October 24, 1950 ( Leersum, The Netherlands) – July 7, 2024 (Victoria, BC)

During the evening of July 7, 2024 at Royal Jubilee Hospital I held the hand of the love of my life as he passed from this realm of existence. There to support his transition were his brother and sister-in-law Nathen and Liz Derksan. Hen and I had much more living and loving to do but 35 years was all that we were given. I had the privilege of loving him and being loved by him for all those years.

Henry was an unassuming and humble man. His humility could only be surpassed by his immense creative talent and his intellectual brilliance. Whatever Hen turned his hand to, the result would be near perfection and his own evaluation, although he was proud of his accomplishments, rarely rose to the level of praise or accolades he received from others.

Hen walked softly as he moved through life. He had such a gentle spirit. I never heard an unkind word said about him. Nor did I ever hear him speak unkindly of others. It was easy to like Hen. He treated everyone with kindness, compassion, acceptance and respect. His love of animals was evidenced by his constantly full pocket of “treats”. His feline buddy Lukas, who was the beneficiary of many of those “treats”, will miss him forever.

Hen’s work life was spent primarily at Ellett Industries in Port Coquitlam  where he worked as a metal fabricator/metal finisher and welder for almost 40 years. He became known as one of the best metal polishers around. Hen made some lifelong friends through his work. Even after retirement to Qualicum Beach, BC he stayed in contact with many of his work mates. They will miss his phone calls I am sure.

Hen’s passion was music. From a very early age it was clear that Hen was a musician. His family say he was practically born with a guitar in his hands. He was entirely self-taught. Not having the ability to read or write music, Hen viewed it only as an occasional nuisance while he composed songs. He seemed to enjoy the freedom of “no rules”. No longer will I hear the sweet live tunes coming from his studio. No longer will I be asked what I thought of a new tune or riff. Without exception, all those who were lucky enough to hear Hen play would be amazed that the same hands that built huge metal tanks could also play a guitar with such a delicate approach at times. He mentored many a young guitarist/musician who all benefited from the expertise he generously and freely offered.

Hen’s creative talents extended to metal and wood sculptures large and small, stained glass windows and objects, photography, and more. But, Hen was most proud of his ability to repair guitars and build them from scratch. He built several cigar box guitars, a guitar from a tabletop with inlaid wood – in other words, in Hen’s mind anything could become a guitar and he was going to build it!

Nobody could make me laugh like Hen did. His sense of humour was renowned among family and friends. Hen would deliver observational humour that could literally have you on the floor laughing uncontrollably (or at least bending over in hysterics).

How does one fully encapsulate the life and spirit of a person in a few lines for an obituary? I can’t. Hen was much more than the few words I share here. The best years of my life were with Hen. He made me a better person and I will do my utmost not to tamper with that legacy.

Hen believed that there had to be something after this earthly life. If there is, I hope that he has met up with his lifelong friend and guitar buddy Gord. And may those two have one heck of a jam session with Stevie Ray Vaughn & Jeff Beck – just 2 of Hen’s guitar heroes.

Hen was predeceased by both parents, Frank and Cornelia Derksen; brother Andre; brother Frank; mother-in-law Elspeth Sommer; brother-in-law Al Berglund; and nephew Steve Berglund. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Kat Derksen. Hen will be remembered with great love and affection by his brother and sister-in-law Nathen & Liz Derksan; sister Thea Berglund; nephews Mike Berglund, Frank Berglund, Alex Derksan (Shea), and Keenen Derksan; by great-nephews Jordan Berglund and Anthony Berglund, great-niece Natalie Berglund and by their mother Angela Berglund. Hen was much adored and will be missed by his family through marriage; brother-in-law Rick Sommer, niece Mollie Sommer and her children Austin & Ella; Nephew Sam Sommer, his wife Brooke and their son Jack; aunt Judi Sommer; uncle Warren Sommer; aunt Robin Sommer and cousin Karen Sommer.

No service by request. A Celebration of Life in Qualicum Beach will be planned for a later date. In the meantime, Hen and I would be honoured if you would listen to Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Riviera Paradise”. It was his favourite composition. And you might choose to sip on a glass of Boomsma – Hen’s favourite gin. It is a “softer and sweeter spirit” than other gins. Just like Hen.

Good-Night Babe. I love you.

Kat

Hen’s passion was music and he believed that every child should have access to music education. In keeping with this, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to help youth access music education/mentorship:

Sarah McLachlan School of Music, 138 East 7^th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1M6

www.sarahschoolofmusic.com

 

Barbara Ratchford (née Frost), 70, of Victoria BC, passed away on May 28th, one week shy of her 71st birthday.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband James Ratchford, sister Sandra (Daniel) Scott, brother-in-law Chris (Lesley) Ratchford, sister in-laws Susan (Ken) Domereski and Joanne (Bruce) Meyers along with many nieces and nephews and other close family members and friends. 

