Leonard James (Jim) Helset April 19, 1953 – July 23, 2022 Sadly, we have lost our big bear of a husband, stepdad, stepgrandpa, brother, uncle, papa and friend to a tough battle with sepsis. Middle child of Torbjorn (Ted) and Jenny Helset, he was known to many “Salters” as a darned-good architectural designer. He'll be missed by wife Carol, “kids” Jeff, Diane and Matthew Gow, sisters Clara Ritcey and Ellen (Kelly) Ferguson, brothers Roy and Harold (Judy) Helset, brother-in-law Bob (Angele) Black, sister-in-law Barbara (Don) Ausman, many nieces & nephews, and his special family, the McArens. Jim was raised in the Clearwater, B.C. area – not too far from Helmcken Falls – where his Dad was a well-known big game guide. He had an interesting childhood – disappearing for days, on horseback, to hunt and to fish. His first 5 years of schooling were in a one-room school house, and for the remainder of the years, he was bussed to Clearwater. Jim spent a year at Cariboo Colleg…

Sherril (Sheri) Lynn Nielson (nee Blunden) June 28, 1954 – July 14, 2022 With great sorrow we announce the unexpected passing of Sheri Nielson of a heart attack on July 14. Sheri was born in Calgary, Alberta, but after spending some time in Manitoba and the Fraser Valley (with many adventures along the way), she settled on Salt Spring Island in 1986. Sheri quickly fell in love with the Island and its community, serving in the early years as an RCMP reserve officer and working as a paramedic first responder on the Island for many years. One of Sheri’s many talents was her ability to manifest whatever she envisioned and make it reality. Sheri was an avid gardener and foodie. She became involved in the Food Safety industry and developed a passion for researching all aspects of the industry and helping others to learn about safe practices of food handing and preparation from farm to plate. Along side this, Sheri became a certified Farm Auditor and On Farm Food Safety Advisor,…

Anthony Lawrence Roland - January 28, 1958 - April 21, 2022 Tony Roland was a caring son, brother, uncle, and friend. He left this world suddenly on April 21, 2022. He was predeceased by his Mom and Dad. Tony was born in the Old Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island. He was raised on Salt Spring and spent most of his life here except for a few years when he was in Hedley, B.C. where he worked in the mines and loved being a Volunteer Fireman for the Hedley Fire Department. Back on Salt Spring, Tony continued his many professions. He was a talented painter and painted many homes and businesses on Salt Spring. He was also an owner/operator for DHL. One of his favorite jobs in later-life was as a support worker with G.I.F.T.S (Gulf Islands Families Together Society), supporting folks with disabilities in the community. Susie was his favorite - she shared a story of how he was a force to be reckoned with, like a wild stallion. They made each other laugh and he had a for…

On Monday, July 4 2022, Chris Hatfield passed away at Lady Minto Hospital, hands in hand with his close family. Chris was born on February 5, 1945 in the small town of Penticton, British Columbia. Third of 4 children, including Peter, John and Alyson Hatfield, Chris grew up happily fishing, hunting, and camping in the great outdoors with his father Harley. In 1964 at the tender age of 19, Chris left home for a year’s backpacking trip around the world. Chris travelled Australia, Malaysia, Cambodia, India, Afghanistan, Austria and more, and came home with eyes opened to the possibilities of the emerging global economy. Chris returned to Canada and completed his BSc in Biology at the University of British Columbia, and followed up with a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology from Queen’s University, where he studied fish learning while filling his weekends with ski trips in Quebec. After graduation Chris worked for the Department of Fisheries before starting Hatfield Consulta…

Barbara Ryan of Salt Spring Island, passed away April 8th, 2022 at the age of 62. Barb was born November 29th, 1959 in Terrace, B.C. to Elspeth Scott and Gordon Withrow. She was know by those closest to her as Barbie in school. She graduated high school on Salt Spring Island. Barb had a 30 plus year career at Country Grocer on Salt Spring Island. She is remembered by her sister Pat, children Nina and Gordy, and grandchildren Odin and Mira. Sister Pat remembers her fondly as a hard working one of a kind mother, who had a very distinct laugh that would make anyone smile when they heard it. Children Nina and Gordy remember travelling, camping, baking, cooking and being in nature with their mother. Grandson Odin, age 3 remembers going for walks with his grandma and picking cherries with his grandma and her beloved dog Roxy. Barb will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Robert George Peters, July 31, 1942 - June 15, 2022 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a dearly beloved community member from this earth. Mr. Robert Peters, or better known as Rob (79), recently passed away comfortably in his home on June 15th surrounded by his family members and loved ones. Rob lived a spectacular life, filled with adventure, accomplishment, and above all, delight. Those who remember him would not be able to separate his smile from his memory. It was the sort of smile that lit up the faces of those surrounding, immediately contagious and ferociously loving. Rob lived a full and notable life, with a list of accomplishments and impacts as impressionable as the Magna Carta. But to measure his life’s impact exclusively within this scope is to discount the ripples and effects his presence had on this earth with all who encountered him; and the legacy that his family now carries forth for him. Rob’s generosity will be remembered, h…

