September 10, 1932 - January 23, 2025
In loving memory ~
Many years before our much-loved mother's health deteriorated, she wrote her own obituary. We, her children, could not have penned a better one:
Gladly did I live and gladly did I die. I have had the privilege of beloved friends and family in beautiful Victoria and I will be joining those who have gone before me. After I'm gone, I invite you to sit on a bench near Ross Bay Cemetery where my ancestors are buried and watch the waves breaking on the shore, walk in the park enjoying the trees and flowers and look to the blue sky or the dark clouds with admiration and remembrance.
Born Aldyth Campbell to Aldyth Muriel Waites of Victoria and Daniel Leslie Campbell of Revelstoke, my happy childhood was spent in Revelstoke on a large dairy farm overlooking the town. Along with my beloved siblings Sheilagh and Earl, my early years sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors and all its creatures. After marriage to an RCAF officer, three children and many moves to various cities in Canada, we moved to Victoria in 1968. I was very happy to be in the same beautiful city where my ancestors had lived since 1890. Life in Victoria included many years on our fruit farm at Elk Lake growing loganberries and later exceptional strawberries.
My work life included several years working for the Victoria Daily Times and the Daily Colonist (as the two were known then). Next was a favorite position as an assistant to a junior high school librarian - I was very lucky to secure such a wonderful job based on my experience working in a library in Winnipeg. Full-time work included two provincial ministries: Long Term Care, Ministry of Health and Wildlife Branch, Ministry of the Environment from which I retired. Then came volunteering in several organizations; I was very proud of my role in the publication of three Island Hiking Trails books. My love of art and history led to many years with the Victoria Art Gallery and then even more years involved with genealogy - both my own as well as helping others with their family histories.
Opportunities for travel adventures were offered through the University of Victoria tours that were hosted by academic faculty and other experts. As well, travel with family included my sister and other companions facilitated research into my family history in England, Scotland and Ireland. Each trip was a unique educational experience which I cherished. Always an avid learner, UVic provided so many wonderful programs through Continuing Education and I particularly enjoyed writing and poetry classes.
I loved all human and animal babies and was always interested in the world, everything except football. I was not a good cook and some of my attempts at breadmaking provided new doorstops in our home. My success as a mother is evident in my three children: Kevin (Sheri), Lianne (Carl) and Klee. Also, I am very proud of my two granddaughters: Amber and Kaitlyn (Eric).
Do not be sad, it was a good life and it was my time.
"For the sword outwears it sheath,
And the soul wears out the breast,
And the heart must pause to breathe,
And Love itself have rest."
(From "So We'll Go No More a Roving," by Lord Byron)
No service by request. Condolences may be left through First Memorial Funeral Services. If desired, donations may be directed to the SPCA.