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DONALD HERBERT TULLOCH

1943 - 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald, on December 7, 2023, at the age of 80 years at Grace Hospice.

He was predeceased by father Herbert Thomas Tulloch of Saskatchewan and mother Ivy Kathleen Gladys Pollock of Saskatchewan.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 59 years, Gail Tulloch (nee Boyd); sons, Timothy and Thomas (Carla); grandchildren, Ashley (Henri), Alia, Jeremy, Britney, and Cara (Stephen); sisters, Mildred and Judy (Ray); brother Dennis (Sharleen); niece Jill and nephew Dustin; granddog Zoey and grandcats, Shadow and Shanelle.

Don was born in Brandon, Manitoba on February 18, 1943, where he grew up on the family farm. After high school, Don joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1964 and married the love of his life, Gail, in October of 1964. He served as a pilot for 30 years prior to retiring in 1992. His military career took them to postings at Chatham, NB, Moose Jaw, SK and Winnipeg, MB where he and Gail would retire to be close to family and friends. Don was an extremely proud member of the R.C.A.F. and shared his passion for the military and aviation through stories and memories of his service until his last days.

Don and Gail enjoyed their retirement immensely and made many new friends in the communities they lived, one of them being Paradise Village a retirement community in Ste. Anne. A major highlight of their retirement years was spending their winters in Wellton, AZ where Don nurtured his passion for golf. Don was well known for his BBQ skills often shared and enjoyed by family and friends.

A private family interment has been held and a Celebration of Life will occur at a later date.

We would like to thank all the staff at Grace Hospice for their wonderful compassion and loving care in Don’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Don’s name can be made to the Grace Hospice through the Grace Hospital Foundation.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

 

 

 

 

GREG PHILLIP STEVENS

November 24, 1935 - Toronto, Ontario

October 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Greg Phillip Stevens passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, in Calgary at the age of 87.

 

Greg is survived by his Wife of 65 years Patricia (87), son Tom (Linda), daughter Linda (Tom), grandchildren Malcolm (Sara), Eric (Kayla), Duncan (Alex), Jared, Clay, Reka and Nicole, great grandchildren; Olyve, Atticus, Grayson, and predeceased by his sister Dianne in 2005 and by his daughter Laura (Bill) early 2023.

 

His amazing life all started when born in Toronto Canada in 1935, the eldest of two children to Greg and Gladys Stevens. Greg attended the University of Manitoba and earned a degree in civil engineering, receiving the Lt. James W Black Memorial Thesis prize which bought the engagement ring for the love of his life, Patricia Beeby.

 

Greg had grown up always wanting to become a fighter pilot and thus joined the RCAF in 1954 and took his pilot’s training during the summer while not attending university.  He earned his Wings and become that what he dreamed, moving from the propeller driven Harvard to the T-33 single engine jet fighter.  He then took instrument flying training and became the pilot of his beloved CF-100 all-weather twin jet conversion plane.  He was an exceptional pilot with instruments and therefore could fly in day, night, fog, bad weather or cloud; earning him one of a few Top Weather Fighter Pilots. His call name was Halfback 10. 

 

In 1958 Greg married Patricia and was posted to several centres across Canada as a fighter pilot until 1961. It was at this time that he made a difficult decision to leave the armed forces so he could spend more time with his family because his first daughter Laura was born. Greg got a job as a city planner for the city of Vancouver BC and off the family went. Two years later in 1963 his son Tom was born, and Greg was offered a position as a city manager for the City of Kelowna and there his third child Linda was born in 1967.

 

In 1971 Greg, always looking for adventure and challenges, moved his family to Banff Alberta when he became Banff’s townsite manager. There they all learned to ski and explore the amazing mountains and surroundings while living in what is now a historical log home that still stands today along the Bow River on Buffalo St.

 

Still looking at more career challenges he again uprooted in 1975 and moved to Ft. McMurray Alberta to become the General Manager of the Alberta Housing Corporation which he later became the Vice President of the Southern Region. There he caught the eye of then Premier of Alberta Peter Lougheed and the political bug started to resonate. Peter let him know that if he could win a riding and get elected as an MLA that would like to have him in his cabinet.

 

Once again, the family was on the move and headed to Calgary where he ran as Progressive Conservative candidate for the Banff-Cochrane riding in 1978 which he won in a landslide. Greg Stevens was then appointed to the Executive Council of Alberta by Premier Peter Lougheed as Minister responsible for Personnel Administration. He continued to serve that position after winning his second term in office in the 1982 Alberta general election. When Don Getty became Premier in 1986 Greg was appointed as Minister of Culture and Multiculturalism. He served that position after winning handily for his third term in the 1986 Alberta general election until his retirement at the dissolution of the Assembly in 1989.

 

Greg and Pat moved to Victoria, BC then Sidney, BC in the latter half of the 1990’s to enjoy their retirement on the ocean and travelling all over the world. They were never one to “settle” long, as they moved six more times on that Island! They bought a boat, the ‘Lickedesplit’, and enjoyed crabbing and boating adventures for more than ten years. His last public service was to volunteer for the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons as one of five Public Members to review complaints and offer governance.

