It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Mae Andrew (née Yeats) on May 5, 2026, at the age of 77.

Linda was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 6, 1948. In 1961, she moved to Victoria, British Columbia, with her parents, Jack and Eva Yeats, and her brother, Ken. She attended Claremont High School, graduating in 1966, before continuing her education at Sprott Shaw Business College. Linda began her career with the Bank of Montreal and later transferred to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It was there that she met Gordon Andrew, the man who would become her husband and lifelong love. On June 19, 1971, Linda and Gordon returned to Victoria, where they were married.  After their first year of marriage in Saskatoon, they made Victoria their permanent home, where they established their roots, built their home, and raised their two beautiful daughters. Together they shared nearly 55 years of marriage centered on family, faith, and friends.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Eva Yeats. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Gordon Andrew; her brother, Ken Yeats; her daughters, Rayael Michalski (Todd) and Rhonda Niquidet (Kurt); and her beloved grandchildren, Brendan Michalski, Andrew Michalski (Kaylee), Chloe Jackson (John), Olivia Niquidet, and Aleia Niquidet.

Family was the cornerstone of Linda’s life.  She loved living on the water, whether at the ocean cottage they enjoyed for many years or at the treasured lakeside home.  She found great joy at the family lake property, where she spent countless hours enjoying her surroundings and tending the beautiful garden she and Gordon lovingly created.  She especially loved sharing it with family and friends, who were always warmly welcomed to gather at the lake with Linda and Gordon.  Many happy afternoons and evenings were spent enjoying good company, laughter, and the peaceful surroundings.

A special place in Linda’s heart was Nanoose Bay Camp.  Her connection to the camp spanned a lifetime.  She first attended as a teenager, later served as a counsellor, and eventually enjoyed many summers at her own cabin there.  Each July, she welcomed her grandchildren to share in the camp experience that had meant so much to her.  Even when she reached an age where she could have attended the seniors’ program as a camper, Linda chose instead to volunteer, continuing to give back to the camp community she loved.  The friendships, faith, and memories formed there remain lasting treasures.

Linda will be remembered for her joy, tenacity, unwavering devotion to her family, and her gift for making people feel welcome.  Whether gathered in her garden at the lake, at the ocean cottage, or at Nanoose Bay Camp, those who knew Linda will remember her dazzling smile, loving heart, and the joy she found in bringing people together.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Coastline Church.  The service will be streamed live for those unable to attend in person: https://live.coastlinechurch.ca/.  The date would have marked Linda’s 78th birthday, making it a fitting occasion for family and friends to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.

Linda’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love, support, prayers, and friendship throughout her life and particularly in these last months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s memory may be made to Nanoose Bay Pentecostal Camp, a place that held a special place in her heart throughout her life.

Forever loved, always remembered.

 

Ian MacLeod was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on October 12, 1943. He grew up in Aklavik, NWT, Hay River, Peace River and Edmonton, Alberta. He studied Electronic Technology at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.) He was an Air Cadet and subsequently joined RAF in Ottawa where he also earned his degree as a Certified Public Accountant. Ian worked with the Department of Indian Affairs with the Federal Government until his retirement in 1996. He moved to White Rock, BC to be with family, and later to Salt Spring Island. He needed to be busy, so he volunteered at the Salt Spring Public Library and became trainer of  volunteers there for several years.

Ian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and after many difficult years, but with excellent care provided at Saanich Peninsula Hospital over his final two years. He died March 12, 2026.

No service, by request.

Commander Macgregor Fullarton Macintosh, OMM, died peacefully at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on 8 March 2026 at the age of 96, following kind and loving visits from family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia, on 27 January 1930 to Macgregor F. Macintosh and Margaret Sidney McBride, Gregor was the second of four children, his older sister Jane (Carrothers) and his younger brothers Dick and Ian. Though Gregor suffered in childhood from asthma, he had many cherished memories of country life on Saltspring Island.

Gregor’s lifelong connection to the sea began early through the Scouts and Cadets. He attended Oak Bay High School, where he was elected school president in his final year.

He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve as an officer candidate in 1947 and his naval career would include service with both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Navy. His early service included time in HMCS Ontario, HMCS Antigonish, and HMCS Magnificent, where he gained valuable experience at sea.

