After a long and very full life, Betsy passed away on December 16, 2025, in her 99th year, surrounded by the love of her family. Betsy was born in Toronto ON to Clarence and Frances Cook and was the oldest of two children, with younger brother John.
After spending her first 14 years in Kingston ON Betsy and her family moved to Victoria BC for the wartime opening of Royal Roads Military College where her father taught physics and later was Director of Studies. Betsy’s mother was a primary school teacher and an accomplished pianist. Betsy excelled at academics at St. Margaret’s and Victoria College (at Craigdarroch Castle). Like both her parents Betsy chose to be a teacher. After training at Normal School (the old Camosun College), Betsy headed to Port Alberni for her first year of teaching elementary school. She was just 19 years old, and her first class had 54 students! Young Betsy rose to the challenge— she was a natural at teaching and immensely enjoyed her students, in Alberni and later, Duncan.
Betsy met her husband Robert J. Harvey at Victoria College, and they were married at Oak Bay United Church in the summer of 1950, with the reception at Royal Roads. They settled in Duncan and over the years lived in Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo as Bob’s law career developed and they raised their family.
Betsy was a very adaptable home entertainer, and excelled at playing tennis and swimming, as well as knitting and weaving. Sailing local waters was a highlight. Her husband’s love of flying his single-engine Cessna led to many adventures to Mexico and across Canada and the US.
Betsy and Bob called Denman Island their final home together, for almost 20 years, where family and friends often visited and they enjoyed the peace and tranquility of Gulf Island living. After 62 years together Bob passed away in 2013. Betsy enjoyed her last 12 years living in her apartment in Oak Bay, connecting with old friends and making new ones at the Monterey Centre.
Family defined Betsy’s life. She was an extraordinary, wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Betsy is survived by her 4 children – sons Rob (Judi), John (Cathy) and daughters Elizabeth (Trevor) and Annie (Dave); her 6 grandchildren – Sara (Chuck), Kevin (Kathia). Chris (Jennie), Ian (J.D.), Heather (Tara) and Jack; and her 6 great grandsons – Keith, Eli, Max, Connor, Spencer and Shea. Her brother John pre-deceased her in 2013.
To the end, Betsy was filled with optimism and interest in other people. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Juliana and the Island Health Palliative Care Team and the staff at Hospice for their compassion and care in her final days. Betsy will rest eternally beside Bob at St. Stephen’s Anglican church in Saanichton, BC.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Joyce Hinton
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Heather Park Tausig Ohhh I had lost Betsy‘s phone number and I was searching for it again or a way to be in touch with her children to connect. My family had many wonderful experiences visiting with Bob and Betsy on Denman Island, and later visiting Betsy in Victoria. Such a lovely lady; gentle hugs to all of her family ❤️❤️
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Ingrid Mercer Betsy was a valued member of our walking group at the Monterey Center. Up until her last year, she could out-walk most of us. She was so friendly and interested in everyone. I loved to hear her stories about teaching in Port Alberni, family adventures on Denman Island, and bragging about her wonderful children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was so proud of her family. She knew a lot of history about Victoria and the Island and was a great story-teller. Betsy will be missed. – Ingrid Mercer
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Cathy Sutton I just read of Mrs. Harvey’s passing in Saturday’s Vancouver Sun. My mom, Elenore Sutton (a long time friend of Mrs. Harvey), myself, husband Tom and sister Pam had the great fortune of seeing her, John and Cathy at our family cabin at Wall Beach, Nanoose the summer before last. We had a marvelous visit and were all delighted at how effervescent and conversational Mrs. Harvey was. She will be remembered as a warm, kind person who had a zest for life. My heart goes out to the family.
I came across Mrs Harvey’s obituary in the Vancouver Sun and was flooded with fond memories of a remarkable person. My mother Barbara (Ettinger) Hinton loved her childhood friend so much. I will never forget how Mrs Harvey would phone me regularly throughout the time of both of my parents’ dementia journeys. She was such a support. We kept in touch for a while after and had some lovely visits together. I took her first selfie with the two of us together which pleased her very much. She was a very special person and I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends.