Tudor Davies, 1945 October 23 -- 2024 January Tudor Davies left this world on January 15th 2024 after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Tudor was born in 1945 in Wales, a very proud Welshman. In 1964 he joined the Gloucestershire Constabulary and served until 1995. Tudor was a firearms officer and during the last seven years of his career he was attached to the Royal Household Protection group. He was posted at Highgrove House, then home of the Prince and Princess of Wales. This was an enjoyable time for Tudor as he could carry out his passion for bird and wildlife watching. He loved sharing his knowledge with the future King. After retiring from the police force he moved to Savannah, Georgia, where his family lived. Tudor returned to the UK in 1998 and later met Gwenlais Morgan – a meeting that was to totally change his life. In August 2012 he married Gwen, the love of his life. They moved to Canada and settled on Salt Spring Island where he joined Search and …

Dennis Marshall 1947–2024 Dennis was a deeply kind man with a big heart that drew people to him. He was one of those old time Saltspring characters who moved to the island to live a life his way, which he did with quiet accomplishment and great joy. Dennis loved Saltspring - the beach walks, the beauty of the land, playing on the water in his armada of boats, driving it’s bumpy roads with a menagerie of cars and motorcycles….but mostly, Dennis loved visiting — visiting with the people he called friends. Many of you will remember him as ‘the glass man’, who ran and owned S.S.I. Glass for 45 years. We thank you for welcoming us into your homes and trusting us with your glass. In his 40s Dennis bought a beautiful piece of land with its creek, its springs, its pond and its trees. Here he built the house he’d always envisioned. We filled it with things beautiful and odd and made it our home. It was his favourite place to be. Dennis always needed to be making things. He …

It is with deep sadness that the Bird Man of Creekside, Arthur Patrick Falardeau, one of Salt Spring Island’s beloved characters, passed away October 7th, 2023, well loved and peacefully at Greenwoods Long Term Care facility. Art was born in Kenora, Ontario, November 21, 1933. Art and I (Raven Fox, formerly Nikki Menard), spent 23 years together since 2000. Art’s first wife, mother of their children, Shirley passed a few years back. He is survived by Sharlene Caux, previous partner, Sandy Johnson, also a previous partner, his children, Bud, Patty, Robyn, David and Bonnie as well as grand children and great grandchildren and soon to be born as great great granddaughter. Art was a Renaissance man from the School of Life of which he was passionate about. Art was a storyteller extraordinaire mostly about his own life experiences. While in Kenora, Ontario, he was a homesteader where he raised his five children. He also raised milking cows, cattle, chickens, pigs and rabbits, d…

Dennis Lachlan McKelvie September 21, 1934 - January 8, 2024 Dorothy Joan McKelvie May 12, 1933 - January 8, 2024 It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Dennis Lachlan McKelvie (September 21, 1934) and Dorothy Joan (nee Kosmack) McKelvie (May 12, 1933), after courageous long term battles with extensive illnesses. As they shared a life of over 65 years together on this earth, they chose to leave it together thru the MAID program surrounded by family, January 8, 2024. Dennis grew up in New Liskeard, Ontario excelling at school and all sports. He went on to graduate from Haileybury School of Mines before accepting a full academic scholarship to Queens University earning a Bachelor of Science Geological Sciences (Engineering) degree. He taught Chemistry and was head basketball coach at Oakville’s George E Purdue High school before embarking on his career in geology, providing the impetus to move his family West (North Vancouver) in 1966. Over the next 40…

Sharon Ann Sykes passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on Friday, January 12th, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on May 12, 1952 in Burnaby to Audree and Michael Falenda. Sharon is predeceased by both her mother and father as well as her younger brother Lorne. Sharon is survived by her sister Carol Renshaw (Jim), Husband Doug, her daughter Kimberly Beamish (Eric) and their boys Cameron and Jacob, and her daughter Amanda Cayford (Jason) and their boys Dexter and Greyston. Sharon cared deeply for her community and she was proud to call Salt Spring Island home. It brought her immense joy to watch everyone enjoy her Christmas window display at Mouat’s each season. Sharon loved to spend her days watching her daughters and grandsons play sports, especially baseball. She also enjoyed creating cake masterpieces and timeless crafts. Her favourite place to spend her time was on her porch with her spring flowers and surrounded by butterflies. If she w…

