Obituary of Valerie June Naslund

Valerie June Naslund - partner, mother, sister, cousin, friend, aunt, social worker/manager, wine lover, political junkie, and cat person - was born on December 5, 1958, in Camrose, AB, and died in Calgary, AB, on March 24, 2023 at the age of 64. Val was the daughter of Hazel and Harold Naslund.

Val will be fondly remembered, and her absence felt profoundly, by her partner of 32 years Ian Byles; friends for many years before their romantic relationship began. Val is also remembered by her children Tom and Hannah; her brothers Nathan (Catherine), and Colin (Jo-Anne); her nephews John (Yulin) and Eric (Olena); and many, many friends.

Val spent her childhood on the farm. She always had a joie de vivre that she developed at a young age. She attended CGIT, United Church camps, sang in the junior choir, and acted in high school drama productions that began a love for the arts, especially ballet and theatre.

Her academic career began at the Camrose Lutheran College, where she studied for a year before moving to Calgary to complete a social work degree at U of C. After working for a couple of years in Child Welfare Services, she was granted an educational leave to pursue a graduate degree in social work at Dalhousie University. A most wise investment made by the Alberta government. Except for her short time in Halifax, NB, Calgary was home for the rest of her life.

Before Val became ill, she worked as a social worker, supervisor, and office manager for 38 years. Her career was central to who she was, and she was saddened when she couldn’t return to work part-time. Her colleagues speak of Val as a tireless advocate for children and families, a skilled clinician, and an inspired leader in a challenging field of practice. She remained on the board of the Canadian Child Abuse Association for 35 years. 

Val managed all this while raising two delightful kids. She gave her all to being a parent, passing on her love of dance, drama, and choir. She attended all recitals and sports activities, even volunteering for overnight Brownie camps. Both Tom and Hannah were strongly encouraged (forced?) to learn a musical instrument. Tom would probably give her a little credit for what a skilled piano and guitar player he has become. Always available to her kids for a chat over coffee or ice cream on the porch, these every day yet special moments bound them close.    

There were family trips to Mexico, California, and New York but the epic one was to Sweden, not only with her teenagers, but her elderly mother. That takes a special kind of courage - Val was always up for a challenge.     

Val was the least judgemental person. If she was judging you, you were really messing up. She gave everyone the benefit of the doubt which translated into her special kindness. Her friends will miss her wine tasting, summer solstice parties, and all the joy she brought to them. Nothing beat hanging out on the porch with Val.

She told the best stories about everything; where she bought her cute yellow coat, why we were drinking this particular bottle of Rosé, or how to prepare a quick weekday meal. Being with her was not only fun but full of insightful conversation. She was always aware of what was going on in provincial and federal politics, informed by the CBC but never dogmatic. Val had an uncommon wisdom.

With never-ending health problems for five years, Val lived as fully as possible, she didn’t want illness to define her. She did a damn good job. 

“Our lives are as fragile as the smallest falling star that flashes across the dome of night. We blaze for a moment and then we are gone.” (Mary Pipher) Although her life ended too early, Val did blaze as only she could.

Funeral Services will be held at Parkdale United Church (2919- 8th Ave, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow at Julia Jones’ Home (4511 Stanley Drive SW, Calgary, AB). Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In memory of Val, please wear to the memorial whatever colour that brings you joy. For Val, this was always yellow.

In living memory of Valerie June Naslund, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-243-8200.