Eveline Aynsley dedicated many years of her life to helping animals. She was instrumental in securing the two acres of land where the shelter is currently located. She was the volunteer manager of the Kelowna SPCA for fifteen years. And she was an active supporter of the ethical treatment of animals. Sadly, Eveline passed away in October of 2006. But she has left the animals a significant gift that will have a direct and lasting impact on the Kelowna SPCA for years to come.

Eveline left a bequest to establish a fund with the Central Okanagan Foundation entitled the "Eveline Aynsley Endowment Fund for the Ethical Treatment of Animals". The income from this fund will be distributed on an annual basis to the Kelowna branch of the BC SPCA.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Eveline Aynsley Endowment Fund is free to do so at any time and in any amount. Each contribution allows the fund to grow and the annual distribution to the Kelowna branch to grow as well. As the Central Okanagan Foundation is a registered charitable public foundation, all donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. If you are interested in establishing your own named endowment fund please contact Laura Cull at the shelter for more information.

Thank you Eveline, for your incredible dedication, passion and commitment to the animals. We are deeply grateful for the gift of your endowment.

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Bruce was born in Cranbrook, but grew up in North Vancouver, where he was actively involved in sports. He served for many years in the Canadian Armed Forces.

From his early childhood, he was always close to, and involved with, the "animal kingdom". His love for creatures great and small was always evident, and it is only appropriate that his love and understanding should extend itself, even after his demise. Bruce passed away at the age of 53, leaving a bequest that will help the animals at the East Kootenay Branch of the BC SPCA. John is survived by his mother and brother.

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Since Helen Franklin Calder was a child she cared for both cats and dogs. After some time in the RCAF she married and eventually became a widow in 1969. There were no children so it was natural that Helen gave a good home to many cats and dogs over the years. She never turned an animal in need away from her door.

She arranged to leave a legacy to the BC-SPCA for animal care following her demise on September 2nd, 2007

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When Alexander Greig Campbell passed away on September 11, 2007, he left a generous bequest of $50,000.00 to the SPCA.

All his life Alex had a penchant for animals, especially the abused and homeless. When he was a child it wasn't unusual for Alex to turn up at home with a stray cat or dog that needed nurturing.

He bought his niece, Lynda, her first dog when she was 5 years old -- a Cairn Terrier whom they named Heather. He chose her over the other dogs because she was the runt of the litter and was being bullied. Heather lived a good and healthy life and died in her sleep when she was 16 years old.

Alex is survived by his niece Lynda and his great nephew Sean.

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April 25, 1917 - November 20, 2006

Kathleen passed away November 20, 2006 at the age of 89 in Maple Ridge. She was predeceased by her loving husband George in 1975.

Born in Vancouver, Kathleen attended St. Mary's Academy in Oregon. She returned to Vancouver to settle, and operated a successful flower business for many years. She worked hard to provide the freshest flowers and the best of service. In her retirement from the floral business, she worked as a nanny. Kathleen moved to Maple Ridge in 1988.

Kathleen was one of those people with a deep love and respect for animals. She was known to search out abandoned animals and make sure they were taken care of. She was one to take in yet another stray cat that needed a home. Kathleen had many pets throughout her life, including several Pekingese dogs. Her pets were her family, and she took admirable care of them. Even in her senior years, legally blind and primarily confined to a wheel chair, she would find a way to accompany her pets to see veterinary specialists as needed.

As her final gift to animals, Kathleen left a very generous bequest plus the residue of her estate to the BC SPCA. Her gift is to be used for the benefit of animals at the Maple Ridge shelter. May we remember Kathleen for her kindness to animals and her generosity. She will be missed by her loving friends.

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Marie Elderfield was born in the small village of Fulmer, in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1932. She immigrated to Canada when she was 25 and lived in Ottawa. When her family from England immigrated to BC in 1967, she joined them to live in Peachland in the Okanagan where she lived ever since.

