Passed away unexpectedly March 31, 2012 in Victoria, at the age of 55 years. She is survived by two brothers, Brett and Kevin (Sierra Pierson); her sister Linda (Bob) Olson; and three nieces, Marissa, Serena and Naomi, as well as, countless cousins and friends. Crystal had a youthful spirit and enjoyed playing her guitar, singing and writing her own music, cooking, travelling and spending time with her family. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 9300 Willingdon Rd., North Saanich, on Sunday, April 22nd at 2:00 pm. Please wear brightly coloured, cheerful clothing, as we think that Crystal would have wanted it that way. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Cancer Society of Canada or the Mental Health Association of Canada as these were both important causes to Crystal. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Inder Gill
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Sherry Kirkvold Dear Crystal
I will miss your bright sparkle. How did I not find out you have gone on to that place where you can sing Grateful Dead songs all day and wear your brightest colours. Special memories include a day among the flowers at the Butchart Gardens, feasting around a laden table one Christmas, playing music in my living room and contra dancing. Shine on dear one.
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Freda Marsden (nee Morel) Our condolences to Brett, Kevin and Linda for the loss of their sister. I knew Crystal longer than my children did but on a trip to Toronto a few years ago we were able to meet together and it was a fun time for everybody. I was able to visit Crystal in Victoria several years ago and enjoyed her high energy and pride in showing me her lovely condo and all the things she treasured. We kept in close touch through email and until those recent months she was always cheerful and thankful for my words of encouragemnt. It wasn’t enough.
I hope you’re in a better place, Crystal, and still bringing joy to those around you.Aunt Freda, Sandra, Stan and Barbara.
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Gaye Sharpe In the Christmas of 2010 Crystal Rose played the lead angel in the Christmas Pageant at Oak Bay United Church. She loved the sparkle, the flowing white dress and the opportunity to shepherd the other smaller angels through the enactment of the birth of Jesus. She shared her love of music with us, her enthusiasm for life and her passion for justice. I am grateful for the sound of her voice in the many ways it sang and spoke. Crystal, may you now know the peace which passes all understanding.
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Gordon Miller Dear Crystal Rose,
Thank you for brightening our evening choir practices.
We are all missing you.
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Linda Olson So wonderful to hear everyone’s memories of Crystal at the memorial service. Wouldn’t have missed a single one, but especially loved the pictures, the “Happy Shawl,” Crystal having “the dirt” on everyone, and “Amazing Grace.” Crystal told me you had a gorgeous voice, Anmarie, and I have always loved that song, but never has it sounded so very fine and meant so very much. Thank you!
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Renee Mikaloff Bill and I send our deepest condolences to Crystal’s family. I did not check my email until yesterday (Monday Apr. 23rd) and was shocked to hear of her sudden passing and that we missed her Memorial Service on Sunday. We are incredibly sad and will miss her joy, her enthusiasm for music, dance and fun in the sun. For the past six years, we attended every Ska Festival together and numerous reggae events in Victoria and she was a kindred spirit that lit up our lives. On July 10th this year, we will toast Crystal at Ship Point when Toots and the Maytals and Los Rastrillos (one of her favourite bands) are performing. I know she’ll be with us in spirit and will be forever in our hearts. Adios amiga,
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Maricruz y Omar Esta noticia me ha conmovido y lo que me consuela es saber que, haya donde este, seguirá disfrutando de la vida como ella lo sabia hacer. que descanse en paz. y desde la ciudad de Cuernavaca, México, les enviamos a sus familiares un fuerte abrazo y nuestras condolencias.
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Lucy Galloway It was a beautiful Memorial Service for Crystal….thanks to Brett and everyone that organized it. It was nice meeting old friends, and meeting new people…Anmarie and your friends…loved your beautiful voice when you sang amazing grace. Loved the slide show, write-up about Crystal, display photos etc. and of course, envelope with stickers on outside and flower seeds on inside…a very Crystal-like touch to service. Lovely tribute to Crystal, good-bye dear friend Crystal Rose from your friends David, Lucy and our girls Danielle, Candace and Mary 🙂 Hugs to all your friends and relatives XXXOOO
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Ellen Clarke I am so shocked and saddened by Crystal’s sudden passing. My deepest condolences to Crystal’s family. I did not know Crystal really well, but we had worked together for a short time, supporting each other in a very unhappy work situation…and we kept in touch via email after I moved on to a new job. Crystal was a lively, happy-go-lucky, free spirit and I’m sure she will continue to always have a song in her heart in the next world. I believe that everyone who befriended her in this world will miss her immensely. Sing on beautiful spirit…you are now a member of a heavenly choir!
