Linda Jane West

Linda will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ron Gaudet; mother Connie West; sisters’ Pauline (Fred) Nelson, Jacquie (Bruce) Henning, brother Allan (Bianca) West; a close family of nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend Kate Walker. Linda was predeceased by her Dad, Eric West in 2021.

Linda was the first member of our family born in Canada. She grew up in Edmonton, but made BC her home in her early 20’s.

Linda loved her time with family and friends. She loved to travel and experience different cultures in Thailand, Australia, Portugal and most of Europe, and visit with family in the UK.

Linda lived and loved life and was honoured to share her journey as a Girl Warrior, which can be read here:

https://girlwarriorproductions.com/linda-west-showing-the-big-c-whos-boss-by-living-every-day-to-the-fullest/

Linda’s career with the Justice Institute of BC and her involvement with Search and Rescue spanned 30 years. Linda was an important fixture in the start and evolution of the BCSARA and its predecessor, the SAR Advisory Committee. From her position in administration in the Emergency Management Division of the JIBC, she was asked to take on the admin duties for the newly created SAR Advisory. She continued in that role until the Committee was replaced by the fledgling BC SAR Association in 2002 becoming its first elected Secretary, and continuing to provide critical support functions for the board until retiring in 2011 in Victoria with Ron. Linda was presented with the Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer Lifetime Achievement award by PEP in 2007, and appointed as an Honorary Lifetime member of BCSARA in 2015, in recognition of her dedication to Search and Rescue.

In 2003 as she was preparing to move to Victoria, Linda was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Thanks to treatments Linda was in remission for 15 years, but sadly her cancer returned in 2016. Linda continued to live a full, active life until recently. She died peacefully at home, with husband Ron, by her side.

The family would like to thank Dr. Vanessa Bernstein for her incredible care since 2003. Also the compassionate staff at BC Cancer Clinic and the home-care/palliative care team that looked after Linda in her final weeks. All her good friends, neighbours and extended family who supported us, will never be forgotten.

Donations to BC Cancer Foundation Victoria in Linda’s memory are gratefully appreciated.

https://bccancerfoundation.com/why-give/in-your-regiopn/victoria

Remember, life is short, make it sweet. Make the most of every day and live with hope and happiness. Love deeply, forgive quickly and always be humble and kind.