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Deaths & Funerals

BONNELL, Ronald Ritchie, M.D., C.M. Of Vancouver, British Columbia. It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Ronald Ritchie Bonnell, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle on September 26, 2012 in his 95th year. Born in Victoria, B.

BONNELL, Ronald Ritchie, M.D., C.M.

Of Vancouver, British Columbia. It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Ronald Ritchie Bonnell, beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle on September 26, 2012 in his 95th year. Born in Victoria, B.C., the youngest child of the late Francis Simeon Bonnell and Jessie MacLean Bonnell, he was pre-deceased by his dear sister and brother, Mrs. Jean Wright and Dr. Frederick Bonnell and by his life-long friend Ian MacDonald Grant. He is survived by: his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara (nee Irwin); their children Kenneth (Sandra), Gregory (Bonnie), Judy (Ryan) and Joanne (Mark); grandchildren Tina, Crystal, Michael, Christopher, Bradley, Alexander and six great-grandchildren. He grew up in Victoria, and attended Victoria College, the University of British Columbia and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario where he graduated in Medicine. He interrupted his medical studies during the war to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force in New Brunswick, Ontario and Vancouver. He spoke fondly of meeting Barbara when they were both in uniform and of their early courtship. They were married at Trail, B.C. in 1947. His studies were put on hold again when he contracted tuberculosis and spent 18 months in the sanatorium. He survived and persevered to graduate in 1951, interning at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria where he and Barbara started their family. He took his residency in radiology at Vancouver General Hospital (following his brother into that field) and was invited to join a new partnership in Vancouver headed by Dr. Hugh Brooke. He retired in 1983 as senior partner. He was always dedicated to and interested in his field. Many supper table conversations included details of that day's interesting cases. He retired from medicine to enjoy his various pastimes, his family and especially more time at his cottage at Shawnigan Lake, renewing his treasured friendship with Ian Grant who had also retired there. He loved seeing friends, fishing, working in the woods, reading and playing Scrabble. He was a founding member of the Arbutus Club in Vancouver where he, Barbara and the family spent many happy years. Grateful thanks from the family go to the staff at South Granville Park Lodge and the kind and caring staff of the Vancouver General Hospital Acute Care Ward (10th floor).

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 1pm at St. Mary's Church of Kerrisdale, 2490 West 37th Ave., Vancouver BC. A celebration of his life will be held after the service at the Arbutus Club, 2001 Nanton Ave., Vancouver BC.

CAMPBELL, Kathleen

April 2nd, 1929 - September 30th, 2012

"Live with enthusiasm and kindness, laugh lots and with joy; love generously and unconditionally and share with each other". Mom taught us so many of life's important lessons. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Mom passed away peacefully at home in Victoria, BC. We all miss her deeply. She will be remembered for her beautiful singing, her delightful sense of humour her kindness and her positive outlook. Left with many happy memories, love and smiles are her children: Charmaine, Anne, Christine (Jack), Melodie (Larry), David (Lisa), and Betsy (Evan); grandchildren: Corey, Christopher, Jason, Scott, Lee, Jessica. Great grandchildren, family and friends. Thank you to the following for their generous care and support for Mom, Drs. Wass and Cuddeford, Ruth, Kim, Wendy RN, MAP and all others who helped with Mom's care.

A celebration of her life will take place October 09 at 2: 00 pm at Sequoia Gardens Memorial, 4665 Falaise Drive. No flowers please. Donations may be sent to the Alzheimers Society of BC; www.alzheimerbc.org

BRIGGS, Alan George Austin

October 4th, 1914 - October 1st, 2012

Born October 4, 1914 in Trafalgar, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, son of Clara and (John) Austin Briggs. Alan's first wife Joan (nee Nelson) of Sydney, Australia died in 1980. His second wife (Mary) Margaret (nee Bracken) of Victoria, BC died January 24, 2011. Alan was the eldest of seven children: Ena, Claire, Ronda, John, Noel and Geoffrey and is survived by two sisters Claire and Ronda in Melbourne, Victoria Australia and his many nephews and nieces and several close and valued friends. Alan lived most of his adult life in Australia and worked as a radio engineer for Standard Telephone and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which is where he met his first wife Joan, a broadcaster. Alan lived from the early 1950s to 1991 in Minto on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia until his move permanently to Victoria BC with Margaret where he fully embraced his new life. Over the past 18 months, Alan learned how to use a laptop computer and kept in close contact with his Australian relatives by Skype. Always an inventor, he was in the process of designing a new low-flush toilet, and kept on top of all the latest technology. Alan was a true gentleman with a spectacular sense of humour. He brewed a wicked coffee and enjoyed a shot of single malt and a glass of "rough red" especially in the company of his good friends and family. Heartfelt thanks to professionals of Community Health, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (8South) and at the Victoria General Hospital in 7D for the outstanding care you provided.

