Carrie Samoil-Ezart

SAMOIL-EZART, Carrie Anne Passed away in Vancouver, October 19, 2004 in the loving company of her husband Mike, parents Emily and Larry, and sister, Cindy. Although Carrie was with us for only a short 35 years, her contribution and inspiration were immense. Carrie's passion to make this world a better place was exemplified by her dedication to improving the opportunities for underprivileged youth. While studying at the University of Alberta for a degree in Psychology, she worked at the Young Offenders Centre in Edmonton. There she attempted to help teenagers develop into the kind of young adults that would serve them and society well. Shortly after graduating with her degree in 1993, Carrie moved to Vancouver to join the West End Community Centre as a Youth Counsellor. This was a position for which she was eminently suited and from which she drew great satisfaction and strength. Her leadership, enthusiasm, energy and dedication made a tremendous difference in the lives of West End Youth. These contributions did not go unrecognized as Carrie was named a Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotary International Award, for her work with emigre children from Eastern Europe and the former Yugoslavia. Even after being diagnosed with breast cancer, 4 days after she and Mike were married in September of 2000, a day she called "the most magical", she continued to provide encouragement to all of those around her. As Mike stood by her during her four year battle with cancer, their love and commitment grew, as together, they fought the disease. With Mike's devotion, Carrie refused to be afraid and continued to believe that life was for the living and that she was still able to love and to give. Carrie spoke openly and honestly about her disease to fellow patients, encouraging them as best she could. She also spoke, and was a sought after speaker at numerous Cancer Research Fund Raising events. As a final tribute, The West End Community Centre Association has honored Carrie by establishing "The Carrie Samoil Scholarship for Community Leadership", awarding annually, $1,000 to a graduating King George High School student who has demonstrated a commitment to the West End community, a spirit of volunteerism, leadership and academic excellence. As she wished, a "Celebration of Life" service was held for Carrie at the West End Community Centre on Saturday, October 23rd, attended by the family, colleagues, friends and proteges that she so dearly loved. Farewell "Care Bear", we love you and thank you. In Carrie's memory, donations may be made to WECCA - Carrie Samoil Memorial Fund, 870 Denman St., Vancouver BC, V6G 2L8 or the BC Cancer Foundation, Suite 200 - 601 West Broadway Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4C2.