In Loving Memory of Heather Dianne Cutten, 1944 to 2022 Heather Dianne Cutten, nee Eisan, passed away on the 23rd of June, at the Victoria General Hospital after a short and unexpected illness. She passed peacefully with her husband and two daughters by her side. Heather (Nana) leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her entire family and friends who benefited from her kindness and compassion. Heather was born on May 3rd, 1944 in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Norman and Lillian Eisan and was one of seven children. Heather is survived by her sister Rosalie Dyer and her many nieces and nephews. Heather married her life-long partner of 55 years, Mark Cutten on October 14, 1967 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Their journey together took them from Nova Scotia to Trinidad, Winnipeg, St.Lucia, Calgary and finally Salt Spring Island, BC. Along the way, they had three children David (Patricia), Laura (Alejandro) and the baby Sara. She was blessed with five grandchildren, Isabella, Olivia, Joshu…

Samuel Oliver (Denis) Russell - May 18, 1932, to June 16, 2022 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Denis on June 16, 2022, at the age of 90. Born in Belfast on the 18th of May, 1932, Samuel Oliver “Denis” was born to Samuel and Amy Russell. With brothers Frank and Victor, he was raised in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, where he excelled at academics, football, and rugby at the Royal School Dungannon. It was at Queen’s University Belfast where he met Deirdre O’Connor, the first love of his life. Their sense of adventure and opportunity took them from the Emerald Isle to Niagara Falls and soon after to the soggy coast of Vancouver, where they raised their boys, Michael, James, and Terry. Denis’ interest in hydroelectric power projects took him to various locations throughout the province to work, including the Mica and Arrow Lakes Dams. His successes led to a position at the University of British Columbia in 1968 and a prestigious 25-year caree…

Garth Preddy - March 17, 1979 - June 11, 2022 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Garth on June 11th, 2022. He is survived by his daughters Emma and Kaycee, parents Hugh and Karen, brother Ryan, sister Angie (Gavin), niece Paige, extended family and friends. Garth was born March 17, 1979 and grew up in Maple Ridge, BC where he attended school. He moved to Salt Spring Island in 2013. A Celebration of Life will be held in the afternoon on Sunday August 14th, 2022 at 108 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island. Please RSVP at garthpreddy.com

Ted Harrison — January 2, 1940, to June 10, 2022 In His Own Words … "I have always been an active, independent, caring individual and with few exceptions, have lived a full, privileged, purposeful life blessed by family, friends and opportunities to pursue ever-arising interests. Tennis, squash, sailing, kayaking, long distance cycling, gardening and farming have been major pursuits in my life in addition to my rewarding career in the civil service. As my health challenges grew over the past decade, I continued to enjoy community volunteering, bridge, reading, crossword puzzles and an active social life. My beloved wife, Susan (Evans), and my two wonderful children, Marybeth and Mark, are the most valued relationships I have ever enjoyed. I love them dearly. They have given my life purpose and meaning. Friends and other family have played important roles as well. In recent years, my health has continued to decline and my experience has become one of chronic pain, diminish…

Our amazing mom, Bev Byron, left us Sunday afternoon, June 12, 2022. She passed away in her farmhouse, with her family very close. Beverly Ruby ( Hicks) Byron came to Salt Spring Island with her husband, Mike Byron, in 1961 from Surrey where she taught elementary school. They returned to Salt Spring to the farm on Stowel Lake. It was there she spent the rest of her days farming, gardening, cooking huge family dinners, barbecuing lamb and of course raising her three girls, Francie, Jacquie and Deanie. She was a substitute teacher for many years while the girls were young, then taught full time at Salt Spring Elementary, Fernwood and Fulford Elementary. She loved and was loved by her three daughters, 7 grandchildren, and most recently her 3 great grandchildren. Details about her Celebration of Life are to come.

