It is with sadness that we announce the death of Valerie Ann Cochran on July 28th at the Victoria Hospice. Valerie was born in Calgary Alberta on May 6th 1946 and passed away July 28th 2014. Predeceased by her brother, Thane and parents, Charles Kerr Cochran and Doreen Cochran, Valerie is survived by her husband for 38 years, Charles Priester; brothers, Douglas and James; sister, Deborah; nephews, Dorian, Reuben, Nic, Casey and Daniel; nieces, Tiana, Katie and Emma.
Valerie was truly a self made woman she combined intelligence, fierce determination, kindness,
After a stay of 7 years she returned to Canada and started a career as a Legal Assistant and eventually founding Capilano College’s successful Legal Assistant Program. As fate would have it, this is where she met a fellow instructor Charles Priester. Thus was the start of a romance that lasted 38 years.
In 1981 she enrolled in UBC Law school and was called to the BC Bar in 1985. After a period with the Labour Relations Board she practised labour law in Vancouver. Eventually she returned to her first love, teaching the law at Capilano College which eventually caused her to be appointed Vice President in charge of Human Resources at the College. A job she loved and excelled at, respected by both the Faculty as well as the Administration.
Valerie and her husband were avid sailors and sailed their boat as far as Alaska, the Charlottes and along the BC coast. After retiring Val and her husband, chose to live in beautiful rural Metchosin where they enjoyed the happiest 12 years of their lives.
Val was actively involved in village live and became the editor of its newspaper “the Metchosin Muse” a job she loved doing largely because of the wonderful group of volunteers that helped her with this task.
Being a dinner host for half a dozen or so Pearson College Students was another obligation she embraced with gusto; it became a monthly event she really relished.
In 2013 she was honoured by the Metchosin Council with the Volunteer of the Year Award.
A major contributor to Valerie’s happiness during her life in Metchosin was the large circle of friends that she built and which gave her a strong sense of belonging unlike anything she had encountered before.
We extent a special note of thanks to the many friends and neighbours who have helped in so many ways to make her life easier during these difficult times and also the staff at the Victoria Hospice whose kindness made her last few days so much bearable.
A CELEBRATION OF VALERIE’S LIFE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE METCHOSIN COMMUNITY HOUSE ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH AT 2 PM, 4430 HAPPY VALLEY ROAD, METCHOSIN 250-478-5155
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
VAL’S LAST WORDS
“Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you,
Whatever we were to each other , that we still are
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no false air of solemnity or sorrow
laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without a trace of shadow in it.
Life means all that it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
For an interval.
somewhere very near,
just around the corner
All is well”
(Henry Scott Holland)
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To Val’s Family
My deepest condolences to you. Val was always very kind to me and I will remember her with great fondness. When I worked in the Legal Assistant department she would often come and sit at my desk and tell me stories of her travels.
Karen LeQuyere
Capilano University.
Thank you very much for your kind words
they mean a lot to me
I have not seen Val for many years but she was a significant influence in my life. I was one of the first graduates from the Legal Assistant , now Paralegal, program at Cap College. Her enthusiam and determination developed a program that is now accepted as the best in the Province and created a profession which really did not exist before.
My best wishes to her husband and extended family.
Michelle
Our Valerie will be missed dearly and never forgotten. She was a terrifically colorful and generous friend who, to the end, did things her way. An intelligent woman, she did not suffer fools gladly. Her dinner parties, her large and small gatherings and summer birthday parties on the deck as well as her many selfless contributions to the community of Metchosin are her legacy. Rest in peace, my good friend, and trust that your memory will never fade with our family. Our granddaughter, Cassandra, will miss her “special adult friend” and their very funny relationship.
Dear Charles and family,
We commiserate with the loss of your loved one, Charles, but think of the last poem she choose. An example for us all. Take courage….
Burke and Hanneke
Our family send you their thought s on the loss of your lady Charles; and in the best sense of the word she was a Lady
funny, principled, bright and totally delightful to have had as a friend.
`The years were such good ones and those are the memories we hope will help in this difficult time,
We wish you strength arno. bette, marya ; bart cindi and boy s
Charles we wish you strength at this time and in the loss of your dear Val.
She was funny smart with a killer sense of wit; and we feel blessed to have had her as friend and you as godfather.
