Earth's Option Cremation & Burial Services Obituaries

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Obituary Preview: It is with sadness we announce the passing of Fred Benesch on July 6, 2021, at the age of 87 years.Fred was born in Barrhead, Alberta on November 27, 1933, in Barrhead’s first hospital. After completing school, he went to Edmonton to drive ambulance for Smith’s Ambulance Service in 1956. He started working nights and part time at the Andrews-McLaughlin Funeral Home and soon found himself in a lifelong career in funeral service. He met a beautiful young bank teller at the RBC in Edmonton, Rose Marie. They began dating and married in 1959. They welcomed their first child a daughter Velvet followed by sons Tedd, Graham and Chris. The family was complete and for the next 40 years he dedicated his life to helping people in their hour of need as a funeral director. He was very proud of his work as a funeral director and was especially proud when 2 more generations of his children and grandsons became funeral directors.He retired in Victoria BC in 2009 but stayed involved in the funeral profession in a part time capacity. He passed peacefully in his sleep with family by his side.Fred is survived by his wife Rose Marie, daughter Velvet (Craig) Baker of St. Albert, AB; Son Tedd (Janet) Benesch of Morinville, AB; Son Graham Benesch of Victoria and son Chris (Susan) Benesch of Victoria. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, Cody Baker of Victoria, Nathan Baker of Metro Vancouver, and Grayson Baker of Victoria, Nicole Benesch, Erica Benesch, Josh Benesch and Landon Benesch all of the Edmonton area, Jordan (Alicia) Benesch of Cowichan Lake, BC, Alyssa (Brad) Clark and Colin Benesch of Shawnigan Lake, BC, and his 4 great-grandchildren, Carter, Leah, Liam and Charlotte. His sister Elsie Schieve of Edmonton, numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.He was predeceased by his parents Alfred sr. and Katharina Benesch and his brother-in-law Allen Schieve.Donations may be made to your local food bank or charity of choice.

Obituary Preview: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernie at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Bernie started his career at the age of 15 as a messenger boy for Canadian Pacific and stayed with the company in many capacities, until he retired at 54. He had a lifelong interest in cars, steamships, the railway and motorcycles. He could easily be spotted around town in his Datsun 610. Bernie liked meeting people, striking up conversations with anyone he passed and considered them a new friend. Bernie always had a story or three to share about all his adventures and is widely remembered for his storytelling.He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy, daughter Wendy (John) and grandchildren, Jane and Finn. Also survived by siblings, John (Frieda), Russell (Ellen), Veronica, Yvonne (Lorne), Aleta (Greg), Alex (Nancy), Mary, Mildred (Rick), Roberta, Brenda (Doug), Alena (Ken), brother-in-law Jim (Helga), sisters-in-law Katherine and Mary Lou and numerous nieces and nephews.Predeceased by his son Richard, sister Marlene and brother Walter.Many thanks to the RJH staff on 5SW and Hospice for your compassionate care. Service will be held Fri. Aug.13 at 2 p.m. at McCall’s Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Dr. A livestream and recording of the event can be found at www.mccallgardens.comBernie asked in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the charity of your choice. To offer a condolence please visit www.earthsoption.com

