Ian and family,

I will always remember Val fondly. May you all find peace and joy in your memories of her. I’m grateful to have been able to share in her celebration of life last Saturday; it was such a beautiful tribute to her.

God bless,

Marla Gill- Gentile

Val will always be remembered for her warm smile and her compassion for others. I remember her ability to see humor and the "lighter side" in difficult circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ian, the children and extended family.

My condolences to Val’s family. This is a great loss to all. I’ll always remember Val for her intelligence, compassion, infectious sense of humour - and utterly calm refusal to blindly follow my advice until I explained it to her satisfaction. Thanks for holding me to account and making me earn my pay. You made me better.

It has taken me awhile to write words that are worthy of Val. I met Val over 40 years ago in the old « North » office. We shared many adventures in our work; with her fear of birds and my fear of cats, we had interesting visits. We often spoke of what it took to be a good worker in our field: a brain, a heart and courage, (Scarecrow, TinMan and the Cowardly Lion). She had these qualities a hundred fold. She could laugh at herself, at ourselves; so intelligent and kind. We used to text during Jays games, yes, Val, go Bichette! I think of her often and my heart goes out to you, Ian, Thomas Hannah, and the rest of her family. She was quite the woman!

How very sad to hear of Val's passing; my first thoughts are for the loss felt by all of her family. Val was ever present in my career with Children's Services and I consider myself very fortunate, and honored, to have benefitted from the wisdom of Val. Her sense of humor, calm presentation and depth of knowledge was always appreciated and timely. Val's presence inspired staff, wherever she worked, and I valued conversations we had, over the years, whether it be about an emotional/difficult work decision, what our children were up to, meeting for breakfast at Denny's or sharing a quick laugh. My only wish was that everyone could have had a 'Val' at work. Rest in Peace.

Val was one of the finest soul that both my wife Azmina and I had the opportunity to work with. Her kindness, compassion and warmth radiated through her smile. She will be dearly missed and we pray her soul rest in eternal peace. We also pray Ian and the family find the courage and fortitude to deal with her loss.

Best Regards Always,

Azmina and Shiraz Shariff

My sincere condolences. I remember Val so well in our drama productions at Camrose Composite High School. Val excelled in drama. She starred in The Children’s Story which received high acclaim at the Provincial Competition in Calgary.

My most heartfelt condolences to Val’s family on the loss of such a lovely presence. I feel fortunate to have worked with Val and been witness to her quick wit, compassion, ingenuity; a wonderful colleague and gifted leader. Val blazed a trail and set a standard in her work ethic and skill no doubt felt for years to come. That knowing smile, so sweet.

My condolences to Val’s family and friends and really to all who come in touch with Val because she left her mark on anyone she met. Val was a pioneer in the field of social work, advancing new ideas and willing to step up and take risks, to try out new ideas. She challenged gently but firmly and took every opportunity to teach or learn. Val you will be missed but never forgotten!

Dear Ian and family,

My condolences to all of you for your loss. Val was an amazing person in so many ways, will be missed and always remembered. Thoughts are with you at this time.

Our deepest condolences to Ian, Tom, Hannah and all Val’s family members. As a staff, a colleague, a teammate, a friend, I learned a lot from Val. She was our great model as a social worker and a great social services leader and administrator.

Val was the bravest women I know! She was positive, confident and aspired us to fulfill our goals and dreams. She was a beautiful person, both inside and outside. I am so privileged to have known her and worked with her. Words cannot ease the hurt but loving memories can help. May fond memories replace the sadness in your heart. She will be missed dearly but never forgotten!

Rest in Peace! Val

Condolences to Val’s family and everyone who knew and loved her. I will miss your contagious laugh Val. I have fond memories of parent council, end of school year parties and wine and chats on your porch. You are missed

Our deepest condolences to Ian, Tom and Hannah. Val will be much missed. She was a bright light in our neigbourhood. We spent many hours together volunteering at the school, ranting about politics and drinking wine in your backyard! She was smart, insightful and funny. Her stories about her adventures over the years were always hilarious. We hope you can take comfort in the wonderful memories of a great woman. Thinking of you, Michelle and Chris

Ian, Tom and Hannah - all of us who worked with Val share similar memories of her dedication and commitment to her work, the countless hours she volunteered with the Child Abuse Program and her continual quest to do better for the families we work for - rest easy Val.

Linda Eirikson

My deepest and sincere condolences to Ian and family. May the beautiful memories Val has left provide you with comfort during this difficult time.

I've known Val for the past 45 years as we met at university as spring chickens. She's been one of my oldest and dearest friends even though we've lived in separate countries. Whenever we saw each other, we picked up where we left off. Val was always funny and self depreciating. She told the best stories of her screw ups. She was loving and kind and I will miss her forever.

I knew Val many years ago in Child Protection Services. Her job required a lot of courage and compassion and she had both in spades. I am so deeply sorry to hear of your loss.

