Elizabeth Vale Bordeaux

August 9, 1936 - November 18, 2018
Elizabeth died peacefully at Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, B.C., taking solace in the absolute love of her family.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 38 years, Corlin Wilfred Bordeaux and adult children Stuart Gilray (Jazmine); Barbara Wiebe (Tom); Ann Gilray (Markus) and Janet Gilray (Rick); grandchildren Vanessa, Paige and Jillian Wiebe and Dallas Gilray. She is also survived and mourned by extended family near and far.

Born and raised in Montreal, Elizabeth was a graduate of The Study (an avid member of the debate team!) and McGill University, Bachelor of Arts. She went on to receive teaching certification at University of Toronto (1958) and Simon Fraser University (1978). In 1960 she moved to the farm in the Hazelmere Valley, B.C. where she raised her family and where she and Corlin continued to live.

As teacher, mentor, steward or judge, she touched countless lives and her honest, always caring, considered opinions and instruction will be missed by all. Elizabeth gave freely of her time and expertise, devoting thousands of volunteer hours as Brown Owl; District Commissioner, Girl Guides of Canada; Chair, Jump Canada; Chair and Board member, Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW); Board Member, Third Age Learning at Kwantlen; Secretary, White Rock Concerts Association.

Her time spent as steward and judge in the horse world spanned the globe over five decades. Recipient of many awards and commendations, perhaps her proudest were those honors bestowed by her peers as Equine Canada and Jump Canada elected her to the Jump Canada Hall of Fame, also recognizing her as Volunteer of the Year. Twice. Ever the teacher, her receipt of award or accolade with grace and humility will endure as lessons to us all.

A Celebration of Life will be held December 6, 2018 at 1:00 pm Pacific Standard Time at Victory Memorial Park, 14831 28 Avenue, Surrey, B.C. V4P1P3.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her name to the CFUW Bursary Foundation. Elizabeth was a founding member of the bursary program in her chapter. This bursary provides funds to young women who demonstrate the highest caliber of scholastic excellence and determination and that might otherwise not be able to enjoy the benefits of the education they strive to achieve.

Surrey / White Rock Bursary Foundation, PO Box 75039, Surrey, B.C. V4A 0B1 E: cfuw.wr.s@gmail.com.