Tribute

Ethel H. Van Duzee

January 13, 1922 – August 9, 2022

After 100 interesting years Ethel Hutchinson Van Duzee passed away peacefully on 9 August 2022.  She was predeceased by her first husband, Fred Schaffer; her son, Gary Schaffer; her second husband, Frank Van Duzee; and 8 of her 9 siblings.  She is survived by her sister, Irene; daughter-in-law, Pat Schaffer; grandchildren Claire (Richter) and Curtiss Schaffer; 4 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.  She was born in Calgary 13 January 1922 and raised on a family farm near Compeer in south east Alberta.   In 1934, when the bank came to repossess the herd and land her father went for his rifle but mother intervened.  The family moved to Mayerthorpe where they started again and Ethel helped with raising the family for her partially disabled mother.  Her greatest regret was not being able to try out for the Edmonton Grads basketball team.  She left for Edmonton and married Fred.  Their son, Gary, was born in 1941. During the war she worked at various places most prominently as a telegraph operator.  She was widowed in 1946 when Fred died in a logging accident.  Following her sister to B.C.  she took up hair dressing and established a business in Osoyoos in 1948.  She married her second husband, ‘Van’, and they settled at Inkaneep Point.  In the early 1960’s they developed and then operated one of the first lakeside campsites, Van Acres, now the site of Sol Vita.  In retirement, they travelled extensively to Europe, Australia and Africa.  Later, with good friend Marge she travelled to China and Cuba among other destinations.

Ethel was always politically and socially active and a strong voice in the community. She was a fiery red head who believed that anything was possible.  When her son took up skiing she fearlessly embraced the sport.   She devoted many hours to activities such as the Arts Council as founding president, Pioneer Walkway, United Church Junior Circle and various oppurtunities where she showed her imagination and creativity such as producing special coifs for skits and shows.   Taking a cue from their travels she and Van proposed a theme for the town of Osoyoos and became founding members of The Spanish Development Society.   She was a charter member and a regular and enthusiastic participant at the Osoyoos Golf Club, although her cart driving was suspect. She was renowned for her production of skits and costumes at ladies’ functions.   Reading, holistic treatments, and a good game of bridge were her passions. Her community involvements were recognized with awards such as The Dogwood for her part in the Winter Games, Soroptimist Woman of the Year, and Town of Osoyoos Citizen of the Year 1985.

Ethel always described herself as ‘disgustingly healthy’ and reached her 100^th ‘without meds’ – although close friends questioned her denial of the need for eye glasses and a hearing aid.

There will be no service.  The family held a small gathering in her honour remembering the 80^th, 90^th and 100^th birthday parties at which she just ‘shone’.    Thank you to the kind staff at Sunnybank and McKinney who gave such comfort.  If friends wish, a donation in Ethel’s name can be made to a charity of choice.

Condolences and tributes can be left for the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com