 She enjoyed a career hairdressing/managing salons in retirement homes and hospitals bringing joy to many.  She met her husband Jim (James) in Victoria where they spent a loving 30 years together.  

 A small, private celebration of life will be held at a future date.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to your local SPCA, an organization Barbara felt strong about.

 

Deborah was born in Regina, Saskatchewan but soon moved with her family to Vancouver, BC where her brother Daryl was born. In the late 1950’s the family moved to Victoria where they owned and operated the Tudor House Inn for several years before moving to Powell River where they owned and operated a local hotel. Again, in the early 1960’s the family moved back to Victoria to participate in the operation of the Century Inn.
It was then that Deborah started her many years at Norfolk House school where she enjoyed several languages and sports among her activities. She has kept in contact with many of her school friends over the years.
After graduating school and working to save funds she embarked on a six+ month trip through Europe, Morocco and Great Britain. Traveling was one of her passions with many trips abroad during her schooling and life endeavors. Trips to Hong Kong, Singapore, hiking through the jungles of Borneo and staring into the depths of Mt Vesuvius where among her travel destinations. Recent trips to Europe with long stays in Spain and time in Paris, Venice (one of her favorites) Florence, Morocco and Ireland.
She worked for many years as a Certified General Accountant (CGA) becoming one of the youngest female comptrollers of a business in her early 20’s, installing leading edge computers of the day. After many years of accounting with several businesses and government positions she retired at 62 and started to enjoy her hard earned retirement. Her culinary passions blossomed and she held many family and friend dinners over the years. Some of her happiest times.
She married the love of her life, Mark, in 1988 and they considered themselves newlywed until the end.
Deborah will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends. Leaving behind her husband Mark, brother Daryl (Donna), Sister in law Barbara, Aunt Crista and nephew Clayton plus many friends and relatives.
A Celebration of Life will be held over the summer. To be announced.

Pierrette Gravel of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024 at the age of 80.

She was born on December 7, 1943 in Hull, Quebec to Simone and Arthur Gravel.

She will be mourned by her four children Elaine (Jim), Michael, Brian (Tina), and Laurie (Aaron).

She is survived by her sisters Diane, Nicole, Lise and her brothers Constant and Gerry.

Grandma “Pie” will be missed by her grandchildren Molly, Nicholas, Aly, Cassidy, Jonathan, Emily, Paige, and her great granddaughter, Lily.

Pierrette found great joy spending time with her family and friends, baking, and gardening. She was a very kind-hearted, loving person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held on August 21, 2024 at 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at 3906 Ansell Rd, Victoria, BC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Canadian Red Cross.

In loving memory of Leah Nicole Richardson

Deeply missed by, parents, David & Karen Richardson, sister Tara and brother in law David DeRusha and her loving nieces, Emma and Amelia

Today, we remember Leah’s life and celebrate all the wonderful memories we have.

Leah was an auntie, sister and daughter who loved her family deeply. So many wonderful memories and laughs were shared before she was taken too early. Leah will be remembered as a wonderfully spirited and adventurous soul who grew up fiercely competitive in anything she applied herself to. With the sense that she could conquer any challenge put in front of her, she quickly earned the name of Leah “I Can Do It” Richardson.

With one of the most infectious laughs, we can still hear her “Loo Laugh” from across the room today. She blessed so many people who had the opportunity to know her. Our little Loo will be missed tremendously. In this time of grieving, one thing which brings comfort is knowing that Leah is in heaven with Grandma, Grandpa and other loved ones who have passed, looking down on us with love.

Leah was born and raised in Squamish, B.C.  She loved her sports and played Ringette, Ice Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Snowboarding & Baseball. While living in Squamish, she enjoyed running and hiking the Chief.  Special family time was sailing on our family sailboat “Hat Trick”. She attended Thompson Rivers University and graduated with her BA in Business and Accounting. Leah moved to Vancouver Island and worked in Finance.

Many locals will remember Leah baking in the Eagle Run Coffee Company (Bean Café). She started when she was 14 and took pride in her scones, muffins and soups. She was a foodie with a passion and was always in the kitchen during family gatherings. We miss her spanakopita, chili and lemon scones.

Losing a child is something no parent is ever prepared for. We feel the heartbreak daily, facing the loss of our daughter, sister and auntie.

Leah, remembering you is easy, we do it every day, but the heartache is something that never goes away.

 

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed…
We feel lucky to have seen it

 

Love Mom, Dad, Tara, David, Emma & Amelia