Jennifer Elizabeth Mary Steele July 27, 1985-December 28, 2023 With deep sorrow and broken hearts we want to let our friends and wider community know that we have lost our darling girl. Jennifer was born on the island 38 years ago and grew up here surrounded by loving family and friends. After graduating from high school she attended the University of Victoria and received her degree as a Registered Nurse. She worked for several years at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Victoria where she impacted many lives in her work with children. Her compassion and empathy for people made her an exceptional nurse. She had a special bond with animals, especially our myriad of family dogs. She loved the ocean, kayaking on the lake, music, painting and loved nothing more than a good laugh with her family and friends. She loved her family near and far and her many close friends and co-workers. She was predeceased by her beloved, older sister Courtenay, who she held close to her hear…

Lee William Kaslander died Wednesday December 6, 2023, at Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island. His old lungs could not fight off the pneumonia that followed a bad bout of stomach flu. He is survived by his wife Bev Franks; sons Jon (Kelly McKay) and Evan (Katrina); 4 grandchildren; sister Kris Omness and her son and family; Chris Ast, the mother of his sons; several cousins; Bev’s sisters Val and Terri and her mother Theresa. Lee was born on October 9, 1946, in Alma, Michigan to Leonard and Eunice (Converse) Kaslander. He attended Kalamazoo College, which included 6 months of foreign study in Erlangen, Germany. He and Chris then moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, where Lee earned an MSc in Chemistry. Instead of continuing in chemistry, he decided to join the new computer centre in the Saskatchewan government. He spent the next 25 or so years working in the IT industry in Saskatchewan, Yukon, British Columbia, Washington state, California and where-ever else he was sent. …

Judy Nurse (nee Watson) passed away peacefully, at home and on her own terms December 14th, 2023. Judy's final days and weeks were filled with gratitude. She lived a happy and fulfilling life to the end, surrounded by those she cherished most. Judy is survived by her husband Murray Nurse, brother Gerry Watson, children Laura Morris (Roger), Michael Nurse, and Heather Connolly (Darragh) as well as grandchildren Caiden & Jeremy Morris and Sam & Julia Connolly. A celebration of life will be held in the new year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following charities: Salt Spring Public Library, Salt Spring Foundation or Stqeeye’, an indigenous-run, not-for-profit organization based in BC.

Julia Ann Hope Matthews (nee Spencer), 77, of Salt Spring Island, BC, passed away on December 7, 2023, after a short battle with illness. She was surrounded by love and family at the time she passed. Julie, born on November 26, 1946 to parents Alexander and Helen Spencer in Port Alice, BC, where they lived until moving to Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan in 1954 where she grew up. In 1966, she met the love of her life, Blain Matthews, and they wed on March 11th,1967, going on to have four children, Angie, Jackie, Allen and Jason. In 1975, the family moved to Salt Spring Island to be closer to family and work than resided 48 years there. Julie loved being in the community, especially being at the Salt Spring Island Market selling her jams and jellies under the name Angel Cottage, we will miss these treasures. Julie has reunited with her parents, her loving husband Blain, and brother Douglas. Julie is survived by her children Angie (Darin), Jackie (Dave), Allen (Stacey) and…

Rita Eugenie Marie Dods (nee Hudon) April 13, 1931 - August 27, 2023 RITA DODS, known as “Mom” or “Grammy” to her treasured loved ones and extended family, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2023, with loving family and friends at her side, at the age of 92, after a brief battle with leukemia. She braved it all with her infectious smile to the end. Rita was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, the youngest of eight children born to Léa and Joseph Hudon. She always said that she was the caboose and “they saved the best for last”. The family moved to Victoria in 1943 where her Dad accepted work as a blacksmith. Rita, her sister Térèse, Mum, Dad, Grandfather and Uncle all resided together, supported with additional income from their family-run boarding house. Rita loved attending school at Esquimalt Secondary. Her dream was to be a nurse but, as her mother became ill and required assistance with the boarding house tasks, she was forced to drop out of school in Grade 10, sadl…

