It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Valerie West after a courageous battle with cancer on August 11th, 2017 at her home in Colwood. Valerie was born on November 20th, 1940 in Victoria.
Val is predeceased by her brothers, Bill (Sandy) and Jim. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Russell; daughters, Jeannie (Randy), Kelley (Dean) and Kathie; sister, Heather; grandchildren, Michael and Jessie and great-granddaughter, Zella. She will be missed by them and by many other relatives and friends.
Born and raised in Esquimalt, she met Russell while they were both working at the Times Colonist in Victoria. Married in 1960, they began their life together in Edmonds, Washington, moving back to Victoria to raise their three girls at their home in Colwood. Val was a natural people person and worked in many aspects of personnel at Manpower, Dockyard, Labatt’s and administrative areas of Victoria General Hospital. She was very involved in many activities, both with her children’s hobbies and her own. She discovered curling with Russ when the Juan de Fuca rink opened in 1975 and quickly found she had an affinity for the game. She skipped her team to the Senior Ladies Provincials in 1994 and spent many happy hours at league curling and bonspiels. Her other passion was for dance and entertaining, teaching tap dancing at Juan de Fuca’s Senior Centre until just months ago.
A Celebration of Valerie’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Friday, August 18th, 2017 at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Bill and Brenda Hitchcox
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Lisa Guthrie I am so sorry for your loss Kathie. Your Mom was always friendly and smiley. She made me feel welcome in your home like I was family too. She was a ton of fun! She loved bringing family and friends together. She always had a sparkle in her eye, a positive word, and a loving embrace. She will be truly missed. Lots of love to your family!
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Corrine Anderson Falconer Dear Russ and family,
I was so very sorry to hear and read about the passing of Val. She was such a big part of my curling years. I had the pleasure to enjoy so many good times with her, on and off the ice. Her dedication to the “performances” at the Holly spiel will always be a treasured memory for me. Val truly had a special way with people – with her big heart, her smile and kindness. I hope all your fond memories will help you through this difficult time. I am thinking of you and sending loving thoughts and hugs. Corrine (Anderson) Falconer
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Cheryle Watson So sorry to hear that fun loving Val will only be able to entertain us in our memories. She entertained us in so many Holyspiel “productions “. Thinking of the family that she loved so much as they go through this difficult time.
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Chris & Frank Gale I always remember Val’s great wit, her smile, her laugh and her kindness to Frank & I when we joined the fire hall.
I am so sorry to hear of her loss. She always included us at functions, dances & parties.
We wish all the best to Russ and family.
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Margo McIntosh Dear Jeannie and Randy,
Our hearts go out to you and the rest of the West family at this difficult time. We wish we could be at the service, however we will be thinking of you on Friday afternoon, sending loving thoughts your way. Val was a special lady with a beautiful smile, warm heart, and a positive attitude.
Love to you both,
Rob and Margo
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Lori Walker Kelley and family, we are so sorry for your loss. I have so many happy memories of your Mom when I was a child and we lived next door. She always made me feel like part of the family. You are in our thoughts.
Lori and Susan
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yvonne leach Dear Russ and family. Reading this in the paper today made me so profoundly sad. Val and my sister Marie were great friends growing up in Esquimalt…now they are both gone from this earthly home.
I am thankful for the honour of having ‘Val`s and my life entertwined over these many years, usually through curling. A true blessing.
Bob and I wish to send along our condolences for your great loss.
Yvonne and Bob Leach
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Boyd and Brenda Stephen We are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a woderful person. Always smiling with her positive bright attitude and always Made us feel like we were family when ever we saw her at a gathering. I know how much she loved you all. She will be dearly missed. Boyd and I wish to send our love and hugs.
Uncle Russ and family, we are so sorry for you loss. There are no words that can ease your sorrow but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will remember Aunt Val for always smiling and laughing. As a kid going to Uncle Russ and Aunt Val’s was always such a treat! We had been praying for Val for a long time and will continue to have you and the family in our prayers.