There will be no service, rather a celebration of Alan's life with family and friends on Saturday, October 6th. Condolences may be offered at www.firstmemorialfuneral.com

CHRISTENSEN, Grace Elizabeth

Born in Mortlach, Saskatchewan, March 11, 1929. Grace passed away at Dogwood Cottage, at the Priory in Victoria (Colwod) on October 3, 2012. Predeceased by her devoted husband, Harold; sisters, Vi, Doris and Lois. She will be forever missed and loved by her four children, Karen Gibson, David (Susan), Eric, and Laura (Bill Workman); her eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and her brother, Gordon. Grace worked for years at Doman Industries but her greatest pleasure was her family and her home was always open to everyone. A special thanks to the fabulous caregivers at the Priory.

A Memorial Service will be held at SANDS FUNERAL CHAPEL (Colwood), 317 Goldstream Ave., Colwood BC, 250-478-3821 on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Eldercare Foundation (Priory Site).

GALLUP, (Herbert) Leonard

March 11, 1927 - September 30, 2012

In great sadness we announce the passing of Len Gallup - husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Len was pre-deceased by his brother Pat and granddaughter Kimmy.

The Celebration of Life will be on Saturday October 6, 2012 at 2: 00 pm at First Memorial Funeral Services, 4725 Falaise Dr., Victoria.

GILLESPIE, Bob

Passed September 25, 2012 as the age of 82.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 12, 2012 at 2: 00pm at the Nazarene Church, 4277 Quadra St, Victoria. Info: 250-888-6490

BULMER, Mary Matilda

January 12th, 1919 - October 3rd, 2012

Mom passed away peacefully on October 3, 2012. She was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1980; daughter-in-law Brenda in 2008; daughter Mary-Anne in 2009 and siblings Emmett, Francis, Blanche and Genevieve. She is survived by son Lorne; daughter Sheree Dooner; sons-in-law Jim Dooner and Sepp Poetsch; grandchildren Gina, Ryan, Karl, Colin, Scott and Caryn; great-granddaughters Fallon and Julia and siblings Norma and Jack. Mom was a member of St. Paul's Naval and Garrison Church in Esquimalt since 1946. She was secretary of St. Paul's Ladies Guild for 33 years. Mom is survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family.

There will be no service at Mom's request. Donations may be made to the Parish of St. Peter and St. Paul, 1379 Esquimalt Road, Victoria, BC or the charity of your choice. Our thanks go out to many friends, family and health professionals that helped Mom in her last months.

CALLAN, Mark Patrick

1961 - 2012

Born October 31, 1961 in Victoria, B.C., Mark passed away September 19, leaving behind to mourn his loss: loving wife of 23 years, Dana (Harpham); three beautiful children, Karlee, Justin and Marty; parents, Jack and Polly; brother, Paul (Janice); sister, Nancy (Gary); nephews, Brian, Brendan and Luke, as well as many special friends, family and his adoring pug, Joey. Mark was well known as a professional golfer, working at Uplands for 25 years and a member of the Victoria Golf Club. Teaching and sharing his love of the game was his passion The past seven years he worked with ICM security at Save On Foods Memorial Centre and was recently a tour operator with Horizon Tours. He was proud of being a Victorian and always enjoyed the great outdoors. We will miss him forever.

Private family service. In lieu of flowers, a Callan Family Trust Fund has been set up for Mark's children at any Coast Capital Savings Credit Union.

DENCH, Clive Raymond

December 13th, 1931 Nottingham, UK. October 2nd, 2012, Sidney, B.C.

Clive, lover of life and family, with a keen sense of humour, died at home in his wife, Sheila's arms. Surrounded by his loving family. Adored by Judi, Sarah, Azzeddine, Alan, Ben, Emma and Sophie. Nursed tenderly to the end by his wife and daughters, Hospice and Community nurses. Much appreciation to Drs. Kennedy and Steinhoff, Sheila and Greg Redding and Edna. Missed and loved in England by Beryl, Yvonne, Dot, Brian, Jenny and David and many other caring relatives and friends.