 

Greg was a born storyteller, and his stories could hold an audience captured from start to end. He was an avid reader and loved movies.  His tales of his time in the skies, however, were his favourites, and were always fascinating to listen to. His Navigator’s name, Don Frederick, was well known to us through these stories all our lives, and to Dad’s last day, they spoke. 

 

The many friends that Greg and Pat had, endured over 65 years and Greg always kept in touch. His friendships were very dear to him. Greg’s last few years were living in an Assisted Retirement Lodge across the street from his wife who had to go into Long Term Care. There was rarely a day he missed seeing Mom; he made the best of a difficult situation and always made our Mom feel loved and special.

 

The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life in the near future and would like to thank his healthcare supporters at the Revera McKenzie Towne Assisted Retirement Lodge, he truly appreciated all of you. Halfback 10 Over and Out.

 

 

 

 

Larry Robert Taves

December 25, 1938 - October 27, 2023
 

My name is Larry Taves and I was born in Chilliwack, BC on December 25,1938 to Dorothy and Leonard Taves. I was an only child in a family that had deep roots in this community, which I always considered to be my home. 

 

At the age of 10 we relocated to Quesnel, BC, and 6 years later moved to Kamloops, BC. It was there, at Kamloops High School, that I met my future wife, Marilyn McKay. We were married on September 30,1960 just a few months after I enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. 

 

We welcomed our first child, Cheryl, in July of 1961. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba during our posting there. Two years later, in 1963, our second child, Debborah (Debbie) arrived while stationed in North Bay, Ontario. Our family was now complete.

 

I served as an AI Jet Navigator during my 13 years in the military before taking an early retirement. I logged over 1600 flight hours on both the CF100 and CF101 Voodoo all-weather interceptors. Flying was my passion and a highlight of my military service that took us to many postings between Ontario, Quebec and BC. We ultimately landed in Victoria, which we would call home for many years. 

 

In retirement I began a new chapter in my life as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry. I began as a franchisee of a fast food establishment, owning four locations. I then transitioned to district manager, overseeing the operations of all new franchises on Vancouver Island. 

 

In the 1980’s Marilyn and I took on the challenge of envisioning and establishing a restaurant of our own. We opened the Block n’ Tackle, first in Duncan, BC and then subsequently in Victoria, where our two daughters joined us in the business. 

 

Later in life to further fulfill my thirst for knowledge, I enrolled at the University of Victoria and graduated in 1998 as a mature student, earning my MBA at the age of 60. 

 

In 2002 we moved back to Chilliwack and joined the Cheam View United Church, which became our extended family. 

 

I am survived by my wife of 63 years, Marilyn Taves (Mckay), two daughters, Cheryl Taves (Keith Baker), and Deborah Taves-Stewart (Ferdinand Alcos), my precious granddaughter, Madison Stewart, and my closest cousin Mildred Dargatz and her family. 

 

My journey ended on October 27, 2023. A celebration of my life will be held on December 2nd, 2023 at 2:00pm PST at Cheam View United Church on 45835 Spadina Avenue, Chilliwack, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chilliwack Hospice, in gratitude for their compassion and caring that comforted me during my last days with my beloved family.

 

 

 

 

Douglas Albert Cushman

Nov 28 1946 – Oct 31 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Albert Cushman. In 1966 Doug began his career in the RCAF and served 21 years attaining the rank of Captain as a Fighter Pilot where he flew CF101 Voodoo Interceptors plus various fixed wing aircraft and helicopters throughout Canada. Because of his vast flying experience and formidable skills he was selected to fly at the Bristol Aerospace factory in Winnipeg where he served as the Chief Maintenance Test Pilot where he managed to fly every Canadian Voodoo in service during that time. He taught on staff at the Instrument Check Pilot School and later joined Transport Canada HQ in Ottawa where he flew Cessna Citations biz jets as a Standards Check Pilot.  He finally capped his flying career with a seven year stint at the Civil Aviation Authority in the Cayman Islands. Doug was a master story teller and stand up comedian who was able to entertain and captivate his audience with his unending repertoire of stories and anecdotes. It brings to us a sense of peace knowing that now and forever he will be with his one true love, Kathy, who left us far too soon in 2017. He is survived by his 3 children Gillian, Susan and Peter and his sisters Ruthie and Peggy.  Arrangements have been made to have Douglas interred in Ottawa.

 

 

DONALD JAMES HUTCHISON

March 31, 1932 – September 12, 2023

Evidence of a life well lived is found in those who love you.



Donald James Hutchison "slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings" at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, 2023. He is survived by his daughter Jill Herman (Dwayne), son Jamie Hutchison (Jodi), daughter Andrea Hutchison, grandchildren Joshua and Jaden Hutchison and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his loving wife Grayce (nee Saunders), father Russell, mother Rebecca (nee Chapman), sisters Marie, Shirley, Jean, Eileen, Marlene and brothers William, Neil, Bud, Ted and David.

