951 Memorial Page
Kimberley Dawn CARVER
May 4, 1967 – April 7, 2023
“Don’t cry that it is over, smile that it happened.”
Kim is survived by her husband, Mike Brosselard, her parents, Michael and Patricia Carver, her brother Jeffrey Carver his wife, Diana, and their two sons Jacob and Thomas.
Kim was born and raised in Deep River, Ontario, and lived in Ottawa, and Banff, then after some travel, settled on Vancouver Island, for over 30 years, first in the Cowichan Valley, and the last 18 years in Victoria West, amongst a glittering constellation of neighbours.
Kim’s work focused on supporting at risk youth, with numerous non-profit organizations including the Esquimalt Neighborhood House, Boys and Girls club, the YMYWCA, the READ Society, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and Ypres House residential program for at risk teen youth, the latter of which she worked at for 30 years.
Kim was an adventurous person, who enjoyed travel, photography, hiking, boating, swimming and foraging. She was in equal parts a homebody who loved to garden, cook, read, write letters, watch movies and hang out by the fire.
Kim enjoyed community projects like developing community gardens, supporting local organic markets, and hosting a neighborhood book exchange.
The dog love of her life was named Baye, who chose Kim and Mike at the Salt Spring Island Farmers Market one Saturday morning, with much cheering from her friend Erin.
Kim thanks her family for the many lovely and formative things and experiences they provided her growing up.
Kim said she was proudest of the loving relationship she had with her husband of 25 years, Mike, and the home and life they built together.
She will be missed by family, friends, and the many young people she connected with throughout her life.
A celebration of life will be arranged at a later date.
For those wishing to memorialize Kim, in the place of flowers, a donation to the SPCA, a youth serving social service agency or food security initiative of your choice would be most appropriate. “I love you. Thank you. Goodbye.” – Kim https://www.earthsoption.com/
Shannon Lea Bowie
January 7, 1972 – December 19, 2019
On the afternoon of December 19, 2019 the Bowie’s sadly said goodbye to Shannon. Her family was by her side as her decision to move on was carried out. She left this world on her own terms and with no regrets after a six month battle with pancreatic cancer. Shannon was a kind and loyal wife and mother to her children Paige and Jackson and husband Sam. Predeceased by her father, Don Gibson and brother, Russell Gibson; she is survived by her mother, Vivian Gibson and siblings, Corey and Scott and their wonderful families. Born and schooled in Williams Lake, a community she was fiercely proud of, she made her way to Victoria after graduation. She met Sam in 1995 and was foolish enough to marry him in the summer of 2000. They enjoyed travelling together around B.C. and the Yukon in their early years together. The real joy in her life came with the births of Jack in 2002 and Paige in 2004. They gave her such great joy and purpose. They were a constant source of pride. Shannon was a wonderfully bright light and a good friend to many. Her quick smile, wicked sense of humour and ready hugs were a joy to all her friends. Shannon’s “Bitches” were special friends and their Black Friday shopping extravaganzas were always epic adventures for all concerned. Shannon had a discerning eye and as an avid collector/hoarder, she purchased questionable antiquities, especially purses and coins. After her tough diagnosis, the family decided to continue with a planned trip to New York City and Baltimore where they visited Jack’s prospective university and Paige enjoyed the thrill of shopping on Fifth Avenue. Shannon’s family is forever indebted to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Palliative Care team, Claremont High School staff, countless friends, neighbours, coaches, teacher, co-workers and employers. A very special thank you to Kim Ewer and Dr.’s Hugh Down, Karen Down and Andrea Lewis and all the doctors and support staff at the B.C. Cancer Agency. https://www.legacy.com
Zoe Lu
May 4, 1967 – April 07, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that the Sociology Department announces that long time staff member, Zoe Lu, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Zoe made a difference as soon as she arrived as the Graduate Program Secretary in 2006. From helping new students find their way around the maze-like Cornett building, to supporting graduate students adjust to becoming Teaching Assistants or writing their thesis or dissertation, she became the person we all went to when we needed help, a shoulder, or a laugh. In 2016, Zoe became Assistant to the Chair, a position that reinforced her pivotal role in the daily functioning of the department. Through all her years of service, she worked tirelessly and gracefully, and was always there when we needed her. Zoe volunteered every year at commencement to share in our students’ achievements and celebrate their success. Everyone who met Zoe was touched by her kindness, amazed by her memory, and perhaps most of all, will remember the sound of her wonderful laugh. Zoe was the heart and soul of our department; she was the glue that held us together. She will be missed but never forgotten.
We are deeply saddened that Zoe was taken so quickly by a reoccurrence of an extremely aggressive form of cancer called triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The family has disclosed the specific type of cancer in the hopes of raising awareness for others. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences go to her husband, Lawrence, and their children, Keira and Mackenzie.