Marie always loved dogs and her beloved dog Chinook (pictured) predeceased her in 1996.

Marie is survived by her sister Audrey Tarrant, nephews Robert, David and John, and niece Kay; grandnieces Lauren, Katie, and Anjali, grandnephew Philip; and her very dear friend and golf partner Marie Langlois.

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Thomas Norman Gatenby was born in England in 1908. He immigrated to Canada with his parents at the age of 4 and grew up in Vancouver. There he met and married Jessie Monro. Together they cared for elderly relatives when needed and were always supportive to younger family member. They had no children of their own. Norman was employed at Woodwards in the Men's Wear department from 1952 until retirement in 1974. 

The couple volunteered with Meals on Wheels, did some traveling and enjoyed their friends, their home and garden. They never lost sight of the needy and less fortunate. Always contributing to good causes Norman passed away at the age of 95 on September 28, 2003. Jessie predeceased him in 1999.

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Hopkins, Noel C passed away at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver on Saturday February 23, 2008 at the age of 81 years. Noel was born in Chesterton, England in 1926 and came over Canada over 50 years ago. When Noel arrived in Canada he took a position with the Department of Fisheries. After his retirement from the sea Noel moved to Kelowna to purchase and operate his own orchard in the Black Mountain area. He was sadly predeceased by his loving wife Noreen in 1998. Noel was a kind and generous man who had a great fondness for all creatures great and small.

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Our kind and gentle Wally passed away peacefully at his Comfort Living residence in Kelowna, B.C. just five days before his 99th birthday. He was born in Motherwell, Scotland and came to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with his parents, Margaret Helen Wallace and Lt. Col. Norman Gentles and siblings Margaret, Tommy and Robert, in 1913. Wally married the love of his life, Connie (Edith Catherine Connor) in 1936 and they had 63 years together until her death in 1999. Wally had a long and rewarding career as a manager with Canada Packers in Moose Jaw and Winnipeg. On retirement in 1969, they settled in Florida where Wally was able to exercise his lifetime passion for the game of golf.

After returning to Canada in 1983 and settling in Kelowna, Wally joined Gallagher's and then Sunset Ranch Golf Course, where he truly loved his hours spent playing golf and the camaraderie of his friends. Wally is survived by his nieces, Gerry (Carlo) Manzara and Bonny (Dave) Teichroeb; nephews, Dick (Beth) and Bob (June) and their families. Also by his sister-in-law, Edna Hall and nieces Marion (Louis) Konkin, Shannon Hall, Barbara Hall and their families; his brother-in-law Morley Connor and his niece Cheryl Burwood and her family. Wally will be especially missed by his special friends Liz and Alan Hudson. The family is most grateful for the patient and understanding care that Liz provided during Wally's later years. Our heartfelt thanks, Liz, your love and compassion will always be remembered.

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November 23rd, 1923 - July 23rd, 2006

John was born and raised in Victoria, BC. His thoughts were never far from here even when he lived in Vancouver or in the Interior of the province. John served in the Canadian Merchant Navy during World War II. He was very proud of his contribution to the war effort. When he was released he came back to Victoria and married his wife Eve. They lived happily together for 45 years until she died in 1991. Although they were never blessed with children they filled their lives with cats, dogs and birds. Together they raised canaries and entered them in shows. John was a steam engineer and worked on the tugs, at hospitals and in the penitentiary, and eventually for the federal government where he was in charge of building and maintenance for the post office.

John and Eve had three mini dachshunds all named Widget. After Eve passed away, John had a further two dachshunds, again named Widget. John was a very generous man in life and in death. He regularly contributed to the BC SPCA especially for the care of large animals, particularly horses. John contributed up to half his yearly income to worthwhile causes. He was a devout Christian man who believed that nowhere was God's grace and love more evident than in the animals He created. John was always available to help when he was needed and he gave to anyone in need. It was John's last wish that animals would benefit from his gift.