The good memories will remain in our heart s; death doesn’t have any
dominion in that area
In all our names arno bette marya and bart and cindi and devon and logan
We are so sorry that Valerie will not now be a part of your life, Charles. I feel privileged to have taught with Valerie at the college and, although she was younger, I considered her a mentor. She was very bright and interesting and she never hesitated to share her knowledge and experience. We enjoyed the social occasions with you and Valerie and hearing about your many travels. You had a happy life together. Our thoughts are with you and the rest of the family. She will be missed. Peter and Anne white
Charles, please accept my condolences on behalf of a number of former BCIT colleagues. Those of us who are widows and widowers know this loss too well and we wish you well in a continued though different life from here on.
Dear Charles,
My father and mother (Jan and Willie), my wife Conny and I and our children Bas and Daniëlle are very sorry to learn from Daniēlle that Valerie has passed away on the 28th of July 2014. Although we are all far away in The Netherlands, we explicitly wish to express our condoleances to you and your family. Although we haven’t met a lot, we all will remember Valerie as a warm and joyfull person who took interest in other peoples lives. I can say without a doubt that Danielle enjoyed her stay at your house with dinner and talks with other students very much. We wish you strength and support from your family and friends.
Val was a truly remarkable woman. She excelled at everything she did. We had memorable visits with her and Charles. Our condolences to Charles.
Charles,
We know you will miss your beloved Valerie – having 38 years together – that is amazing.
Take care.
Love, Gerrie and Tony
Dear Charles & Cochran Family,
Valerie was a wonderful storyteller, leader, colleague and friend and her joy and curiosity for life was palpable. Her reach and influence is far and wide and I know she will be greatly missed.
Sincere condolences,
Nikki Hughes
The loss is greater because of the immensity of the treasure … however, you had, held, loved and were cared for by your treasure for 38 wonderful years … you have been truly blessed in a way that few have ever experienced and I hope that is a source of solace and consolation.
My prayers and thoughts are with you both.
Our loving thoughts are with you.
Valerie will be fondly remembered for many reasons not the least was her unique sense of humour – not conveyed so much in words as by a gesture or a look.
Steve, Linda & Ryan
Dear Charles: This is not possible! Valerie was so full of life, energy, wisdom and wit! Her last words portrait her in full figure.
We were fortunate enough to be their guests in their idyllic house and we keep fond memories of such encounter.
Charles, we are with you in these difficult hours having lost your companion of your life. We are in shock by the news and only expect you are bestowed with an infinite amount of resignation to cope with this great loss, not only for you but for many people, we included, in this world.
Carlos and Bertha
Together we enjoyed many wonderful ballets. We will miss your warm presence this season. But we know you will be watching with us the ballets, especially Amadeus which we will be dedicated to you.
All our sympathy and support to Charles, our friend and fellow volunteer.
Charles,
With great sorrow did I hear about the passing of Valerie. I am glad I was able to visit with her before I left for my vacation. She will remain in my memory as a lady who brought the neighborhood together with her lunches and patio celebrations. I am thinking of you and hopefully we can sit together and reminisce about the good times we had.
Christel
Dear Charles
I was very saddened to hear of Valerie’s passing.
I worked with Valerie in the ‘C’ portable at Capilano College now Capilano University from 1978 where she was instrumental in creating the Legal Assistant Program which continues to this day.
Valerie was a clever and creative colleague, always willing to help other faculty and staff. Her remarkable capabilities were always so evident!
I have very fond memories of our years of working together and will always remember Valerie with great affection.
Betsy Smith
Oh Charles, what a loss! But what grand memories you have of Val’s life, so well-lived with you as complete companion. I’m so thankful that I visited her in the hospital (spur-of-the-moment) – I can’t believe that’s almost a month ago – she looked very beautiful. I wish you strength and courage in the time ahead, and know that you are surrounded by numerous friends who love you. Big hugs, Natexa
Dear Charles
I am so truly sorry for your loss and send you my love and sympathy. Valerie remains one of the most beautifully admirable women I have met. Both Valerie and you have been in my heart for months now. I love that poem she chose and, coincidentally , I had a vivid dream of you both on Tuesday evening and sat beside her and heard Val’s voice say that she is with all of us. <3 With Love, Gaert and Robert
Dear Charles,
I heard with sadness from Barb that Valerie has passed. She was a remarkable, intelligent, and talented woman who embraced Metchosin with her whole being. She was one of the cornerstones of the Muse for years and I will miss her monthly reminders to have a submission in on time, and the patience she showed as I invariably found myself a little over the very last extension of the deadline. The annual opportunity to dine at your table was always a gastronomic delight, she poured her creativity into every dish and we were the happy recipients. You are in my heart Charles as you traverse this difficult path. xo Moralea
Charles I was shocked and saddened to hear of Val’s passing. Like so many others, she played a large part in my life at the College always encouraging me to challenge myself and supporting me when I did. She left behind a tremendous legacy in the lives she touched. The following poem was sent to me on the passing of my husband last year and I hope it brings you some solace as well.