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Obituary Preview: It was on one of British Columbia’s hottest days on record, the air beyond the whir of fans like a furnace, that we discovered we had lost our mother/mater/matriarch, Marian Rose Theaker. (Incidentally, she hated “Rose”, and would begrudgingly write out the ‘R’ of her signature with something like patient forbearance.) Mom was 89, and had survived her husband of 62 years and our father, Ken, by 271 days. They were the most difficult days for her, and she privately hoped the reunion would be swifter, even though – to her children – the end came with wrenching and brutal suddenness.She was born in the Peggy’s Cove district of Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1932 to Alexander and Agnes Gabinet. He was a career soldier who had once aspired to be a doctor, and she was a homemaker who would eventually give birth to and raise six children, five daughters and a son, also named Alexander.Life in those early years must have been trying, with the Depression going on. Marian recalled her mother Agnes not infrequently inviting itinerant travelers at the door in search of a meal to the family dinner table. But, by wartime, the family emphasis changed, and Alexander Sr., now a Warrant Officer First Class, traveled to England to join the war effort. He obtained a Captaincy during this time and went on to fight on all major fronts: France, Italy, Africa and Japan. This left Agnes struggling to keep a home and raise her growing brood in Canada, a responsibility assisted by her eldest child, Marian. Oftentimes a surrogate parent – cooking, cleaning, and corralling her younger siblings – this was a role that clung to her for the rest of her life. The sisters sometimes resented this parent-by-proxy in their midst, and I think, in later years, were quick to accuse Marian, known as “Mame” to her siblings, of still wielding a symbolic authority with them.Captain ‘Pop’ Gabinet would go on to witness many of the Nazi atrocities in Belgium firsthand, and, with the fighting ‘Princess Pats’ liberate an untold number of Japanese POWs. This tour extended into the Korean conflict, and, meanwhile, his young family grew up largely in his absence. ‘Dad’s Harem’ Marian monikered the lively, alluring coterie of sisters who sang, excelled in sports, wore stylish clothes, and attracted legions of eligible young men. (“Pre-Kardashians” as daughter Deb refers to them.) The family had by now relocated to Toronto.Mom recalled an exciting summer working as a maid at Meredith Lodge near Muskoka Lake in the summer of 1949. Then in 1950 she started her training as a nurse in Guelph, Ontario. Perhaps having inherited a little of her dad’s early passion for medicine, Marian really found her milieu here. She tried Pediatrics for a bit before switching to O.R. (Operating Room) or trauma nursing, where she excelled. By the time her three-year training had ended in 1953, she had established herself as a highly-skilled O.R. nurse. And she followed her training with a two-year stint in the O.R. of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto.Looking back, Mom really seems like a prototype in that era: the sort of fearless, liberated species of women we would not see for at least another dozen years.Driven and shrewdly intelligent, she next won the position of O.R. Supervisor at the Montreal Jewish General Hospital in 1955. And, here, the girl from Peggy’s Cove scrubbed in for the best and brightest surgeons of the day. These included the eminent heart surgeon, Dr. Arthur Vineberg. She marveled at being by his side as he performed open heart surgery, and occasionally even holding a beating human heart in her hands. She was a personal witness to many of Vineberg’s innovations in the field of cardiology. To say she was proud of her career would be a profound understatement.She had followed her family to Montreal, where her father was by now a Regimental Sergeant-Major at the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps at McGill University in Montreal. It was here, at the officers’ mess, that Marian and her sister Frances arrived one night in 1957 on a doomed double-date with a boorish pair of soldiers. The soldiers quickly faded into the woodwork when Marian laid eyes on a dashing young lieutenant from Saskatchewan: Ken Theaker. (In fact, Ken was the Duty Officer on the base that night and had to return one of these would-be dates – now sodden drunk – back to his bunk before reappearing at the mess, himself, for the promise of romance.) The blue-eyed, handsome, young officer and the attractive nurse could barely keep their eyes off each other. With a little helpful intervention from Frances, Ken and Marian were soon keeping company, and infatuation became deep, true love.Ken’s training finished, he returned to his Saskatchewan farm, but a series of love letters fueled Marian’s decision to relocate to the prairies in 1958 and become his wife. They almost missed each other (opposite ends of the platform!) at a dusty train depot near Prelate, Saskatchewan...but were quickly reunited. Love continued to bloom, and they were married shortly after.They set up their new life together in Moose Jaw, where Dad taught school and Mom assumed her new O.R. position at the Providence Hospital there. Two daughters followed – Shelly, then Debbie – and Ken transitioned into a career as a funeral director by apprenticing at Warren’s Funeral Home in Swift Current. Always in demand for her specialized nursing, Marian began work at Swift Current Union Hospital.It was an exciting, heady time for the young family...and Ken struck out on his own as the owner/operator of a funeral home in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan in 1966. You can feel this sense of a new pioneering excitement as you look at the pictures, diary entries and newspaper clippings of their time there.Ken took his popularity as a businessman and parlayed it to a successful run at civic politics, winning election as Mayor of the town. Always by his side, Marian now started juggling child-rearing with nursing (at Esterhazy’s St. Anthony’s Hospital) as well as all the social expectations of her position as Mayor’s wife, often overseeing – with perfection – amazing dinner spreads for visiting dignitaries, members of the Saskatchewan Funeral Association, and Knights of Columbus associates of Dad’s. She created so many special and memorable occasions we recall fondly.Marian was a real “hostess with the mostess,” and loved nothing more than proudly laying out a sumptuous table for her siblings and family for the holidays. Every dish was enticing...with baked goodies which few of us – especially her kids! – could resist. Her Nanaimo bars and butter tarts were legendary in taste, aroma and presentation - and expected/requested by us every year.Mom was ever creative, with a keen eye for design. She knitted personalized wool sweaters, and hooked rugs...of any visual subject which caught her fancy. She stripped and varnished woodwork, re-wallpapered, painted and repurposed whatever her latest find might be. Once, while in the middle of varnishing an archway into the dining room, her daughter Deb accidentally knocked over the entire can onto a newly carpeted floor. That became a running joke within the family. Whenever it looked like one of the kids might be in trouble for something, Ken would tap dance on the crusty rug, and the family would dissolve into gales of laughter and the offense would be forgotten.Still musical (her piano renditions had a light and ebullient touch), she continued to sing and play. Memorably, any gathering of her sisters and mother would mean a joyful singalong. You never knew when the songs of the Beatles or Burt Bacharach or Bob Dylan would come unfurling from the piano, arresting our attention, and luring us to stand behind the upright as a spellbound captive audience while she sight-read all the popular standards. She encouraged us to act or sing or to recite for our own enjoyment, and made sure to drive the extra miles to whatever regional competition was taking place.Near the end of our time in Esterhazy, she had transitioned from nursing to almost full-time funeral work, assisting Dad in his daily operations (especially clerical), and so it was...until health problems for him spelled a certain end to this idyllic tenure. She and Ken relocated to Victoria, British Columbia in the mid-80’s where a now-recovered Ken returned to funeral work, as an employee, until his retirement around 2000.And, in retirement, life took on a mild and easygoing cast. She and Ken would take car trips up the Island, walk along their local Gorge waterway, visit family (many of the Gabinets were now out here too) and tend to their gardening. It was a good long block of time together, and they were thankful for their eventful shared life.Every day, Dad would lie next to her, recalling people and events of the colourful past. Health issues would come and they were dealt with, but Ken and Marian seldom spent a night apart. Until he suddenly became sick in 2020, mostly from age-related illness, and passed in October of that year. The following nine months were hard. Marian survived her brother Alex, who passed in late 2020, and sister Catherine in February of 2021. These were her last siblings. And the loss of Ken continued to be a painful ache. “Why am I still here,” she sometimes lamented, “at 89?”It must have been a relief for her, then, when this question was finally settled sometime in the morning of June 29th, even though her three children are now heartbroken at the unexpected loss.We love you forever, Mom, and are so grateful for your life. And we’re glad that you are at last reunited with Dad.