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Jean Elizabeth Joyce

Jean led a rich, full life and one of the constants throughout her life was her love for animals, especially dogs. Jean was born in Montreal and studied at McGill University. She sang in choirs in Montreal, loved reading, classical music, and played the piano. She worked as a librarian and Administrative Secretary at Douglas College, in New Westminster. When she passed away (in 2002) at he age of 69, Jean left a generous gift to the BC SPCA in her Will. Jean is missed by her husband, three children and two grandchildren. Her bequest will help to cover the cost of caring for dogs at the Vancouver shelter.

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Alan McLean Jupp

Born January 2nd 1924, in Victoria BC he lived there until joining the Royal Canadian Air Force at 18 in 1942. His love of aircraft and flying led him to a long career as a commercial pilot flying for Canadian Pacific Airlines. Captain Jupp retired in 1984 after 32 years of service.

A solitary man with a deep passion for fine craftsmanship Al was a Master Craftsman of extraordinary talent. From his model aircraft building, to his house and a cabin on Sakinaw Lake, Al was admired for the perfection of his workmanship.

In his later years he turned his passion to care for cats. His many "kitties" had a very comfortable and carefree life. Even when building one of his many model planes or his own two-seater aircraft, he always had a comfy spot or two for his furry friends to keep him company. He not only cared for his many cats, but also the neighborhood raccoons, squirrels and ducks.

Al gave generously to many animal charities during his lifetime and left a legacy for the BC SPCA so that all the animals he loved in his life would be cared for after his passing. Al's bequest went towards providing food, shelter and medical care for the animals in the Lower Mainland.

Al Jupp passed away peacefully in the company of his cats, on February 2, 2008. His unassuming and happy ways will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Eileen Kelk < click picture to view full size in a new window >

Eileen Kelk was born in Birmingham, England and emigrated, with her parents, to Canada in 1920.

Eileen was an only child. She loved all animals and always cared for many pets. Her parents also loved animals. They had a beautiful aviary and a goldfish pond in their back yard. Eileen had a white rat, rabbits and a dog named Tommy.

When Eileen married her husband Gordon Kelk, they spent as much time as possible with family on the Sunshine Coast. Then, when Gordon retired, they moved permanently to Beach Avenue in Roberts Creek.

Cats dominated their household, although no stray animal was ever turned away. Many cats were sick or injured when they arrived and needed to be nursed back to health. Both Eileen and Gordon loved cats, they were their children. The walls in their house were adorned with pictures, and they always had a new cat story to relate.

After Gordon's death, Eileen lived alone with her beloved cat, Albert, but unfortunately in 1998, she was forced to move to a care centre, where she lived until her death in April 2003. She missed her animals, and loved to be visited by family pets. She always inquired about their well-being, and laughed about their escapades and antics. She would say "oh the dear little thing". Eileen kept cookies in her drawer for unexpected animal visitors.

Eileen believed passionately in helping all living creatures who cannot help themselves. She demonstrated this belief by leaving a generous legacy to the Sunshine Coast Branch of the BC SPCA. She wanted this bequest to be used specifically for the animals of the Sunshine Coast, the animals she adored in the place she love.

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Nance "Agnes" Kelland < picture unavailable >

When Nance passed away on June 26th, 2000, she left the BC SPCA a generous bequest of $125,000 for the care of horses and other large animals. Nance made the bequest in memory of her parents, Jim Heggie and Nan Heggie.

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Christina Signe MacDonald was a great lover of all animals. Her first animal as a child was a dog called Dinty which she and her 4 brothers loved dearly. She had other dogs and cats as well during her 100 years here on earth. At her passing she had two cats, a beautiful Persian male called Chi Chi and a female calico called Gi Gi. Christina entrusted these special cats to the Abbotsford branch of the BC SPCA upon her passing, so she was definitely looking ahead for her cats!

