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Friday, October 17, 2014, The Chilliwack Progress
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CHILLIWACK GRIEF SUPPORT A peer support program offering comfort, understanding and information following the death of a significant loved one.
Grief Support Groups Schedule:
Delviken Paul, Erik It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Paul Erik Delviken. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 35 years, Barb Delviken, son Ryan Delviken (Priscilla), daughter Eryn McFee (Colin) 6 grandchildren, Isaiah, Liam, Elle, Cole, Gray and Smith, his “Chilliwack grandchildren,” Anderson and Gemma, and friend Jordan Olson. He will be dearly missed by his mother Lorraine Delviken and sisters Vange Diaz and Lori Hamilton. Paul was predeased by his father Eldor Delviken. Paul was born in Radville, Saskatchewan February 14th, 1958. He grew up in Kamloops and later moved to Chilliwack where he spent the remainder of his life. Paul’s family and friends will remember him best by his kind heart, loyalty and great sense of humour. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. A memorial tea, in Paul’s honor will be held at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel, 45920 First Avenue, Chilliwack, BC V2P 7K1 on Saturday October 18th at 2:00pm.
MUIR, William Leslie “Bill” July 6, 1932 - Sept. 20, 2014 William Leslie “Bill” Muir, 82, passed away peacefully at Crossroads Hospice in Port Moody, BC. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Julia of 57 years, his four children, Sharon (Gerry), Jim (Trish), Michael & Marilyn; his grandchildren Matthew, Danielle, Bryan, Tyler and Jacob, and his sister Joan Moffat. Bill worked and played hard. He was outgoing and quick to make friends wherever he went. He grew up in Vancouver and raised his family in Burnaby, before retiring to their summer home at Cultus Lake. He had a successful career in the roofing business and retired as owner of T. Woodward Roofing. Bill enjoyed the outdoors, including golf, hunting and fishing and loved to share those experiences with family and friends. He enjoyed being involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Please join with us at Bill and Julia’s home at Cultus Lake on October 26, 2014 at 11 am to celebrate his life.
Richardson Dianne Laura
Newby, Brenda Lee
Celebration of Life
Jan. 23, 1940-Oct.13, 2014 Brenda Newby, born in Vancouver, BC, daughter of a long-time Chilliwack family, passed away at Lynn Valley Care Centre on October 13, 2014, surrounded by the love of her family. The four-year old who was sent home from VGH to die some 70 years ago after all measures were taken, unsuccessfully, to cure her of a brain tumour beat the odds and then some. In spite of having to deal with some limitations imposed on her by her early illness, Brenda was one of the happiest, at-peace people one could ever meet. She found her perfect niche in life as an LPN at VGH and later St. Paul’s, working with babies and children. She loved her young wards and was wellloved in return. She was predeceased by her mother, Phyllis Olsen; father, Dr. W.G. “Tony” Newby; stepmother, Constance Newby; brother, Bruce Newby; and partner, Frank Madsen. Brenda is lovingly remembered by her family: sisters, Marita Lewis, and Jill Newby; brothers, Max (Gail) and Pat (Kathy); sister-in-law, Deborah; stepfather, Borge Olsen; stepsisters, Mary (Ernie) Harder and Wendy (John) Keenlyside; and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. Thank you to everyone who brightened up Brenda’s final days, including nephew Jeffrey Lewis who always brought a smile to “Aggie’s” face. We will all miss her gentle spirit. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Condolences and memories can be left at: www.kearneyfs.com
Will be held Sat., October 18, 2014 at 2:00pm, Sardis Secondary School, Stevenson Rd. In lieu of flowers please donate to BC Children’s hospital.
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Spousal/Partner Grief Network • Ongoing, every Friday from 1:30-3:30 @ Chilliwack Community Services - 45938 Wellington Ave • Ongoing, Saturdays from 1-3 @ The Lynnwood on Corbould Ave. (across from Leisure Centre)
Parents’ Grief Network • Beginning Thursday, October 16th from 7-8:30pm @ The Lynnwood on Corbould Ave. To register for groups or for further information on all our services and resources please contact 604-793-7239 10/14F_CB10
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Mary Jane Watkins It is with sadness that we announce the death of Mary Jane (May) Watkins at the age of 89. May passed away on Wednesday, September 17th at the Chilliwack Hospital. Mary Jane (May) Magee was born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 1, 1925. She entered the world with an irresistible urge to entertain people and, even at the age of three, needed no encouragement to enter talent contests on the pier at the local seaside. Over the years May joined many entertainment organizations and singing groups such as the Cast Offs at Cottonwood Village. She once confessed that when she heard music all her aches and pains seemed to disappear and she could move around the stage like a young woman. At school in Glasgow, May was interested in dressmaking, knitting, and cross-stitching. She planned to become a domestic science teacher. Unfortunately, World War II began before May finished school, and in order to avoid being evacuated to the country, she worked in a hat shop. When May was 17 she was drafted to serve in the civilian war service where she was involved in the intricate and precise manufacture of compasses for Allied ships and aircraft. In 1952 May married Richard William (Dick) Watkins. Five years later Dick and May left Scotland and immigrated to Montreal. In subsequent years they made their way across Canada, via Brandon Manitoba to British Columbia. Dick worked as an auditor for Canadian Pacific Railway and May worked for Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL). In 1970 they went to Ontario where May worked first for the Oakville Public Library and later for the Huron Country Library. In 1979 Dick and May returned to their beloved British Columbia and May went back to work for FVRL. They moved to Chilliwack in 1988.
