The former manager of Vernon Curling Club has passed away.

Ronald Roy Houston, 1936-2016, passed away peacefully on June 27 at the age of 79, finally free from Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s.

Born on a farm in Ochre River, Manitoba, Ron’s life took him to Winnipeg and Thompson. He then settled to Vernon where he was the Manager of Vernon Curling Club for 25 years, retiring in 2000. His years at the Curling Club as well as the Vernon Golf Club introduced him & his wife Beth to the many close friends they would have fun with over the years. In retirement Ron & Beth were able to travel to New Zealand, Costa Rica, Alaska, Hawaii & Ireland.

Ron loved his family and they will forever miss the husband, father, grandfather, role model & friend he was to them.

In honour of Ron, Curl BC has named a new award after him, which will be handed out annually at the Curl BC Awards. The Ron Houston Award will recognize a hard-working curling administrator.

At Ron’s request a Celebration of Life will be held at the Vernon Curling Club on Saturday, July 23 at 3pm. In memory of Ron, donations can be made to The Alzheimer Society of British Columbia @ 1664 Richter St, #307, Kelowna, BC V1Y 8N3.

Former Curl BC Executive Director Ian Hennigar has passed away after a battle with cancer.

The sports leader led operations at Curl BC from 2006 to 2008 before being recruited to head up Panorama Recreation in Victoria.

Ian passed away on Friday April 22, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Brenda, and their sons Reece, Andrew and Steven, and his beloved father Carl, (predeceased by his mother Jean), sons Jack and Riley, sister Carol (Tino), brother Terry, and brothers-in-law Dave (Zoe) and Les.

Growing up in Kitchener, Ontario, Ian excelled in many sports including his beloved sport of speed skating before an injury ended his competitive days. Ian graduated with an Honours degree in Business and Sport Administration from Laurentian University.

Following university, Ian focused his passion, knowledge and skills on his coaching career in speed skating, achieving successes along the way coaching and mentoring numerous skaters to Olympic and World victories. It was during this time that Ian also took on the role of Executive Director at the Ontario Sport Alliance in Speed Skating for the next 22 years, where he continued to grow and develop sport and active living with his usual integrity, creativeness and commitment.

Recently, at the 2015 World Cup Speed Skating Championships, Ian was recognized and honoured for his outstanding success, contribution and positive impact on so many athletes, coaches and administrators. He was the first ever recipient of Speed Skating Canada’s President’s Commendation Award for outstanding contribution to the sport of Speed Skating for over 40 years.

After relocating to the Saanich Peninsula in 2004, Ian continued his success in his roles as Executive Director of Curl BC, and the Mary Winspear Centre, before finally being recruited to lead Panorama Recreation.

See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timescolonist/obituary.aspx?n=ian-hennigar&pid=179810359#sthash.cLe1Yw5r.dpuf

Trevor Allan Fisher passed away on April 4, 2016.

Trev was a Life Member of the Royal City Curling Club, and prior to that, the Old Westminster Curling Club before the RCCC was built and become the new home.

Trev won the BC Master Men’s Curling Championship in 2000 and the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship in 1972. (O’Keefe Mixed).

Trev, 84, passed peacefully surrounded by his wife of 65 years, Lois Fisher, and their family. Trevor lived a full and meaningful life. He skipped his curling team, with wife Lois, to the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship in 1972, where they won gold.

Trevor was an excellent golfer – a 6 handicap at his best – but he will be better remembered for his unbelievable snooker game. A former BC Snooker Champion, in retirement he set multiple records in the Lower Mainland’s Senior Snooker League with the highest run in their history at 139 and most games with runs over 70. Trevor was loved by everyone he met; but mostly by Lois, their three children, David, Debbie and Drew, their seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A celebration of Trevor’s life was held at Royal City Curling Club on April 23, 2016.

See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/vancouversun/obituary.aspx?n=trevor-allan-fisher&pid=179553000#sthash.iKZNaH72.dpuf

A former BC Senior Men’s champion who was an enthusiastic member of Royal City Curling Club has passed away.

A celebration of life for Steve Thorson will be held on May 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the club in New Westminster.

Thorson represented BC at the Canadian Senior Curling Championships in 2002 and 2005. He also played a large role in helping to run the Westcoast Curling Classic from 2007 to 2010. He passed away suddenly in March.

