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).

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Andréa (Dré) Fimrite née Hersack. She took her final breath surrounded by her family and friends.

Dré had an extraordinary sense of self and style, a radiant beauty who swept into rooms with confidence, loyal to her people and always chasing the next adventure. She had an impact on whomever she met. Her vivacious spirit, her honesty, her wit and zest for fun drew people to her. She had a way of bringing people together creating forever bonds all special and unique. She loved red wine and outrageous stories, music blaring, road trips that wandered, a good book, the thrill of a perfect thrift find, and her signature red painted lips said everything without a word.

She adored her family, her friends and absolutely every dog she ever met. Her children were her world. And as a friend she was always a huge support. She brought her deeply caring nature and commitment to helping others into her work throughout her life from The Keg to the BC Cancer Agency. One of her favourite holidays was Halloween, naturally with her love for bats and crows. She loved to dance, and no matter what life threw her way she held on to her spark, her edge, and determination. She was truly and unapologetically an original. She lived on her own terms – bold, expressive, and unmistakably herself to the very end. We honor her strength, her courage, brilliant mind, and her love. She will always be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

She is survived by her two children Sam and Oscar Fimrite, her father Rick and stepmother Rox Hersack, her mother Pat Fraser, her sister Aarin Patterson, her stepbrothers Patrick Edwards and Joel Weisgerber, the father of her children Dennis Fimrite and his parents Rod & Kathy Fimrite. She leaves behind aunts and uncles, Cherie & Wilson High, and Wayne & Tammy Hersack, cousins and a large group of close friends, including Carolyn, Becky, Linda, Lynn, and Pam.

She was predeceased by her grandparents Tom & Marguerite Hersack, and Les & Charlotte Fraser and her dogs Kermit and Calliope.

A celebration of life for Dré will take place in Edmonton, Alberta at a later date.

As Dré would often quote:

“Everything will be all right in the end, if it is not yet all right, it is not yet the end.”

 

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Daphne Tomblin; friend, inspiration, and a true force of nature. She died peacefully on January 7th, 2026, in Nanaimo General Hospital surrounded by her grandsons, and some of her closest friends. Her perseverance and caring will live on in our hearts, and hopefully so will the lessons she taught us.

Born Yvonne Daphne Beveridge in England in 1931 where she grew up with her parents David and Elsie, and sister Barbara. She moved to Canada shortly after marriage to then husband Peter Tomblin, where she trained and worked as a hospital laboratory technician, and raised her two boys. She loved the outdoors, and was active in camping, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and orienteering. Animals always had a special place in her heart, especially her dogs.

She moved to Vancouver Island in 1985 where she turned her love of animals and unbounded energy into a successful boarding kennel business, which she dedicated her life to until her retirement.

After retirement, her energy and love for animals was expressed through dog agility, and later sheep herding, where she developed many close friendships she would treasure for the rest of her life. She competed at a national level in agility into her 80’s, and is an inspiration for many. Even to her final days she would be out in the woods walking her dogs every morning and she wouldn’t want it any other way.

Daphne is survived by her two sons, David (Karen) and Paul (Vicki Robinson); her grandchildren Brad (Carly), James (Lisa Schlosser), Liane Tomblin and Alyssa Harrington (James Harrington); great-grandchildren Nash, Graham, Alexandra, Desmond, and Maeby; and much loved dogs Kody and Del.

There will be no service by her request, but a celebration of life to be held this spring. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to various dog rescue societies in tribute.

 

Memory Eternal

Mark Robert Laramore passed away unexpectedly, at the Victoria General Hospital, on November 29, 2025.

Mark was born, in Ontario; the youngest child of the late Thomas and Norma Jean Laramore.

Mark is survived by his loving common-law partner of 25 beautiful years, Elie Abourizk. Mark and Elie were each other’s beloved, soul mate, and best friend.

Mark will be lovingly remembered by his sons Tyler and Mathew, his ex-wife (and best friend) Darlene Palmer, his sister Ruth, brother-in-law Bob, nephew Rob (Louise) and niece Julie Prankard.

Mark is preceded in passing by his brother John, who is survived by his wife Margaret, nephew David and niece Cathy(Justin) and their children.

Mark will also be fondly remembered by his step-siblings: Linda, Paulette, Cathy, Ken, their spouses and their families.

Mark was an amazing, dedicated and loving father. He always looked after his family. His boys will always remember his love, support, help and advice throughout his life. They will fondly remember their week-end breakfast outings, their travels especially the Toronto and Niagara trips, and the good times in Florida.

Mark’s big and blended family will always remember the many happy times shared together, his laughter and jokes, the memorable trips in his youth to St Pete’s Beach, the cherished times spent in Naples Florida, the many travels and adventures over the years with Elie, the hikes, and the walks (he loved to walk).

Mark loved Vancouver Island and Sidney (often referred to both as “paradise”); which he called home with Elie since 2022. He also loved to read (Mystery & Bios), enjoyed his black coffee, sweets and Elie’s Lebanese food, and a quiet evening watching British mysteries and crime shows, and of course the Golden Girls. Mark enjoyed telling stories and listening to stories told by his loved ones. He was inquisitive, curious and loved to learn new things especially IT. He loved to plan travels, to help friends plan their travel, and to get the best deals.

Being with him, no matter where, no matter when, no matter doing what was a blessing, for Elie.

Mark’s touched a lot of lives during his life journey and family, friends, neighbors, will always remember his gentle soul, big heart, kindness, cheerfulness, helpfulness, his jokes, dedication, and loyalty.

Mark was also a hard working and dedicated federal public servant. His vast expertise helped the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), its clients and his colleagues. His CBSA family will always remember his career long contributions, his outgoing and open personality, his mentoring, his advice and his jokes.

Mark’s resting place will be in Ottawa, at the Beechwood cemetery. The ceremony to put his ashes in his final resting place will be taking place, late spring/early summer. A celebration  of his life will also be taking place, in Ottawa, in late spring/early summer as well. Details will be shared in the future by his partner Elie.

Mark, may your soul rest in eternal peace!

You will always be remembered!

You will always be, in our hearts!