His career took him to the United Kingdom, where he trained and served at several naval air stations, flying with operational squadrons as an Observor with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm.

Returning to Canada, he continued his aviation and naval service in squadrons based at HMCS Shearwater and aboard HMCS Magnificent.

He went on to command HMCS Resolute and later served as Executive Officer of HMCS Chaudière. In 1971, he was promoted to Commander, subsequently serving as Executive Officer of HMCS Preserver before he became CO of HMCS Yukon from 1973 to 1976.

His later appointments included senior staff and administrative roles as Base Administration Officer at CFB Esquimalt, Senior Canadian Officer for NATO at Northwood, Middlesex and Queen’s Harbour Master at Esquimalt.

Commander Macintosh retired from the Canadian Armed Forces on 27 January 1985. In retirement, he continued to serve the naval community as Commandant of the Naval Reserve Training School at Naden.

Gregor continued to live a full life.  Finally settling in North Saanich, Gregor and Liz created a very pretty home with a lovely garden.  It would become a place of enchantment for grandchildren and a space for Macintoshes, Ridewoods and friends to gather.  And gather they did, under the maple tree, for boisterous themed gatherings with music.

Retirement also allowed Gregor to return fully to the sea he had loved all his life.  His favourite past time was to take friends out on his boat around the Gulf Islands and beyond.  Many happy years were spent with his boats and pals at Westport Marina in Sidney.  Gregor was committed to his faith community as church Warden at Holy Trinity Church, North Saanich.  He canvassed many years as a fundraiser for ALS.

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit (OMM).

Gregor was predeceased by Elizabeth (Ridewood) (1930–2015), his beloved wife of 63 years. He is survived by his children Tessa, Catriona (deceased), Sheila-Alexandra, Malcolm, and Sara, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, North Saanich on Sunday 12^th April 2026 at 1pm.

 

Sherrill Ann McOuatt (née Lumb) passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, in Victoria, BC, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, creativity, and quiet courage. Sherri was born on September 9, 1945, in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, to Howard and Myrtle Lumb. She grew up surrounded by prairie skies and close family ties with her brother, Ron, and a lively circle of cousins who helped shape her love of stories, laughter, and connection. Those early years instilled in her a strong moral compass, a deep sense of empathy, and a lifelong appreciation for learning. She was guided by the core values of her parents: hard-working, independent, dependable, trustworthy, loyal, and always available for family and friends.

After graduating high school, Sherri attended Teacher’s College in Regina. In 1968, she married Gordon (Gord) James McOuatt in Assiniboia, and together they built a life in Calgary. Gord and Sherri were devoted to each other and shared an active life of hiking, followed their interests in arts and music, enjoyed their dogs and cats, and participated in the lives of their nieces, nephew, and extended families.

With Sherri’s passion for learning, Sherri returned to school in 1978 and earned her Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. From 1981 to 1997, Sherri worked in the petroleum industry at Dome/Amoco on business systems projects, developing database requirements and strategies. Her strong analytical skills, business acumen, and clear identification with business needs contributed to the success of her projects.

After Gord passed away far too early in 1996, Sherri took time to adjust to life on her own and began new ventures. After retiring from the petroleum industry, she spent a couple of years working as a contractor at CP Rail on business systems projects, taking time to thoughtfully shape a new chapter of her life as she learned to move forward without Gord.

Sherri’s first bold move was becoming an entrepreneur, purchasing a coffee shop near Calgary’s SAIT. As owner and operator, she thrived in the vibrant atmosphere, delighting in the energy of her young staff and loyal clientele. Her brother, Ron, loved to pass along “Lessons Learned” from his time as a small business owner, having once owned a Dairy Queen. These shared stories and conversations deepened their connection and drew them closer together.

Several years later, Sherri fully retired and purchased a new home in Calgary. She courageously took on projects to finish the basement, redecorate, and relandscape the yard. She performed all the construction work on her own and developed new skills in design, construction and plumbing. Gardening became another way Sherri expressed herself, thoughtfully choosing flowers and trees that transformed her yard into a place of beauty and care. She was industrious, creative and motivated as she expanded the function of her home and increased its property value.

