Our dearest Tammy passed away on January 2, 2026, at her favourite place, the “ocean” in Parksville. Tammy was born on August 27, 1979, in Victoria, BC. Predeceased by her grandparents, Herb and Barbara West, and morfar Henning Schmidt.
She is survived by her loving husband James, stepdaughter Amanda (Shawn), a gt to step grandson, Kayce, parents Chris and Pia, sister Candice (John), and a loving aunty to niece Elsie and nephew Lincoln. She loved her mormor Else, mother-in-law Andrea, favourite cat sitter and father-in-law Jim, her aunts and uncles Dennis and Cathy, Alice and Rudi, cousins Samantha (Jaimie), Darren (Jasmine), Karissa (Travis), Dylan, and all the “littles”.
Tammy attended Colquitz and graduated from Spectrum, then went on to a 27-year career at BC Ferries, where she met James and an accumulation of wonderful friends. She had a group of forever friends that have remained in her life since preschool. She loved them dearly. James and Tammy had many travel adventures, which Tammy organised meticulously, down to which bakery they would visit. We will miss her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. And missing her, “her greatest love”, Sophia, her cat.
There will be a Memorial Service held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:00pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “West” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Rod Mckechnie
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john hughesman Our condolences to Jamie and the rest of Tammy’s family. There were many more people living out of town who wished to be there yesterday, many who loved her very much.
It was beautiful knowng you Tammy, thank you
for everything.
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Renata Giles Our deepest condolences to Pia & Chris, Candace, Alice & Rudi, Else, Denis & Cathy Tammy’s husband & all the rest of her family & friends
Tammy was a ray of sunshine that lit up a room
She had a wonderful laugh & sense of humour
Tammy was beautiful inside & out
My last memory of her was at Karissa’s wedding
She looked gorgeous in her blue dress & was so happy that day
Tammy you will be missed by everyone who knew you
Love always,
Renata, Darcy & Christina Giles
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Christine Billinger Tammy’s sudden passing is so tragic. She was a ray of light and a was such a caring friend. I will never forget her smile or her laugh. Rest in peace, Tammy. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
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Paula White How do you express in words a loss like Tammy. She was energy, laughter and light. Not hearing the words Oh Paula the way she said it with a giggle will be so missed. This is a loss for everyones life she touched, especially her family’s.
With much love,
Paula
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Adam Turner A beautiful life and a kind heart. Tammy was adventurous and made the world more fun just by being here. She’s the spark in all our favorite memories and we’ll never forget her.
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Chris Cowley One of the brightest personalities I ever knew. Heartbroken for the family. She will be so missed.
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Erin Ozero So sorry to hear of Tammy’s passing. I loved working with her and Jamie many years ago. She always lit up the room with her charm and beautiful smile. She was a really fun person to work with. Sending love and strength to her family and friends. Rest in peace beautiful ❤️
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Marlene Gilbert (Harvey) Pia and Chris
I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter.
I am sending my sincere condolences.
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Gilles Cote Thoughts and condolences are with Tammy’s family. Her smile, warmth and laughter will always bring a smile to my heart. You will be held forever in our thoughts, rest in peace.
Gilles Cote
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Melissa Heathcote I’m so sorry to hear of Tammy’s passing
We started together on the ships back in 98 and we were also up in the terminal together now. I Also worked with James on board and Chris in the terminal. Rest in peace sweet girl. We will never forget your laughter! Sending caring thoughts to Sofia and James Chris Pia and Candice and the rest of her family and all her friends. Thank you for the laughter you brought us and the wonderful memories we all shared!!
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Brendan Pause I was shocked and sad to hear about Tammy.
I would hope to see Tammy every time I went to the terminal for keys. It was always nice to see her and visit for a moment.
I have fond memories of the occasions where Tammy was around. She was always kind and friendly, a pleasure to be around.
My heart goes out to you all, friends and family alike. I’m sorry for your loss.
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Ryan Trelford Will miss Tammy’s joyous laughter, smile, screaming “RYAN!” whenever I saw her, and her announcements in SWB! Tammy was so welcoming and friendly when I first joined BC Ferries. She made work fun! Thinking of Tammy’s family at this time, you’re in my thoughts. Grief is the price we pay for love.
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Steve Very sad to hear of Tammy’s passing, Condolences to James, family and friends.
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Carol LeGood Chris and Pia— I was very saddened to hear the news about Tammy. I remember her as a fun young
girl and know she was a wonderful forever friend to Vicki. My heart aches for you both.
