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Pulvis et umbra sumus

Obituaries

Should we have obituaries on this site, intended as a happy place? If we are looking at 1963 only, then they don't have a place. If we are looking at ourselves as a whole, here in the new century, then they are a part of the site. A further reality is the 40 year class reunion just about to take place as this is written. Many of us, perhaps all of us no longer living in Victoria, will be unaware of who is no longer with us. That fact could provoke awkwardness and embarrassment at the reunion.

Those with additions for this page must observe a protocol. An obituary is a matter of great sensitivity. Hearsay, however earnest the coveyor and however certain of the correctness of its content, is not acceptable on this page. Material published by the family, a note from a close family member or similar are required.

The entries are not sorted.

The unhappy task of gathering these clippings for the webmaster was undertaken by Cheryl Borris.

Read on if you choose.

Heisterman

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Gage

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Gins

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Petticrew

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Buffam

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McLeod

Pryce-Jones

We have lost a star or, better yet, a comet.

There may be more details to come, but, basically, Ellis had been continuing to struggle with diabetes related illnesses and finally succumbed. He was at home when he passed away and apparently it was very quick.

Ellis was one of the true eccentrics who marched to the beat of his own drummer.

He made no secret of his dislike for gym class but certainly excelled and contributed enormously in all other aspects of his high school years. Ellis was a much loved and honoured professor at the University of Las Vegas (UNLV) where he had been teaching since the age of 26. Whether it was designing opera sets in Italy during his "spare time", stage sets for Las Vegas shows, teaching his students or developing and delivering workshops on makeup and disguise for local undercover law enforcement officers, he brought skill, talent and a panache that will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

My last contact with Ellis was an email in which he described a workshop he designed and delivered for law enforcement officers in Las Vegas. He taught them the finer elements of makeup, costuming and disguise to aid them in their work of capturing aggressive thieves who had been targeting women in Las Vegas.

Shortly after the workshop, an officer who had attended the workshop made an arrest of a suspect who had eluded capture for more than three years. The police department cited Ellis' contributions in a thank you he had recently received.

From opera, to Las Vegas stage shows and a long career in teaching Ellis continued to impress all who crossed his path.

UNLV will be having a memorial service for Ellis in the next few days. After that, he will be cremated and his brother will return with his ashes to British Columbia.

The lives of many people have been enriched for having known Ellis. Thank you Ellis for enriching our lives maintaining your ties with classmates from the past.

I have posted a recent picture of Ellis receive an award from the Las Vegas Police Department [above, ed.].

- Derek Hamlet, Victoria, 07 November, 2004.

Unwin

Re: Brian

I don't have as many details concerning Brian's passing, but, will quote from the newspaper.

William Brian Unwin of Corvallis, Oregon died of cancer at his home on Tues. Oct. 19. He was 58. He was born in Victoria, British Columbia to Cpt. Frank and Avis Unwin. He married Ardith Hosp on Oct. 17, 1970. in Peoria, Illinois. Survivors include his wife, daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Michael Schuett of Loveland, Co.; son, Matthew Unwin of Maynooth, Ireland, brother and sister-in-law, Cat. John 'Mac' and Ruth Unwin of Victoria, B.C., and their four children, Avis, Roland, Laural, and Carla. Brian's quiet generosity, integrity and selfless ways will be missed by all those who knew and love him.

We will miss you Brian.

- Derek Hamlet, Victoria, 07 November 2004.

George

Courtesy of "The Westcoaster" (westcoaster.ca)

Lady Rose Co-Owner Will Be Missed

 

Published Date: 2006/9/6 6:40:00

Article ID : 1124

Version 1.00

By Westcoaster.ca Staff

Alberni-Clayoquot residents spent Tuesday mourning the death and reflecting on the life of prominent businessman killed during a hiking accident this past weekend.

Brooke George, 61, co-owner of the Lady Rose, died Sept. 3 when a large rock struck him while he was descending Victoria Peak, a mountain just north of Strathcona Provincial Park.

George leaves behind a wife, Karen, and two children.

