October 18,1942-November 17, 2012
It is with extreme sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Ariel Furse, surrounded by her family at St. Joseph's General Hospital.
Ariel is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Ray; her sister Joy (Carman); brother Jim (Lucille); her four children: Marty (Carolyn), Rusty (Kari), Shannon, and Gillian (Lane); her eleven grandchildren: Justin, Mikaela, Jonathan, Julia, Jenna, Malia, Natasha, Ariel, Miranda, Donovan, and Zachary and many loving nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Ariel was born in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Her family soon moved to Saskatoon. Extremely accomplished in whatever she did, she became a concert violinist (Saskatoon Symphony 7 years), Saskatchewan Provincial high diving champion for junior ladies, national level gymnast, and probably the best 'jiver' in the city.
Ray and Ariel fell in love and a year and a half later, were married on January 2, 1963. A three day 'honeymoon' in 20 below winter in a borrowed car and then to work. Ariel earned her PHT (Putting Hubby Through university) as a private secretary while Ray earned his B.Comm at U. of S., moving to Calgary in '66 and on to Prince Rupert in '68 and then on to their final home in '74, Courtenay, B.C. In Courtenay, all heaven broke loose when the family met Jesus with Ariel leading the way. On our small 'farm' she raised her family and became a world class cook, a very creative seamstress, taught violin lessons, became a top level hair stylist, hosted exciting bible studies in our kitchen, and after her first two strokes five years ago, became a very accomplished artist.
A celebration of Ariel's life will take place on Dec. 1, 2012 at Comox Pentecostal Church at 2 p.m. Reception and fellowship to follow in the Church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the B.C. Stroke Foundation in Ariel's name.
A special thank you to Fran McGuckin, Ariel's best friend, for her love and help in the years after Ariel's first stroke five years ago. And to Dr. Peter Gee for going beyond the call and to all the doctors and nurses and staff at St. Joseph's Hospital (especially Emergency, ICU, and 3rd Floor) who gave exceptional compassionate care to Ariel and our family. Special thanks as well to the Stroke and Speech Therapy Group in Campbell River and Nanaimo for their special support and friendship. And to her 'Painting group' friends who gave Ariel real 'life after stroke' fun.
And for His mysterious and wonderful grace, our family thanks our wonderful Lord and friend, Jesus.
This obituary was originally published in the Comox Valley Echo (Courtenay, BC).