Don was born and raised in Stratford, Ontario and attended Stratford Collegiate prior to working as a photographer for the Stratford Beacon Herald newspaper. He spent his formative years tuning up his Model T, playing football for the Stratford Rams, swimming in the quarry at St. Mary's and enjoying summers at the family's beloved cottage in Bayfield.

A chance flight in a friend's De Havilland Tiger Moth proved to be the impetus for Don's career as a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. It was a posting to Gimli Air Station and his role instructing NATO pilots on T-33 jet trainers that resulted in an introduction to the love of his life. Donald met Grayce Elizabeth Saunders at a dance in Winnipeg and the rest as they say is history.

The newlyweds made their way overseas to the tiny French town of Grostenquin where Don flew F-86 Sabres on the front lines of the Cold War. The couple welcomed daughter Jill to the family before making their way to Bagotville, Quebec for a tour as a squadron leader on F-101 Voodoos intercepting Russian aircraft incursions into North American air space. During this assignment son Jamie and daughter Andrea were added to the family. Don's RCAF career encompassed subsequent moves to North Bay, Ontario, Great Falls, Montana and Barrington Passage, Nova Scotia prior to his final posting at Air Command Headquarters in Winnipeg. Lieutenant Colonel D.J. Hutchison wrapped up his Armed Forces commitment in the Air Reserves working on mobilization plans for the Canadian military.

Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Don slid seamlessly into his second career as the Technical Director of Sailing at the Manitoba Sports Federation and opened his own business, (Fairwind Sailings) teaching Canadian Yachting Association courses in Gimli and Northern Harbour.

Don and Grayce took advantage of these years of semi-retirement to escape winter and join communities in Breckenridge, Florida and Hemet, California. They also reveled in their new role as grandparents with the arrival of Joshua and Jaden to the family. Whether it was playing with grandma in the "Bug House" or helping Grampy in the garage the boys eagerly anticipated every weekend, holiday and vacation spent with them.

The garage was Don's happy place and there was always a project on the go. There were boats, clocks, muskets, motorcycles, outboard motors, dozens of automobiles and even a couple of airplanes that started out as plans and ended up as a testament to Don's patience and meticulous craftsmanship.

Donald was first and foremost a devoted husband and father. His passion and life-example were felt by everyone who met and knew him. He lived the adage of whatever you do give it your all. He was unwavering in his devotion to his family and Don's example taught Jill, Andrea and Jamie to truly savour the precious moments that life has to offer. He recognized that all of them are snapshots in time that we hold forever in our hearts. In accordance with Don's wishes cremation and a small family interment ceremony will take place.

Special thanks to all the staff on the third floor of Grace Hospital for their efforts and support.

The family looks back on and remembers Don's life and how well he lived it. It was a life that touched us all and left wonderful memories that we will cherish forever.

 

 

 

 

 

Capt. Richard John Pearce (Dick)

July 7 1934 - August 15 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Richard passed away peacefully at his home in Victoria at the age of 89 years. Left to remember him are his beloved wife of 67 years Barbara Joan Doherty, and their four children, Leslie (Jeff Buffone) of Ottawa, Laurie (Monte Zobell) of Edmonton, Brad of Williams Lake, and Tom (Karen Shaw) of Knoxville TN. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, a sister-in-law and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his mother, Margradel Staples Belyea in 1953 and his father, Harry John Leslie Pearce in 1976, and more recently this past July, his only sibling, older brother William Gregory (Jarka Sedlacek) of Edmonton, to whom he was very close.

Born and raised in North Vancouver B.C. Richard signed up to the RCAF becoming a flight navigator in defence of Canada and North America (NORAD) during the Cold War era. From North Bay to Winnipeg, Comox, Dartmouth, Moncton, Bagotville, and Ottawa, he enjoyed a varied career both in the air and on land either flying CF-100 Canucks and CF-101 Voodoos on tactical missions, flying private planes and gliders for personal enjoyment, managing air cadet programs throughout the Maritimes and at the annual summer camps in Greenwood NS where gliders took front and centre. He was a member of many squadrons, the last of which was the 425 Alouettes in Bagotville Quebec. There he enjoyed much camaraderie forming new lifelong friendships and reacquainting with old ones, performing in local airshows on a Voodoo aerobatics team affectionately called 'The Larks'. When he wasn't flying, he was curling with the same group of buddies and having way too much fun. As his years in the Canadian Forces were drawing to an end, he requested a posting to Ottawa where he could benefit from training for a second career in computer programming and data management. In 1977 he was honoured with the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal. He and Barbara remained in Ottawa for seven years until they returned to beautiful BC to settle in Victoria in 1981. He commuted to Vancouver weekly to work for BC TEL, then joined the consulting company DMR, temporarily relocating to Salem Oregon for a year to work on systems for the Department of Transportation, and finally returning to Victoria to enjoy the retirement years, curling, golfing and travelling.

A private family gathering will be held in Victoria in November to commemorate his life.