He will be greatly missed by his partner Arlene, daughters Teri, Liza (Todd), Sandi (James) and Kelly, step son Dean (Leanne) and grandchildren Sydney, Clayton, Lucian, Callum, Violet, Jamie and Aaron. Steve will also be missed by his brother and two sisters, many nephews, extended family and good friends.

See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/vancouversun/obituary.aspx?n=steven-victor-thorson&pid=179670554#sthash.ArF38xTy.dpuf

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Doug Bothamley, who had been battling cancer, passed away on July 6, 2015.

Doug, who lived in Riondel, was a much admired coach, curler and friend to the curling community and will be sincerely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

As well as skipping teams at provincial level, Doug was a committed volunteer and was the Curl BC Regional Representative for Region 2.

A memorial service will be held in Doug’s honour at the Riondel Campground Beach on Sunday, August 2 at 1pm.

Our thoughts are with all of Doug’s family at this time.

Tributes have been paid to curler Ron Avery, who was instrumental in reviving the fortunes of the Vancouver Curling Club. 

Born March 7, 1937 in Drumheller, Alberta, Ron and his family moved to Silverton and then Salmo, BC, where he learned to curl. He first played with jam cans on the frozen river and then went on to curl more competitively.  His high school team placed second in the BC boys play downs in 1953.

After graduation, he attended UBC where in 1961 he received a Commerce degree. For the next 28 years he worked for BC Hydro and finished his career as Vice President of Finance with Southern Rail of BC. Throughout that time, curling was still central in Ron’s life. For many years he curled competitively out of the Vancouver Curling Club. He was very active in the club, being president twice. When the club floundered he worked hard to revive it and was instrumental in helping acquire the new facilities at Hillcrest Community Centre, where he curled until his fight with cancer stopped him.

He will be missed forever by his wife Noreen, son Douglas, daughter-in-law Stephanie, his beloved granddaughters Elisabeth and Madeline, sister Jean and brother Lorne. He was predeceased by his son Gordon.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at 2:00pm at The Marine Room, West Vancouver Seniors Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations to North Shore Hospice would be appreciated.

See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nsnews/obituary.aspx?n=ron-avery&pid=170511994#sthash.VGHBjagZ.dpuf

Maggie Valentine (May 17, 1923 to January 24, 2014) was the skip of the BC women’s champion team in 1966. She was not only a top competitive player in British Columbia, she was also President of the Canadian Ladies Curling Association from 1965-66.   Curling was Maggie’s life and she continued to curl well into her 80s.   At dinner time, Maggie would replay every curling shot on the dinner table with the salt and pepper shakers for her family to see.  A true lover of the sport, she was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 1986.

Maggie (born Margaret Eileen Wallace) passed away on January 24, 2014, with her daughter Penny Dalton by her side. She was predeceased by her first husband Jack Cooke and her second husband Victor Valentine. She will be sadly missed by her son Randy Cooke and extended family.

Tributes have been paid to a former BC champion and a stalwart of the Prince George Golf and Curling Club who died at the age of 72 on Dec. 28.

Kevin Smale – nicknamed The Duke – went to the Brier in 1969, finishing in second place with a 9-1 record to Ron Northcott from Alberta.

His son Darren Smale, who played with him in his later competitive years, said: “The big thing about their Brier team was they were one of the first sports teams from Prince George to do anything big – to go to a national event. Being from a small forestry town, it was a big deal.”

In addition to being BC Men’s champion in 1969 and 1971, Smale and his team were Interior Champions in 1968, 1969, 1971 and 1972.

Smale who represented BC as a High School Curler, was a BC Men’s champion and even added a Senior Men’s title to his name, continued to curl competitively well into his senior years despite his issues with arthritis. When he was 59, he played in the 1999 BC Men’s provincials with Darren.

Darren, who started curling competitive at 18, said: “My dad had quite the touch. I had to work for what I did, but my dad was just a natural.

“I have always been quite proud to say my Dad finished second in Canada, he represented himself, his province and his city very well and I feel that while winning is pretty great, finishing pretty darn high is nothing to be ashamed of.”

A celebration of life was held for Kevin Smale in Prince George on Jan. 3 with over 200 people in attendance.

A much-loved former Curl BC director has lost his battle with cancer.

