Neil Van Dusen (June 17, 1958-August 14, 2006): Our community has lost another of its young warriors. Neil Van Dusen, 48, of Lower Sackville passed away after a long battle with hepatitis C. Neil worked for Canada Post, was vice-president of Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Breton Local, and served as president of the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Canadian Hemophilia Society. He was a hockey coach and enthusiastic fan. He leaves behind his wife Kim, his 4 children and their families, as well as 9 siblings. His brothers Eric and David predeceased Neil-five of the brothers were infected with hepatitis C from the blood system.
Neil, a hemophiliac diagnosed with HCV in 1998, fought tirelessly for the compensation issue, even though he knew he was dying of liver cancer, and after he had been compensated. His letters were still appearing in newspapers in August (2006). "The tainted blood scandal has taken a lot away from us-our health, our dignity, and our loved ones-but the one thing it can't take away is our hope. A hope for a cure to hepatitis C and chance to continue to live day to day." (The Herald (NS) August 16, 2006)
"I am beyond bitter over this issue, yet don't dwell on the past. It's the future I look forward to, no matter how long." (Edmonton Sun, Mon, August 7, 2006)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Neil's memory to Canadian Hemophilia Society of Nova Scotia. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com

Sources:
pubs.cpha.ca/PDF/P20/21520.pdf,
http://www.andrepicard.com/60000.html
Photo: CBC News August 18 2006

Helen Elizabeth Wright: (October 23,1932-April 14, 2006), Helen Wright was one of our long-time members. She was a faithful symphony-goer, as well, and we had many conversations, both about hepatitis C and classical music. Helen had moved to Central Park Lodge, where my dog Marty and I visited her. She seemed happily surrounded by her music. Helen, originally from Grande Prairie, Alberta, came to BC in 1950, via Ontario and Quebec. She was the daughter of Rev. Earnest Wright and Annetta Wright. Her brothers Gordon and Charles predeceased her. She has a sister, Marion, and many nieces and nephews A Service of Remembrance was held on April 21 st. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com

Priscilla Udall-Ekman

(September 3, 2005): This article first appeared in the hepc.bull June of 1996

So, as I said, her cirrhosis was probably not caused by hepatitis C, but she has had cirrhosis (diagnosed 40 years ago), so I presume she still does, and she has hepatitis C. Pretty amazing! Thank you, Priscilla, for sharing your secrets with us.

A service was held on August 5th.

Sharon Grant (August 2, 2005): Sharon, of Vernon, BC, was diagnosed 1997. Her way of coping was to help others. That same year, she formed the Vernon support group, running the office from her home. Her main goal was that doctors be educated.

Brad Kane, Princeton Support Group, sent this: She fought and worked hard for a long time and was dedicated to the cause of people with HCV. We were counterparts, in the sense that she did her support work in the north Okanagan and I in the south. We always held a mutual respect for each other. We met occasionally at high profile conferences and learned that we both shared an appreciation for "common sense". She was tough, and she made me grin. Thanks be to God for giving us Sharon Grant.

Ramona Rondeau (Dec. 29, 1953-Oct. 15, 2004): Ramona Rondeau passed away on October 15, 2004, at age 50. Although born in Alberta, she lived most of her life here in BC, and left behind three grown children and three grandchildren to honour her memory. She is survived by her parents and her boyfriend, John Black. An artist, Ramona is remembered as a friendly, happy person who helped everyone in need. She was diagnosed with hepatitis C many years ago, and died of liver failure and pneumonia. This picture was a favorite of her family, and was taken in February of this year.

Jean Anne Day (February 29, 1926-July 28, 2004): Jean moved to Victoria in 1942 from her native Alberta. She worked at Woolworths and in 1946, joined the war effort, counting rivets at VMD. After the war, she worked at Atherton's and other pharmacies, as well as at Grower's Winery. In 1987 she was transfused with tainted blood. I never heard her complain.

William Lyon Mackenzie Loeppky: humorist and musician, carpenter and gardener, passed away on November 4, 2004 unnoticed by us until recently, when we received an email from his wife Juanita, asking us to remove his name from our database. He had his own journal, his passion, the Inditer, together with an on-line magazine, where he extolled the virtues of local artists and writers. Bill lived in Victoria and was retired from a career in broadcasting.  His spirit lives on here

Albert Lockey: We were sorry to hear that one of our subscribers, Albert Lockey, a resident of Surrey, BC, passed away on February 13, 2004. His wife Marian notified us. Our thoughts are with her.