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Obituary Preview: Barbara loved making a difference in the lives of others. True even when she spent her final months in Victoria Hospice holding cancer at bay. On June 27, she passed peacefully, her spouse Gary Willison at her side. She is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Evalyn Kemble (Clute), brother Michael and sister Diana.Born in Toronto in 1944, her family moved to Vancouver after WW2. She attended York House School and went on to UBC graduating with a B.Ed. degree. She moved back to Toronto soon after. In the early eighties she created a popular colors and presentation business. Barbara was a woman whose boundless energy allowed her to excel both as a single Mom and an entrepreneur in a time when neither was easy.In the later eighties, she studied interior design at Humber College in Toronto. This was around the time when Gary and she chose to lovingly share their lives together. Upon graduation, she became a partner in a Toronto interior design firm. Later she created her own company. She was an artist and entrepreneur at heart. Fifteen years ago, she and Gary moved to Victoria. She joined bridge groups and book clubs and always looked forward to being with her Friday morning walking groups. She became a gardener extraordinaire and world traveller. Barbara was gregarious, stylish and elegant. Fun to be with. She loved fabric, color, and art. She had a terrific artistic and design sense. She supported many charities. People genuinely loved her, as did Zoe, her devoted pug. And she was always willing to help friends who were in need of support.Barbara will be lovingly remembered by Gary, especially for those spirited crib games and heated Trump discussions and by Christos Doulis, her son, for hours watching Magnum PI on Thursday nights, the many movies they saw together and, recently, the long, enjoyable walks in London. Same for Lisa, her daughter in law, who marveled at the idiosyncratic, yet practical gifts Barbara gave her. Sister in law, Ingunn Kemble, remembers Barbara’s curiosity and wonderful sense of adventure while traveling with her in China and India. Niece Hana Kamea commented that “Aunty was always there for me” and had memories of nourishing weekends spent with her. Nephew Martin Kemble: “I remember her always as my awesome aunt from Toronto.” They all will miss her laughter and sense of humor.

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Obituary Preview: Known to most simply as "Dode" Creative to the end. Lover of dogs, gardening, nature, automobiles, and life itself. World traveler who had beat cancer. Proud of his family history and the establishment of French Beach Provincial Park. Always in pursuit of knowledge and the next great adventure. Dode could mesmerize you while engaging in brilliant conversation on most any topic.

Obituary Preview: We are saddened to announce the passing of Erma Jean Steele (née McCulloch) on June 26, 2021 in Victoria. Erma is survived by her husband Herbert; her children Catherine and William, her daughter-in-law Cathy, her grandchildren Jacob, Juliana, and Lauren; and many other family and friends. Erma’s passing will give rise to a Celebration of Life in the near future in her hometown of Rimbey, Alberta. She will be truly missed by all family and friends.

