“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if
it had never shone.” John Steinbeck
Our beautiful Jean died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of April 4 surrounded by love.
Born in Murrayville BC on Nov 20, 1958, Jean was the youngest child of Bud and Connie McBurnie. Her early years were spent in Smithers. At 15 she moved to Victoria where she would remain.
In 1977 she married Phil Wharram and they would go on to have three children: Adam, Robyn, and Brad. These children were Jean’s earth, moon, and stars. Following Phil’s tragic early death in 1991 Jean went to work at Gregg’s Furniture. There she met her future husband David Screech, and they built a wonderful life together while running Gregg’s Furniture & Upholstery for some 35 years.
Jean was involved in her home community of View Royal through the Friends of Knockan Hill Park Society and the View Royal Community Association for many years.
She was a strong supporter of David through his many years on View Royal council and took a keen interest in many local campaigns such as the drive to protect the Sooke Potholes. She disliked the spotlight but played a strong role behind the scenes and cared deeply for these initiatives.
Jean embodied love, life, and laughter. She was a bright light in all of our lives, and her laughter could sweep away all your troubles. She was truly one of a kind.
Her home was a magnet and gathering place for family, both immediate and extended. She cared deeply about all of her family and during her recent brief illness was far more concerned about the impact on her loved ones than for herself.
Jean lived life to the fullest, always taking joy in the smallest of things. Her zest for adventure was amazing. She often said, “Just tell me what time to be ready.”
She is simply irreplaceable. Our family will never be the same, but we shall carry her with us always, ever grateful for having had her in our lives.
She was a consummate traveler, and we are so grateful she was able to travel extensively in recent years.
Jean will be missed terribly by her loving husband and soulmate David Screech, her three children Adam (Shauna), Robyn (Will ), Brad (Jonathan) and daughter-in-law Lynn; her four cherished granddaughters Regen, Kenzie, Mabel, and Claire; her brothers Bill and Brian (Shirley), her sister Patricia, and brother-in-law Martin, innumerable cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and Phil’s family with whom she remained close. She loved you all.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to both the Victoria Hospice Palliative response team and the nurses and doctors of 8 Northat the Royal Jubilee.
A memorial service will be held May 24 at the Victoria ScottishCommunity Centre, 1803 Admirals Road, View Royal at 2.30 pm.Donations, if desired, may be made to the Land Conservancy Of B.C.5150 Cordova Bay Road. Victoria, B.C. V8Y 2K6.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the Screech family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
25 Responses
Jan and I were completely shocked to recently learn that David’s wife had passed away.
We first met David through our volunteer work with the Town during his time as Mayor. Later on we worked together on broader political activities.
Although we never met Jean, David would always talk about their travel and trips with great fondness.
David always treated us with kindness and respect, the consumate gentleman.
Our hearts go out to David and all his family.
Rick and Jan
David – You and your soul mate, Jean, created many cherished moments and had wonderful loving times – you shared and gave love to one another and to the family every day. My wish for you is that those gifts will help you through this difficult time.
I was so saddened to hear about Jean’s passing. She was always so kind and greeted me with a smile that lit up her face and made me feel so welcome. My condolences David, to you and her family. May she be at peace.
Sincere thoughts to you and your family, David.
From Beaver Lake Road.
David, Jean was such a special person, it seemed she was always smiling. Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family.