Mrs. Laura Viola Yates

After a full and loving life, Laura passed away peacefully at home with family. She is missed by her brother-in-law Art Skipsey, sister-in-law Jeune Bolton, daughter Carol Yates-Hanson (John), sons Donald, Kenneth and Robert (Jennifer), and beloved grandchildren Jennifer and Devin Hanson, Kyle, Cooper and Dawson Yates, nieces and nephews Joe, Norman, Jane, Corinne, Anne, Wyatt and Donna, as well as many cherished and life-long friends. Laura was predeceased by her husband George R. Yates, parents Josiah and Cora Manton, brother Joseph (Phyllis and Norma), sister Cora Skipsey and brother-in-law Richard Bolton.

Born to a pioneering Victoria family, Laura graduated from Victoria High School and worked with her father at Manton Shoe Repair while her brother Joe was serving overseas, then at HMCS Naden (now CFB Esquimalt) and the hospital insurance department at the Parliament Buildings. In May 1954, she married Dr. George Ralph Yates and moved to Vancouver.

Laura was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend. She constantly found time to remember others – daffodils picked from her garden, birthday cards always on time, a handwritten note or caring phone call when it was most needed.

For her children, Laura put being a good sport ahead of glamour. She loved every chance to be with her grandchildren around the pool, on family trips or in her kitchen, and adored receiving their postcards when they travelled. Opening her home and heart to her children's many friends, Laura welcomed them with tolerance and humour, creating a space for swimming and fun and a place to stay when there was nowhere else. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, generosity and love of life.

Raised with Christian values, Laura remained an active member and volunteer of her church, regularly worshipping at St. Giles United (now Oakridge United), and enjoying the fellowship and friendships of the Omega group. More recently she attended Ryerson United, a short walk from her home. An early board member and volunteer for the Vancouver Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association, Laura provided support for newly diagnosed celiacs for more than 20 years.

She enjoyed skiing, water-skiing, travelling with family and friends around the world and hosting travellers in her home. After the passing of her husband, she became a generous supporter of UBC medical students through the creation of a bursary in his honour. She shared her husband's interest in racing and breeding horses in BC and Ontario, kept sharp playing bridge while being with old friends and making new ones, and liked bringing others to watch her Canucks from the seats she kept right behind the penalty box.

A true lady who never forgot the simple pleasures of life, was always willing to lend a hand and was sincerely generous with her time and her love, Laura will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service will be announced at a future date.

Donations in lieu of flowers to the Avalon Recovery Society, http://avalonrecoverysociety.org