Ian, Tom and Hannah please know that many people are thinking of you during this most difficult time. Many of us feel we know you through the heartwarming, funny (in a kind way of course) and pride filled stories Val would tell about you all. And once I had my own child, I would recall some of the creative parenting techniques Val and Ian had to come up with to outsmart you kids. There was one week at the Dover office where Val showed up with a mouse and keyboard in her bag each day (before laptops were common obviously). Val was an amazing mentor and had a way of imparting knowledge that made people receptive and appreciative of the help provided. As you know, she was loved, by so many people. She will be deeply missed and remembered fondly.

Our deepest sympathy Ian and family for the loss of such a beautiful sole. Val was an inspiration for me when I started in Social work. She served as one of the best and I know many of us were privileged to have worked with her. Val will deeply missed.

Paul

Dear Ian and family My deepest condolences. Val and I have shared a long career in social work often getting similar roles along the way. We enjoyed monthly get togethers for many years and will miss her smile and amazing compassion for others.

I will keep found memories of her always.

Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time

Diane Charlebois

Val and I met at a young age when we were both doing our BSW at U of C. Through our wonderful lifelong friendship, we shared both our passion for Social Work & and respective life adventures. Val was an amazing woman whose smile, compassion and very fun and lovely spirit will be dearly missed. I always admired her dedication and accomplishments in Child Welfare throughout her career, her tenacity for life and her love for her family. I will miss my beautiful friend and our long chats. My heart goes out to you Ian, Hannah and Tom during these sad days…Val will be missed by all those she touched but especially by all of you.

My deepest condolences to you and your family Ian. Val was a hard worker that always was able to put her clients first. She was a strong social worker that was able to guide new workers and teach them much needed skills as they worker through the complexity of dealing with many issues. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many workers who could always count on her for her words of wisdom . Rest in Peace Val .............................. Sandra Weir

Val and I met each other early in our careers. We worked together on several files and I loved the opportunity to learn from her. Val was bright, kind, compassionate and a pleasure to be with. Even when things were stressful and the work was challenging, she maintained her balance and an ability to look at the lighter side of life. I am so sorry for your loss Ian. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Ian, Hannah and Thomas

Sending my deep and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Val was an amazing and kind person. I have some fond memories of my time working with Val in the Investigation Team in the Willow Park office.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Rest In Peace Val

My experience with Val was limited but memorable. She was my supervisor in the '90's for a brief period. During that time she broke her leg and was in a cast due to a skiing accident I believe. I became her designated driver. We experienced great joy and intellectually stimulating conversations during our bonding time together. I am thinking of you, Val. I send my love to you, Ian.

Val was my manager for many years and I feel honoured and grateful for the time I spent with her and how she shaped my own practice. Val led with compassion, strength and wanted the best for her staff and clients. My heart goes out to her family and friends.

I have tried three times to say something about Val but I can only say, Val was loved and will be missed

Ian, Hannah and Tom,

Sharing in your sadness and thinking of all of you during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in your love for each other and memories of treasured times together. Val was an amazing woman, friend, mentor and colleague and will be missed.

Val was my supervisor at Dover and was a gem. She was unflappable in a crisis and was good at processing things. She had wisdom, experience and compassion. When we sometimes had different ideas about a way to address a concern I enjoyed our sometimes spirited discussions. She trusted her staff and was admired and respected in return. My condolences to Ian, Tom and Hannah. Val was a lovely person.

Ian and Family

I was saddened to hear about Val

We worked together for many years and I always thought highly of Val

May God Bless Val and your family and give you comfort and peace

Ian, Tom and Hannah. I was saddened to hear of Val's passing. When I think of her, I think of the laughs we had over lunch, her generous spirit, compassion towards others, a mother's pride and support of her colleagues. May your many memories wrap you in a warm hug.

Val lead our Hunterhorn team with compassion, care and encouragement. Although the work was heavy and challenging, she made sure there was a spirit of support and friendship which I appreciated- and those monthly cakes from Lionel's! The bravery and strength she showed in the face of her medical struggles seemed unending and the love she had for her family and friends was HUGE. I am truly sorry for your loss. She made an impact on so many.

Val was my centre lead for several years while I was at Hunterhorn. I count her among the best bosses I’ve had, and am grateful for my time with her. She led in a way that left me feeling supported, trusted and confident. She gave wise advice and helped me grow my skill. She was a kind, caring and just human being. Even though my time with her was many years ago, I can still remember her laugh and the feeling of her presence in a conversation.

Val, when I had the time, I never expressed clearly and directly enough how much I appreciated you and my time with you. Thank you for being you, and for everything you gave to others. You will be remembered. Carmen De Menech

Ian, Hannah and Tom please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Val. She was such an inspirational, intelligent, compassionate woman and it was my great honour to call her my friend. Take good care of each other.

Ian, Hannah and Tom, I am so very sad that Val has passed. She was an amazing woman and a much-loved friend, mentor, and confidante. My heart is broken - I will miss our long discussions and lunches. In child welfare, she will be remembered for her support and development of those in her office and team. She was committed to the safety and well-being of children and families and was the consummate professional. Her legacy will live on in the practice of many social workers who are still guided by her experience and wise counsel. But most of all, her wonderful spirit is reflected in the love she had for her family and friends. The world will be “lesser” without her in it. Salutis my dear friend….Love you. xxoo