Christina was born on Sept. 4th, 1906 and passed away on July 12th 2007. This picture was taken on her 100th birthday celebration with family and friends. Her longevity was due to a healthy lifestyle, a great sense of humor, and keeping up with current events - she just didn't want to miss anything. She never had any children but left behind many nieces and nephews. She survived two husbands, as well as four brothers and their wives. She will be missed by all of us remaining but she will live forever in our hearts.

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After a hectic life in turbulent post-war Germany, Inga Martin fled to Canada in 1994 to rest. The childless widow, stranger in a bewildering country, gave lots of love to her beautiful dog "Bella". However, her dream of a quite, peaceful evening of life did not come true. Inga died of a sudden heart attack alone in her beautiful West Vancouver home in 2003. In her Will, she gave generously to the BC SPCA. We mourn the loss of her presence and vitality. Her gift will leave a legacy of caring and compassion for the animals.

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William McKerracher was a kind man. He was kind to his neighbours, his friends and to the wildlife and strays that inhabited the area around his New Westminster home. When it came time for him to plan his estate, he didn't forget anyone - not even the small creatures he loved so much. In his Will, William left a legacy for the BC SPCA so that animals he loved in his life would be cared for after his death.

William was a private and unassuming man. He lived his entire life in the house his father built on Fader Street in New Westminster. He worked for 35 years at the Fraser Mills until his retirement in the early 70's. Throughout his life, William was always ready to help his neighbours, and frequently did odd jobs repairing appliances and fixtures.

His lifetime passion was birds and cats. In a way, the animals became his family because he never married, and never raised children. He gave generously to charities during his lifetime. After a long struggle with cancer, William passed in 1998. William's bequest went towards providing food, shelter and medical care for the animals in the Lower Mainland.

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Marlies Michael was born in 1930 in the small town of Bad Lauterberg, in the Hartz Mountains of Germany. She immigrated to Canada in 1953 with her husband Jim, who predeceased her in 1993, and eventually settled in Vancouver. Marlies was an avid jazz fan, and attended many events in Canada and the USA. She had friends all over North America - she was generous, kind and loving, and her home was open to friends and relatives from both Germany and BC.

Her working life was with CIBC and when she retired she continued to lead an extremely active life. Her time with us was cut short by cancer, but she never flinched and lived her remaining days to the full, dying with dignity and a positive outlook on August 9, 2007.

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Margaret "Peggy" Morley passed away July 19th, 2000. Peggy was born in Surrey, England. She worked as a Nanny in wartime England and after immigrating to Canada, worked for many years in the Student Health Services at U.B.C. until her retirement.

Peggy lived a full life, primarily one of service to others. She had a great love for the outdoors, sports, gardening and animals "all creatures great and small". She volunteered regularly at the BC SPCA as a dog walker.

She made many personal sacrifices in order to leave the bulk of her estate to the BC SPCA. Peggy's bequest helped the Society to: purchase dog beds for all the dogs in our shelters; renovate two emergency vehicles and the dog kennels at the Surrey shelter; support the Animal Welfare Program at U.B.C., the SPCA Vancouver Animal Hospital, SNAP program, and Charlie's Foodbank. The bequest also helped other projects in the Lower Mainland.

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May was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1916. She trained as a nurse in the UK. Shortly after World War Two she emigrated to Canada and worked in Toronto, before coming to B.C. She served a long time at Holberg, on North Vancouver Island, and at Campbell River, before retiring to Brooklyn Creek in Comox.

Much of May's retirement was spent helping others, driving friends to appointments, and feeding pets while others were away, generally being useful and caring. She loved good music, being accomplished on the piano, harpsichord and recorder.

But Mary's greatest passion was her love for animals and birds. Her property provided a refuge and feeding station for birds, deer and racoons, including one precious little blind raccoon which brought her babies to the door to be fed. May's left a bequest of $70,000 to the BC SPCA for the purpose of spaying animals at its Comox Branch.

