RITA MARGARET BASHAW (BELLEVUE). In the comforting presence of family, Rita passed away with serenity in her heart on January 3, 2014 in Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, BC. At age 91, she succumbed to pneumonia after struggling courageously for many years with osteoporosis. Rita was predeceased by husband Wallace; sister Rosine and brothers Maurice and Kenneth. Rita is survived by sister Anne; children Ted (Colleen), Howard and Andrea (Barry) and her spirited granddog Landy; grandchildren Jessica and Nathan (Sarah); and great grandchildren Seth and Noah. Born 05 March 1922, Vernon BC, Rita was the daughter of Eugene Bellevue and Jessie Jane Reid. The Reid family immigrated in 1903 from Aberdeenshire, Scotland to the Lavington area where they established the Bennachie Ranch. Her family guardians included William Jr. (uncle Bill), Robert Willox Hamilton (uncle Bob), James (uncle Jim), Katherine Davidson (aunt Kate), Annie Smith (aunt Annie), and uncle Charles. Growing up, Rita and her siblings attended the one-room Lavington schoolhouse. Helping on the farm, Rita would regularly walk miles through the surrounding hills, often collecting wild flowers that she pressed and kept. She was a certified beekeeper and produced prize-winning honey. Rita worked in the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, and later joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps, serving at Camp Borden, Ontario, and later at Jericho Beach Garrison, Vancouver, BC. She met Wallace Eugene Bashaw (1926-1974) skiing on Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains, and both were members of the Grouse Mountain Tyee Ski Runners. They were married on April 19, 1952. Wallace was the grandson of Eugene Bashaw, pioneer and town founder of Bashaw, Alberta. Always keen to learn and share, Rita pursued a range of interests, and enrolled in various courses in her mature years. She was particularly enthusiastic about natural and herbal remedies (as evidenced in her treasured garden!). A member of the local art club, Rita was active as an artist throughout her life, spending many fulfilling hours sketching, painting and working with her favourite pastels. A long-time resident of White Rock, Rita was a warm and humorous inspiration to all around her. Brave, determined and feisty, she lived independently with the assistance of Veterans Affairs Canada and Fraser Health; in addition, the family is deeply grateful to Rita’s many friends and neighbours who helped and watched over her with kindness and generosity. Although it is with great sorrow that we announce her passing, it is also with deep gratitude and comforting reassurance, knowing that her life was full and enriched. Rita is loved and greatly missed.