Sherri’s passion for learning enticed her to return to university, taking courses that opened the door to extraordinary travel experiences. Alongside classmates and her cousin, Barb, Sherri explored Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Grand Cayman Islands. She spoke fondly of Morocco and Istanbul, two places that captured her imagination and reflected her love of culture, art, and history. Mexico was a favourite vacation spot where Sherri embraced the culture and learned Spanish. She always found time for domestic travel as well, visiting her relatives across Canada and in California.

In 2014, Sherri fulfilled a lifelong dream that she and Gord had shared, retiring to Victoria, BC. She formed meaningful friendships through the Newcomers Club and among her neighbours on Fairfield Road, embracing the warmth, culture, and community of West Coast life.

Music and the arts were lifelong companions to Sherri. She sang in choirs, played the piano, and curated an extensive CD collection that reflected her wide-ranging musical tastes. She also held a deep appreciation for visual arts and theatre, finding joy and meaning in creative expression. She had a love for photography and thoughtfully created photo albums, preserving memories of her travels and the moments that mattered most to her.

Throughout her adult life, she was rarely without the companionship of her beloved “fur babies” including cats and dogs that were each cherished as family.

Sherri was endlessly curious, always researching a topic that captured her interest. Her family heritage held a special place in her heart as she devoted countless hours to tracing the Graham/Lumb history, later entrusting this work to her niece, Jalene.

Sherri also devoted considerable time and research to learning about healthy eating and overall wellness. From seeking out fresh organic foods at farmers’ markets to carefully reading and understanding nutrition labels to thoughtfully preparing her meals, she always placed her health and well-being at the forefront.

Sherri will be remembered as a gentle soul: a loyal and trusted friend, deeply compassionate, unfailingly kind and a strong role model for her nieces and nephew. She loved a good story or a humorous tale, and her infectious laugh could light up a room. Sherri was admired for her integrity, devotion, warmth, and genuine care and empathy for others.

Sherrill is lovingly remembered by her nieces Jalene Lumb, Shantel Lumb, Heather McOuatt, nephew, Kevin Hastings), sister-in-law, Bonnie Hastings, brother-in-law, Larry McOuatt (Janet), several grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and many dear friends. Sherrill was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Myrtle Lumb; her brother, Ronald Lumb (Lavonne); her husband, Gordon McOuatt; and her niece, Cali Hastings.

We are deeply grateful to the staff at The Heights at Mt. View in Victoria for their dedicated care of Sherri this past year and to Sherri’s BC friends for their steadfast support and kindness over the years.

Those wishing to honour Sherri may consider donating to the BC SPCA or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at a later time.

Please contact CelebratingSherri@yahoo.com for details.

John Pigott died peacefully in his 92^nd year on February 24, 2026, at Victoria General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

John is survived by his dear wife of 67 years, Yvonne (nee Korbut) whom he met in University in Hamilton, Ontario. Also left to mourn are his three daughters, Victoria MacAulay (Jim), Maureen Pigott (Alan Murphy) and Claire Pigott (John Kokkinos); grandchildren Vanessa (Ryan), Evelyn, Emily, Paolo (Kristina), Liam (Vanessa), Hannah (Val), and Adam (Fernanda); great-grandchildren Lauren, Silas and Zale, and his many nieces and nephews.

John was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, the son of the late Roy and Evelyn Pigott. He was the fourth of six children and the last surviving sibling. After graduating from the University of Ottawa, he articled to become a Chartered Accountant in Montreal. He spent his career in accounting and finance in Hamilton, Montreal, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Courtenay and Victoria (Garth Homer Society).

For over 20 years he volunteered weekly at Broadmead Veteran’s Memorial Lodge and was known by all for his cheery disposition, sense of humour and sincere interest in people’s stories. He was gentle and caring and made everyone feel seen and important. John enjoyed numerous hobbies in his later years including building highly detailed miniature models, boats and toys. He was incredibly patient, generous and devoted to his family. We will all miss his uplifting humour, storytelling and contagious laughter.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road on Saturday, March 7^th at 10:00am. Reception to follow.

Please see this link for John’s funeral service.

Funeral Mass for John Pigott

Memorial donations may be made to the Victoria Cool Aid Society (www.coolaid.org) or the Broadmead Care Society (www.broadmeadcare.com).