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Harriet and Frank Orban died in their early eighties within 3 months of each other. They loved animals all through their 52 year marriage. For years they had a pet bird that would count cards, fly around the room and accompany them even to the bathroom. Later they had a cat that was the center of their attention.

Harriet suffered a sever spinal cord injury in a fall and spent the last 12 years of her life in a nursing home. Her greatest sorrow was that she could not have a pet with her. Frank visited her every day and he often visited the West Vancouver and the Burnaby SPCA locations to play with the cats. They carried around the pictures of their animal friends. Frank and Harriet's bequest was made toward the medical care for animals in the Lower Mainland.

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October 21, 1912 - March 22, 2006

Eleanor lived most of her life in the View Royal area of Victoria. Not only was she involved with the local cat rescue group, but also she always had an extra place for a stray or injured cat. Very often, Eleanor would provide the funds for one of these animals to have veterinary care, not to mention a home for them to convalesce in afterwards. Eleanor nearly always had a cat or two of her own, but if a cat came along that needed a home when she was down to one cat, the next stray through her doors had a home for the rest of their lives.

Eleanor moved to Pitt Meadows in the early 90's and it was not long before she was knew all the pets in her neighbourhood. Christmas was Eleanor's favourite time of year, and each year she would purchase and wrap dozens of little treats and toys for her friends' and neighbours' pets. She would also go to the Maple Ridge branch of the BC SPCA to donate as much in the way of blankets, toys and food as she could. She also remembered the shelter throughout the rest of the year, and often sent a little something to them when she heard there was a need.

It wasn't just cats and dogs that Eleanor loved, but all animals, no matter how small. She even managed to nurse an injured hummingbird back to health, bringing it out to her garden to feed on the flowers. When he could fly again, Eleanor offered the little bird an open window, and after a few days he took his freedom. But that whole summer she noticed a little hummingbird in her garden that bore the mark of a broken leg.

Eleanor spent her last years in Delta, living with her good friend Teresa Pals. She brought her precious cat Princes with her, and even with her health failing, Eleanor took excellent care of her companion. Princess now has a permanent home with Teresa.

Many animals have already benefited from Eleanor's compassion, and with her final gift to the BC SPCA, many more will continue to do so.

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Marie Therese Rabiniaux was born on the 9th of October 1912 in the town of Ville de Pont Audemer located in France. Therese passed on the 12th of September 2006. She was predeceased by her husband Leo in 1984. Therese had no children. She was supported by friends that she loved and who loved her.

Therese was very generous and contributed to several charities. One of which was the BC SPCA. Her generous bequest will greatly assist the BC SPCA in the care of animals on Vancouver Island.

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On January 29, 2006, the Penticton community lost a very special woman, and a fierce champion for local animals, in June Carrington Richardson.

June spent her childhood, traveling the world with her family, since her father was an enlisted man who was stationed in many far off places. In later years, she worked at the Leir Sawmill and the Royal Bank, but it was at an insurance office that she met her future husband, Lawrence Crump. She and Lawrence finally settled in Comox until Lawrence's death in 1978.

Following this, June returned to Penticton, where she lived with her border collies Melody and Danny Boy, and with her cats Whisper, Benny, and Billy. Cats seemed to seek her out, and her home became a haven for strays. On at least two occasions, feral cats chose her yard to raise their kittens.

June was generous in her time and support of local animal charities, including the South Okanagan branch of the BC SPCA. Her generosity extended even to her final plans, with her bequest to the BC SPCA, as well as other charities in the Penticton area.

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Elizabeth and John Ritchie were dedicated community volunteers. They received a special award from the Canadian Mental Health Association in 1990, to recognize 25 years of volunteer service. They also helped countless stray animals and were regular visitors to the BC SPCA Vancouver Shelter.

Elizabeth was originally from the Toronto area and John from Quebec. The Ritchies met in 1941 at the RCAF #1 Training Command Headquarters. John worked as an accountant most of his life, and Elizabeth for the Federal Government and an advertising agency.