John William McConnell It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear dad and grandpa John William McConnell on October 14, 2014. John was born May 20, 1943 in Chilliwack B.C. He was raised on several farms in the area where he learned how to work hard alongside his older brothers Jim and Melvin. John left school in grade 9 and shortly afterward joined the army where he served for three years, living two of them in Germany during the Cold War. Upon completion of his tour he received a medal for his time served and he moved to the Yukon where he worked in an asbestos mine for a year. He then made his way to Edmonton where he began his career of choice - plumbing. There he met the love of his life Norma Murphy and they were married in Chilliwack on December 1, 1973. To their union came two children, Shaun in 1975 and Shari in 1976. They joined Jayne, Norma’s daughter from a previous marriage and his three children were his pride and joy. In 1986 the family moved to Toronto so John could acquire his journeyman certification as a plumber. After earning this, John moved the family back to his birthplace of Chilliwack and in 1996 John and Norma began managing the Golden West Motel. They loved working alongside one another and together they made a great team. While doing so, John also continued plumbing and he worked long days and long hours between the two jobs. They continued their managerial position until 2005 at which point they both retired. John was a good and loving husband and father and he always tried to do his best in these roles that he cherished the most. Norma, Jayne, Shaun and Shari knew of his infinite love for them. As son-in-laws Steve and Troy joined the family, John welcomed them with open arms and with the same unconditional love. In his younger years, John was an amazing boxer and long distance runner. Later in life his hobbies became reading western novels, walking his beloved dog Buddy, collecting tools, shooting the breeze with good friends and watching the oldies television programs like “The Rifleman”. John was a caring and fun person who loved to make other people laugh through jokes or his infamous stories. He especially enjoyed telling stories to his beloved grandchildren and loved to share those that contained a life lesson. Indeed Dallin, Ashton, Jocelyn, Bryanne, Marin and Autumn were the beneficiaries of many lessons encompassed in laughter courtesy of Grandpa McConnell. When “additional” grandchildren Tim, Katie and Eric married into the family, John made sure to share his tales with them as well. We are saddened that Grandpa won’t be able to share them personally with his great grandchild Renne but we will remember him fondly as we relay them to her. John leaves all those he loved so dearly to mourn his loss as well as many other family and friends. He was predeceased just 7 short months ago by his beloved Norma after 40 years together. Notwithstanding their individual concurrent battles with cancer, they lovingly and faithfully put each others needs ahead of their own. John fought long and hard after Norma left us despite missing her terribly. We take comfort in knowing that his suffering is over and they are now reunited again. Thank you to the nursing staff at the Cascade Hospice, Dr. Madill, and Dr. Bull for the attentive care John received at your hand. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Monday October 20, 2014 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 6300 Tyson Road Chilliwack B.C. with Bishop David Robinson officiating. A reception to meet with the family will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:00am-9:50am. Interment will be at the Chilliwack Cemetery following the funeral. 10/14F_WO17
Dick died the following year in September 1989. Within months May saw a small notice in the local paper asking for people interested in their local library to form a Friends of the Chilliwack Library group. In the beginning teas and books sales were the main source of revenue. May became President of the Friends group in 1990 and remained in that position for ten years. Under her leadership the Friends instituted raffles, garage sales and various other fund raising events. One event that May started is the annual pet parade. In 2000 May decided to return to Scotland to be closer to the family. May returned to Chilliwack from Scotland in 2005 and immediately rejoined the Friends of the Library. This dedicated group supports library programs and services with innovative projects like Quiz Night and puzzle sales. In 2010, May was presented a certificate by the Friends in recognition of 20 years of service. A proud daughter of Scotland, May was often asked to speak at Robbie Burns and frequently gave the “Address to the Haggis”. May was predeceased by her brother Alastair. She is survived by her sister-in-law Marjorie Magee and nephews Gregg and Graeme (Edinburgh, Scotland). May’s family and friends would like to thank the staff at Birchwood Retirement Residence and the nursing staff at Chilliwack General Hospital for their care and support. A celebration of life tea will be held at the Birchwood Retirement Residence, 45650 Patten Ave., Chilliwack, BC on Monday, October 27th from 1:30-3:30pm. Donations in May’s name may be made to the Chilliwack SPCA or to the Friends of the Chilliwack Library. 10/14F_WO17
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