Rudy Lang (1940 - 2004): Born November 3, 1940, Rudy Lang, a resident of Kitchener, ON, passed away in March 2004, unexpectedly. He was our friend.

Rudy was a quiet person, and went about supporting people with Hep C in his own quiet way, accompanied by his hedgehog Spiky and his ex-girlfriend Brenda. He was diagnosed with liver cancer back in 1999, and received treatment, and finally, a transplant in November of 2001. He had been infected by the blood supply, but I never heard him complain. He kept us entertained with his wacky sense of humour.

Rudy founded the HepCAN list, armed only with his treasured Atari. He was pax@golden.net. May he rest in peace.

Howard Langlois (May 29, 1931- May 12, 2002): We have lost another long-time member, “Sir Howard”, and would like to pay tribute to him. Howard is survived by his wife of 44 years, Helen, who is still a subscriber, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

As a member of the Royal Canadian Navy and reserves, Howard visited many countries and received many medals. In 1953, he served in Korea on the HMCS Iroquois. He worked as the Market Food Service Manager for the T. Eaton Company.

Howard is remembered for his smile, humour, generosity, and class. His hobby was cooking, and his recipes were in much demand.

Douglas Long (September 8, 1949 - August 9, 2003) was a resident of Powell River and a long-time subscriber to the hepc.bull. He was actively involved in the labour movement for years, and was the Local 76 delegate to the Powell River and District Labour Council. He is survived by his mother Margaret, a sister, Leslie, two nephews, and other relatives and friends

Dr. Stephen Sacks, MD, FRCPC (1948-2003): The recent death of Dr. Stephen Sacks is a great loss to those of us with hepatitis C. Dr. Sacks was an expert on viral infections and their treatment, and worked with antiviral drugs since 1978. His accomplishments are too numerous to fully name here.

From 1980 to 1996, he was on the faculty of UBC, where he was Professor of Medicine and of the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and was a member of the Division of Infectious Diseases. He authored many scientific papers and chapters in medical textbooks and actively participated in dozens of clinical antiviral trials.

Dr. Sacks served on the advisory boards of many pharmaceutical and biotech companies and on the editorial boards of several scientific journals. He was also the president of the Viridae clinic, an antiviral drug development company and research organization in Vancouver.

We at HepCBC were honoured to have Dr. Sacks as a speaker. He was much respected and appreciated. Dr. Sacks was the father of two children.

Sharon Metcalf: One of our fellow sufferers, Sharon Metcalf, passed away on May 27, 2003 at the age of 47. She was predeceased by a daughter and 3 siblings. Her youngest remaining daughter, age 16, is living with Sharon’s mother in Victoria. Sharon was a talented songwriter, and will be missed by her family and friends.

John Crooks: Our friend and supporter John F. Crooks, a resident of Nanaimo, passed away on July 16, 2003. He was in his early 50s. The son of Elizabeth and Cecil Crooks, he is survived by many friends, a brother and an aunt and uncle. John was a retired government clerk and an avid stamp collector. His wishes were that donations be made in his memory to the Hemophilia Society or to a hepatitis C organization of your choice.

Gilles Girard,a member of HepCBC, passed away on Aug 26, 2002.

Jean Patricia Meier, (nee Barrell), Mar. 17, 1954-Nov. 10, 2002. Family members of Jean Patricia Meier announced her passing on November 10, at the age of 48. Patty lived in Elko, British Columbia at the time of her death. She is survived by her mother, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and several nieces and nephews, along with many other relatives, her best friend Rae Duthie, and several extended family members. Patty was pre-deceased by her father.

Brian Brownrigg: Who was he? A statistic. Someone killed by the hepatitis C virus. He wanted the final, official acknowledgement of his existence here on earth to clearly state that HCV was what killed him. Not organ failure, internal bleeding or some other non-specific euphemism; he was killed by hepatitis C and he wanted that to be clearly counted. Brian was not afraid of stigma or controversy. He called them as he saw them. To him, it didn’t matter whether you were a teenage junkie or a blue haired dowager. If you had Hep C, what you had in common was a lot bigger that than petty differences. And if you didn’t have Hep C, he would educate you in such a way that you would ask, “How can I help?”, because you knew that could easily be your life. Brian was a big man with big energy and a bigger heart. He truly loved and believed in people. Whether it was the SPCA, a theatre group, his church or the Hep C community, he had a way of showing people that he genuinely valued them. When George Marcello was walking across Canada to raise organ donation awareness, Brian drove to a lonely stretch of highway on the BC/Alberta border to welcome him. He would prepare a hundred meals for a community dinner with the precision of General Patton and the good humour of St. Nick. Last year, even though he needed an electric scooter to get around, he drove three hours to our local Fall Fair to quietly show his support for a Hepatitis C Awareness display. Last month, he needed oxygen to breathe, his face was gaunt and his belly was distended so he used that image to highlight a full-page article in the local paper on the need for early diagnosis and better access to home care.