His boat, the Lady Rose, sailed between Port Alberni, Bamfield and Ucluelet.

"He was my best friend," said Ken Barlow, of Port Alberni. "We went to lunch together; we golfed together; we drank together."

Barlow said George was a great entrepreneur who loved business and contributed much to the Alberni Valley.
In fact, added Barlow, George was building a new pub on Port Alberni's waterfront.
"It's going to be a huge loss."

Blake Johnson, owner of Batstar Adventure Tours, said he knew George for 10 years.
"He was a very good friend. He didn't mince words and had a very good sense of humour.
"I'll never forget his laugh.'

Johnson said he conducted a lot of business with George and even bought kayaks from the Lady Rose's co-owner.

George, said Johnson, was a refreshing and fair guy, and also a successful entrepreneur.
"I remember him as a hands-on guy. He loaded totes even though he didn't have to, or he'd be at the hard-end of the rope and he didn't have to."

Myda Jaz, owner of the Bamfield General Store, said she was shocked by the news.
"He was really kind."

Dose Janelle, an employee of the Bamfield General Store, said George had just visited the community days ago to drop off goods.

"He did everything," said Janelle. "We're going to miss him very much."

Ucluelet Mayor Dianne St. Jacques said George had a good reputation in the Alberni Valley.

"He will certainly be missed."

http://www.westcoaster.ca/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=1124

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Stokes, Richard

Mr. West, Bill (William D.)

Russ Tyrrell

I have avoided this email for a long time because it is so hard to write.

When members of our graduating class pass on it is a vivid a stark reminder of our mortality.

Today, I must sadly tell you of the passing of two more of our classmates:  Rick Stokes and Russ Tyrrell.

I did not have any contact with Rick after high school, but according to the obituary he spent his career as a teacher on the lower mainland, had many friends.  His obituary notice follows: [Already in these pages supra jn.]

Russ, I managed to keep in contact with over the years and am able to say a little more.  The joyous personality stayed with Russ throughout his life.

He retained his many close friends from his youth and made many more over his life.  His fight against colorectal cancer was a valiant two year battle where he managed to maintain his humour, good will and as much zest for life as was possible in a difficult life threatening situation.  His bravery, humour and zest for life and love never deserted him.  Gini, his love, his partner and centre chronicled their battle in the most intimate, loving and personal way throughout the course of the two year battle.  If I may, I'll just quote a couple of lines from Gini's care pages:

"It's been said that the measure of a person's life is not how long they lived, but the effect they had on people and how they touched them. Russ had no idea, and was truly touched, in turn, by the kind sentiments and outpouring of support, from old and new friends over the years, and especially these past few months.

Russ took his greatest joy from life's simplest offerings. He had a good life and had no regrets. He felt sad for the children he saw in the cancer clinics who might not be so lucky. How he courageously dealt, for two long years, with the challenge of incurable colorectal cancer has affected us all in a profound manner.

Russ was a quiet person, but managed to attract a lot of attention from an early age and for the rest of his life. He had a delightful, quick wit and it gave him great joy to bring laughter into people's lives. His one-liners endeared him to all who met him. He had an innate talent for fixing things and it also gave him great satisfaction to share his wisdom with those willing to learn.

For 24 wonderful years, Russ and Gini Russell (Parker) treasured every day with each other - their loves of their life, best friend, and life-partner. She cried for him - to have such a beautiful life cut short. Together, they felt incredibly lucky to have such a love with whom to share their dreams and adventures, no matter how short the years together. Russ raised his stepdaughters, Wendy Russell and Toby Russell, from the ages of 12 and 10, was very proud of them and, to them and their partners, he was a father, a joker, a mentor, teacher, a confidant and a friend. "

Russ died Oct. 30, 2007.

RIP my friends.  You will be missed.

On that note I'm outta here. Chronicling class activities just isn't fun any more.

Derek

Richard Harris

From Ian Whitbread 20121104:

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Hic senex vale dicet sed non omnis moriam.

john@munrotechnical.com

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