Norm Allen, from the Kelowna Curling Club, died on Sunday (June 2) after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Norm was with Curl BC as a director for Region 3 from 2005 to 2008.

In addition to his role as director, he was Curl BC’s Head Statistician and did stats for Canadian Curling Association events such as the Brier and Scotties. He was also selected to do stats for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

“He was involved in ensuring that all of the software and hardware (42 computers) requirements for the results tested properly in advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as during the Games,” said Neil Houston, the curling sport venue manager for the Vancouver Olympic organizing committee.

“Norm had a passion for the sport of curling,” added Houston, who worked closely with Norm when he (Neil) was  the CCA’s Director of Championships. “He was one of those people who didn’t mind being behind the scenes but knowing that he was playing a significant role in helping the sport.”

Norm served his country with great pride and passion for 25 years in the Royal Canadian Navy. As a result, he was able to represent BC at the Canadian Armed Forces championships in Lahr Germany.

Before moving to the Okanagan, Norm lived on Vancouver Island, where he curled out of Kerry Park Curling Club.

Norm was instrumental in setting up the Sandra Schmirler Golf Tournament in the Okanagan in 2011.

Norm is survived by his mother Oretha, son Byron and daughters Shelley, LeAnn and Eileen.

A memorial service for Norm will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at 3:30pm at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1211 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 5:30pm at the Shadow Ridge Golf Club 3770 Bulman Road, Kelowna.

(With additional information from the CCA)

Carmel Marshall died peacefully in Victoria on Sunday, January 6, 2013.

Carmel, daughter of the late Clifford Edmonds and Sadie (née Nolan), was born in Ottawa East on June 29, 1935, and is predeceased by her husband Patrick Marshall. She is survived by her children, Ellen and Joseph, and her grandchildren, Courtney, Ryan and Shane.

She will be sadly missed by her siblings Beth (Leslie MacArthur), Garry (Paula), Grant (Rita), Vera (Brian Monaghan), her many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. Carmel and Pat were posted to various Canadian military bases throughout Canada and in Germany where Carmel made many lifelong friendships and was able to pursue her passions of curling, golf and bridge.

Carmel was the 1991 BC senior women’s curling champion. A memorial service was held at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Esquimalt on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, followed by a reception at the Gorge Vale Golf course.

Colleen Ann left this world on the afternoon of January 3, surrounded by the love of her family. Colleen Ann, born on December 5, 1961, attempted to be the best she could be throughout her life, to act with integrity and to be true to herself.

To carry this legacy forward she leaves her son Griffin Woodward, her parents, John and Irene World, brothers, Doug (Sharon), Ron (Sharon), nieces and nephews Jeremy, Kelly (Joseph), Sydney and Nathan and great niece Isabelle. She also leaves her kindred spirit, Brenda McConachie and numerous close friends.

Colleen was a teacher in District 68 and 69. She was recently recognized by the BCTF Provincial Math Association as Math Teacher of the year. Her passions were teaching manners, grammar and math. She was the 1980 BC  junior women curling champion on Lana Lacheur’s Oak Bay team.

Colleen wanted people to attempt to be the best they could, act with integrity and true to themself as she strived to do throughout her life. She was so appreciative of the amazing care she received over the years from the nurses and doctors at the Family Practice, Victoria Cancer Clinic and the Nanaimo Regional Hospital Palliative Care and Hospice Society. Special thanks to Dr. Love, Dr. Walker, Dorthea and Dr. Carr for your tenderness and compassion.

The nurses of the Palliative Care and Ray from Hospice are truly angels. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Colleen’s memory to Hospice, Palliative Care Unit or Research Awareness Metastasized Breast Cancer. A Bursary will be set up in Colleen’s memory at Dover Bay for an Industrial Arts student. Donations for this will be collected at her celebration of life. Be happy and love life. Date to be announced in the spring for some fun planned by Colleen.

Tributes have been paid to curling volunteer Jo-Anne Hawkins, nee Hewer, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 4, 2012. 

Her family said she will be sadly missed by all her friends, including those at the North Shore Winter Club in North Vancouver.

Jo-Anne chaired the BC Provincial Masters Curling Championships (2009) and helped to organize numerous curling events, including the 2012 BC Women’s Curling Championship.

Jo-Anne also served many years as the convenor from the North Shore on the BC Ladies’ Curling Association.

