Elizabeth (Betty) Wynn Gwilliams Hill
Born in Carmangay, Alberta on March 4, 1918, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2014. ‘Till near the end she lived as she wished; independently. She was predeceased by two loving husbands, Jack Gwilliams and Tim Hill, as well as by her beloved son Wynn Gwilliams.
Betty was raised an only child on a farm in southern Alberta. She was an avid horsewoman and a knowledgeable farmer. She studied to become both a nurse and a stenographer in Calgary and then met and married John Gwilliams in 1946. They had two children and moved to Powell River where Betty worked as a school secretary and became an enthusiastic fisherwoman and a lover of boating. Betty lovingly cared for Jack throughout his cancer.
Nearing retirement Betty took up the game of golf and met her second husband and love, Tim Hill. They were married in 1980 and after many a game the decision was made to retire in Comox.
Betty was a kind and caring mother, wife and friend. She was a strong and dynamic woman who faced life with dignity, class and good will. She chose to see the best in all situations. She enjoyed life to the fullest and loved to try new things. First and foremost Betty was a family person. She treasured all family ties and extended that relationship to friends as well.
Betty’s strong love and generous support will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Gail (Dennis), stepchildren Brian (Christine), Tim (Dale) and Sherry (Darren) and daughter-in-law Maggie. She was predeceased by her son Wynn (Maggie). Grandchildren were a treasure for Betty and she delighted in them all: Sean (Leigh Ann), Meghan (Eric Novak), Matthew, Katie, Hillary, Jordon and Chase. She was so proud to be a great-grandmother to Kian and Vaughn Novak.
Please join the family for a memorial service for Betty at Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay, BC on Friday, May 30, 2014, at 1:45 pm. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Lorne Douglas Villani, May 4, 1962 - May 26, 2014
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lorne Villani.
Lorne is survived by his loving parents Don and Rina Villani, his brother Robert (Cindy) Villani and his two precious nephews, Cole and Rylan Villani. A true testament to Lorne’s life is his many close friends whose lives that he touched over his 52 years. Although there are too many to list, he is survived by a special friend, Laurie Norman.
Lorne was born in Powell River on May 4, 1962. Soon after he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. At that time, the average life span of a child born with CF was five years. This diagnosis never deterred Lorne from living life to its fullest. He loved sports and enjoyed playing soccer, baseball, basketball and later on golf and hockey. Lorne also enjoyed his time up the lake at the family cabin “Twin Joy,” where he was totally at peace with himself and his surroundings.
Even though Lorne had CF, this did not stop him from helping Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation raise funds to help all children diagnosed with this terrible disease. Though he was never comfortable as a spokesperson for CF, Lorne was an integral part of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Chapter and was recognized in 1996 for his efforts. Through his tireless efforts and those of his family and friends, Powell River was a leading community in Canada in fundraising for research to fight this deadly disease. Because of these fundraising efforts and the research it provided, the average age of a CF patient has been raised from five years to the mid-30s.
In the past two years, Lorne’s health deteriorated which necessitated a double-lung transplant on June 5, 2013. The transplant was successful, but in the end, Lorne succumbed to a virus. He prolonged the inevitable with his strong will to live. Lorne thanks all of you for your never-ending support.
His family would like to thank all of the doctors across Canada who have assisted Lorne and family through this 52-year battle.
Lorne’s strength and zest for life will be missed by all of his family and friends. There will be a service at the Church of the Assumption at 11 am on Thursday, May 29 with reception to follow at Dwight Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 573 Nature Park Drive, Campbell River, BC V9W 7Z9.
Flora Marie Gaudet (née Gelinas), July 12, 1933 - May 24, 2014
Marie passed away peacefully with all her children by her side. She leaves behind her son Joe (Bev), daughters Lorraine (Patrick), Carol (Dale) and Judy (Dave), grandchildren Steve, Rosie, Keegan, Chelsea, Morgan, Jef frey and Doug and great -grandchildren Corbin, Clair, Frederique and Stella.
The Gaudet families moved to Powell River in the early 1960s, making it a permanent home with fourth and fifth generation babies born here. For the majority of time, Marie raised her four children as a single mom and instilled in them the value of hard work and the value of being independent. For the Manitoba Avenue neighbourhood, the farmers’ market community and the mall walkers, Marie will be remembered for her determination to get things done and to do as much as she could on her own. She only asked for help for things well after trying very hard to do it on her own. She was great at planning and organizing unique projects and ideas which she took great joy in.
In her last day, little “Marie” shared with her children the following: “Where I am going now, I won’t have to work too hard.” Famous for her French Canadian accent, Marie left her family and friends with final words of sarcasm that included a few jabs that make you laugh and with a smile for everyone that knew her.
No service by request.
In loving memory, Lorraine, Joe, Carol and Judy.