Jill passed away peacefully on April 19, 2021 at the age of 78. She leaves behind her loving husband Barry, whom she was married to for 55 years, her son Kevin (Cynthia), daughter Tisha, granddaughters Hannah, Kailee, Phoebe, Madeline and Caitlin, and her brother Terry Boorman (Claudia). Jill had an early passion for art and she evolved into an accomplished and well-known Canadian nature artist. Her paintings expressed realism and exhibited the colours and abundance of Vancouver Island as well as the places she travelled to. Jill completed many private commissions, was an “artist in residence” on the SS Universe to Alaska and taught painting throughout Greater Victoria, including at her home studios. She was a long-time member of several art clubs and associations, including the Federation of Canadian Artists, Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts, the Victoria Sketch Club and was an enthusiastic member of the Victoria Plein Air painter’s group, called the Al Frescoes of Victoria.
Her favourite place was always at home in her garden and in her studio and she hosted many paint-ins in her garden with other notable artists. Jill was extremely creative in all areas of her life, was a vivid storyteller and maintained her love of art and the experience and tranquility that this brought into her life. She and her husband enjoyed travelling, Jill loved to see new places, to put her feet in the sand and to swim in warm ocean waters. In later years, they ventured up and down the island in their RV and spent summers with friends at Westwood Lake. Jill was the much-loved matriarch of the Slagboom family. Birthdays and special occasions always required special attention and an excuse to have family and friends over. These gatherings were central to her life and happiness, as were the many dear friendships she gained over the years. Jill’s presence, warmth, and compassion will be missed by many whose lives she has touched and by the legacy of her paintings.
A Memorial Service was held in person for the immediate family at McCall Gardens on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 1pm. A recording of the service can be found below.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
29 Responses
Dear Barry,
My deepest condolences to you and your family at the loss of the wonderful wife and mother that Jill was for so many years. I know she will be sorely missed by you all. I hope there is some relief in knowing she finally rests after the courageous battle she fought with these insidious diseases. May she fly with the angels. Love, Ella
Dear Barry and family including Terry and Claudia,
I was so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. I, too, remember fondly Christmas mornings with the Boorman cousins. I was also privileged to take one of Jill’s painting classes and admired her talent and her warm sense of humour.
Our thoughts are with you all. Donna Denman (King)
My thoughts are with you and your family, Barry.
I enjoyed knowing Jill and appreciated her
kindnesses and her welcoming manner.
I was in awe of her artistic talents.
She was such a gracious hostess at the Vic High
Reunion parties held outside and inside your home,
especially as she was an Oak Bay High grad!
She will be missed by so many people and has left
you and your family a wealth of wonderful memories.
Jane Patterson
Dear Barry and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing. I have wonderful memories of many a Christmas morning together with all us cousins, as well as very welcomed family reunions. Jill was always so kind and you knew she had a big heart. Our thoughts are with you!
Love Sandy and Steve MacDonald
Barry, I am so sorry for your loss. Jill was always such a gracious host and friend to us crazy Vic-Highers when we had get togethers at your beautiful home. Rest in peace dear Jill. You will certainly be missed.
Lieve Barry en familie
Wij hebben het akelige bericht ontvangen over het overlijden van uw lieve echtgenote Jill.
Hierbij onze condoleances. Wij denken aan jullie en hopen dat u de mooie herinneringen aan Jill in uw hart kunt sluiten.Veel Sterkte.
Liefs Frouke en Fred
Dear Barry and family
We are so sorry to hear of Jill’s passing and at such a difficult time when we could not visit. Our love goes out to you
and the family .
We will always treasure the painting of Jill’s and the fond memories we had growing up in Victoria.
Love Pam and Gord
Dear Barry and family,
I am so glad to have met Jill. She was a lovely woman and always ready for
Wim and mine company, showing her beautiful art-work.
My deepest condolences to you, Barrv and family.
Wishing you lots of strength! My thoughts are with you!
Love and Hugs,
Rie d’Isendoorn
Thinking of you all and sending all my love
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”
RIP Mrs. Slagboom. Forever in our hearts and memory
xx
Dear Barry and Family, Thinking back, I remember Jill’s willingness to co-host our Vic High Class of 60 reunion enthusiasts, for both planning meetings and events.. we will long remember that huge outdoor breakfast ! She was so friendly and hospitable, and on those days, your home was our home. There is no easy way to say goodbye to one so loved and talented. The memory of Jill’s dedication and work as wife, mother, grandmother, artist and host , will live on in many hearts. Special Blessings on you and all your family. Judy Gill.