Eva Berta Vinderskov

The remarkable journey of Eva Vinderskov (nee Trottner) ended one month short of her 90^th birthday, with her content and at peace, her children by her side.

Born in Berlin during the Great Depression, Eva was separated from her parents and endured terrible hardship during WWII.  She survived a harrowing return to Berlin when the war ended, fortunately to be reunited with her parents, then was able to complete her education, including trade school training in accounting.

While on holiday in Sorrento, Italy, in 1953, Eva met the love of her life, a handsome Dane named Erik Vinderskov.  They married in 1954 and, two years later, moved to Canada in search of adventure and a better life.  They ultimately settled in the remote community of Telegraph Cove where Erik began work in the specialty sawmill and, several years later, became a part owner.  Living in an historic house that still bears the “Vinderskov” name, fronting on the Cove’s renowned boardwalk, they raised three children and were happily anchored there until 1979, when Erik sold his interest in the mill and the family moved to Port McNeill. For the next two decades, Erik and Eva worked together in their successful enterprise “Erik’s Building Service”, supplying kitchen cabinets and other building products throughout the North Island.  Their business acumen provided the means to satisfy their lust for travel around the world and to use their beautiful sailboat to explore the amazing BC coast. The adventures, near and far, were many.

After Erik passed away (in 2010), Eva moved to Sidney and immersed herself fully in the local senior’s community.  She loved her townhome, tending to her lovely garden, hosting family and friends and enjoying many warm summer days on her patio.  But she still kept in close touch with the large network of friends she and Erik had made together, visiting in person when she could and otherwise using email, Facebook, traditional mail and telephone. A more thoughtful person the world has never known, she was adored by all who knew her.

Above all else, Eva was devoted to family, with whom she treasured any time spent together.  Her children know well that they won the lottery to have had Eva as a role model, loving parent, friend, supporter and mentor for 60+ years.  And she was a beloved “Oma” to her grandchildren and great grandson, to whom her unconditional love and support were generously extended.  She will be greatly missed but leaves an incredible legacy of memories with us all.

Eva is survived by daughters Anne Marie (Randy) and Lisa (Kurt), son Peter (Chantal, her daughter Sabrina), grandchildren Curtis, Garrett (Natalie), Lindsay, Sonya and Katrina (Lachlan) and great grandson Charlie.

The family wishes to acknowledge the caring staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Dr. Christina Coburn for her generous and compassionate service.  Donations are gratefully encouraged to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation (designated for palliative care).

At Eva’s request, there will be no formal memorial service or other celebration of life.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com