A service will be held November 24 at 2pm at Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens and will be live streamed: https://www.mccallgardens.com/obituaries/amanda-zoe-lu
Shelley Rae Young
69, Born in Saskatoon, February 27, 1952
Passed in Abbotsford, October 22, 2021
Shelley was raised in Saaskatoon, went to the U of S and worked in the university library, then moved to Victoria, She spent most of her working career at the coast and lower mainland. She was predeceased by her parent, Fran and Jim Young, her birth brother John Hellum and birth mother Lenore Hellum. She is survived by cousins Bob and Gary and their families and special friends Cathy and Greg Mannin, along with many other friends in Saskatoon and BC. Shelley’s friends remember her loyalty, her social conscience, and her STUBBORNESS. Shelley was devoted to her family and pets. We also remember her kindness, her love of books and food, and her sense of humor.
Mary Teresa Finnegan (Sails) October 4, 1946 – March 31, 2022
Loving mother, devoted grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away March 31st after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mary is survived by her son Michael Frampton (Megumi), daughter Kelly Wakeham and grandchildren Kieran, Logan, Jasmine and Lily. She is also survived by her brother Michael Sails and sister Marnie Wingham (UK), her nieces and nephews, Andrew, Alanna, James, Patrick and Trevor Sails and Brittany and Ryan Wingham. She was predeceased by her much loved younger brother, Steve and older brother Jack (in infancy). Mary attended St. Ann’s Academy, St. Patrick’s School and Oak Bay High School in Victoria. She worked as Department Secretary and Assistant to the Chair in the Biology Department, University of Victoria, for over 26 years. She was also very active in her Union, CUPE 951 . It was during this time at UVic that Mary pursued her post secondary education, obtaining a degree in Sociology and Psychology, graduating as a mature student in 1998. Mary especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, all of whom she held most dear. Thank you Dr. Leah Norgrove, Dr. Sylvie Tellier, staff at BCCA and all the staff at Victoria Compounding Pharmacy for your care during Mary’s life. It was Mary’s wish that there be no service. Please offer up a prayer. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com
Bonnie Hallett 1946 – 2022
Bonnie passed away peacefully in the company of family. She is survived and dearly missed by daughter Alison, sister Magee and grandson Torin.
Born in 1946 to Pat and Hugh, Bonnie’s early life was shaped by her dad’s airforce career, which brought them around Canada and overseas. Among the most fondly remembered adventures were childhood in Goose Bay, high school in Switzerland, and living in Czechoslovakia where her dad served as the Canadian military attache.
Bonnie completed her Bachelor of Arts at Dalhousie, and later a certificate in hotel management in Bermuda. After her daughter Alison was born, she settled in Victoria and began working at the law library at UVic, which was the start of a 35 year career at the university. Bonnie was quickly promoted to acquisitions supervisor, and she later held fond memories of her days in the law library. She completed a Masters degree in Public Administration at night school while working full time at UVic. In 1991, she moved to the Human Resources Department as an advisor. Highlights of her HR career included stints in classification and compensation, labour relations, and recruitment and training. In 2005, she became the Manager of Employment Services.
Throughout her life, Bonnie cherished a deep connection with her family, and spent most Sundays visiting parents Pat and Hugh. Her loving support of daughter Alison led her to invest her time as the chair of the board of St. Margaret’s School and as an Air Cadet officer. She was a longtime resident of Fairfield, living next door to sister Magee. She volunteered on the Alumni Board of UVic and with Wear2Start.
Bonnie was a devoted crafter who loved quilting, doll making and other textile arts. Crafting weekends with friends were a special joy. In her later years Bonnie was a resident of Berwick House Royal Oak, Amica on the Gorge, and Beckley Farm Lodge. In each place, she immersed herself in activities, and was known for her sharp wit and one-liners. Her family is grateful for the care and kindness that Bonnie received at each home. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Parkinson’s Society of BC.
Anita Jessop (née Fournier) was a dedicated, long-serving staff member within UVic’s Division of Continuing Studies and worked for the university for over two decades.
Anita passed away peacefully at 6:00 pm on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the Royal Jubilee Hospice, after a lengthy illness. She was born on June 15, 1953 in Hamilton, Ontario, where she married Alan Jessop and traveled to Victoria, BC to unfold their lives. She was the proud mother of Adam and Emily, proud grandmother of Jaxon and Owen, and will be very missed but never forgotten.
Anita will be lovingly remembered by her family in Hamilton, her father Armond, sister Janet, and brothers John, Mark and Michael.
For those who knew Anita and would like to leave a message, the family has said “please feel free to share your memories, feelings and photos, as we are all heartbroken and already miss her madly.” Please visit Anita’s Tribute Page.
If you would like to make a donation, Anita’s charities of choice are Victoria Hospice and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Dallas Tomniuk, a valued staff member in the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium, passed away May 22 following an accident in Tofino.
Tomniuk held the position of assistant technical director at the auditorium, where he had been employed since 2003. Through nearly 13 years with the auditorium, Tomniuk was the audio engineer for more than 120 events every year. A talented sound technician with a far-reaching reputation, Dallas mixed audio for world-renowned artists including B.B. King, Raffi, John Cleese, David Foster, Nelly Furtado, Wynton Marsalis, Nana Mouskouri, The Kingston Trio, Martin Short, Randy Bachman, and many others.