About three weeks ago he knew he didn't have much time, so he threw a party. There must have been a hundred people in his backyard, along with guitarists, singers, a belly dancer and his crazy collection of disco lights. Smiles and laughter mingled in the warm summer night breeze with an unspoken sense of foreboding.

On August 11, 2002, surrounded by his family, his body quit working. Perhaps he left on that same breeze. For his wife, Diane, and their two daughters this is a time of heart wrenching loss. For the rest of us, this is an opportunity to examine our own lives for signs of love and fearlessness.

Thanks, Bri… Ken Thomson (Brian was a beloved member of the Board of HepCBC)

Alan Powell: Although we have known that Alan Powell was not in good health for some time, it was still sad to hear of his death on July 17, 2002 in Toronto at age 64. Alan Powell was the founder of the Hepatitis C Society of Canada, or the Hepatitis C Survivors' Society, as it was called then. He made spiral-bound books for the HeCSC support groups, way back when it was almost impossible to get any information about hepatitis C. I remember when I took the first one home, and kept on reading until I finished it. It was full of medical journal articles and newspaper clippings. I had finally found what I was looking for! He later contacted me to give me support and information about my then upcoming treatment. I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions. He was a true gentleman, and a man worth much admiration, and one of my personal heroes. The Hep C world owes him a lot. Alan Powell held a B.A. in sociology from the University of Toronto, and was one of the first teachers at Erindale College, where he instituted its collection of modern Canadian art. He wrote a textbook, The City, Attacking Modern Myths He opened the Major Roberts restaurant in Toronto, known for its poetry readings.

Frank Thomas Darlington: late of Brentwood Bay, British Columbia passed away on May 20, 2002 in his 76th year. Born July 4, 1926 in Vancouver, British Columbia,  Frank was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman.  He was an active and committed member to many community associations including the Oak Bay Kiwanis Club and the Golden Rods and Reels Senior's Fishing Club.  He spent over 37 years in the telecommunications industry and was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.  Frank made a difference in the lives of many.  As an active Kiwanian he helped raise money and build hospitals and care centers. In fact, many Kiwanians with whom I spoke said lots of the stuff was Frank's ideas in the first place.  Frank was a founding member of HepCBC.  He was a real soldier, showing up with his wife of 40 years, Arlene, at just about every demonstration and info session and volunteer opportunity as long as his health would permit.  If as they say, "the good die young," then Frank was about 10 years old and enjoying every moment of it.  God Bless you Frank.

Guy Thisdelle: Guy was only 44 when he passed away from liver cancer. He was, at one time, the head of the Richmond Support Group, but, as his hepatitis C worsened, Guy found it more and more difficult to continue his both his volunteer work and his life work as a professional counsellor--work which earned him a prestigious prize. His book, Fathers, Children, Family and Community, published in 1999 by Commoners' Publishing, Ottawa, was considered such an important work by the Canadian Guidance Counsellors Association that they made him the recipient of their prestigious national Counselling Resources and Training Materials Award in May of 1999. Guy leaves behind family and friends who really loved him. What more can a person ask for. He is sorely missed and fondly remembered.

Ron Thiel (aka "The Reaper"): Ron was a founding member of HepCBC. Ron, like “Captain Kirk,” went where none had gone before. His polite audacity, his dogged perseverance and his determination served as an inspiration and incentive to many of us. What I remember about Ron the most was his honesty and his uprightness. Ron would not compromise his moral principles. He grieved a long time about going public about how organisations supposed to represent those with Hep C had failed us. Would that Ron had been stronger and healthier. The principles for which Ron stood remain at the heart of HepCBC, an organisation he helped establish. Although Ron had to step down because of his health, he was always there for Joan and me, giving advice and counsel when needed.

David McNeill of Victoria, victim of tainted blood, passed away in 2000. His condition was worsened by hepatitis C, according to his widow.

