Valerie G. RAYMOND

1951 - 2023

Valerie G. Raymond October 21, 1951 - December 11, 2023 It is with profound sadness that Valerie's family announces her death from cancer. Valerie died peacefully, aged 72, on December 11, 2023, in the Victoria Hospice. Her husband, Tom, was with her. Her childhood in Winnipeg and Edmonton was a classic Canadian immigrant family story of that era, with grandparents born in Kiev, Odessa and Bucharest. Childhood summers were spent crisscrossing the prairies by rail from Edmonton to Winnipeg and back with her older sister, Rochelle, to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. From the age of 10, the time of the Cuban missile crisis, she became a "news junkie." Following Canadian and international news became a lifetime interest, and spirited discussions of developments near and far were always a favourite pastime. She set out to become a journalist, and was thrilled to be hired as a junior reporter at the Ottawa Citizen after studying history and political science at the University of Guelph and journalism at Ottawa's Carleton University. Following a year studying French at Quebec City's Laval University, her career path turned to the federal public service. During more than 25 years with the (then) Department of Foreign Affairs, she served in a number of increasingly responsible positions, but was especially committed to international human rights and women's equality issues. Accepting a secondment to Status of Women Canada, she was proud to be asked to coordinate the federal government's policies and positions for the 4th United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing, China (1995). Her last Ottawa-based position was Director General of the Canadian Foreign Service Institute, Canada's diplomatic training institute. Abroad, she was honoured to be appointed to three ambassadorial positions: high commissioner to New Zealand and six Pacific Island countries (1997-2001); high commissioner to Sri Lanka (2002-2005); and ambassador to the Czech Republic and Slovakia (2009-2012). Leading Canada's diplomatic mission in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in the months after the Boxing Day 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, then the deadliest tsunami in recorded history, was both her greatest career challenge and most memorable experience. During these years and a previous marriage, Valerie had the privilege and joy of raising her daughter, Alexandra. Retirement and relocation to Victoria with her beloved husband, Tom de Faye, in fall 2012 led to her happiest years. Valerie and Tom met in the autumn of their lives and cherished their 20-plus years together. Together, they discovered the joy of walking and hiking with friends on Vancouver Island and hiking holidays further afield - from Croatia and Montenegro to England's Lake District, from Italy's Amalfi Coast to northern Spain's Camino de Santiago. They loved discovering the world together, whether cruising the Nile or Mekong Rivers, sailing around South America or exploring the magnificent BC coastline closer to home. Iceland was to be their last memorable trip together. Amongst their greatest joys was spending time at their happy home and in the company of friends and family. Valerie also cherished mother-daughter trips with Alexandra, from exploring Berlin to hiking in Slovenia, to their last trip together to the island of Malta. In retirement, Valerie discovered a whole new world of interests and friendships through active volunteering. She served as president of both the Newcomers' Club of Greater Victoria and the Uplands Probus (Professional and Business) Club; and on the executive of the Victoria chapter of the Canadian International Council. A highlight was six years on the board of the wonderful Victoria Symphony, working in particular on the Symphony's annual fund-raising Galas. In her last year, she enjoyed working with the wonderful team at the Monterey Recreation Centre reception. A special pleasure was serving as a tour docent at Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant-Governor (LG) of BC, explaining the history of the House and the important role and responsibilities of the LG in our system of government. Always important to her were many cherished women friends, including Edmonton school friends and close friends from her many years in Ottawa and in the diplomatic service. In Victoria, she was grateful for the warm friendships she made with members of her Friday morning walking group and Carryoner Book Club, all of whom shared her deep love of reading. A harsh winter wind ended Valerie's happy autumn years with the diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer. In her final months, farewelling beloved family and friends became her priority. They all helped her celebrate her wonderful life before her passing. Valerie was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Evelyn Raymond. She is survived by her husband, Tom de Faye (Maj-Gen ret'd); daughter, Alexandra Verzuh; sister, Rochelle (Ken) Heidt; brother, Charles Raymond; and many adored sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Heartfelt thanks to brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Margaretha de Faye, Dr. Tara McCallan, Dr. Mark Lawson, community health nurse, Mikaela Jeffery, OT Sarah Northrup, Dr. K. Schneider, and the Victoria Hospice team for their dedicated, competent and compassionate care. A private family farewell has been held. Valerie's final resting place will be at the Veterans Cemetery, God's Acre, as this beautiful historic site is commonly known. If desired, donations in memory of Valerie may be made to the Victoria Symphony Society, the Victoria Hospice or a Charity of Your Choice.