Graham Guenther was born July 3, 1979, to Jack and Connie Guenther. He was the eldest of 7 and grew up in a big happy family in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He was the beloved older brother to Carlee Dynes, Emily Meldrum, Grant Guenther, Kim Cote, Nathan Guenther and Laurie Guenther. He leaves behind his wife, Lea, and his three children Finnegan, Jude and Wren. Graham was his own man. He lived exactly how he liked. He rarely cared about convention, listened to wild and eclectic international music, he dressed like a disgraced aristocrat. He was flamboyant and affectionate, passionate and beautiful. He loved the forests and wild places and usually made his own path, searching out unknown beaches and glorious picnic spots. He lived it, fully. He loved his boys and his woman with abandon. His heart trusted. He was a beloved father, always taking his boys on adventures and fun excursions. They loved to drive up to Cumberland together and explore biking trails or he would t…

In Memoriam: Joseph John Clarke - August 20, 1944 – September 23, 2023 Joseph John Clarke, a man of profound integrity and wisdom, passed away peacefully on the eve of September 23, 2023, at Cowichan Lodge, where he had been under compassionate care. Born on August 20, 1944, in Vancouver to Jean and Arthur Clarke, he was the eldest of five beloved children. Joe's inquisitive mind and love for learning were evident from an early age, a trait he carried throughout his life. He pursued education at Magee High School and later at the University of British Columbia, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in the Class of 1967. Athletics and sports played a significant role in his youth, where he excelled in baseball and rugby, igniting a lifelong passion for sports as both a participant and an avid spectator. In 1963, fate introduced him to Claudia through friends, and their lively and often challenging adventure together began. They exchanged vows in 1968, es…

Andrew Dugald Currie - September 13th, 1953 - September 5th, 2023 Passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at home on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia , Canada. Second son of John and Ann Currie of Narrowfield and Crosshill Farms, Campbeltown, Scotland. In 1973 Andrew served in the Royal Armoured Corps, ( 4th Royal Tank Regiment) in West Berlin and West Germany during the Cold War. He transferred to Army Intelligence Corps and served his first tour of duties in Derry, Northern Ireland in 8 Brigade Bomb and Weapons Section in support of bomb disposal teams. He was picked for and passed special forces selection for 14 Int Company, Special Reconnaissance Unit, where he completed his service, having been Mentioned in Dispatches for an impromptu, single handed operation. He took his resettlement course at Llysfasi Agricultural College, North Wales, gaining his National Certificate In Agriculture. He emigrated to Canada in 1980, to settle on Salt Spring Isl…

Justin (Woody) Montcrieff Scott. Feb 24, 1972 - Aug 21 2023 Woody, 51, passed away surrounded by friends and family on August 21 2023 at Lady Minto Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He received wonderful care and kindness from the staff during his time in hospital. Born in North Vancouver to Jim and Wendy Scott, Woody moved to Salt Spring in 1974 with his family. They had purchased 80 acres of second-growth forest from Macmillan Blowdell and spent the next 15 years turning it into a farm. This was always home to Woody and helped shape him into the lover of all things that make up a rural lifestyle. Woody was a kind and gentle soul with a curious mind and a good sense of humour. He had a knowledge of many subjects ranging from cooking to farming to logging to poetry and more. Woody played soccer through his youth and early adulthood forging bonds and friendships that would continue for his entire life. His work life began at a young age when he was hire…