Pierre Boies - Friday, December 13, 1957, to Friday, May 27, 2022 Pierre passed away peacefully at Lady Minto Hospital, Salt Spring Island, BC after a hard-fought battle with esophageal cancer. He chose to exit this world with the help of MAID when the last of his life became too much to bear. He was surrounded by the people nearest and dearest to his heart. At his bedside were Normand Boies (brother) and Diane Lemieux (sister-in-law) from Montreal, as well as his long-time friends Susan and Merv Anderson and Monika Mayr. He was predeceased by his father Gérard Boies in December, 2020 and his stepson Nathan Mayr in May, 2005. Pierre will be greatly missed by his mother, Aline Bédard Boies who turned 95 years old the day before Pierre`s death, his brother Robert Boies (Joane), his sister Monique Boies (Marc Lamontagne), and his brother Normand Boies (Diane Lemieux) mentioned above. He also had many friends in B.C. and Quebec who will miss him greatly as well. Pierr…

Anthony Campbell - June 13, 1941, to June 9, 2022 Anthony (Tony) Campbell passed away at his home on Salt Spring Island on June 9, 2022. Tony was born on June 13, 1941, in Surrey, England, an only child to Marjorie Ethel and Edward Augustus Campbell. Both his parents were serving in the British military forces. He lost his father at a very young age. In 1946 he immigrated to Vancouver Island, Canada, with his mother, now a war bride married to Bert Beggs. Tony attended school in the Chemainus area. He left school, barely a teenager, and began his working career. His early occupations were manyfold and included heavy equipment operation, logging, truck driving, and insurance adjusting, until eventually focussing on Carmac Enterprises, his own Porsche repair and racing business. Tony’s racing career began with the purchase of his first Porsche in 1963. The following year he achieved the BC Hillclimb Championship. Over the next few years, he raced and owned many cars includi…

John Bryan Reed Parker - June 11, 1936 to May 14, 2022 John was born in Seaford, Sussex and spent most of his childhood with his adopted family. Only in the last two years of his life was he united with his birth family. He was delighted to meet his nephews and nieces, the children of his brothers and sisters and cousins to Sarah, Alice and Helen. He was proud of his eldest brother Ron who flew Spitfires during WW11. As a child, John had the freedom to explore the woods and fields near his home, helped the farrier, and the farmer milk the cows and bring in the hay. At 14 he was sent as a boarder to Lancing College where he excelled at science, developed a lifelong interest in classical music and natural history, fenced, and shot at Bisley. He graduated from St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College in 1960 and married his fellow student Zillah. During his years at Barts he took up rock Climbing. He went to the Westminster Hospital for training in Anaesthesia. It was…

Darlene Ellen Hawke - October 8, 1957 to May 26, 2022 With sadness but with gratitude for having had her in our lives, we say goodbye to Darlene. Darlene was the `entertainer’ in the family and her enthusiasm was infectious! She was born in Ottawa to Reginald and Hellen Hawke. One of five daughters, she had a ready-made audience and cast of characters to hone her skills. At an early age she was telling jokes and creating and producing skits for family and friends with her four sisters in tow. This early creativity blossomed and shone as she continued to write poems, songs, plays and books. Family events and milestones fueled her creativity…and nothing could stop that train of thought of hers once it got rolling! She wrote songs for birthdays, family reunions, Christmas & Easter celebrations and remembrances of loved ones. She wrote a play for her sister Heather’s wedding, one for her nephew Mitch, and even co-authored a book to commemorate a loved-one’s life. This was…

Doreen Grace Minshall, of Salt Spring Island, BC, passed away with family at her bedside in the early morning hours of March 4th, due to complications brought on after suffering a stroke in August of 2021. She had just turned 84 years young on February 24th. Doreen was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario to parents Frederick and Edith Minshall (Mundy). She is survived by her son Kevin F. Gove (wife Deborah), her daughter Suzanne L. Gove-O’Rourke (husband Michael), granddaughters Victoria Durham, Allyson Gove (husband Nick Schubert), great grandson Ronan Schubert, brother Robert Minshall (wife Jean), her cousin Jacquie Welsh, three nieces, a nephew, as well as numerous cousins and cherished friends. Doreen was predeceased by her ex-husband, David Garfield Gove in 2019. Doreen attended high school at Guelph Collegiate Institute in Guelph, Ontario. She was married in 1959 and lovingly raised two children, her son Kevin, and daughter, Suzanne. The family relocated to Pierrefonds,…