In a tribute to her in the Vancouver Sun, her family said she would be “sadly missed by her sister Janet Landucci (Robert), sister Jayne Hewer, sister-in-law Kathi Hewer, nieces and nephews: Chad Willcox, Kleo Landucci (John – David Murray), Ali Landucci, Rob Landucci, Carley Hewer, Jackson Hewer, great niece Beatrix Murray, great nephew George Murray, her cousin and great friend Diane McIver and dozens of cousins and relatives all across Canada.

“Jo-Anne was a kind, warm, loving, generous, honest and adventurous person who loved people. Jo-Jo was all about laughing and having fun. She made everyone’s life better for knowing her. She was the life of the party with an unrivalled sense of humour. More than anything she loved a great gotcha, travelling and spending time with family and her many friends. No one can ever forget the famous Jo-Jo laugh.”

Tributes have been paid to a talented junior curler who passed away on December 3.

Elliott Franklin, who won BC Winter Games Gold in 2008 and the BC Junior Championship in 2010, was born on August 15, 1991.

A memorial service took place on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at White Rock Baptist Church.

Todd Klymchuk, whose son Tyler curled with Elliott, said: “He was a kind and compassionate person and a great youth curler.”

In a tribute to Elliott in the Vancouver Sun, his family wrote: “Elliott is survived by his parents, Jennifer and Ben; younger brothers Ethan and Emmett; girlfriend Nicola Milne; Great Grandmother, Grandparents and numerous family members.

“Elliott was exceptionally kind and caring; passionate and incredibly talented as an aspiring chef; most of all, he was extremely humble, sensitive and giving. These gifts will live on in our hearts.

“He is greatly missed by many as he touched so many in his few short years. Elliott attended Village Montessori, Sunnyside Elementary, Langley Fundamental Elementary and Secondary Schools. He played in both the jazz band and concert band and enjoyed travel through the band program and his Grade 9 trip to Europe. He also enjoyed his time in the Scouting program and earned his Chief Scout Award.

“Elliott was an avid curler and ranked as one of the top players in BC for his age. He also had many fun years of skating out of Centennial Arena. His post secondary pursuits included part-time study at Kwantlen College and hands-on culinary experience.

“Elliott brought fun, a sense of adventure and curiosity to the world and all he encountered are thankful to have known him.

“A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 15 at 3 p.m. at White Rock Baptist Church. Please bring a favourite photograph of him, if available. He is remembered fondly as “Elliott Moose”,” Ells Bells”,” Franklin” and others but will always be our dear son. Godspeed Elliott.”

ln lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Transplant or the Langley School District Foundation (Elliott Franklin Memorial Scholarship).

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of the 2001 Curl BC Friendship Award Winner, Jerry Landa.

With family by his side, Jerry passed late Wednesday evening in the palliative care ward of Vancouver General Hospital of complications from a long battle with both COPD and heart disease.

A native of Winnipeg where he was born on Oct. 23, 1933, Jerry ran away from home at age 17 to join the navy. After serving time in the navy he enjoyed a long career in radio in Regina, Nanaimo and several different stations in Vancouver. He maintained many of his radio friendships to the end.

In the 1990s Jerry took the often thankless job of coordinating the reporting of the scores from all BC curling championships to the province’s various media outlets. Jerry was known for being on of the last to hand printed all his news releases. In fact, Global TV’s Mike McCardell once wanted to do a segment on this unusual fact, but Jerry wouldn’t go for it. He did, however, once agree to play the part of a mythical character named Stanley Park who Vic Rauter interviewed for one of his setup pieces prior to a TSN telecast of a national curling event from Vancouver.

We will miss you Jerry.

Curl BC regrets to announce that Joyce Smart has passed away at the age of 78.  Joyce was awarded a Curl BC Life Membership in 1989.

SMART, Joyce Irene December 19, 1933 – October 19, 2011 Joyce passed away peacefully on October 19, 2011 at St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her son, John Charles Smart (Jacqui), four grandchildren, Laura, Andrew and Kelsey Smart in North Vancouver and Nicole Johnston in Chilliwack. She is also survived by two sisters, Barbara Steed and Charlotte Truswell, nephews Chuck and Bill Ulmer and Byron Truswell, her niece, Hallie Truswell as well as several great-grandchildren. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Ethel Penson, her husband John and three sons, Tommy, Jimmy and Bob. Joyce was an ardent curler and with her husband John, was part of a team representing BC at the first Canada Winter Games in 1967. She also chaired the Pioneer Women’s World Curling Championship in Kelowna in 1986. After a visit to the Sunshine Coast twenty years ago, she and John liked it so much they decided to move to Gibsons. After John’s death in January, 2011, Joyce enjoyed living with her sister Barbs until being hospitalized in September this year. Joyce will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Love lives on in the hearts of all who remember and care.

