Our beloved Julie was born on February 3, 1970. She left us suddenly on March 18, 2024.
Born and raised on the West Coast, Julie had a deep love and respect for the ocean, where she found peace and her final resting place. We can imagine her dancing with abandon upon sparkling water, bound for shores we cannot see.
Julie lit her way through this world with her beautiful smile, boundless heart and fierce spirit, while speaking her truth with compassion and respect for all she met. With undying devotion for family and friends, Julie would never shy away from challenges, standing strong for her ethics and high moral standards. Showing a deep connection to all living things, her instinctive love of animals was a constant source of joy. Time amongst the plants in the sanctuary of her yard would always provide peace.
Highlighting Julie’s days was her immersion in yoga practice, which served to ground her and brought many special people into her life.
Always the number one supporter of her son, Jared, Julie brought unconditional love, wisdom and experiences to guide his journey.
The past twenty years Julie shared with her best friend and husband, Harri, embracing the time together soaking in the adventures of life. No words can express the sadness of her absence.
Julie is survived by husband, Harri; son, Jared; mother, Louise; sisters, Paula and Andrea; brother, Josh and dear friend, Merla.
Julie left us five months ago. We are immensely saddened that she is no longer amongst us. With broken hearts and eternal hope, we continue to await her return.
In Julie’s memory, pause a moment … extend a little kindness and charity towards others.
Forever loved, always with us.
Blessing:
“May the long time sun
shine upon you
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you,
Guide your way on.”
A Celebration of Julie’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 10:00 am. Following the Celebration, there will be an informal gathering, rain or shine, at Island View Beach. All are welcome to join together to share memories and stories of Julie. Please wear bright colours.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
50 Responses
I went to school with Julie at Cowichan Senior Secondary. I hadn’t seen her in years and then ran into her at Thrifty foods a few years ago and we had a great conversation. She was always a kind sweet person. I am saddened and shocked at her passing. Sending condolences to her husband and son I know how much she loved you and to the rest of her family and friends.
Julie was one of the kindest person I have ever met. We worked many years together at Thriftys. I retired not long after she was off work and we became walking buddies. So many places she took us and so many memories and of course lots of coffees! She will always be in my heart and with me whenever I am walking. Big hugs to Harri and family, and to Julie in heaven. I know you are in good hands
Dear Harri. A moving tribute to your beloved, Julie; it embodies her beautiful, authentic self.
I’ve always thought of her as a force of nature “full of energy, unstoppable, and unforgettable”.
Although we only got to know you when we moved to Camrose in 2018, we enjoyed your friendship. If Dave was still with us, he would be gutted by this terrible news.
I value the time I spent with Julie (cycling to the Red Barn Market on West Saanich, hiking Mt. Doug, and of course endless loops around the chip trail). Julie drove me to the airport when I left two years ago and I looked forward to when you guys would visit to enjoy some of the UK’s fabulous walking holidays. It makes me so sad to think I won’t see her when I return to visit.
Julie was obviously loved and touched the lives of everyone she met, how fortunate we were. She was fun and quirky but also serious and respectful but most of all, she listened.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the loss of a life partner is considered “an emotionally devastating event and the most stressful of all possible losses on life event scales”. Everyone’s relationship is different but it was obvious to us (and everyone who knew you), that yours was one of those truly special ones and in that way, you were blessed.
Those who have not experienced this massive loss cannot know the utter wreckage it brings. One day you’re married; the next day you’re not. It takes a very long time to emerge from profound grief and the more loving the lost relationship was; the harder the emerging process.
As it’s considered the only loss where every aspect of your life changes, “it plunges you into an experience where your intellect cannot protect you” and “it kicks away the props you rely on”. (Hilary Mantel on CS Lewis’ ‘A Grief Observed’ on the death of his wife)
There is often much pretence around grief but I hope that the people who loved Julie are there for you, her son, and the others in her life that were closest to her.
Julie, was an exceptional woman who was so, so kind and loving. A brilliant light and an inspiration to many. I miss her loving personality and she was so heartfelt. She remains deeply embedded in my heart. ❤️ My deep condolences to her husband Harri and son Jared and including her mother and siblings and all who loved her. I miss her contagious smile and loving kindness!! May she rest in peace!!
Much love Sylvie
My sincere condolences for Harri, Jared and Julie’s family. Julie was such a lovely person. She was kind, caring and such fun to be with. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this time.
My love for this beautiful soul will never be lost. I loved Julie like a sister. She was a bright light to me in dark times and will remain that light for me in spirit. I’ll never forget her kind and loving ways. I will forever miss her bright smile. A smile that lit up a room. Until we meet again my friend. My condolences to all her family and friends
My dear friend. Words can’t express how I feel. We shared so many fantastic times together in happiness and in sorrow. You are the best person I ever knew. My condolences go out too all that knew and loved you. My dear friend Harri I love you. Life will never be the same without your shining light. I miss you and love you.
Jules. Kind, gentle soul, friend, inspiration, neighbour and beauty in all ways; the consistent flame of joy lighting our lives at every encounter. Julie is profoundly appreciated and missed by so many: we are stunned but ever grateful for the chance to know and learn from her. She leaves wonderful indelible changes in every heart.
Harri. Good on you for knowing, treasuring and nurturing a good thing when you saw it. It takes one to know one. You have our hearts in both the joys and sorrows.
Julie….. we had so many great adventures together, from music, singing and dancing in our living rooms to adventures travelling and enjoying amazing experiences! You always brought joy into my life, supporting through the rough times and celebrating with exuberance in the good! I always loved your messages, usually with sparkly good wishes and an uplifting greetings ! These memories are cherished and will be there forever in my heart. You are missed and loved xox
She was such a kind and energetic soul, but she had a deep sadness that she hid from all of us. She has left an impact on me that I will never forget. She was my second ever boss and I will always be grateful to the doors that opened to me as a result of her taking me on. I always knew her as somebody that I could talk to and confide with about anything. My condolences to her family.