Ms. Cheryl Anne Morningstar

(June 5 1959 – May 10 2019)

Cheryl, truly a bright shining star, passed away May 10 in Vancouver at George Pearson Centre. She leaves behind her ever-loving partner of 30 years Robbie Metza, her two precious sons, Birken and Braden, her dedicated and loving twin sister, Susan Morningstar, nephews and nieces.

Cheryl was born in Edmonton, Alberta and attended M.E. LaZerte High School. She became fluent in French during her year in Grenoble, France. She graduated from BCIT in the Hotel and Hospitality program and moved to Whistler in 1982. For 10 years she worked with the Delta Hotel and became the Sales Manager. Cheryl worked as a ski instructor for Whistler/Blackcomb and managed the Sun Dog Eyewear line in Whistler. She then joined her husband and partner as Office Manager of Rainbow Electric.

Cheryl was kind, caring, talented and loads of fun! She sparkled with joy and laughter and loved a challenge. A beautiful mother and strong partner, Cheryl’s passion was supporting, loving and sharing with her family. She enjoyed cooking and if ever you were at her table on a special occasion you know she loved to try new recipes and prepared a wicked good pastry! Savary Island was a favourite place to share with her family. Cheryl was an active person in paddling, skiing, hiking, biking, playing squash and always stayed fit with her chin up bar! She was a powder hound on Friday mornings with her best girlfriends and spent hours on the Nordic ski trails at Whistler Olympic Park and Lost Lake. She was a skillful and early adopter of mountain biking and introduced Robbie to the love of the sport and the trails. She was a longstanding member of WORCA.

Cheryl was a formidable and efficient organizer, logistics magician and communicator. From birthday parties to special gatherings, the Whistler Canoe Classic, the Whistler Loppet – Cheryl made things happen no matter the challenges. She was founder, board member, coach and tireless volunteer organizer of the Whistler Nordics Ski Club. Cheryl honed her public speaking skills with Toast Masters and always presented a polished presentation at work or special events.

Cheryl was all about community and she loved the town of Whistler. Her boys grew up in Whistler, moving through the local school system. She volunteered at the schools with PAC and the volunteer lunch programs. In turn the community has surrounded our family and Cheryl with heartfelt love and support. We are enormously grateful to the community - to each and every person who has helped, fundraised, visited, brought food, sent messages and shown kindness in innumerable ways.

Cheryl coped with the outcome of her accident with dignity and determination. She was consistently gracious to all who came to visit.

During her stay at GPC Cheryl was loved by nursing, care staff and residents. They remarked “Cheryl always said ‘Thank You’ whenever we did something involving her care.”

Our family acknowledges and is deeply grateful for all the amazing care, beginning with the skill and expertise of the rescue team, the ER staff at Whistler Medical Clinic, the outstanding care and intervention of the ICU and Spinal Unit at VGH, the attention and support of all the health care providers at George Pearson Centre and GF Strong. A special thank you to the nursing staff, Dr. Dunne and Dr. J for their compassion and care in the final days.

So, look to the sky to see that a new star is born in the galaxy as Cheryl continues to shine brightly – inspiring us all to live our lives and hold precious our time with loved ones.

In lieu of flowers please consider giving a gift to your favourite charity. A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday June 16 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler -3pm.