Tribute

Rettig, (Elsie) Carolyn

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Rettig (nee Herd), beloved mother and grandmother. She died peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, March 1, 2019. She leaves behind 3 children: Nadine, Marilyn (Ben), Allen (Carolynn) and 6 grandchildren: Thomas, Frank, Linden, Mallory, Olivia and Erica. Also left to grieve are her brothers Bob and Jim, sister-in-law Jenny (Keewatin, Ontario) and brother/sister-in-law Günter and Selma (Weinheim, Germany), brother-in-law Bill (Langley, BC) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Werner in 2012, and sisters Donna, Lorna and Norma, and brother Bill. Carol was born August 12, 1932 in Keewatin, Ontario to parents Andy and Elsie Herd. Carol spent most of her childhood in Keewatin and a few years in Scotland with her family. She lived in Vancouver as a young adult and then moved to Youbou where her sister Norma and family lived.  There she met her soul mate Werner. They were married in 1957 and enjoyed 55 years together on their own little piece of paradise.  Our mother was amazing.  Family was most important to her and her love was unconditional.  She was always cheerful, supportive and kind, and very proud of her family – especially her grandchildren.  Mom had many interests but being an artist was the most fulfilling for her.  She began painting in 1966 and in 1970 she was a founding member of the Kaatza Art Group. She was the group’s first president. She also joined the Crofton Art Group in 1971. She became each group’s longest standing member and was always there to help. She had a lot of fun over the years with her fellow artists and she especially enjoyed travelling around the island on painting trips. Her art work has been in many galleries and shows and has won awards, she previously belonged to the Federation of Canadian Artists and she has been featured in the local newspaper numerous times.  Her love of nature comes through in her paintings.  She was at home in the woods where she spent many years picking salal and mushrooms.  Another of Mom’s passions was gardening and in 2009 she happily joined the vendors at the Honeymoon Bay Market. The market quickly became her focus and she would work tirelessly in her garden, kitchen and studio. Our mother had a very generous and optimistic nature, a wonderful zest for life and energy to spare. She is a hard act to follow and will be missed by many.  Thanks Mom (and Dad) for giving us solid ground to stand upon.  Many thanks to Dr. Kerswell and the wonderful staff at the Cowichan District Hospital.  A celebration of life for family and friends will be held June 23 at Honeymoon Bay Hall from 2 to 5 pm.