held at Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Rd., North Vancouver, January 23, 2010 at 2 p.m.

MacKinnon, Eleanor \"Judy\" Tuesday, 22 Dec 2009

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

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Eleanor \"Judy\" MacKinnon

With both sorrow at the suddenness of her passing and such gratitude for the honour and privilege of knowing such a wonderful woman, the family of Eleanor Ernestine Mary Malcolm MacKinnon announce her death, December 22 at 7:40 a.m. in Lion\'s Gate Hospital, North Vancouver.

Mum trained at the VGH. It was on Ward D that she met an intern from Ontario on July 1, 1938. Gillean MacKinnon gave her the nickname Judy which stayed with her the rest of her life, as did their wonderful love. Married September 1939, they shared the fullness of life together, living in the lower mainland, and Ottawa, Ontario. After our Dad retired they enjoyed Cobourg, Ontario before moving to Bowen Island in 1999. Everywhere they lived, Mum made some very close friends and would love to talk or write to them faithfully over the years. They remember her feisty sense of humour and her uncommon good sense. Our Mum was a fabulous and adventurous cook, a terrific knitter, and a generous friend. And most of all, a SMART woman, keen on history (particularly Richard III) and cryptic crosswords and Scrabble. She was a voracious reader. She overcame many challenges in her physical health, defying all the odds, to live within 3 months of her 95th birthday. Mum has been an example to us of courage, determination and SPUNK, and we will miss her tremendously....

With loving memories, which are now forever blessed, she lives on in the hearts she left behind: most of all, her loving husband of 70 years, Gillean (Bowen Island). And their daughters and their families: Joyce (Chatham, ON), Carol (Bowen Island) and Shelagh (Bowen Island). Mum\'s nieces Louise and Roz and nephew Ron and cousin Margaret were very important links for her. We are so grateful to them and to everybody who supported our parents in their Bowen decade with phone calls, visits and an incredible welcome and embrace. You all added so much to their lives, we could never thank you enough. Your continued caring and love to our Dad is a blessing, and we thank you. Our Mum cherished the memories of her beloved Mum, Mary Robertson, and in our hearts we trust they have found each other again, on a Distant Shore and in a Greater Light. A service of remembrance will be held later, at Bowen Island United Church.

Picture taken on September 12, 2009, on their 70th wedding anniversary.

Pretious, Robin Friday, 18 Dec 2009

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

PRETIOUS – Robin Pretious passed away peacefully after a long illness at the Lillooet Hospital on December 18th, 2009. Robin leaves behind her loving husband of 45 years Herb, 3 children Wayne (Rene), Steve (Lee-Anne), Beth (Rob), 7 great grandchildren Lisa, Lee, Shayne, Samantha, Rebecca, Caitlyn, Nick and 1 great granddaughter Margaret-Grace, brother Mike and sister Joan. Robin was an RN for 25 years. The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at theLillooet Hospital for their excellent care given to Robin. A Celebration of Life for Robin will be held on Bowen Island at a later date.
Thompson Valley Funeral Home Ashcroft entrusted with arrangements
Thompson Valley 1-800-295-5138

Jamieson, Allan George Friday, 11 Dec 2009

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

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Allan George Jamieson, April 13, 1933-December 11, 2009
After a prolonged battle with abdominal infection, Allan passed away in St. Paul’s Hospital. Born in Vancouver and raised in Toronto, Allan moved back to Vancouver where he married the girl next door, Rosemary June Libby of West Vancouver. Allan and Rosemary raised four children and moved the family to Hopkins Landing on the Sunshine Coast where he operated Jamieson Automotive in Gibsons. Al was an avid outdoorsman. He was a member of the Gibsons Lions Club and had volunteered as a firefighter and cub leader in West Vancouver. Allan is predeceased by his wife Rosemary and his daughter Mary-Ellen (Marnie).
Allan will be missed by his sons, William, Douglas and Andrew, his sisters Joyce Smethurst (Hopkins Landing) and Muriel Bathurst (Gibsons) as well as his grand daughters and his companion and sweet heart Margaret Smith (Gibsons).
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation (greatest need).
A memorial service will be held at the Chapel at Camp Sunrise, Hopkins Landing between 11:00AM and 2:00PM January 16th, 2010
A Life Well Lived.

Wachtman, Edward Friday, 02 Nov 2007

Bowen Island Undercurrent Bowen Island

On Friday evening, Nov. 2, a frequent Bowen Island visitor, friend and surrogate dad to a number of Bowen Islanders passed away peacefully in Ashville, N.C. Ed Sr., as he was affectionately known, was a delightful storyteller and a welcomed guest at many an island table. Some will recall him as Major Wachtman, who over the past five years had become a familiar presence at our Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Ed Sr. was a wonderful role model for getting old. His body slowly wore out, and he was often in more pain than he would openly admit, but he never lost his sense of humour, his delight and interest in the people around him, and his infectious love of life. Even in the dimming eyes of an old man, there always remained a faint twinkle of youth, a hint of laughter and an undeniable sense that all was good.
He will be sadly missed and joyfully remembered.