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natasha Mi amigita Crystal..gracias por tu canciones, tu sonrisa, tu historias!
luz paz y amor
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Chanti & Jake That path is for ….your steps alone <3 You always were a "ripple" in the still boring waters. Thank you for your joy! For sure you are on some cosmic beach in full colour with your guitar, Jerry Garcia on one side, Bob Marley on the other! Crystal's Heaven! May Spirit be with you and Bless your way on this net phase of your adventure!
Adiosa!
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Chanti & Jake …..that path is for …..your steps alone <3 where ever you went your exuberance Rippled the still boring waters! Thanks for your joy! …..it is for sure that you are on some cosmic beach in flowing colours with your guitar with Jerry Garcia on one side of you and Bob Marley on the other! Your Heaven! Blessings and love to you on the next phase of your journey <3
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Whooleezer Sweet Girl
Crystal sunshine
Rose coloured glasses
You will be missed
Dear was your friendship.
sing laugh and play.
you will always live in my heart.
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Bette-Marie Tuckey To Crystal……Remembering the fun times we had..,,,,,
.jumping into the Gorge on
Earth Day a few years ago to celebrate the warm spring weather,emjoying the Festivals–Folk Fest, Blues Fest, Greek Festival, …
visiting in the pool here at Cedar Shores .
Thank you, Crystal, for your warmth, laughter and enthusiasm, your love of beauty and music …Good memories. I will miss you.
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brandi Harper My sparkling Crystal Rose!
Friend and Sister of the past 20 years, how do i say goodbye too soon to such a lovely light that has been a constant joy as the years have past.
Our journey has been filled with so much laughter and love. Your passion for adventure and learning has been inspiring. Your stories of travel, music, food, swimming, and people are too many to write.
I will always remember our birthday adventures, and the many Christmas eve’s filled with food and music and laughter. Jumping in the lake in late spring and early fall; eating lemon chicken and nanaimo bars; early morning coffee’s and treats; sitting on your deck, enjoying your waterview and pansies; hearing you play music at the lake, in my yard, in the cabana (your fav spot); swimming at the gorge resort; playing tennis and laughing too much; the rose and wolf trinkets i have gathered for you around the world; creme brulee and drinking light beer with lime cordial; stickers and journals; our many road journeys listening to the Dead; and dancing to live music. You were so amazing at winning tickets, and free stuff and finding just what you needed. We have taken some beautiful pictures over the years, and when you drove to CA in ’02 to visit me, you were just so full of the sparkle that touched everyone.
I love that I know the in and outs of the many stories of your life. Your condo, you were so proud of, was full of you and the amazing journey of your life. As life goes there have been ups and downs, and my friend I am so proud of you for sticking to the light that fills all of us up. You were so full of courage, and music and energy.
It feels too soon to say good bye. Thank you for being the riPPle in the still water of this life. as you sang to me many times, ‘It must have been the roses and ribbons in her long brown hair’.
I miss you my sister and constant.
love you, brandi xox
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TERESA BAGNOWSKI I will newer forget you Crystal.
People say you are at the better place now, but I wish you were
little bit longer with us.
Good-buy Crystal and God bless you.
Condolences to your family
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Jill McLeod Naomi and I are joined in offering our heart felt sympathy. Crystals passing inspires us all to celebrate the end of a life by remembering to live each day to our best and fullest. A well-lived life is not judged by what we accumulate, but how we affect the lives of others. Although we hadn’t seen Crystal for many years, as we live overseas, it is obvious to see that she moved her friends and family with her loving and kindness. Music brought her great happiness. Enjoy the celebration of life, our thoughts are with you.
Jill and Naomi
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Kellie Paterson Although I did not know Crystal, I’d like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to both Kevin and Sierra for the loss of Kevin’s sister. Having read the comments posted on this site, Crystal was obviously a very special person to many and she will truly be missed. A friend of mine recently sent me this proverb which I’m passing onto you. I hope that you’ll eventually find it comforting:
“Mourn not too long that she is gone,
but rejoice forever that she was.”
– ancient proverb
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Sharon & Bob Caird Crystal, may your journey home be one full of music and the swirl of your favourite colours as you return to the peace and love of the eternal family. We will not forget your laughter and joy at the Friday gatherings and will think of you often.
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Myrtha Jackson I will miss you Crystal!!
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Tony & Mary Jane Apcar Goodbye gentle spirit…you touched a lot of people with your unconditional love and laughter…and music….you will be missed and remembered with a smile….we love you Crystal….may you find peace in a heavenly choir ….we’ve known you since 1973 when we first opened our Plain Jane boutique….you were a favourite customer ….Tony(Cris) & Mary Jane
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Dawn Paul I am very saddened to hear the passing of my friend Crystal Rose. I have known Crystal since the 1980s when she was my neighbor who lived down the hall at the apartments on Lochside.
