Carol Ruth Ortner

Carol lived her whole life in British Columbia. She was born in Trail, BC on June 10th, 1938, to Ruth and Ray Maze in Trail BC. She was the youngest of four siblings with two older brothers, Bob and Wilfred, and one older sister, Lilian.

Carol spent her childhood and teen years in Trail and it was in high school that she first set eyes upon her future husband, Clyde Ortner. As the story goes, the moment Carol set eyes on Clyde, a handsome young man with dark brown eyes, she declared that she would marry him. And so, she did. Their love affair started in high school and continued when Clyde left Trail to attend UBC in Vancouver. This separation served only to strengthen the young couples’ affections for one another and they were married in Trail in June of 1960.

Adventures during the first 10 years of their marriage took Carol and Clyde to Rossland, Prince George, Agassiz, Kimberly and Trail. Along the way, they were blessed with 3 children, first born Julie, then Gerry and finally Leah-Anne.

With all the moving and child rearing during the early years of their marriage, Carol must have been relieved to settle for a time in Coquitlam BC where she could put her strong social skills to work. She started Coquitlam’s first newcomers Club which lead to many years of wonderful friendships and fun activities for her and Clyde. Their social calendar was always fully booked months ahead with parties, book club, themed gourmet club dinners, even stitch and bitch. Looking back, we are truly amazed at the stamina those two had and how much fun they packed in – boy, did they know how to have a good time!!

During her time in Coquitlam, Carol also received training in early childhood special education and worked as a teacher’s assistant for the Burnaby School District.

Retirement years were spent in Kamloops, Parksville, Nanaimo and Qualicum Beach. Living in Craig Bay in Parksville was a highlight for Carol, as once again, lots of great friendships and a packed social calendar kept her on the go and in her happy place. Carol learned to paint in Kamloops, but it was in Craig Bay that she earnestly pursued her talent, taking lessons and painting up a storm.

Retirement also brought time for travel, and Carol and Clyde enjoyed trips to South Africa, France, Germany, New York, Mexico, Quebec, Hawaii, The Maritimes, and Newfoundland.

Carol was a dedicated wife, mother, Noni (to her grandkids) and Gigi (to her Great Grands). With a great sense of humour, outgoing personality and sunny, upbeat dispossession, people were drawn to Carol and she was blessed with many wonderful friendships that meant a great deal to her. Her life was a whirlwind of social activities that highlighted her interests in music, painting, reading, travel, and good times surrounded by friends and family.

Carol lost her husband Clyde in January of 2024. She leaves behind their three children: daughter Julie and her husband David, son Gerald, and daughter Leah-Anne and her husband George. She will be missed by her grand children, Ian (Maddie), Carlea (Bradd), Annika (Wyatt), and Keaton, and by her great grandchildren, Oliver and Bowen. Also mourning the loss of Carol are her nieces and nephews: Fern, Ray, Rolly, Nina, Mary Lou, Terry, and Michael.

Carol’s family wishes to thank the dedicated team of healthcare professionals at Dufferin Place in Nanaimo who provided excellent care during Carol’s last year as well as ensuring a peaceful and comfortable passing.

Lastly, thank you to Pastor Marvin Svingen of Hope Lutheran Church Nanaimo and to Yates Memorial Services for providing a caring, timely, spiritual, and personalized memorial to Carol on the morning of November 10th, 2025, when many family members and close friends gathered to share wonderful memories of Carol.