June Elaine Lesley

June was born in Calgary to parents, JH and Keitha Dickinson. Mother was the heart and soul of goodness, always putting others before herself and never complaining. After her parents retired to Victoria, she worked in a bank. She then met the love of her life Stan Lesley and they were married in Victoria in 1950. They then moved to Toronto, before finally settling in Ottawa, where they raised four sons.

Mother was an excellent cook and amazing manager of the household, especially an expert in her fiscal skills. She ensured the family all had the foundation and support necessary to achieve success.

Stan and June retired to Courtenay, Gartley Point in 1985, where on the waterfront they created a stunning beautiful and complex garden. Mother especially loved watching her hummingbirds and also was also an avid hiker in the mountains well into her seventies. She especially enjoyed figure skating, garage sales and was a consummate reader favoring Nora Roberts.

In her later years, mother suffered the terrible predations of depression. But then mercifully, was taken from this earth to a more peaceful place.

June will be immensely missed by Stan Lesley, her husband of sixty years and her children: David (Marie-Andree Lajoie), Gordon, Peter (Bonnie Wilson) all of Ottawa, Ont. and Stephen of Courtenay; her grandson Simon Lajoie-Lesley and Leisha, her Shih~Tzu constant companion. June also leaves her sister Dorothy Ross of Edmonton and her brother, Harry Dickinson of Vancouver.

We would also like to thank Drs. Hemmerich, Monks and Schovanek, Linda Davidson, Wendy Thompson and Shelia Nugent-Smith of VIHA. Additional thanks to Vicky Timmers and Vicky Shepherd of St. Joseph’s Emergency Psychiatric Outreach Services in ensuring though their outstanding and tireless efforts, mother received the expert care she so needed.

Mother spent 7 months at Place Melica where Monica Greenwood, her husband and caregivers provided amazing comprehensive care and companionship that allowed Mother to regain her strength.

Then mother moved to Glacier View and experienced the many great staff and nurses there; special thanks to Agnes Knowles who greatly assisted mother by caring for and ensuring Leisha (Shih~Tzu dog) was seen daily which provided great joy and sustained mother. Dolina Meagan, RN at Glacier View was instrumental, provided great care and was with mother at the end.

Thanks are also extended to Crispin Morris for expert legal advice.

Donations can be made to St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation, Mental Health Crisis Intervention Programs, Glacier View Society, the Canadian Association of Mental Health or the Courtenay SPCA.

Arrangements under the direction of Piercy's-Mt. Washington Funeral Home, Courtenay, BC.