We kept in contact over the years, but I am so glad we celebrated Christmas 2011 together. When she told me she was all by herself on christmas day, I invited her over & she came. I am grateful for the time we spent together and send my condolences to her family. She would have liked closer ties to her family, especially to her nieces and nephews. I am aware she taught English as a 2nd language and when she met students from UVIC, she had thoughts of going back for a post secondary degree. She invited me often to hear her play her music but I never made it.
I will miss my friend Crystal and wish all her all the best on her journey. RIP Crystal . . .
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Edith Chen “Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the flowers gone?
Girls have picked them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?”Crystal, when I think of you, this song swings in my head over and over again. I will always remember how you sang it with your guitar; how your lovely voice and your cheerful spirit were sparkling through the lyrics. I will always remember you as that happy singer who created the most wonderful musical moment in my life.
Your friend,
Edith
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Gail Wieterman I met Crystal approx 7-8 years ago in Victoria, I remember her sitting in the midst of the daisy’s growing in the field. She was singing and playing her guitar and was very joyful. She always said she wanted to come up sometime and ride a horse. She never managed it, so I will ride a horse for her. She was a bright and joyful spirit. We always kept in touch by email and I will miss her. Sing on Lady! Sing on!
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Danielle Dear Crystal
Sending you love and light on your next journey on your path in spirit.
I will cherish the memories that we had over the years and thank you for being my friend.
Just like Bob says
“The winds that sometimes take something we love, are the same that bring us something we learn to love. Therefore we should not cry about something that was taken from us, but, yes, love what we have been given. Because what is really ours is never gone forever.”
― Bob MarleyLots of love
Danielle
<3xxoo Stickers and Roses in Purple, Pink, and Yellow.
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Chuck and Donna Galloway We loved you then,
Love you yet,
Won’t forget…how could anyone forget Crystal Rose????
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James Blue Lotus Sonnet of the Shore
(For the Departed)By James Blue Lotus
O my Beloved ! ..
I see you ! ..Upon a Sea of Sparkling Diamonds ! ..
As I Turn my Face to the Light of The Infinite Horizon ! ..—
Just beyond the Open Gate ..
Unto the Shores of Eternity ..
Between The Heavens and the Earth ..My Heart Abides ..
Detached from ~ All Mortal things , that which returns unto dust ..Awaiting the time of The Great Harvest of Hearts ..
Seeking to Journey across The Crimson Sea ..
unto the Abode of The Eternal Kingdom ! ..Longing to mend my Separation ..
from My Best Beloved !–
Outpouring from the Face of Divine Countenance ..
A River of Milk & Honey flows
through The Garden of Silver White Roses ..There-in .. I shall meet My Beloved ! ..
In The Courtyard of Unity !—
From the Great Mystery we were ~ Born Immortal ! ..
Unto the Great Mystery we ~ All shall Return ! ..With the Light of our Soul Amplified by Love ! ..
and The Harvest of The Golden Fruit of our Heart !—
Tarry not in The Valley of Death ..
For the Dead no longer travail the Earth ! ..They are now in the arms of the Eternal Tomorrow
and The Resplendent Beauty !—
Selah !
(As it is!)—
The Journey Home Leads unto Paradise !
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John Blenkiron “Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose”
In this most famous quote of Gertrude Stein the author revived the romantic understanding of a name implying a quality.
Crystal Rose affected people in such a way. She was a rose; an embodiment of that kind of friendship expressed by the offering of a rose.
I last saw Rose over a dozen years ago, but the memory is as fresh as my memory of a rose. She affected me in that way and her bloom will not wither.
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Mary Galloway Crystal Rose was a women I looked up to since before I can remember. She’d come stay with my family up island and my Mom would braid her hair and she’d sing us songs on her guitar, and I always requested No Woman No Cry, it was my favorite one she played. You could just feel the love of music when she sang, and I admired her deeply for it. She was truly a great role model for me to look up to and her presance will be deeply missed. Crysal Rose, you will be forever in the Galloway’s hearts, know that you are loved.
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Michelle Postans Crystal Rose… Aunt Crystal,
You had 2 other Nieces (Linda and Michelle), though we weren’t related by blood. We have always thought of you as our aunt. We love you and miss you… So many fond memories.
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Kiss inside a heart-hug!
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Karen Koltermann-Lenz JOY!
SPARKLING EXHUBERANCE!
