Valerie Joyce Hugdahl

Valerie Joyce (Roach) Hugdahl, 83 years, of North Vancouver, passed peacefully April 8th at North Shore Hospice. In her final weeks she was surrounded - always - by her devoted husband Tor and children, Mark (Jennifer), Peter (Karen), and Karen (Allan) Meyer. Valerie is also survived by her younger siblings, sister Penny (Garry) Melton, brother Mike (Moira) Roach, and by eight cherished grandchildren: Hanna, Randi, Oliver, Kyle, Sydney, Clara, Ian, and Alistair. She is preceded by her parents Victor and Joyce Roach, and by her dear sister Lynda Donovan. A special thank you goes to caregiver Erzsebet Basic who was incredibly patient and kind to Valerie.

Valerie was our queen, a beautiful soul, gentle and kind, from a long line of strong, loving women. In childhood, she enjoyed endless summers with family at Gower Point, their sanctuary on the Sunshine Coast, back in a time when the milkman rode by horse and buggy and people travelled the coastal waters on the Union Steamships. Valerie made a lifelong bond at Gower with friend Ruth (Gunning) Meyer. Valerie graduated from North Van High in 1953, and from VGH School of Nursing in February 1958.

At a party on a freighter, she met Tor, a friendly Norwegian man and owner of local ship supply company Hugdahl Trading. They married October 20, 1962. Valerie loved her work as a registered nurse in obstetrics and the OR at VGH and Lions Gate Hospital from 1958-1964. Valerie was a devoted mother and wife. As her kids grew, she played a key role at Hugdahl Trading. Tor credits Valerie for much of the success of his company.

Valerie was a longtime member of “the Muffineers,” a convivial group who enjoyed 6 am swims at Ron Andrews with coffee and muffins for nearly 40 years as well as a much-loved member of her book club and writing groups. Recently, her Dance for Parkinson’s group gave her absolute joy and release from the illness which had claimed so much (thank you Megan, Lynne, and fellow dancers).

Valerie and Tor were avid sailors and enjoyed many sailing adventures in the waters around Vancouver. Grandchildren remember “Grammie” always greeting them at the door with a big smile and a warm hug. In retirement, Valerie and Tor treasured visiting with family and friends at their cabin at Trail Island, perched high above the ocean with the eagles. Yearly trips to Hornby Island with grandchildren were unforgettable. Valerie was a poet with a love of literature and ideas. Her book of poetry, Light and Shadow, and her short story collection, Gower Stories, are treasured by family and friends.

Valerie was one of the kindest souls we have ever known, and her life mattered greatly. She faced Parkinson’s with courage and grace without complaint; rather, it was she who offered comfort to others. Valerie was the living embodiment of love, and her family meant everything to her. We are quite sure that - right now - she is dancing her radiant self into the eternal light.

Please join us June 1st at 1pm for a memorial service at St. Clements Anglican Church, 3400 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, with a reception to follow at Cardinal Hall in Lynn Valley Rec Centre across the road. Donations to a Canadian Parkinson’s charity or to the Canadian Cancer Society are welcomed.

“Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.” -anonymous