In Memoriam              

Copyright:

Unit 431

James K. Foster,

www.jkfoster.com

December, 2005

GALLANT, Irene  Irene passed away on November 16, 2005 after a 10 year battle with breast cancer.  Irene was a registered nurse and bridge enthusiast who was born in PEI, but called Victoria home, and her last wish was that her daughter, Sylvia, scatter her ashes in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.   Irene approached everything in her life with passion, and after discovering duplicate bridge took every course she could and read every bridge book she could.  She was a bridge teacher’s dream student, who always showed up to class having already read the chapter to be covered and ready to ask questions that improved everyone’s learning.   Irene never thought she knew enough even though she was often far ahead of the rest of the class, but would come back and take courses again and again until she was sure she had everything down cold. It was typical of her enthusiastic approach to life that she threw a party the Saturday night before she died and was able to spend a happy evening with family and friends from bridge, camping, nursing, art, dancing, cycling, and the rest of her wide ranging circle of interests.

 BOWES, Glenys Jean  She passed away peacefully at home on August 18th, 2005.  While she had not been very active at the bridge clubs in the last couple of years she is still fondly remembered, especially by her long time partner of more that 25 years (Vi Lewis).

TANG, Jim.  Victoria lost Jim, at the age of 90, on April 9th, 2005.  Jim retired from the Victoria Daily Colonist (before it became the Victoria Times Colonist) in 1980 after 35 years as Sports Editor.  Jim, along with his  fellow sports writer and bridge partner,  King Lee, were well known in the Victoria Duplicate Bridge world.  He will be missed at the table.

BISHOP, M. Patricia.  Pat passed away on April 5th, 2005.  She was well liked for her joie de vivre and could always be counted on for a good game of bridge. She, along with a cup of her 'special' coffee, will be much missed at the Victoria Bridge Centre. 

BIRGE, William Pentand.   Bill Birge passed away peacefully on February 25, 2005 in Victoria Hospice.  He is survived by his wife, Arlene, children Cam, Sue, and Carol, and his 5 adored grandchildren.  Bill was born in Toronto in 1933 and educated at Appleby College, University of Toronto, and Simon Fraser University.  He was Vice President, Administration at Athabasca University in Alberta until taking early retirement to pursue his passions:  traveling, history, literature, cryptic crosswords, and duplicate bridge. Bill was a true gentleman at the bridge table, a worthy opponent, and a supportive partner.  He will be missed.

HAWKES, Douglas.  Left his two clubs on December 28th, 2004.  Doug was a well known and beloved individual who will be missed by all of us in the bridge community and in the squash community.  The Victoria Bridge Centre, the Monterey Bridge Club,  the Island Bridge Club, and the Cedar Hill Rec Centre will miss his unique personality and sense of humour. 

STAPLETON, Keith.  Keith Stapleton was a regular at the Victoria Bridge Centre until the last couple of years, and played a fine game despite being legally blind. He is survived by his wife Arlene, who was his regular partner. Keith died on December 19th at age 88.