Joanne Usborne

It is with great sadness that I give notice of the passing of my beloved and loving wife Joanne. She passed peacefully at the age of 79 from Cancer at Hospice House in Duncan, B.C. She will be greatly missed not only by husband, Mike, but also by her son John of Delta, daughter Lori (Patrick), husband Todd, and grandson James of Pemberton, brother Gary Clarke of High Prairie, Alberta, plus several Nieces and Nephews as well as many, many cherished friends.

Born to Harold and Beatrice Clarke in Kentville N.S., she grew up and was educated in eastern and central Canada, arriving in Vancouver after graduation. Her first job was with The Imperial Bank of Canada (where we met) and then the U.S. Consulate. Our married life started in 1962 on south Granville. We then moved on to Kitsilano and eventually settled in the vibrant young growing community of Beach Grove, where we purchased our first home. Jo left the Consulate and started home life with the birth of Lori. Her loving warm and open personality quickly initiated long and lasting friendships, most of which exist today. Two years later, after the birth of our son John, my work travels took the new family on a move to Prince George, B.C. Once again, Joanne’s vibrant and enveloping personality welcomed us to this exploding environment. She immediately took on the roles of mother, housewife, secretary, parts distributor, and whatever else necessary while I was away. She even managed to do some volunteer work at the hospital and school. Again, close and long friendships became the norm. Although we were there only 4 years, the times spent with friends at home and at our lake cabin were precious to her, and she cherished them. We then moved back to Tsawwassen which were growing years for her with respect to family, friendships, community, and spirituality. As I was still travelling, friends became an important part of her life, and she held a place in her heart for each and everyone of them. Volunteering at school, hospice, hospital, and with the elderly kept her busy. Her spiritual growth came through Bible study groups, the church, and friendships which continued through her full life. Upon my retirement, we decided (Joanne somewhat reluctantly) to try a new lifestyle at our summer cabin on Thetis Island. She soon became fully involved in island life and renovating the cabin into a home. The winters, however, got long after a few years so we purchased a winter home in a golfing community called Sun Lakes in Arizona. That was all she needed to become a golf addict which she continued to feed over the summer at the golf course in Chemainus. After seven years on the small island of Thetis, it was time to move closer to amenities. As a young child, I spent a lot of time in the Maple Bay area, so it seemed natural to move to Duncan as a lot of my earlier friends, and her mother, were there. They kindly introduced her to the social circles, including new golf friends, theater, symphony, and the game of duplicate bridge. This, along with travel vacations, which she thoroughly enjoyed, maintaining a home (cooking skills second to none), entertaining, daily walks with the “walkies”, sharing my lifetime interest in boating, motor homing, and camping filled her later years.

As my 58th anniversary card to Joanne stated, “you were in many wonderful ways, the very centre of our family, the one that held us together with your understanding and support. You were the giver of hugs and comforting words that brought joy and meaning into our lives. We, your family, could never thank you enough for everything you did and for all the ways you were such an incredible wife and mother”. No truer words could be said.

To Dr. Patricia Seymour, we wish to express our sincere thanks for taking extraordinary care of Joanne, also Dr. Masuda and Dr. Dulay for their added expertise. To Island Health and Cowichan Hospice nurses and staff, again, thank you for providing end of life assistance, comfort and support.

Because of COVID-19 limitations, a memorial service will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s name would be appreciated and may be made to Cowichan Hospice, 3122 Gibbins Rd. Duncan B.C. V9L 1G2, the Hospice of your choice, or Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association.