Our Mom/Grandma Fran/G.G. quietly passed away at the Royal Jubilee Hospital 3 weeks short of her 99th birthday. Fran, who lived in her family home of 70 years, was a native Victorian born to parents Reginald and Myra Rigby. She attended Sir James Douglas, Victoria High School (Class of 41), Victoria College and Provincial Normal School. She taught Grade 1 at Vic West Elementary.
She met Harold when they were children (their fathers worked together) and that friendship blossomed to a 5-decade marriage until Harold passed in 2000.
Fran, Harold and their boys enjoyed the Hare cottage at Deep Cove where they spent their summers creating memories and lasting friendships which she fondly spoke of to the end. After they sold the cottage, they bought a sailboat and explored many beautiful spots on the Salish Sea. Fran was an avid fisher.
The family grew an enviable garden which they enjoyed over the summer, shared with their neighbours, and canned the excess for winter use. She baked her own (wonderful) bread and other baked goods. Her carbon footprint was minimal and admirable.
When her children were older, she worked as an assistant at Harold’s dental practice.
Defying all odds, she fought and overcame a grave cancer diagnosis 20 years ago. Her oncologist referred to Fran as her miracle patient. Perhaps a beer at 11:00 each day was her secret.
After Harold’s passing, Fran became a docent at the Royal Victoria Museum where she volunteered for 15+ years. She made good use of her teaching skills and enjoyed many friendships there. She loved the docent trips exploring BC and its museums.
Fran will be sorely missed by her sons Doug and Rob (Jan), step Grandchildren Alexander (Sarah) and Elana (Jerrett) plus 3 great-grandchildren.
No service by request but the family will tip a beer at 11:00 on her birthday in her honour.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lauri Roche
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Martha Pollatsek and Chuck Garrett Rob, Jan and Doug,
We’ve always enjoyed the dinners over the holidays that we were able to share with Fran.
She had her own unique style and was a very classy lady. She always had a sparkle in her eye
and interesting stories to tell.
Our condolences.
Martha and Chuck
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Barb Dempsey Rob, Jan and Doug
So many memories from our Deep Cove days. Especially on beach where Fran would let down her hair and become a mermaid, summer picnics and watching her with your Dad heading out fishing.
I enjoyed visiting her house after decades and finding her unchanged.
A very special lady.
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Heather Rhodes Fran was a lady to marvel at and will be missed. What a life she’s has had, and I am so happy to be part of the Hare family gatherings and allowed to enjoy many meals together. There will definitely be an empty seat at the table. Rob, Jan, and Doug take care and my thought are with you all.
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Heather Dempsey I have very fond Deep Cove memories of all the Hares. As a little girl I was especially in awe of Fran’s timeless beauty and calm – I think it was that cascade of gorgeous hair when she let down her bun! She had great style and poise, plus she could laugh! I’m thrilled to hear of the daily beer! My thoughts are with you Doug and Rob.
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Jim Dempsey Rob, Doug, and Jan
I think that you can appreciate the Dempsey association with the Hare family over the past 60+ years. Our little bay in the Deep Cove community was, I am sure, a formaitave time for all of us. Fishing and jigging, oysters, and sailing/on water and models have become a focus of my life, a continent away, but not forgotten, from Madrona Drive. In our own ways, Hares and Dempseys have made their mark in Canada’s understanding of the marine world that surrounds us.
I am so happy that I and my family could join you and Fran for her birthday in 2020. She was a special influence in my life…
You always will be special in my memories,
Forever Yours,
Jim
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Mitch & Tish Estabrooks Rob and Family
Sending sincere condolences to each of you during this sad time.
Fran was lovely to work with at the Royal BC Museum. I remember her well in the galleries and supporting other volunteers at meetings. What an interesting and long life she had. Would that we will all be so lucky. She will be missed.