Private blessing and family celebration only by request. No flowers, donations to Hospice appreciated.

GIBSON, Ryan Matthew

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Ryan Matthew Gibson, in his 30th year, from Victoria, B.C., in Shen Zhen, China, on Mon., Sept. 24, 2012. Dearly beloved son of Elaine and Howard, and loved husband of Linlin Feng. Treasured grandson of nana Beth Gibson, grama Lorraine and Barbara and families. Ryan will be greatly missed by his family and friends from around the world.

A Celebration of Ryan's life will be held on Sun., Oct. 14, 2012 at Cedar Hill Golf Course, 1400 Derby Rd, Victoria, from 2: 00-6: 00pm. Colours are encouraged. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favourite charity in honour of Ryan's memory or facebook bring Ryan Home Fund.

GRAY, Robert (Bob) William

March 17th 1924 - July 24th 2012

It is great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad (Poppy) on July 24th 2012 at the RJH. Predeceased by wife, Nellie and daughter, Penny. He will be lovingly remembered by sons, Bob (Janis), Jim (Shelley); daughter, Sue (Rick); 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Poppy took great pride in all of his family especially his grandchildren always telling people how his grandchildren were and what they were doing. Bob enjoyed spending time watching all sports, especially local fastball rarely missing a game over many years.

Please join us in celebrating his life at 1: 30 PM on Sunday, October 7th at the Chief & Petty Officers Mess, 1575 Lyall Street.

HUDSON, John Christian On September 22, 2012, John died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Born on September 13, 1943 in England, John emigrated to Canada in 1966. Most of his distinguished civil engineering career was spent in the Yukon, managing the Dempster Highway, Shakwak Project, and Alaska Highway. He was also an accomplished cross-country skier, tennis player, and sailor, and sailed across the Atlantic and to Alaska. Predeceased by his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn, daughters Pamela (Anthony) and Alison (Matt), grandchildren Sarah, Liam, Isabella, and Marcus, brother Malcolm (Jean), nephews Christopher, Mark, and Steven, and relatives in England, New Zealand, U.S.A., and Canada.

A Memorial service will be held on October 13th, 2012 at 2: 00p.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 1319 Mills Road, corner of Mills and West Saanich Road. Thanks to Dr. Rhoades, Nurse Coreen, Palliative Response Team nurses and counsellors, the Pain and Symptom Management Team, the cancer centre doctors and staff, Nurse Next Door, Beacon Community Services, and Sidney Senior Care for their compassionate, dedicated care. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Vancouver Island Cancer Centre or Palliative Care Clinic ( www.bccancerfoundation.com), Victoria Hospice home care services or Palliative Response Team (https: //2621.thankyou4caring.org/), or Canadian Society for Asbestos Victims (http: //www.cansav.ca/).

SEAGER, Richard George

89 years, of Langford, B.C. passed away peacefully September 25, 2012 in the home he had built for his family 53 years ago. He was born in Hamilton Ontario November 11th, 1922. Dad was predeceased by his wife Marie in 2001, son Richard in 1976, and his brother Ronald. He is survived by his son Paul (Linda), his daughter Marlene (Larry), and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1940 at the young age of 18, as a stoker. He served his country in World War 2 and also the Korean War. Later in his life, Dad relished telling us stories of his experiences of being on loan to the British Royal Navy, tours lasting many months, Scapa Flow Scotland, and serving on the HMS Ramillies and 20 other warships. He was awarded the Queens' Commendation for Brave Conduct in 1959 for his role in fighting a serious engine room fire. He retired as a Petty Officer 1st Class after 25 years of naval service. He then worked another 25 years at DND Rocky Point as Chief Operating Engineer of the Steam Plant. He was very proud to have 50 years of combined Federal Public Service, and after many years as Treasurer of the Victoria chapter, to have been made a life member of the The Institute of Power Engineers. He had a great love for all wildlife, especially feeding his birds - chickadees, nut hatches,woodpeckers, and quail. Many hours were spent watching them from his chair in the living room. He also enjoyed his trips to the A & W - especially for his chicken strips. We will miss him. The family would like to extend their many thanks to The Nurse Next Door Home Care, and also long time physician Dr. Lane. It was through their services that allowed Dad to stay in his home, until his passing.

Cremation has taken place with no service by Dads request. Burial at sea to take place at a later date.