“When you lose someone you love, there are no words to ease the sorrow and only time will soften the pain. But as you go on celebrating the time you had together, you’ll find the treasure of remembering and the comfort in believing that each life is indeed a gift to be held in our hearts forever.”
A life well lived and too soon ended; but her distinguished contribution to the quality of all our lives in Metchosin will not fade. My sympathy to you, Charles, on the loss of a worthy and beloved consort. Chris P.
Dear uncle Charles and the Cochran family,
My sincere condolances at the passing away from (aunt)Valerie. We had hoped so much to see both of you and Val’s family and that you could have had much more time together.
We are very grateful that we have seen eachother much more often than before these last years. I’ll cherish the nice memories as f.i my trip with Val to Long Beach and other beautiful sites around Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
Our trip to Gibraltar, when we met in Spain.
Our cooking together with Val to make a nice Indonesian meal for friends and visiting students.
The dinner Val and I had in Silk Road ( a nice Mongolian restaurant in Arnhem)
The many visits to museums (f.i. Palace the Loo in Apeldoorn) and other trips here in the Netherlands..
The nice talks and love and care you have both given to me and Cloé.
The distance makes it difficult to be there in person and to hug you and support you as I wished I could do.
When in Beaune we went with my parents to the basilica to lighten a candle for Valerie and you.
Cloé took this task very serious. We prayed for a miracle.
When we had to tell Cloé that aunt Valerie had passed away, she was very silent but her first reaction was “How is uncle Charles?” I think Valerie would have been very happy with this answer.
Valerie will allways be a lovely, joyous part of our lives and an inspiration and we wish you all the strenght to go on living without Val at your sides.
Love from Geraldine and little Cloé Priester
Dear Charles,
This sudden loss came as a surprise to all of us and I wanted to express to you and Valerie’s family my deepest condolences on behalf of all the artists at Ballet Victoria.
Valerie was an incredible supporter and key volunteer for the company. You both helped in so many ways. I know that we all shared a strong passion for dance. You knew the dancers and supported them and they appreciated you both immensely. She will be in our hearts as we perform this season. Take good care of yourself in this trying time, our thoughts are with you and her family.
Dear brother Charles and Cochrane family,
Our sincere condelences to you all. Valerie will be missed by all of us, an empty place in the family, no more good talks together or making fun, no more family outings and lovely meals together.
However, what last is the remembrance of a loving, caring, amazing, wonderfull, warmhearted woman. We feel it a privilege that she was for so many years part of our lives and we will miss her terribly.
Our great respect for you Charles the way you helped Val during the last very difficult time of her live, as well as our thanks to Val’s sister Debora, who was there to help Val and Charles in this very trying time, as were all the nice neighbours and friends.
For us, living so far away from Canada, it was a great relieve to know that Charles and Val could reckon on your assistence and care.
Dear brother Charles and Cochran family, our love and prayers will be with you and we wish you strenght to come to terms with this great loss.
To honour Valerie, we have to do what she would have wanted us to do: to go on living, enjoying the good things and to do the best we can to make a success of our lives.
Thank you Valerie, you will remain allways in our hearts,
The Priester family Holland
Robert and Ineke
Marc & Monique and the twins Merel and Carlijn
Geraldine and little Cloé
Dear Charles,
What a shocking news! I am very sad that Valerie passed away. I want to express my deepest condolences on behalf of my family.
I had a pleasant stay with you and Valerie at your home severel years ago. Though my stay was brief, I really appreciate the hospitalities you and Valerie extended to me. I was impressed with her devotion to the community newpaper and her kindness to the students from Pearson College.
I wish you strength and courage in the time ahead.
