The South Delta business community is remembering a business leader, mentor, and a friend.
After a brave and courageous cancer battle, Angela Husvik, owner of Angela’s Boutique in Ladner Village, passed away on March 15 at the Irene Thomas Hospice in Ladner.
Husvik spent much of her childhood in Ladner and some of her fondest memories are of the times spent at her cousins and grandparents at Canoe Pass.
She was an ambitious young woman who started working in her teens in the fishing industry, working at canneries and on fish boats. In her early 20’s, she bought a houseboat that was moored at the wharves by Chung Chuck’s.
She sold her houseboat to start her career in retail fashion at the age of 27 and opened her doors to Angela’s Unique Boutique on Delta Street, starting off selling consignment. That was in 1984…and the rest is history.
The Ladner Business Association said Husvik was an inspiring businesswoman and community leader whose support and enthusiasm for Ladner will be greatly missed.
“The Ladner community has lost a legend,” said the LBA in a message posted on their Facebook page. “Angela was a member of the LBA for many years, served on the board and was often seen volunteering at community events. Angela was also the driving force behind the Ladner Village Scarecrow Contest, an idea that she and Adina from Billie’s Barber Shop had in 2016.
“Angela kept the scarecrow contest going, even though the COVID-19 years, because she wanted to encourage people to visit local shops and have a little fun. Our hearts go out to Angela’s family and many friends in the community.”
Optimist sales rep Ruth vanBruksvoort had a business relationship with Angela for the past two decades.
“I saw her love for Ladner and her enthusiasm for many community events in Ladner. One of her favourites was May Days,” she said.
Jill McKnight, executive director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce has fond memories of Angela through the LBA.
“Angela has been an active proponent for building a strong community from her employment of many youth during their high school and university years, to hosting fashion shows to support various community organizations, to creating relationships with residents and supporting them in their time of need,” said McKnight. “One of the things that I will remember Angela for was her positive and optimistic approach to her cancer journey. Her willingness to share her story and the milestones demonstrated incredible strength. Angela moved through her cancer journey with dignity and grace and her smiling face in the village will be the memory that stays with me.”
According to the family, there will be a beach-themed memorial for Angela on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. at the Fisherman’s Hall.
