It is with great sadness that we announce that Beryl Mary Walker (nee Dawson) passed away at Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan. She died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving children Gillian, James, Joanne, and Sara. Beryl was born on July 3, 1928 in Sheffield, England to Mary and James Dawson. Her father was a piano tuner by trade and music led her to the theatre in her early years. She married the love of her life, Frank Edward Walker in 1950 and they went on to have five lovely children together. In 1963 they moved to the wilds of Honeymoon Bay, where Frank worked as a millwright at the WFI sawmill. Beryl saw Frank off to work and the kids off to school for many happy years, though she never could get used to all those tall trees and the deep snows of winter. Beryl enjoyed walking and reading and always looked forward to their many family camping trips. Beryl particularly enjoyed the family time at Denman Island where they owned a beautiful piece of waterfront property for many years. Beryl’s life changed when Frank passed away in 2005, but she was always surrounded by loving family and friends and enjoyed a family trip to Hawaii and many camping holidays up island. Beryl was a loving and generous wife, mother, nana and GG and will be missed greatly by all her family and friends.
Pre-deceased by her son John Francis (1980) and her sisters Pat, Dora and brother Derek. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Gillian (Les) Thibedeau and children Adrian (Bell), Jordan (Bell), Nolan and Dawson; Joanne (Burke) Rosen and children Elijah and Conor; Sara (John) Middleton and their children Adam (Belinda and great grandson Matthew) and Jonathan; and son James (Nicole) and their children Brittany, Emily and Dawson. She will also be greatly missed by her sisters Peggy and Barbara and by many other family and friends. The family wishes to thank the staff at Cowichan District Hospital and Dr. Kerswell for the excellent care and support given to her during this difficult time, and all her friends in Honeymoon Bay, especially Sally Kotoff and Maureen Fleming, for their support and friendship over the years.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association Warmland House,
371 Festubert Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 3T1.