Gary West (75) of Sidney BC, died on November 21, 2024. He served 35 years as a highly respected police officer, retiring in 2005 as Deputy Chief of the Delta Police Department. He was described by colleagues as a disciplined, ethical, value-based leader, an outstanding operational police officer and a loyal friend.

After retiring, his activities included teaching high speed driving, obtaining his private pilot’s license, flying a small plane from the southern US to the Arctic, and racing an open-wheel Formula Ford. A devoted and supportive father and husband, he is survived by his sons Robert and Stephen, step-children Derek and Diana, and wife Ann.

In lieu of flowers a donation could be made to Royal Jubilee Hospital at https://www.victoriahf.ca/memorial-donation/.

Eli Arthur John Mitchell was born to Ken and Dorothy Mitchell on January 18, 1960, as Elizabeth Anne Mitchell.  The fifth of six children, he went by Beth, until January 2023, when he proudly stepped into his new life as Eli.

Although a frail child, Eli grew into an active teenager, taking part in choir and drama clubs and playing trumpet in the high school band.  He enjoyed sailing on his parents’ boat in his teen years, achieving Advanced Pilot level in Power Squadron.  Mechanically inclined from a young age, he rode motorcycles and scooters well into middle age.

Eli trained as a radio operator at Red River College, earning the full certification in 1980 and finding his career in the process.  After volunteering on a merchant ship to gain experience, he joined the Canadian Coast Guard as a radio operator.  This job would see him living up North in Prince Rupert, out East in Sault Ste. Marie, and then back to the West Coast in Vancouver before he was finally transferred to Sidney, where he worked until his retirement in 2018.

In his time off from the Coast Guard, Eli fed a passion for travel and adventure, working as a nanny on a ranch in the Australian Outback and earning a teaching certificate from Brock University.  Later in life, Eli explored the world through cruises that took him everywhere from Cuba to Antarctica, and he made friends everywhere he went.

Eli built deep connections in his community in Sidney.  As an active member of St. Paul’s United Church, Eli took on various roles in support of their ministries.  He followed family tradition in volunteering at the local thrift shop, and his family regularly received pictures accompanied with “Would this work for you?”  He was an avid wood worker who enjoyed making wedding presents for his many nieces and nephews, puzzles for countless children, and Christmas decorations enjoyed by all.

Eli passed away on October 13, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.  Although Eli left this world too soon, his last two years were some of the happiest of his life.

Eli was predeceased by his older brother Will and is survived by his siblings Trish, Candy, Don, and Heather, 15 nieces and nephews, and 18 great-nieces and nephews.  His sudden loss is mourned by all those who knew and loved him.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard “Barrett” Biggs, who departed this world peacefully after a life rich with adventure and love. Born on December 10, 1943, in Toronto, Ontario, Barrett lived a life that spanned continents, bringing him experiences that shaped his deep curiosity, sense of wonder, and love for the world.

Barrett traveled extensively, touching many corners of the globe before finally settling in Victoria, British Columbia, where he spent his later years. Throughout his journey, he embodied a spirit of exploration and passion for life, making friends and sharing stories wherever he went.

He was a father to five children, who were the pride and joy of his life. His wisdom, humor, and unwavering love will remain with them forever.

Barrett’s legacy is one of adventure, love, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple moments. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends but never forgotten.

A private service will be held in his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity close to Barrett’s heart.

Joane Painter passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, August 23, 2024. Predeceased by her mother and father, Irene and William Baillie, brother William (Buddy) Baillie, husband Howard and partner Dan. She is survived by her daughters, Roslyn and Christine (Dave), sister Diane, grandchildren Linda, Amanda, Rodney and Lisa and many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Sidney BC, Joane and Howard raised their children at Elk Lake. Joane enjoyed time spent with family and friends, trips on the local waters in the family boat, Scottish country dancing, traveling the globe, and playing countless rounds of bridge. Joane worked for the School District 63 and was particularly proud of her work as a ministerial assistant with the BC Provincial Government.

Joane was admired for her strength, independence and resilience, even traveling to Winnipeg to attend her granddaughter’s wedding two months prior to her passing. Joane was active throughout her life performing locally as a Scottish country dancer, golfing with her husband, and engaging in tai chi and water aerobics with her friends at Berwick House. Joane loved to travel and in retirement spent many years exploring the world with friends, family and her sister, Diane. Her mind and memory was sharp and she enjoyed family dinners as an opportunity to share her travel stories and early memories with her grandchildren.

Joane was truly a wonderful person, deeply loved and will be missed by her family.

A celebration of Joane’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joane can be made to the BC Cancer Agency. Mom, who lived with cancer for many years, was especially proud that she was the oldest participant in a cancer drug trial. A special thanks to Dr. Hart for his endless compassion, and Dr. Masky and Nurse Carly who attended to her needs during her final days.