Judy Boylan August 17, 1942 - June 23, 2023 Judy Boylan, loving mother, good friend, and long-time secretary for Gulf Islands School District #64, succumbed to complications from cancer at the age of 80, on June 23rd of 2023. Throughout her stay at Lady Minto Hospital, she remained clear-headed, comfortable, and almost pain-free. Thanks again to all the hospital staff, whose kindness and care made the end of her life more pleasant, and sometimes even fun. Strong to the end, she expressed no fear of death, only disappointment that there wasn't much time left -- probably the sweetest, gentlest, toughest woman you'll ever meet. She will be missed. She is survived by her son Patrick, daughter Kathleen, brother Rex, unofficial step-daughter Christine, and countless former students of Gulf Islands schools, who remember her fondly. Special appreciation for Michelle and Cliff, who've been her best friends through her last years, and even her last moments. There will be …

Elaine Lewis April 12, 1964 to August 7, 2023 Elaine loved Saltspring, and travelled from England to visit her brother and family whenever she could. She came for the peaceful break, fresh air, swimming in the lakes, the hiking and kayaking. Saltspring and Wales were her refuge from a life increasingly shadowed by cancer, over the last 10 years. Growing up, Elaine had a close family life in England. As a teenager she was challenging, and challenged; a punk, a biker, an au pair in Paris, and living in Lyon. A talented graphic artist, achieving an MSc in Engineering, until, as a single Mum she turned her focus to her children. To support her children, Gemma and James, she took a data entry job, trained in accountancy, to build a career in affordable housing in the UK, managing and closing multi-million pound ventures. for a national charity organization. Elaine's last visit to Saltspring ended with a very sudden turn for the worst in her health. Our family are extremely…

Anton (Tony) Kristian Pedersen February 4th, 1920 – July 30th, 2023 As kind as he was gentle. Tony Pedersen was born on his great-grandfather’s farm in Denmark in 1920. He began a Machinist apprenticeship at 18. After completion, he was one of 12 men among 300 applicants accepted as machinists for the Danish Air Force. During this period Germany had occupied Denmark. In 1943 Anton and fellow servicemen were interned in a camp. It was believed that Danish King Christian X intervened on their behalf and effected their release. Anton then escaped to Sweden on a fishing boat, where he spent the remainder of the war at a Swedish air base, while also working in the Danish underground. At the end of the war, the lure of travel called, and he left Denmark for Brazil with the allowable maximum of $50 in his pocket. In Brazil his new name became Antonio. Here he worked for a Brazilian company servicing DC3’s, and learned Portuguese language. The company was in dire straits and …

Robert “Bob” Edward Hann, April 6, 1940 – July 2, 2023 Long-time Saltspring resident, Bob Hann, passed away on Sunday July 2nd at Lady Minto Hospital. He was 83. Bob Hann was born in Christchurch, Dorset, during WWII, the younger of two sons. As a child he sang boy soprano in the choir of the 11th century Christchurch Priory. He worked as a professional singer until his voice broke, earning much-needed income for the family. At 14, he was sent to pre-sea training on the unheated, Victorian-era ship, The Mercury, where, in winter, it was so cold that cadets’ hammocks would often freeze. Along with his nautical training, he also performed lead roles in musicals such as Gilbert & Sullivan’s, _Patience_. At 17 he joined the Merchant Marines, sailing to many ports around England and abroad, such as Hamburg, Sydney, Lima, and Hong Kong. At 23, he met his wife, Lavinia, at a dance in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, while on shore leave; they married in 1964 and emigrated…

We sadly announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Dale Morrisette Sr. on July 24, 2023 in his 94th year, with his partner Patricia by his side. Bob was predeceased by his wife Althea in 1998. Bob leaves behind his sister Marlene Weston, partner Patricia Hewett, daughters Christina and Leanne, son Bob, grandchildren Jessica, Stephanie, Daniel, Amanda, Trevor and Caitlin. Great grandchildren Brenna, Dylan and Ronnie. Extended family members and his many good friends from the old days and from the present. To the guys of the Friday morning breakfast club – you are truly good friends. Bob was born in Nelson B.C. and raised by his grandparents in the Kerrisdale area of Vancouver where the Morrisette Heritage House still stands today. Bob and Althea purchased a home in Coquitlam B.C. where they raised their family. Bob worked in the graphics industry in Vancouver as well as running his own business manufacturing hand made printing plates for companies who printed corrugated boxes and …