They married late in life, but had over 25 years together. Their relationship has inspired others, furnishing an example of people never too old to find love and companionship. They are survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elizabeth and John's bequest will help to cover the cost of caring for dogs at the BC SPCA.

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Gifts from both the estate of Dan and Gloria Roberts, and their children, will continue to assist animals in the Greater Vancouver district for many years to come.

We grew up in home were there were as many cats and dogs as kids. In their final years, my parents wound up with four cats, one of which my father nursed by hand. These four cats really became their "children" and they not only had more toys then they needed, but also had treat time, sips of morning coffee, played in the fish tank, and had various bird feeders by the windows so they would be entertained during the day. They traveled with our parents down to their favorite place, Black Mountain Ranch. They would stay at the trailer on their leashes, basking in the sun and being entertained by the steller jays that came to feed on the bird feeders.

When our mom was diagnosed with cancer in June 2004 the cats really became my parents' companions - the cats knew something just wasn't right. When Mom was hospitalized, Dad brought home one of Mom's gowns so they could smell her. They slept on that gown for weeks. Mom made Dad promise he would keep all 4 cats, which he did. On February 18, 2005 our mom passed away and Missy, Sissy, Calvin and Alvin became our Dad's constant companions. They were there to give him love, read the paper with him and have morning coffee. On March 31, 2006 our Dad died of a massive heart attack and the cats were there with him. Family members adopted all of the cats, and all four spend their days in very loving homes, just as my parents wished.

Animals of every form have always been a part of our family's lives. Although we miss them very much, we are comforted in the knowledge that their gift has been able to help many animals in need - something that was very important to both of our parents.

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Evelyn Roe of Summerland passed away peacefully on February 7, 2006 at the age of 95 years.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by: Her daughter: Valerie (Bob) Davidson of Calgary, AB; 6 grandchildren and 11 Great grandchildren; 1 sister: Betty (Ted) Slater of Ireland and numerous nieces and nephews in England and Ireland.

Sadly predeceased by: Her husband, Joseph and daughter Audrey Freeman.

Born in Dublin Ireland, in July 1910, she immigrated to Canada, arriving in Toronto in 1952 with husband Joe and two daughters, moved to Edmonton in 1955 and retired to Summerland in 1973 where she enjoyed her remaining years.

Memorial Tributes: In honour of Evelyn to St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Summerland, BC or the SPCA South Okanagan 2088 Dartmouth, Penticton, BC.

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Alyce Thomas lived in BC all her life, preferring the Okanagan lakes, rivers, and country living, to her native home in North Vancouver. She made her life long career as a Legal Assistant, and moved to Kelowna in her 20's, never looking back. Later, she dreamed of living in her beloved Christian Valley, on the Kettle River, where she spent time whenever she could get away. She was well on her way, taking a leap of faith by starting her own "portable" business as a Court Transcriber.

Alyce truly loved nature, and enjoyed a very active life - fishing (catch and release only!), camping, golf, cross country skiing, squash, tennis, and horseback riding, to name a few. Her talent for singing and playing the guitar brightened many a festive event in the lives of her family and friends. She adored her Retriever, Spud, who she adopted as a puppy from the SPCA. They were inseparable, and Spud lived a full, happy life. Alyce befriended the neighbourhood cats, dogs, and wildlife - one, a long time resident in her back yard, Tuffy the Squirrel. Tuffy gave birth to several families while she lived there, and earned every letter of her name.

Alyce had infinite compassion for all God's creatures. They sensed this, and came to trust her gentle voice and hands. She loved to feed the wild rabbits, attract hummingbirds, and spot deer in the winter. Shortly before the illness that took her life too soon, she befriended two horses. They listened for her every morning as she jogged up the hill, and waited by the fence. She would pick the alfalfa they couldn't reach and give them a treat. In her will, Alyce lovingly wished to help protect, love, and care for the innocent ones, who have no voice.

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