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Obituary Preview: Eddie (Edward), beloved son of his late parents Edward and Margaret Almeida, passed away June 24, 2021 in Victoria, BC in his 63rd year Eddie’s kind soul touched many hearts throughout his life which ended far too soon, and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Obituary Preview: It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John Edward Keith Kellsey on June 23rd, 2021, at the age of 77.John was born on July 21, 1943 in Virden, Manitoba. He lived in several communities in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. From 1972 onwards he lived in Fort Frances, Ontario, where he worked in administration at Riverside Health Care Facilities for 25 years, retiring in March 2001. John had a strong interest in the provision of housing and support to those individuals in need and continued to work with LaVerendrye Non-Profit Supportive Housing for several more years after retiring.John moved to Victoria, British Columbia in 2007 to be closer to his children and grandson, and spent many years enjoying the company of his family. He appreciated and took pleasure in life's precious moments and was an extremely loving and generous father, grandfather, and friend. John embraced West Coast living and especially valued his favourite 'coffee spot' beside the ocean, where he could be found most days.John battled diabetes and resulting complications for far too many years, but he consistently showed strength and determination, while maintaining his sense of humour.John is survived by and will be greatly missed by his daughter, Vicki Kellsey and grandson Lucas Ilkka, son Vincent Kellsey (wife Rose Kellsey), sister Doreen (Jack) McCarthy of Brisbane, Australia, nieces Cindy (Gary) Mahoney, Shelley (Bruce) Cousins, Colleen (Don) Hink, nephew Jason Kellsey (Lisa) of Manitoba, and nephew Timothy McCarthy of Brisbane Australia. John was predeceased by his father, Edward A. Kellsey, his mother Dorothy M. Kellsey (Snell) and his brother Kenneth (Mavis) Kellsey.Cremation has taken place and a small family celebration of life will follow. In memorial and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Society, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the charity of your choice.When you feel the urge to dance, do it.When you find the will to sing, sing loudly.When you catch a glimpse of glory, stand in awe. That’s what angels do!Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow.I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rushof quiet birds circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Obituary Preview: June Earl of Victoria, British Columbia, passed peacefully on June 22, 2021, one week after celebrating her 95th birthday.June was born and raised in rural Manitoba. In her adult life, she seemed to always find her home situated on water, whether a lake, pond or ocean inlet, filled with the wildlife she so loved. As a Mum, June accepted that there just might be a fawn, baby raccoon or abandoned duck egg in need of nurturing in her home by one of her three children, all equally enamored with the animal world.June demonstrated her caring and generous spirit toward humankind, too - toward the underserved at home as well as in developing countries. She was active in fundraising and in hands-on efforts to make our world a kinder place, particularly for children. Until her passing, June was an active supporter of UNICEF.Throughout her life June thrived in the business world, even when women entrepreneurs were few. She had a real eye for decorating and was always willing to share her talent - whether with a Montessori Children’s House in Miami, an Arizona property, a restaurant in Lethbridge, or her final business venture, a charming bed and breakfast in Victoria, BC. At age 65, June established Arundel Manor B&B which gave expression to her passion for detail - for soothing music, beautiful antiques, the most delicious variety of breakfasts she would personally prepare daily - and to her natural ability to make others feel so warm and welcome in her home that Arundel won a coveted place in the “Best Places to Kiss in the Pacific Northwest” guide. June’s sincere interest in others and her comfort with conversation made this a most meaningful and fulfilling endeavor.June will be remembered as an independent business woman who encouraged and advocated for others, both women and men, often those much younger than herself. She will be remembered for her keen sense of humor and for her sense of fun. And undoubtedly, she will be remembered for her yummy muffins, lemon curd and raspberry preserves she shared with friends and family over the years. June’s children would say their Mum was a deep thinker - a reader of metaphysics, Eastern philosophies and worldly views. But they’d also say she was an energized, focused “doer” who could make things happen. She had a strong Irish will that never failed her, a confidence that one can always find a way through challenge. She demonstrated that throughout her 95 years. "We will celebrate her life many days, with many memories, with many people and as a family we feel very lucky for that."June is remembered lovingly by her daughter Pam of Miami, Florida, her son Rick of Nanaimo, BC (Cathy and former wife, Diana) and her son Rob of Calgary, Alberta (Maureen). Holding special memories of “Grandma June” are grandchildren Jordana, Shawn, Brendon, Nicolas, Lynn, Tyler and Carlin. Littlest members of June’s family are great-grandchildren Teddy, Isabell, Elijah, Anya, Espin, Lyndon, Géo, and Zélie.Special thanks to the Berwick House Brio team for its care and compassion toward June. The family is particularly grateful to Elaine Carnegie for always listening, truly hearing and for her unwavering support.Although June loved her plants, her family kindly suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in June’s name to UNICEF or to the Salvation Army.Please check back OR click on the envelope icon on the left menu under "share/subscribe to this tribute" to receive automatic updates regarding this tribute.

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