April 18, 1950 - July 17, 2019
Our dear Dorothy, so full of spirit, has died suddenly from a heart condition after a rich and dynamic life. She is mourned by her beloved daughter Natasha and son-in-law Jon Hockin, precious granddaughters Zoe and Lucy, her surviving siblings Renee (Brian McKenna), Carol (Dave Hone) and Gerry (Kelly Blackwood), her niece Mackenzie as well as her wide community of relatives, friends and colleagues.
Born in Edmonton, in her early adult life Dorothy settled in B.C. with her infant daughter. Among her activities in Vancouver, she co-established The Sunshine Sandwich Shop, a popular Kitsilano cafe, and was an actors' agent and stockbroker assistant.
After years of vacationing on Wickaninnish island with Natasha, in 1987 she made her dream of living in Tofino a reality. A pioneer in ecotourism, she established the Tofino Sea Kayaking Company promoting Clayoquot Sound as a valuable wilderness destination and supporting its preservation.
With her dedication to the community, entrepreneurial flair and ability to connect people, she was instrumental in the creation of the Clayoquot Oyster Festival and contributed to the cultural life of the community in numerous ways. An avid reader, she shared this passion by hosting public readings by visiting writers, and also supported local artists and events. Dorothy believed in service and making her community a better place. She was a dedicated councillor for the District of Tofino, where she was serving her fourth term as a passionate advocate for sustainable development, environmentalism and housing issues.
She was honoured to work and live in the unceded territory of the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht, and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nationsâ€"the first peoples of the lands and waters now called Clayoquot Sound. Dorothy was thrilled that Natasha and her family had recently moved to Tofino to assume responsibility for the business, and she was looking forward to having more time to spend with Zoe and Lucy, refining her skills as a water colourist and enjoying travel adventures.
Dorothy touched the lives of so many people; she will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Tofino in the fall. Details to be announced at a later date.
Donations can be made in her memory to:
Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Society
Friends of Clayoquot Sound
Tofino General Hospital Foundation