Dorothy Garbutt (Nichol), 90, went to meet her Lord, husband and son on Monday August 29, 2022, in Vernon B.C. Dorothy was born on September 2, 1931, in Vancouver B.C., to William and Esther (Bumphrey) Nichol.
She married the love of her life on June 25, 1955, Melvin Ross Garbutt. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage until his passing in December 2014. Life carried them to lots of various locations and places during those years, but Vernon was truly their home. Dorothy was always a staunch vocalist and truly enjoyed singing her heart out, growing up in a musical family. Her love for music was solidified as she sang solo and recorded as a young woman on the radio, at events and many recitals. She caught the eye of young Mel, as he was a roadie at some of these recitals, and he fell for her and her angelic voice. They married and started a family in 1956. Life started to carry them to many places in B.C., as Mel was working for B.C. Hydro and the family either followed him to some very remote places or they waited at home for his return.
Dorothy had quite a few jobs to suit her, from bank teller at Bank of Montreal in Vernon, kindergarten teacher at St. Andrews in North Vancouver, positions at Nolan’s Drugs and the Design Center in Vernon, and she finally retired from the Marysville School district where she taught remedial reading for children in Washington State.
She loved to read, the bigger the book the better, and she was carried off in the stories she read, which inspired her wicked sense of humour and her imaginative creativity. She also enjoyed performing in theatre, the spotlight was always welcome, and she always earned her applause.
Singing was her greatest joy, as she sang with numerous groups and choirs, a long stint with “The Folk Song Four”, with her sister Jean and lifelong friends Jan and Molly. Choirs she sang with carried her across the nation and to many Eastern European countries including Russia, and to top it off, a performance with “Aura” choir and Mel, at Carnegie Hall.
Always quick with a witty comeback for every occasion, she will be greatly missed. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mel; son, Ross; parents, William and Esther (Bumphrey) Nichol and siblings Jean (Nichol) Poggemiller and Ian Nichol.
She is survived by her daughters, Donna, and Nancy and son in law Anthony Zermeno all of Birch Bay Washington, grandchildren Christopher and Erin, numerous nieces and nephews, and other extended family.
Many thanks to family and friends in Vernon, who were a great support to her for so many years and to Penny for her tireless devotion and care. Also, thank you to Canterbury Court staff and Hospice House in Vernon who provided so much comfort to her in her final days.
A celebration of life service is scheduled on October 8th, 2022, for 2:00p.m. at Trinity United Church in Vernon. In lieu of flowers donations are welcome at Hospice House.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dorothy Garbutt August 29th 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Vernon, Province: Colombie britanique