It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Arlene Katherine Lorna Burwash of Fruitvale, British Columbia, on October 18th 2019 at the age of 84 years. Arlene was born and raised in Warfield, the youngest daughter of Bert and Anne Burwash.
She was an animal lover, rescuing dogs and cats from a young age and that remained a passion all her life. She inherited a love of gardening from her parents and created lovely iris and perennial gardens at her rural property. Arlene worked most of her career at Cominco/Teck in Trail beginning in the typing pool and advancing to an executive position. She was also a volunteer on the Red Mountain Ski Patrol and later at the Beaver Valley library.
Arlene was a passionate supporter of gender equality and was proudly an early member of feminist organizations in Trail and the Slocan. Jazz lover, birdwatcher, traveler, conservationist, and community supporter, Arlene was a unique individual. She will be mightily missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her loving sister, Laura Peat Lucin of Kaslo, also her sister-in-law, Joan Burwash of Surrey. She was pre-deceased by her sister Beverley De Biasio Thomson, her brother Albert (Bud) Burwash, and brothers-in-law Ugo De Biasio, Jack Thomson, James Peat, and George Lucin. She was the beloved adventurous aunt to Jeff Burwash (Chris), Stuart Burwash (Judi), Lindsay Burwash (Nancy), Robin Burwash (Maureen) and Leslee Burwash (George) and their families, to Larry Peat (Barb)) and David Peat (Linda) and their families, to Derek De Biasio (Diana), Randy De Biasio, Shannon Anima, and Blake De Biasio (Chris) and their families.
The family wants to acknowledge her many treasured friends and particularly to thank Frankie Williams and Bryan Earthy, Susan and Gerry LaRoque, and also Dr. Fiona Dryden for their selfless dedication supporting Arlene during illness with cancer so that she could remain at home with her cherished animals in the Beaver Valley.
There will be an informal memorial gathering at her home for family and friends on 3rd November at 2pm at her home. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in Arlene’s name to Ducks Unlimited (www.ducks.ca) , the West Kootenay SPCA (www.spca.bc.ca/donations/west-kootenay), or the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation (www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca)
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Arlene Katherine Lorna Burwash October 18th 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique