gail reser - mcbride (1952 - 2025)

Gail, aged 73, slipped away peacefully on February 17th, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born in Halifax and raised in Victoria predeceased
by her parents David and Lynn and brothers Terry, Brian, Ronald and husband Ken. Survived by her brother Gordon (Maria), sister-in-law Anne, children Laura (Rick), Lisa, Darren and many relatives and friends.

Gail received her Bachelor of Arts in 1975 and Diploma of Education in 1977 at UVic. Gail had many other certificates including her ESL certificate in 1986.

Her passion was teaching, she loved her students and it showed in her classroom. Gail taught at many schools throughout her career and judging by all the cards made by her students and from parents, she was loved and appreciated as a teacher.

She was always doing volunteer work and was so generous with her time to help others. Gail loved to travel, music, animals and getting together with family and friends.

Gail had an amazing sense of humour, an infectious laugh, and beautiful smile that will be missed.

Her open kindness and generosity garnered many friends who feel blessed to have made her aquaintance.

Gail had a heart of gold and would do anything to help someone whether she had known them for 10 minutes or ten years.

Her passing has left a huge whole in our hearts, she will be truly missed.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 6pm at the Continental Restaurant, 11700 Cambie Rd, Richmond , BC.

sharon clark (1938 - 2025)

Sharon was born in Vancouver August 29, 1938.  After years of battling with dementia, Sharon passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, at Rosewood Manor. 

She led her life with love, a generous heart and uplifting spirit.   Sharon is predeceased by her husband Ron Clark.  She is survived by; daughters Tracy and Nicci.

Sharon was a teacher for the Vancouver School District early in her career and then Richmond School district until she retired. 

​Sharon was a strong family-oriented woman who took pride in raising her two daughters and was very involved in the PAC, Brownies and Girl Guides and would attend all sporting and dance events.  She had a huge passion for children’s literature and loved working in elementary libraries. She loved finding new books and treasures for Tracy’s classroom. 

Ever the perpetual hostess, Sharon loved to host gatherings.  Whether it was a family get together or school fundraiser she always knew what to do and made sure everyone felt welcome.

Sharon maintained a youthful spirit throughout her retirement and enjoyed all sorts of modern country music, like Toby Keith and the Zac Brown Band.  She could be found laughing to episodes of the Big Bang Theory.

Sharon will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 3, 2025 at Richmond Funeral Home from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

Patrick rooney (1928 - 2024)

On Monday, December 2nd, 2024, at the Richmond Hospice, Patrick Rooney (the legend) passed away at the age of 96 years.

Pat is survived by his loving wife, Sheila; daughters, Wendy (Tony), Denise (Lionel); son, Dennis; his grandchildren, Willis (Alison), Leland (Celia), Ashley (Mark), Leanne (Rory); and great granddaughter, Briar. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and countless other family and friends whose lives he has touched. 

Pat was born in September of 1928, and was predeceased by his five siblings: James, Gerald, Bridget, Kathleen, and Mike. Pat and his siblings lost their parents early in life, and at the age of 9 Pat and his twin sister and younger brother were to spend the next six years of their lives in an orphanage. When he turned fifteen, he was sent to work in the farms, and then later attended a boarding school in Wilcox Saskatchewan (Notre Dame College). 

When he graduated, he joined his younger brother and headed east to find work. They travelled on the freight trains (inside and out), across Canada, stopping wherever they could find work. When he wasn't riding the trains from place to place, he hitch-hiked, often spending hours and sometimes days, waiting for a ride. Pat is the only person we know who can make a chocolate bar and a coke last an entire day. 

In 1951, after earning enough money, he attended St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, which was to begin the start of his teaching career spanning an amazing 71 years! His teaching career (History, Geography, Socials, PE), took him to Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Vancouver, Crawford Bay and Nelson. He loved teaching, he loved learning, and he shared so much of himself with others. 

While teaching in Nelson, he met his wife Sheila, and in July of this year they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Together they have had countless adventures, travelling around North America, Europe, and the world. They have many memories of their times together, and the many friends they made along the way. 

In his later life he rebranded and retrained at UBC to become a Technology Education Teacher and spent many wonderful years with the Coquitlam School District. In his retirement he became a substitute teacher for the Richmond School District, where he met many great and talented educators with whom he has developed close friendships. His time with the Richmond School District was rewarding and invigorating and underscored his love of teaching. At the age of 96, he was still in touch with some of his former students who came to visit him, and at his 95th Birthday, there was a long list of former students who sent him best wishes and positive recollections. 

Pat was born with a love of learning, and luckily for all of us a love of teaching (and talking). If you had a question, Pat either knew the answer or had a somewhat related story to tell. To be a recipient of a was a true and frequent honour. His life was filled with endless pursuits and hobbies. In addition to his love of reading (especially poetry), and lets not forget coffee, he had a fascination with electronics and current and global affairs; scuba diving; he skied into his 80s bought a 3D printer in his 90s; and was still riding his treasured motorbike into his 90s. His first love was his immediate and extended family and the numerous family gatherings where he shared so many treasured moments and adventures with them. Finally, our dog Cookie, his constant companion who was the recipient of Pat's daily conversations, daily naps, and forbidden treats. 

Pat's family would like to thank Dr. Robert Mackenzie who gave us strength, comfort and hope, and we will be forever in his gratitude. To Dr. Wu and his team at the Vancouver Cancer Clinic, who showed compassion and caring when we needed it most. To Dr. Ho and his team, who achieved the impossible, as Pat battled with the recurring cancers. He and the other doctors in our lives gave us the precious gift of more time together, and the opportunity to create more memories. We would also like to thank the Salvation Army/Rotary Hospice House in Richmond, and the Minoru Centre for Active Living where Pat spent many hours in the Seniors' Woodshop creating his projects.