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| 2026-02-26 | WILLIAMS, Alfred James |  | Alfred James Williams—known to everyone simply as Al—lived a full and remarkable life.
Born in Vancouver, BC in 1935, he grew up with a curiosity for how things worked and a passion for life that stayed with him for over ninety years.
One of Al’s greatest loves was cars. That passion started early and never left him. By the age of 18, he had already raced in many stock car races in a 1932 roadster. Even as the years passed, his excitement for automobiles never faded. His collection grew over time, and talking about cars was always a sure way to see his eyes light up.
Al was also a hardworking and determined man. He apprenticed as a sheet metal worker and eventually worked at Western Sheet Metal, where he seized the opportunity to take ownership of the company. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. He also owned and successfully operated the iconic Pinky’s Laundry in Whalley for 32 years. Through dedication, courage, and sharp business instincts, he built a life he was proud of.
Beyond his work, Grandpa loved people and community. He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for more than 40 years. He also had a special place in his heart for square dancing and was involved in many clubs over the years. He didn’t just attend dances—he loved hosting them, bringing people together and creating joyful memories with friends from all over. His passion for dancing took him across North America to festivals and events where he built lifelong friendships.
Remarkably, Grandpa retired at the age of 51, giving him many years to enjoy the things he loved most. In his later years, he spent much of his time at his home in North Langley, watching his grandchildren run throughout the property, happily entertaining family and friends and sharing stories from a life well lived.
To our family, he was more than all of these accomplishments. He was a partner, a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather who loved deeply and lived generously. He is lovingly remembered by his partner Diana, his sons Michael and Stephen, his four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. His legacy lives on through each of us and through the memories we will always carry.
He showed us how to work hard, follow our passions, and cherish the people around us. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A memorial service for Alfred will be held on April 18, 2026, at Valley View, 14644 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a reception to follow from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate his life. |
| 2025-07-09 | Murdoch, Lorraine |  | April 8, 1936 - July 9, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Lorraine Murdoch on July 9th, while in palliative care at Lions Gate Hospital.
Born on April 8th, 1936, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Lorraine spent the majority of her life in North Vancouver, a community she cherished and called home.
Lorraine touched the lives of many with her calm, nurturing presence and unwavering love. A devoted and selfless mother, she dedicated her life to supporting her children and family. She was also a gifted dress designer and entrepreneur, known for her work under the name SEW EZY, as well as a respected teacher and seminar speaker in the Square Dance community.
Her creativity extended into all areas of her life— she was an accomplished crafter, always sharing her handmade treasures, from thoughtful cards to beautifully made goods. Lorraine was a longtime, enthusiastic member of the square, round, and line dancing community, where her warmth and generosity made everyone feel welcome.
She is survived by her loving husband Brian, to whom she was married for 66 years, her son Brent (predeceased daughter-in-law Margot), her daughter Laurie, and her cherished grandchildren Nicole, Conrad, and Michael. Lorraine is also survived by her sister Lillian Long, sister-in-law Sheila Johnstone, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Al and Don.
A private Celebration of Life will be held with immediate family.
Lorraine's kindness, creativity, impact, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. |
| 2025-06-13 | WITIUK, Joseph (Joe) |  | Our beloved father Joseph Witiuk passed away peacefully at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody at the age of 101 years old.
Joe met the Love of his Life, Louise McKinney in Winnipeg, Manitoba, after his return home from WWII. Dad worked at Shea’s Brewery after the war and after they got married, they found the winters were hard on mom’s health, with her contracting pleurisy each winter, and in 1953 they moved to Ladner, BC. From there they moved to Hammond, then to Coquitlam, and then settled in Port Coquitlam in 1955 to 2025.
Mom and Dad actually took up square dancing in the early 60’s for a few years. Joe worked for the Department of Highways in Port Coquitlam, and his maintenance yard was only blocks away from home. Joe enjoyed gardening, golfing and dancing up to the age of 98. Each year his garden was the envy of the neighbourhood, and he had a green thumb. This love for growing vegetables came from his mother, as she was an avid gardener as well and it was a necessity of life in the 1920’s and 30’s to survive.
In the 70’s they started taking Square Dance lessons with the Port Coquitlam C Squares Club. Little did they know that the start of this social activity would also lead them to travel around the world, dancing in other countries, as well as golfing throughout Canada and the United States while visiting clubs to dance?
Joe will be truly missed by family and friends. Joe was a humble and a strong-spirited individual and was grateful for everything in his life and loved his family dearly.
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| 2025-04-05 | WRAY, Florence Ella |  | Born October 18th, 1928 to Estelle, and Edward Marchant at Cartwright Manitoba. Left us April 5, 2025 Qualicum Manor, Qualicum Beach, BC.
Florence was the oldest of six children. She was predeceased by her brothers, Tommy, Freddie, Donny, and her only sister, Marlene. Her remaining brother Jimmy, resides to this day in Cartwright, MB.
By all accounts Florence had a wonderful childhood growing up on the farm. Her country values were always front and center, which she passed on throughout her life. She quickly learned how to look after herself being the only girl among the four brothers. Florence was also an excellent student.
Florence married Lee A Wray Jr in January 1947. They were married until Lee’s passing in March of 1978.
Lee, and Florence had four wonderful children: Sandra, Gene, Dean and Shawna.
Nine grandchildren: Brooke and Ashlee (Sandra and Ken McLardy), Katie, Tommy and Matthew (Dean and Wendy Wray), Cody, Chase and Montana (Shawna Wray), Mark (Gene and Linda Wray)
4 Great grandchildren: Olivia and Benjamin (Brooke and Kurt), Brandon, and Trevor (Mark and Barbara)
Her brother and sister in laws were just an extension of her immediate family in every way.
So many nieces and nephews, that were so very important to her. She knew every birthday, and anniversary, for which there was always a card in the mail.
Florence was an avid square dancer and world traveller, which she truly loved to do. Places that most of us only wish we could go. Her infectious smile on the dance floor will forever be remembered.
At the end of the day it was always about family to Florence. Every one of us she touched, has a special memory of exactly what that is. Her generosity was something only a very few people could ever attempt to duplicate.
The world is not a better place without Florence Wray in it. Yet it is far better because she was.
Rest well. You’ve earned it. |