Trevor J Harrop was born in Winnipeg, April 19th 1927, to Jean and James Harrop. Trevor was a middle child between older brother John (Jack) and his younger sister Pat. He moved to Motherwell, Scotland at a young age and soon took a shining to competitive swimming. While in the School of Dentistry at the University of Glasgow, he got the opportunity to swim at the London Olympics in 1948. Upon graduation, Trevor and Sheila, his future wife, boarded a freighter to embark on their new life in Canada. Trevor became the first resident dentist in the small town of New Denver, BC. They fell in love with the village and quickly made lifelong friends including the Casley’s, DeRosa’s, and especially the Dahlie’s. Trevor and Sheila would settle down in Vancouver and raise their family. Survived by his 4 children, Jim (Jen), Catherine (Bill Griffiths), Ian (Judy), and David (Kaoru), 11 Grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Predeceased by his wife Sheila (2021), and his eldest granddau…

Tracey Braiden (Poole) - 1957 - 2022 Tracey left us peacefully in the evening of April 8, 2022, following a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Born in North Vancouver in 1957, Tracey spent her childhood at Long Beach, Ucluelet and finally Salt Spring Island. Tracey loved Salt Spring and following her marriage to her life partner, Ross, they decided to spend the rest of their lives here. She leaves behind three sons, Shawn, Ben, and Ian, and one grandson, Henry. Tracey may best be remembered for her role as a teacher at the local high school, where, over many years she had a very strong influence. Everyone respected “Mrs. Braiden” for her caring yet no nonsense attitude that helped change so many lives at the high school. Tracey worked with students, starting in the Gipsy Program in the 1988, right through until 2017 at GISS. Her patience, as a mother figure and as a caring teacher to hundreds of students, left a lasting impression. Tracey was always coming up with id…

CHARGE, Glenn Roy. Passed on Monday, March 28 suddenly but comfortably in his 91st year. He is survived by his common law partner Shelagh Tulloch, by two sons, Dic (Ellen) and Lawrence (James) and by five stepdaughters, Allison, Lorraine, Jennifer, Cathie and Mary-Anne and three stepsons Les, Allan and Scott as well as an extensive group of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and their children. Glenn was predeceased by four of his siblings (Dick, Maxine, Diane and Brenda) and is survived by his one remaining sister, Linda (Joe). Born in Winnipeg, Glenn studied at the University of Manitoba while serving in Canada’s military. He went on to enjoy a career in electrical engineering with General Electric (Schenectady) and Ontario Hydro (Richmond Hill) before retirement. After the heartrending loss of his second wife Jeanne, Glenn moved to the Vancouver Island area and lived first in Duncan before moving to Salt Spring Island to be with Shelagh. Throughout his…

Jan Ettema 1922 - 2022 - Jan (John) Ettema passed away very peacefully January 11, 2022, at age 99, at Lady Minto Hospital. Jan spent a very happy 14 months at Heritage Place. Huge kudos and thank you to Sandi Muller and all the staff there. Jan would play his mouth harmonica every day after supper, something that gave him any many others so much joy. He loved living on the "little island" and shared many new memories and adventures with me. Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Lady Minto, not only for the support you gave to my dad, but to me. I was always getting updates from the Doctors and Nurses who cared for him. Special thanks to Dr. Peter Verheul for taking my dad's care on. Many thanks to Father Scott, who regularly saw my dad, and who gave me an endless amount of support, especially during his last days. Father Scott travelled from Salt Spring Island to St. Francis Xavier Church in Mill Bay, where my Mother is also buried. Huge thanks to Pauline Hyde for t…

Randy Smith’s Epilogue I, Randall Smith passed to the next level [Tuesday, December 28, 2021]. I am predeceased by all those who died before me and survived by those who are still alive. I was born to George and Beryl Smith, June 5, 1949, at a very early age in Welland, Ontario, in the same hospital where my mother was, as I wished to be close to her. From my mother’s point of view the doctor recommended that I be removed in pieces due to problems anticipated in childbirth. She courageously opted for a caesarean section, a hazardous procedure at the time. From my point of view, a skylight opened up and a masked man all in white lifted me gently into a new world. Little did I know at the time this simple act would put the kybosh on a well meaning woman’s attempt later in my life to convince me to do a re-birthing seminar that recreated the birth trauma as a form of therapy. She had a hard time with the skylight analogy. I hung around for many years and did lots o’ stuff…