Our thoughts are with you Charles as you face this sad change. Valerie was a unique woman who lived fully, and you and she were so privileged to have such a long, rich time together. We loved seeing how much you appreciated and admired her, and are sure this made her life all the better.
Dear Charles:
We are so very sorry to learn of Valerie’s passing.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincere Sympathy to you and all the Family.
Most Sincerely
John and Marilyn Bate
Dear Charles,
Me and all the other Pearson students that have eaten at your wonderful place, are very sorry to hear about Valerie and our thoughts are with you. Valerie is our role model; strong, independent, interesting and kind. We are so grateful to have met her and have known her. Gecondoleerd en ik wens u sterkte, hoop en moed. Ik bid voor u.
Most sincerely,
Joliene Post
Valerie and Charles were my neighbours for their 12 years in Metchosin and life will just not be same without Val’s colourful presence. Valerie loved colour and she wore it well. She was also an amazing hostess, her dinner parties and get togethers were epic, amazing food, conversation and company. Metchosin will miss her. Charles I want to extend my sincerest condolences to you at this very sad time, take care my friend. Jill .
Charles
We are both very sorry to hear of Val’s death. I know you will miss her very much. I know we have not seen much of you since we have moved from Metchosin, but our thoughts are with you
Charles we are very sorry to hear of Val’s death. I know we have not seen much of you from our move from Metchosin, but our thoughts are with you.
Dear Charles and family,
I got to enjoy time in Valerie’s company when some Pearson students and myself were being hosted to have some nice diner. She was an amazing person, always thoughtful of others, welcoming, generous and comforting. I also got to do my philosophy project on the theme of justice with 2 other students while interviewing Valerie about her view of justice. It was a chance to get to hear her perspective and I really admired the way she made nuances. She was truly inspiring for us, students.
My sincere condolences to Charles and family,
Chloé
Dear Charles,
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Valerie. On behalf of the whole Pearson College group, who were lucky to spend monthly dinners with Valerie, you and Barret, we would like to express our deepest condolences. Valerie’s lovely meals, great sense of humor and hospitality witnessed over two years of memorable evenings will always be kept in heart and mind.
Our thoughts are with you, Charles, in these difficult days and we wish you good strength and courage to overcome the loss of your dear Valerie.
Et varmt minde er i vore hjerter gemt, Valerie vil aldrig blive glemt.
Amalia and Friedrich
Dear Charles,
So sorry to hear of Valeries passing, you will have many pleasant memories after 38 years, but it will be a great adjustment. I have very fond memories of Valerie at Cap, as a colleaque, as aCFA pres and as a VP. She never changed, always a most pleasant lady, one I am thankfull, I had time with.
Take care,
Gordon
My condolences Charles. I remember her steadfast barrister gaze coupled with an easy smile – I loved conversing with her . I am saddened by her sudden departure as I was expecting many more years of her generous presence .
Dear Charles,
I was so sorry to hear of Val’s passing. At Capilano we worked closely together as members of the faculty association executive. I will always her remember her quit wit and sharp mind. She knew when to be serious and when to laugh.
Regards,
Robert
Dear Charles
Les and I send our deep sympathy to you at this time. I am sure that it must be very difficult for you. Remember that I met and worked with you before I ever met Val and your glowing accounts of how extraordinary she was – her humour, her sense of fun and her dedication to making Capilano a better place were certainly no exaggeration! I am forever grateful for the time she took to help me move into that new environment. Always willing to give advice and support, always ready with some remarkable story and always generous with her time, her wit and her warmth, she would generate all kinds of positive solutions – and in the challenging times she would look up and smile and say “Okay people, time to move on”. Many others have commented on her many contributions to Cap. Valerie for me was someone who really lived every moment, personally and professionally, to the fullest! I am very happy to have worked with her and known her as a friend as well. Please take care
Catherine and Les
Val is a great woman who will always live on in my mind and heart and be remembered with great respect and appreciation
I am happy that I was fortunate enough to get to know Val and you Charles, her loving dedicated husband. When this sadness stops, I know that the many wonderful memories will be warm and comforting.
You are in our thoughts and prayers especially at this difficult time.
Geoffrey and Vanessa
Dear Charles,
I was so saddened to hear of Valerie’s passing, especially because I know what a huge hole has been left in your life and heart. I did so love her spirit and killer humour. As editor of The Muse she was so generous and supportive to all us local artists too. My deepest condolences to all her family and friends for she was well loved and will be sorely missed.