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing after a long battle with cancer of Glen Arnold Pierce of Maple Ridge, BC on September 17th, 2011, at the age of 69. Two days short of his 70th birthday. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends and has finally achieved peace and comfort with his higher power. Glen will be forever remembered by his wife Eleanor, 3 children; Brent (Susan), Shannon (Rob) and his adopted daughter Kim (Mitch). He will be missed by many including his 3 grandchildren; (Cassie, Gavin and Taylor); his siblings Ruth (Leroy), Bob (Jan) and Judy. One of his proudest moments was when he coached his son, Brent, to victory in the 2000 World Curling Championship. He was respected in the curling world by many. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at McKenney Creek Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 25th, 2011 at 2:00p.m. at Royal City Curling Club, 75 East 6th Avenue, New Westminster, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McKenney Creek Hospice. Glen, you will always be in our hearts.

Curl BC regrets to announce the loss of another instrumental curler in BC. Sheila Tait was a former President of the BC Ladies’ Curling Association and coached Linda Moore to her first provincial title.

TAIT, Sheila Margaret (nee Doherty) October 21, 1922 September 13, 2011 A keen curler (Pres of BCLCA) and golfer (low net club championship 2000). A gifted gardener all she planted thrived under her care. She loved the ocean and treasured her many vacation years on the West Coast with family. Sheila is survived by her loving husband of nearly 70 years Bob (Qualicum Beach), Children: Barbara (Victoria), Judy (Victoria), Rob (Pat)(North Vancouver) and Susan (Qualicum Beach); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Tea will be held on Sunday, September 25th, 2011 at 137 Denman Drive, Qualicum Beach, BC between 1:00 and 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parksville/ Qualicum Beach chapter of the Salvation Army where Sheila happily counted and rolled coins from the Christmas kettles. YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM (1-877-264-3848) in care of arrangements. 637745

Our thoughts go out the family and friends of Phil Fawcett of the Esquimalt Curling Club. Phil was the oldest member of the Esquimalt Curling Club when he retired from play in 2008.

FAWCETT, J. Philip (Phil) July 24, 1916 November 1, 2010 Phil died peacefully at home on Monday, November 1, at the end of 94 happy, active years. Born into the lively, musical family of a Methodist minister, Phil grew up in small town Alberta. During the war he was trained in Toronto, where he sang in the RCAF Glee Club, which performed every week on CBC Radio, and where he met Audrey, his beloved wife of 59 years. Phil was a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher, beloved by his many students. He taught for many years at Alberni District High School, directing two Gilbert & Sullivan operas, and then moved to Victoria, where he taught for 17 years at Mount View High School before moving on to Esquimalt Secondary. He was a social change agent: a lifetime member of the NDP, a volunteer with Global Village Store and Fairfield recycling. A man of deep, abiding faith, Phil was an active member of Fairfield United Church for over 50 years, and was also involved in George Pringle Camp, directing boys’ camps when he was younger and acting as a trustee in more recent years. He was a sportsman, a member of the Clover Point Anglers’ Association, and the oldest member of the Esquimalt Senior Men’s Curling Club when he retired in 2008. A storyteller, a punster, a warm and loving father, friend and neighbour, Phil kept going strong almost until the end. He danced at his granddaughter’s wedding just last July. He will be sorely missed. Phil was predeceased by his wife Audrey, brothers Allan and Vern, sisters Beryl and Dora. He leaves behind his sister Reta Mae, his four children Susan Gage, Steve, Laurie and John, his ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A celebration of Phil’s life will held at Fairfield United Church on Tuesday, November 9 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Place would be appreciated.

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Anita Cochrane. 

Anita passed away Tuesday night at 6pm with her family by her side. In her final few weeks, she rested in her parents’ home and remained her positive self.