LOVE!
CREATIVITY!
Just a few of the glittering aspects of our Crystal Rose!
One of our darling past members of our choirs, has gone Home. Crystal Rose you sang so joyfully with , the Victoria Soul Gospel Choir and the One Human Family Gospel Choir, for a long time.
Crystal Rose, you were always smiling, giving hugs and full of joy and love. You made everyone around you feel very loved. That is the most important legacy a person can have accomplished! And you have done it Crystal Rose!
I will so miss you. You have left an indelible stamp on my heart, I will always remember you, our Crystal Rose.
Though I cannot make it to your Memorial, I will wear my BRIGHTEST COLORED MOST ARTISTIC garments in your name, and I will sing PRAISES that you showered your love on us.
I will be saying prayers for you and your dear family, and Crystal Rose, I promise to follow in your elegant, dancing, joyous footsteps, living authentically, embracing me, as you did so well. I was about to say,”‘Rest in Peace my dear”, when it seemed I heard you exclaim,
‘Rest!? I’m going to be to busy helping you all, from over here, in my home in heaven, and loving every minute of it!”
Thank you dear Crystal Rose. Thank you!
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Anmarie Hola, the famos greeting of my dear friend. We played music togerher, sang together, took a lot of pitures, drove me to see the Wailers in Californa etc. My son adored her very much. He loved to play music with her and doctor. 22 years of friendship, One adventerous woman. Nothing stopped her. Wow! These days I’ll never forget. May the Angels guide my dear friend with a peace of mind and to know she was truly loved. You are the flower that has bloom in alot of peoples life. God Bless You!
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laurielouwe hey sister soul sister……….I met Crystal in grade one at Frank Hobbs. She sang and wore skirts and we both wore glasses. I thought she was a twin because she moved so fast. Throughout the years I would see Crystal Rose and we would be six again. I would like to remember a few years ago when I came home and she was sitting in a field of flowers playing her guitar. I know you are playing,singing picking flowers for your hair, flowers everywher.e., I love the flower girl. Long may you ride. Laurie
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Marshall & Valerie Burgess Crystal has been our friend and neighbour since 2001 or 2002. Many of us at Cedar Shores will miss her sparkle, her smile, her love of music and her zest for life.
Crystal Rose, thank you for being with us for the last several years. We will miss you!
“In the garden of thy heart, plant naught but the rose of love.”
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Diana Morency I am shocked by her sudden passing….I met her only a couple times and the memories I do have is a woman who loved life, music, celebrate her by knowing she lived her life the way she wanted to and drummed to her own drummer…C u at the reggae gates….Diana
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Candace Galloway I remember Crystal, in a found and happy way. She would light up the room, had a beautiful voice and knew how to make people laugh. She was a very unique individual and will be greatly missed, my thoughts are with her family, xoxo
Candace Galloway
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Lucy Galloway Good-bye Crystal, you will be missed. Every time I hear “No Woman No Cry” , me, my hubby David and our girls would think of you. And agree with thoughts above about envelopes with stickers and e-mails with fun animations would always be from you. Condolences to your family members.
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Linda Olson I bet Crystal’s Dreamtime is full of colour and music and laughter–the kind that turns all the ups and downs into easy street. Peace to you, my sister, and one more song for the road…
“Like the morning sun you come, and like the wind you go.
Ain’t no time to hate, barely time to wait.
Woh-oh, what I want to know, where does the time go?”
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Carol McGrath A bright spark has gone out. Crystal was my neighbour when I first lived at the communal house at Swan Lake in 1975, and my great nieces and I stayed with her in her condo when I left that house over 30 years later. She loved music, and would always share information about whatever festivals and performances she was going to. She loved a quiet time by a country lake as much as she loved attending the many big and small concerts and dances she went to. When an envelope arrived in the mail with coloured stars, stickers and funny pictures, it was sure to be from Crystal. She made beautiful scrapbook albums for the kids with photographs of the times they spent together, and taught them what “karaoke” meant. She often spoke of her nieces, Marissa, Serena and Naomi, and it was a huge sorrow to her that she didn’t have children herself. When we ran into each other she’d always remember to ask about my son Emmet. I knew Crystal for about 36 years through her various ups and downs and through mine as well … “Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it’s been.” Keep truckin’ gypsy lady, where ever you may be in the Dreamtime.
A mutual friend just told me about Crystal’s passing. I still can’t believe it. She was such a bright, energetic, joyful and caring person. I will miss her.
I remember our long fun conversation and enjoyed talking to her. I pass by Crystal’s place on the Gorge every day. It will be different now as my commute by that location will be filled with memories of Crystal.