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Leanne Post I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Tammy. Tammy was always such a light to be around. She was the most welcoming person I had the pleasure of knowing. I got to know her well while working in the coffee shop at the ferries, where we bonded over our love for our kitties. Tammy was always someone I could talk to if I needed to. I ran into Tammy at nickleback in August and I’m so greatful that I got a big hug from her and to catch up. She will be so missed by all. My condolences to her family.
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Mark Burnham My most sincere condolences to Tammy’s family.
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Kelly Hart The world has dimmed since I heard Tammy had left us. Tam and I met on the ships, but got to know each other better on C watch in the terminal, especially when I learned how she took her coffee, and shared my peanut butter snacks. The girl loved her coffee and snacks, not as much as James and Soficat, but still. She was my friend and I’ll miss her.
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Michelle Leck My deepest condolences to the West family, Tami’s work family is missing her dearly, Tami and I were hired the same day,we laughed how she was hours senior to me, we didn’t really get to know each other until she came to the terminal on our C watch, I loved talking and laughing with her, talking about our ‘senior cats” her announcements” are the best, we will always love you Tami,
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Carl Bergenstein The past 27 years I have known Tammy, she always brought great joy and I will always remember her for her great kindness and friendship. All the best for family and friends.
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Serena Stones I am deeply saddened by this news. Tammy and I worked on the ship and shore for years together and spent time outside of work as well.
Her laugh was contagious and her bubbly personality was a breath of fresh air.
She always made time to chit chat or talk.I am so heart broken for all the friends and family who have to grieve her loss.
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Melissa McDonell I am just heartbroken. I had the pleasure of working with Tammy on the ships for many years and I was so lucky to be able to chat and laugh with her regularly on the phone whenever I called the terminal as we followed the same watch. Every time I interacted with Tammy I left the conversation with a smile on my face. Kind, warm, beautiful and hilariously funny. I will miss her very much. To James and all of her family and many friends I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. I’m holding love in my heart for you all.
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Ed Murr My heartfelt condolences to Tamara’s family and to Jamie. The loss of this beautiful soul will be felt by many, a testament to the way she interacted with and touched all those who had the pleasure of meeting her and calling her a friend. She always had a smile on her face and brought a smile to mine and to everyone she worked with.
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Chris coell I am heart broken. I worked with Tammy on the vessels and terminal. She was one of the happiest people I knew. Her smile and happy attitude was a fresh of breath air. You will be truly missed by all.
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Cathy Brown Chris and family
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter. Thinking of you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Cathy Brown
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Barb Bishop and David Gray. Sending our sincere condolences to her family and friends. She brought light to our workplace with her smiles and laughter. Anyone who met her would remember her unique spirit. She will be greatly missed by all who worked with her.
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Trevor Henderson Tammy was always a bright and smiling face whenever I was at work. She always had a funny story to tell and was so welcoming when I first started at the ferries.
She will be dearly missed. My condolences to the entire family.
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Niki Williams Sending my deepest condolences to your family. I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. May you feel surrounded by love and strength during this heartbreaking time. I will always remember her smile and infectious giggle! I am so sorry.
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Emily Brown Tammy was a beautiful human inside & out and will be deeply missed. Grateful for the many years I got to work with her. My condolences to all.
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Lorie Steverson Deepest condolences Candace …..only worked with you but can’t imagine what your family is going through
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Maryann Harper I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I had the privilege of working with Tammy on the ships and she was always so vivacious and kind.
My sincere condolences to all her family and friends.
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Christina Johnston James,Chris,Pia,Candice,and family.
My heart breaks for the loss of your beautiful girl. She was my work bestie and I loved her dearly. I spent far too long,(in relation to my work duties)in the G.O. with her on a daily basis. I would give her her “breaks” as she whirlwind around the office, hardly stopping, insisting it was my break from being the supervisor. She was so extremely thoughtful, loving, and funny as hell! We would chat and laugh and force the managers to close their doors because we were ” too loud”. I will miss her huge presence and huge heart. My deepest condolences. With love, Christina
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Manny and Dianne Gavilan Our most sincere condolences for your great loss. There never are the words to truly express the feelings that you feel at a time like this. We feel grateful to have been able to have worked with Tammy and shared such a small part of her life. She left us with fun and beautiful memories. Our hearts go out to you at this time. Thinking of you, Manny and Dianne
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Matt Garth My condolences to all of Tammy’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working in the office with Tammy for a year as well as having known her for my 8 years at BC Ferries. I was always happy to see her and spend time chatting with her. She was an absolute ray of sunshine and such a funny person. She will be greatly missed by us all.
I am truly sorry to be learning of Tammy’s passing. It has been many years since I have last seen Tammy and I can still remember her infectious smile and laugh. She was always such a happy person and it was a pleasure working and knowing her.
To Chris and her family I am very sorry for your loss.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Be well.