Dallas was a veteran supporter of UVic ceremonies and events, taking care of the audio requirements for 133 UVic Convocation ceremonies. He also mixed audio for Victoria’s Ska Festival for several years, helping countless internationally renowned musicians bring joy to their audiences.
Outside work, Tomniuk was an avid outdoorsman and adventurous man, enjoying dirt bike adventures, ATV’s and guns.
Tomniuk leaves behind his loving wife Lindsey, two sons Ryder (5 yrs) and Theo (16 mos), his sister Dionne and brother Nick. He is survived by his mother Patricia and stepfather Lloyd.
Donations are being accepted to the Tomniuk Family Support Fund to provide for his young family: gofundme.com/265ekecc
Bill Johnston Only recently retired after 33 years of service to the University, Bill passed away on June 15th, 2016 after a brave battle with cancer.
For nearly half of those years, Bill was a member of CUPE 951. Raised in a “fairly anti-union household” Bill was “not too thrilled” to find himself in a unionized workplace. Cuts to public services under Bill Bennet in the 1980s prompted him to attend his first union meeting where he was surprised to realize that “all that (he) had known up to that date was false.”
So impressed by then-president Liliane Morgan that he signed on as a shop steward.
Bill took the week-long stewarding course at Harrison Winter School and jumped in with both feet. While Bill took several union education courses, the stewarding training and practice is what he credits for giving him the confidence to speak as himself.
Bill applied what he learned as shop steward and moved up to Chief Steward. Not long after that, he was elected President.
Within three rounds of bargaining, Bill led CUPE 951 to “make the breakthrough” with management over the annual December closure.
“I’ve had the privilege to be on both sides of the table in bargaining. In the last round of bargaining, representing management — but I was still able to understand the perspective of the union.”
Bill believed that it came down to respect, regardless of what work group a person was in.
Over the years, Bill has “had the opportunity to work with some extraordinary people.” Many of those he worked with while he was a CUPE member remained friends, even as he and others have moved from one work group to the next.
Jeannette Wilkinson – Accounting/Payroll employee at UVic and CUPE 951 member – passed away suddenly but peacefully in her home in Victoria. She was predeceased by her twin sister Jeannine in 2007 and is survived by her siblings Kathy, Norman, Debbie, Robert, Carol, and June.
Referred to as “Auntie Toonie”, she leaves her nieces Meghan, Mika, Mollie, and her nephew Anthony, as well as other relatives.
She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her and her trusting and giving personality.
The St. Francis of Assisi statue that Jeannette kept on her porch attested to love and caring which Jeannette gave to any animal or human being that came her way.
A special thanks to Shirley for her guidance and caring, and to Michael for giving Boo his forever home.
The Celebration of Life to honour Jeannette will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Parish at 1pm on June 28th.
A small reception will be held afterwards for family and friends.
Priscilla Scott – Born in Vancouver, British Columbia at St. Paul’s Hospital on September 20, 1927, Priscilla was predeceased by her dearly beloved parents Wilbur B. Scott (1951) and Elizabeth Pearl Bell/Scott (1986). Priscilla leaves to mourn her much loved cousins Hugh MacCrostie and Marnie Bradfield (husband Leigh), her second cousins Marsha Bradfield and Heather Bradfield (husband Tyler, daughters Cecileigh and Lizelle), Eric Burr (wife Lori and daughters Amanda and Ashley), Marguerite Csikos (husband Dan, daughter Megan and son Anthony) and many friends, noting especially her enduring friend Frances Gillespie. Priscilla completed her Bachelor of Library Sciences at the University of Toronto and then worked as a librarian for 30 years.
Her career started at the University of British Columbia Library but she later moved on to the University of Victoria Library. On retirement from the University of Victoria, Priscilla returned home to Vancouver to enjoy the city she knew and loved so much. She was an active member of of Fairview Presbyterian Church. Shortly after joining the church in the early 1990s, Priscilla assumed the role of Church Librarian and, with much joy, tackled the reorganization of the church library. She was also a member of Session and, as an Elder, provided tremendous support to parish members in the community. In her early retirement, Priscilla also studied at Regent College where she completed a Diploma in Biblical Studies, which represented the fulfillment of a life-long interest. An avid art, design and travel enthusiast, Priscilla made several trips to New York to enjoy its museums and galleries.
She was a frequent visitor to San Francisco where she and her mother, her constant companion, enjoyed shopping for the latest fashions. Other travels took Priscilla to England and Wales, Hawaii, Alaska, and latterly to South Africa, Japan, China, Russia and Ireland. Priscilla’s cousins and friends will cherish the memories of many lovely family birthdays and holiday gatherings that she hosted at her apartments, and later at her favourite restaurants including Seasons In The Park and The Shaughnessy at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Always attentive to others, Priscilla was generous and thoughtful, and will be remembered for her care and concern for all of us.