Judy Ann Aitken

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Judy Ann Aitken on July 5, 2026, at the age of 68, following a short and courageous battle with cancer. Judy was born on December 11, 1957, in Smithers, British Columbia, to Eugene and Betty Barger, and later made her home in Courtenay, British Columbia.

Judy spent her earliest years in northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, where her mother worked as a camp cook and also as a cook at residential schools. From the beginning, Judy met the world with an adventurous spirit and a steady independence—more at home outdoors and on the move than in anything “girly.” Family stories recall that playing with dolls was never her interest, and that her mother would sometimes return from work to find the bathtub transformed into an aquarium.

In the late 1960s, the family moved to Tahsis, British Columbia, for two years. Judy excelled in sports and could outrun all the boys, a talent recognized by a teacher who encouraged her toward school athletics. Tahsis suited her well: there was always something outside to do, whether fishing, beachcombing, or hiking around looking for stray animals to "rescue".

In 1970, the family moved to Courtenay, where Judy attended Lake Trail School for Grades 9 and 10. There, the principal and athletics director, encouraged her to compete in track and field events. Though she performed well, this period also marked the end of her athletic pursuits, even as her determination and work ethic continued to shape everything she did.

After graduating from Vanier High School, Judy attended Malaspina College. Alongside her studies, she worked for two summers as a youth counsellor with the Parksville Youth Crew Program, teaching rock climbing, horseback riding, and camping skills—patiently guiding young people with a thoughtful steadiness and an honest, practical care. One of her great mentors during that time was Norm Hill of Cumberland.

In 1980, Judy took on a tree-planting job to get through her first year out of school. Not long after, she met her husband-to-be, Brent Aitken, at a softball game where he was umpiring. After a number of dates, they moved in together on Headquarters Road in the Jones’ trailer. They married in 1984, and after the reception, they climbed into the camper and headed to the lake at Lower Campbell—an early glimpse of the life they would build with equal parts devotion and adventure.

While growing up in the Valley, Judy worked at Smitty’s restaurant, ABC restaurant, and The Brico in Fanny Bay, where she developed a real liking for short-order cooking. In 1982, she applied to work on the Little River ferry to Powell River.

In 1986, Judy and Brent welcomed their son, Brad. After maternity leave, Judy returned to the ferries and eventually secured the cooking job she had wanted. The work could be demanding—at times serving up to 200 people within an hour—but Judy thrived under pressure. Hard-working to the core, she met busy days with calm patience, quick humour, and a generous willingness to do what needed doing, sharing jokes and laughter with her crewmates while still making sure the job was done right. Judy retired from the ferries in 2016, after more than thirty years with the corporation.

Judy loved games—cards, Yahtzee, Backgammon, her favourite game was Clobber. She enjoyed them all with a spirited competitiveness. In 1992, while walking the dog, she came across what would become her forever home, listed for sale with a realtor’s contract nearing its end. Judy, Brent, and Brad viewed the house, placed a bid soon after, and were successful. They remained there ever since, where Judy found everyday joy in dog walking, swimming and gardening, where her thoughtful nature and generous heart were felt in countless quiet ways. Those who knew Judy would say she was a lover of pets and a true giver.

Judy is survived by her dog, Stella; her husband, Brent; her son, Brad (Bree); and her granddaughters, Addy and Amiah; her sister Brenda (Lionel); and brother, Bob.

Her granddaughters were her greatest joy. Everytime they came over, out would come the craft supplies, and a cooking lesson to follow, and of course, the girls favourite, dressup.

Judy will be remembered with respect and gratitude—for her honesty, her compassion, her steady patience, and the hardworking strength with which she cared for others and met life head-on. Her presence will be deeply missed.

As per her request, there will be no church service. A family and friends memorial will take place at a later date.