Caroline Marie VINING

With great sadness we share Caroline's passing on Saturday, September 4th, 2021 surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind to forever miss her, her husband of 14 years, Steve Brown; daughters, Desiree Larsen and Amelia Vining-Brown; son, Nolan Vining-Brown; sisters, Suzy (Brady Jeal) Vining, Anna-Jane Vining; niece, Maycie-Leigh; and father, Gary Vining.  Caroline was predeceased by her mother, Susan Vining.

Caroline was one of those rare people, that if lucky, we meet at least once in our lives.  She had a way of seeing the world that would bring out the best in whomever she was with. Caroline touched many lives in unexpected ways and left us all better people for having known her.

An extremely vivacious and gorgeous woman with a spectacular mane of silky red hair, she had most people star struck upon just meeting her. But the outer packaging disguised a sensitive, free spirited, quirky soul with the tenacious spirit of a true fighter.  She never gave up, be it hiking the tallest mountain on Vancouver Island (the Golden Hinde) or tackling life’s adversities, she always brought her “Can Do” attitude and never complained. Caroline was truly untroubled by the world, she lived life her way and, on her terms, always teaching, challenging and inspiring others in ways only she could.

Caroline connected deeply with nature, she loved hiking, camping, sailing, gardening and animals. Thru her connection with the natural world, Caroline found a form of spiritual healing.  She was known as the family “vet” and her bond with her Border Collie Tango was something to see. Caroline made sure her three children, Desiree, Amelia and Nolan developed into strong, independent individuals. She instinctively knew that children need to be free to make “safe” mistakes in order to learn. That allowing them to be free spirits was what would allow them to grow strong. Sometimes the best in us comes out when we are forged in the fire, and she certainly ensured her children have the skills to carry on without her.

In addition to her children, Caroline leaves behind so many people who loved her dearly. Her husband Steve, her sisters AJ and Suzy, her father Gary, and many friends who will forever feel her loss. Her sisters have so many wonderful stories of her sense of humor, just mention "interpretive dance” if you want a story to make you smile. And that’s what she really did, she made us all smile and laugh and believe.

Though Tupac was much more her style, Sir Elton John’s "Your candle burned out long before your legend ever will” feels true to the many storied memories Caroline leaves behind with those who knew and loved her most.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Carolyn's honour on Saturday, September 25th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. We will be meeting in the covered picnic area at the China Creek Campground. All covid protocols will be in place.   Feel free to contact AJ at 250.858.2777 for further details about the service location.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Caroline's memory may do so by making a donation in her name to Ty Watson House.