What an amazing person your dear Valerie was to so many people, and especially to you, Farbror Kalle… you will miss her physical presence in the wonderful home you share, but the richness of her personality, her strength of character & the memory of the many wonderful adventures you shared will continue on. I am so grateful that I was able to speak with her on the phone while I was away, not realizing it would be my last opportunity. Perhaps she will be whispering in my ear when I finally go to choose my rug! You know we are here for you, beloved Charles… big hugs, Jennie & Bruce
What an amazing person your dear Valerie was to so many people, and especially to you, Farbror Kalle… you will miss her physical presence in the wonderful home you share, but the richness of her personality, her strength of character & the memory of the many wonderful adventures you shared will continue to be with you. I am so grateful that I was able to speak with her on the phone while I was away, not realizing it would be my last opportunity. Perhaps she will be whispering in my ear when I finally go to choose my rug! You know we are here for you, beloved Charles… big hugs, Jennie & Bruce
Dear Charles
Words can’t describe how we all feel. Valerie was so very, very special in every way. She was smart, funny, compassionate, honourable, and above all, she knew how to love and how to enjoy life. We also know that you made her very happy for 38 years. We will miss and never forget Valerie, how can we – we knew her for over 40 years, through so many good times at Cap College, on the water sailing this beautiful coast and at each other’s homes.
Dear Charles
My heart goes out to you at this very sad time. Like Doug & Janet, I met Valerie about 40 years ago and Valerie will stay in our memories for ever. She was a strong person and always put everything she had into life. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joc
To Valerie’s brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews
I didn’t get an opportunity to meet you, except Deb a long time ago, but I want you to know that I am so sorry for your loss. Valerie was a very special person and we were friends for 40 years. Our deepest sympathy.
Janet and Doug Thomas
Garden Bay
Her giving
She enriched the lives of so many people
to all her family she was like a mother
her caring and her generosity are immeasurable
Thank you Val.
Dear Charles
We have just returned from holidays and it is with great surprise and sorrow that we read about Valerie’s passing.
Valerie is not someone we knew well or for very long but it was easy to recognize what a special being she was… in your life and in the lives of so many others. We will miss her delightful cooking and bright mind.
You are in our prayers Charles as you adjust to this sudden and unimaginable loss. May your beautiful woman watch over you.
We join our hearts to yours and offer you strength, courage and our support in any shape or form.
With love and blessings,
Nicole & Ric
Dear Charles and Deborah,
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Valerie. Most of my memories date back to our childhood when all too soon the Cochrans moved to Vancouver and it then became infrequent visits with my cousins. It is clear from all the condolences that Val was loved by many and will be remember by all. I send my sympathies to both of you. Stay strong knowing she is always with you both watching over you always.
Sylvia Crichton
Dear Charles;
Our deepest condolences to you and Valerie’s family and many friends. I will always remember Valerie as one of the most generous and caring people. She will be greatly missed.
Your friend Dean Sheridan
Oh Charles
These words do not flow easily as I am still overwhelmed by your tragic loss.You and Val are two my most favorite people. If we had not met so many years ago, I would not be anywhere near where I am today. I learned so much from the two of you over the thirty or so years of our friendship. Please accept my warmest and most heartfelt condolences.Valerie was definitely the ballast that kept your life upright and sailing smoothly. As you move through these hours of darkness, I wish for you that the memories of all your years together provide you with the light you need to guide your steps through the days to come. If there is anything Deborah or I can do to help you through these troubling times, please do not hesitate to call us….. ANY TIME!!!!!
Greg and Deborah
I am so saddened by Val’s passing. She was a very kind and caring friend who was always willing to help others. Val was so supportive of others ‘ accomplishments and efforts, especially in the arts. I feel so honoured to be considered her friend and was honoured to have been her caregiver for a short time while she was at home during the final stage of her illness. Val was so strong, brave and stoic during this time. Bob and I will cherish our fond memories of going on a charter boat cruise with Val and Charles along the Aegean coast of Turkey with other friends. So many shopping adventures in port and good times on the boat. Thank you for the many good times, Val. You will always be with us . Sending you Charles warm hugs during this difficult time. Margie and Bob
Charles, condolences on Val’s passing I can’t add much to the numerous previous comments , other than they clearly indicate that Val was truly a remarkable woman.