Gerard Lanthier: We have lost another member here in Victoria. Gerard Lanthier was 49 years old when he passed away last June 15th. He had been transfused in 1988, and his brother Marc, upon learning how sick he was, flew him out here, where he took care of him for the last 9 months of his life. Marc helped Gerard realize some of his dearest dreams by taking him to Mexico, and just before his death, to Tofino and Ucluelet. Gerard left behind his parents, other siblings, and two children in Toronto.

Muriel Colli: Muriel Colli passed away on March 29, 1999. She was one of our first members, and attended meetings faithfully. She was at our February 24th meeting. She is survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren, and special friends. Muriel retired from Safeway after 28 years, and was a good friend to many. We will miss her..

Nancy Ferguson. We received the sad news from her daughter Muriel and son Scott of our dear Nancy’s demise last December 28, 1999. Nancy, 68, born in Scotland, was transfused in 1989. She also left behind her son, Ian, and two grandchildren. Some of you will remember Nancy from our meetings and rallies. Her unique elegance and bright smile will be sorely missed.

Al Fortin, one of our long-time members. Al Fortin, passed away on November 29, 1998. His wife and son reported this sad news to the office of HeCSC, Victoria, and said they will get back to us soon with more details. We offer our most sincere condolences.

Michael Spence, aged 75, passed away on September 6, 1998. Born in Barbados, he left behind his wife, Eileen, daughter Margot, son Jon, and their families, and many other relatives and friends. Mike worked 35 years with Shell Oil, nine of them in Trinidad. He enjoyed gardening, playing bridge and walking in the parks.

Donna Yeo, aged 70, of Surrey, BC, passed away on August 4th of liver cancer. She is fondly remembered by her husband Alfred, her daughters, Cheryl O'Donnell and Karen Becker and her grandchildren, Justin and Seamus O'Donnell and Harlan Hudson. Her passing has not gone without notice.

Jim Thompson: Jim had cirrhosis/end-stage liver disease and suffered a bleed. Jim was 53. He was being considered for a transplant, I believe, but this was too late. Jim served as office manager for a while. Jim was really loved by us all at the HeCSC Victoria office. He was efficient, kind, and inventive. He could always be counted on and made work easier for all of us. We miss him very much.

Annie Ahrens, a member of HeCSC Victoria, originally from Nanaimo, passed away in July of 1998.

Bob Hastings: Victoria Chapter has lost another long-time member of its group. On Sunday, July 13th, Bob Hastings from Fanny Bay passed away from complications due to Hepatitis C. Bob was a musical promoter with Ace Bookings. The 45 year old, born on Vancouver Island, died at home. He is survived by his wife, Leona.

Artur de Torres, a staunch member of Victoria's Portuguese community, and hard-working stone-mason, Artur passed away peacefully in Hospice on Monday, May 19, 1997 at 3:30 AM. He is survived by his wife Fernanda, and his two children. One of our founding members, he was present from the very first meeting of the group here in Victoria, and remained an active member, still attending the meeting in March, where he let us know that he was investigating possibilities of a liver transplant. Unfortunately, his liver cancer was inoperable. We will all remember his friendly smile, his bright eyes, his firm handshake, and his fighting spirit. The family is requesting that donations be made to HepCBC in his memory. Artur's well-attended funeral took place on May 22nd, at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Royal Oak.

Brian Birks, a regular attendee at HeCSC Victoria support group meetings, passed away on February 27th, 1996, at the age of 37. He had contracted Hepatitis C through a blood transfusion, and was involved with the class action suit. He was a member of our advocacy committee, and had just finished a 5 year course as a civil engineer/technologist. He is survived by his son Lochlan, his parents Merle and Gilbert Birks, and his soul-mate, Norma Bryant -- also a member of our group. He will be sorely missed.

Mitch Jackson, a member of Victoria hepatitis C community, was 33, and volunteered with the VSCA. A year and a half before his death, he was given 3 years to live. He died poverty-stricken in July of 1996. He needed way more help than we were able to give him.

Les Eastick, a member of Victoria hepatitis C community, and father to 3 young daughters, passed away in the first part of 1996 at age 38, as a result of hepatitis C. He'd had an esophageal bleed that he was unable to recover from. His family requested that donations be made to the Chapter. Les was gentle, easygoing, and sensitive to others.

Robert Parry, member of Victoria hepatitis C community, passed away in 1996. He was one of the very first members of the HeCSC Chapter, and used to help print out the minutes, and participated in formulating a survey on symptoms. His wife, Margaret, served on the steering committee after his death.