Tribute

Gloria Irene Wick
Born on Aug. 11, 1952 in Victoria, BC – Died on Dec. 31, 2010 in Powell River, BC

Gloria was an artist, lover, daughter, sister, mother, master planner, wife and wild child all wrapped up in a woman whose love for her family, and sense of responsibility meant she would worry for and take care of any and all she thought needed. Gloria was born in Victoria, BC and grew up in a loving and beautiful home created by her father, Walter Wick and mother, Margery Wick (nee Buchan), along with sister, Patti Stockwell (nee Wick). Although Gloria did not receive formal post secondary education, she was a life- long learner in the accounting, administrative, and fine arts. She showed her work in several galleries, most recently at Artique in Powell River, and some of her favorite moments in life were spent with a paint brush in hand, looking out from her studio, listening to the birds, and painting sun kissed west coast scenes and skies. In her early twenties, Gloria lived in Victoria where she met and married a navy man, John Richard Thistle, and in 1975, Gloria gave birth to her daughter Patricia Marian Thistle. After separating from her husband and their subsequent divorce, Gloria went in search of a new beginning in a familiar setting and Gloria moved with Tricia to Nanaimo. Never one to shy from love, it always came to find her. In Gloria”s early forties, at the hands of her sister and the sister of her husband, Gloria was first introduced to Kenneth James Day, and the two began a deep and abiding friendship as pen pals. Ken and the rest of his family were quick to embrace Gloria as part of their family and so began the last 15 year love affair the two have shared together. Known for her laughter, love and exuberance for life Gloria found a great many kindred spirits along her journey. She lived in Victoria, Nanaimo, Portland, Vancouver and found her most recent community in Powell River, British Columbia. Gloria is predeceased by her mother Margery Irene Wick (nee Buchan). She is survived by her husband Ken Day; father, Walter Wick; daughter, ”Shone” Patricia Thistle and daughter-in-law Christine Lorraine Davey; stepdaughter, Jacquie Gillespie (nee Day) and son-in-law Chris Gillespie; Jenny Day and son-in-law Tom Komisarski, and Kristie Day and son-in-law Larry Renner; sister, Patti Stockwell (nee Wick) and brother in law Jim Stockwell; step-sister, Lisa Singer (nee Barton) and brother in law, Bill Singer and step-brother, Robert Barton; former stepsons, Tyler and Kyle, and grandchildren Andrew, Caroline, Luke and Jack, and a great many more whom she would call family. Gloria passed after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She lived as she died, fiercely independent, and filled with gratitude. In lieu of flowers to the family, it was Gloria”s wish that donations be made to either The Variety Club of British Columbia, the Christian Children Fund of Canada or any charity of your choice in her name.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 8, 2010 at 3:00 pm, at St. David and St. Paul”s in Powell River, British Columbia. Arrangements entrusted to Stubberfield Funeral Home Ltd, if you wish to express condolences, please visit funeral home website, www.stubberfieldfh.com