Bill Gibson & Joy Wilson
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you Charles and the entire Cochran family.
Valerie will be missed dearly but fortunately we hold lot’s of fond memories of the years passed. We will remember her for her for many things.
To name a few;
Her love for culture & travels. We thoroughly enjoyed her travel diaries and photo’s which she shared with many through e-mail.
Her love for music. Especially during evenings while we were visiting you in BC. Classical music would fill every room, including the bedroom in order to doze off comfortably.
Her love for food. We enjoyed our talks about good recipes and even more the end-result of her cooking extravaganza’s. Enjoying a carrot-cake after a dinner. A homemade Crab-dip while sailing on your boat. We can go on and on.
Her love for humor. In our minds, and as we can read this is shared by many, we are convinced she had an uncanny sense to make you laugh. More often by a funny look or gesture than otherwise.
Her love for people. As we can see on this page she has touched so many lives, by being so caring and genuinely interested in all folks around. And we were no exception in that aspect.
We’ve read Val’s last words and we are touched by the beauty and simplicity of this poem. She’s not gone, just waiting in the other room around the corner.
Isn’t that great..?
Love,
Marc, Monique, Merel & Carlijn Priester
Dear Charles
We are so sad to know that Val with her smile, her wise words, her generosity, her spirit for giving and caring are gone from us.
All of us spent so much time together over our many, many years at Capilano College and Capilano University, and Val’s contributions never ceased to amaze me. Val just went from one strength to another — quite the woman!
Both of you shared so many special moments experiencing life to its fullest, and Ted and I send our sincere condolences to you and your families during this so difficult time.
Our thoughts are with you,
Lynn and Ted
Dear Charles,
Val was my mentor and my friend. I miss her dearly. Adrian, Innara and I have many fond memories of times spent with the two of you on New Year’s day in Victoria. Val had a zest for life and we shared many passions including art, cooking, wine and gardening. She gifted me a plant for my garden that comes back each year and brings me much joy. Revel in the moments you shared together and know that we are here for you, our dear friend.
Fondest wishes,
Saira Walker
Dear Charles,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Valerie. Every time I met her she was so friendly, helpful and provided me with insight and ideas. She knew I needed help. 🙂 I remember her being so gracious when she entertained my entire family from Scotland on a moments notice. I know that she and you had a spectacular life together and really lived your dreams in Metchosin.
I think now, Valerie has some expectations of you. Only you will really know how Valerie would expect you to live and what she would want you to do and how she would want you to feel. So dig deep and live up to how she would want you to live so you can say that Valerie is proud of me in how am continuing.
With prayers, respect and love,
Cam MacKenzie
It was with great sadness that we learned of Valerie’s passing. But having read the poem she so loved by Henry Scott Holland, we will think of her as having just “slipped away into the next room.”
Valerie was a positive spirit at Capilano College (now University) and has a special place in the School of Legal Studies. She was the primary force behind the creation of the Legal Assistant program back in the 1970s. This program has grown and developed over the years, becoming one of the leading paralegal programs nationally. Her foresight identified the need for a new type of legal professional, and she laid the foundation upon which our program is built today.
On a personal level Valerie was pleasure to work with. She was quick with a laugh and encouraged those around her to be the best they could be. She will be missed.
Our condolences go out to her husband Charles, brother Doug (who also taught in our program for a number of years, her sister Deborah (also a long-time colleague here at Capilano), and all those to whom she was close.
John Fairlie (and on behalf of all of us here in the School of Legal Studies at Capilano University)
Charles:
I give you a hug, my friend. Valerie made a tremendous contribution to Cap. As you go on with your life, know that we hold her in our hearts, and in that sense she is still with us and you.
All the best,
Bill
Val was a valued colleague at Cap. Whether in the CFA as President or HR as V P she was always a thoughtful, kind and fair person. I was delighted that we could all meet on a sunny day at the Cactus Club. .38 years will leave you great memories and much happiness to lift your sadness. Take care Charles.
So sorry Charles to hear of your loss. Val will be remembered for all she did at Cap.
I was moved and heartened by the celebration of the first part of your life that I was fortunate enough to share through our time together at Capilano College and since. I look forward to seeing you later and think of you frequently. You are an inspiration. Charles and you have made great relationships in Metchosin and elsewhere. It is good to see so many supporting you both now. I hope Charles, your family, and you are uplifted by this support.