Anita had a very public battle with cancer for many years and was an inspiration to those around her. She was awarded the 2010 Curl BC Coach of the Year Award and was one of the founders of the recently announced Curl BC Curling for Life Endowment Fund.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: ANITA COCHRANE

BROCK HOUSE
3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver, BC, V6R 1B3
Situated on Jericho Beach at the end of Point Grey Road

SATURDAY OCTOBER 16TH, 2010
1pm – 4pm

Due to the number of people Anita touched throughout her life, the family is trying to estimate how many people to expect for refreshments etc. If you plan to attend, please email anitacelebration@gmail.com to confirm your attendence prior to Wednesday Oct. 13th.

Curl BC would like to extend our wishes to the family and friends of Zel Moore who recently passed away. Zel was a long time and significant contributor to curling in British Columbia.

MOORE, (Wademan) Zelma (Zel) Marcilla March 3, 1925 February 28th, 2010 Zel passed away peacefully in the home she loved so much. Zel was born in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan to John and Olive Wademan. She was happily married for 63 Years to Ken (K.O.) Moore (deceased). Zel’s door was always open to friends and family, whether it was a friend of one of her children, a bus load of hippies making a movie or her own family returning home from their travels. She founded the Esquimalt Junior Curling program , served in many capacities at the Esquimalt Curling Club and as a zone convener, the President of the BC Ladies Curling Association in 1981 and eventually a life member. Zel worked on the Lassie, Scott Tournament of Hearts and Victoria Brier and, with Ken, chaired the 1987 World Junior Curling Championships at Esquimalt. Zel is survived by her children and their spouses, Tom and Margaret, Richard, Owen and Sylvia, Karen and Mike (Hanley), Barry and Cathy, and her ten grandchildren, Wade, Rachel, Bradley, Julia, Allison, Gordon, Meagan, Beccy, Quillan, and Bobby. A special thanks to the nurses and staff of VIHA and the Victoria Hospice who helped to make her last month’s at home peaceful and comfortable. A service celebrating Zel’s life, will be held on March 10th at 1 pm at the Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Road with a reception to follow at the Esquimalt Curling Club from 3 pm to 5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation. 581131

Curl BC regrets to announce that one of its founding members, Phil Leroux, of Smithers, BC, passed away this week at age 62.

Phil served as president of the BC Men’s Interior Curling Association in 2002-2003. Phil’s administrative abilities and curling experience resulted in his being named by the BCICA as one of the three appointees tasked with guiding the independent organizations to become what we now know as Curl BC. Phil, along with Judy MacKinnon of the BCLCA and Steve Wade of the PCCA, was instrumental in setting out the constitution and bylaws, policy, and rules of the new association. In recognition of his efforts, Phil was elected as a Life Member of the BCICA in 2004, and of Curl BC in 2005.

Once Curl BC was amalgamated in May 2004, Phil stayed on as a member of the Board of Directors for an additional year, to ensure the new association was moving in the right direction. His retirement from the Curl BC Board in 2005 did not mean he abandoned the sport. Instead, he concentrated his efforts once again on his home club in Smithers, working as he had done before to help grow the game we all love to play.

Curl BC wishes to extend its condolences to Phil’s wife, Esther, his son Brad and wife Tara, his daughter Michelle and husband Jim, and his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and served with him over the years.

David “Les” Ashcroft passed away 6pm August 25th, 2008 surrounded by loving family in the Lion’s Gate Hospital. Les was born Feb 10, 1943 and leaves behind one brother Ron (Barb) of Richmond, one son David of Vancouver, one daughter Lisa of Whistler and two grandchildren Andrew and Jamie Gormley.
Les spent most of his life in North Van, except for two business relocations, one to Calgary and then to Missisauga.

Les excelled in his pharmaceutical sales career, he loved learning and would sit down with a scientific paper much like others would digest a fictional paperback. He loved a challenge and was for most of his career top in sales. His last company was Galderma from back east.

Les loved his curling and you would find him most of the winter at the North Shore Winter Club….he held many positions at the club and because of that love we have set aside time at the NSW Club on Thursday August 28 at 3 pm in the Seniors Lounge as a time to come together and to give a toast to Les and share fond remembrances. Les did not wish a service per se but did want his family and friends to have a get together.

In lieu of flowers we would rather request donations to the BC Cancer Foundation, Melanoma Awareness Allocation in Les’s name.