24 — Sunday, March 1, 1998 — North Shore News IT’S not your average choice for conversation, I grani you that, but at the same time it really needs airing every once in a while. Everyone dies eventually, and whar happens to the Temains is to many of us a mat- ter for other people to worry about. Nor really fair, ch? because those left to make the arrange- ments are confronted with quite a number of options, and it seems indelicate, some- how, to just go ahead with what you yourself would choose or whatever an under- taker suggests. And though it’s vintage years not a subject you want to mull over a lot, it is sensible co dis- cuss the options and make your choice and relieve the people left behind. I got on to this rather melancholy subject simply because I had a phone call from a pleasant woman asking if she and her cohorts might come around as they would north shore news & SENIORS Gioomy subject needs to be cleared up like to give me some informa- tion on burials generally which they thought I would appreci- ate. I guess getting to be 80 is supposed to alert one, though ? contess T hadn’ given it any attention, bevond telling myself we weren't giving up Vet. Of course I acquieseed. Pd hate to die and leave a lot of nuisance problems for my hus- band and daughter. I've expressed my prefer- ence for cremation more than once, but [ve never investigat- ed what is involved and if there is something | should do beforehand to prepare for it. This sounded like a good chance to get clued up. Volunteers recognized for longtime service WST Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre recently recognized three volunteers for their longtime service to the centre. Betty Crowther, Barbara McMechan and = Marion Appleton have together con- tnbuted 46 years of volunteer service at the West Vancouver facility. All three were acknowl-- edged for their volunteer con- tributions Feb. 19 during the centre’s annual general meet- ing. Seniors’ centre supervisor Jill Johnson praised the three volunteers for their readiness to assist and nurture the development of the centre in a variety of ways. “The commitment, dedi- cation and strong community support that cach member has given is truly a gift of generos- ity,” said Johnson. Crowther’s work with the centre began in °75 through “The commitment .. and strong community support that each member has given is truly a gift-of genorosity” Special Services, an outreach program that provides com- fort and support for shut-ins through regular interaction over the phone. Crowther has also sat on the advisory board, where she served as chair in ‘81. MeMechan started her vol- unteer efforts in °84 as the membership records coordi- nator, a post she still holds today. McMechan’s friendly and inviting manner has endeared her cto the centre’s member- ship, which she has served as a hostess, registrar and secretary to the advisory board. Appleton began voluntcer- ing as an instructor for paint- ing on silk. She is renowned for her collection of unusual articles that she regularly dis- plays in a showcase at che entrance to the centre. A spirited fundraiser, she has frequently reached into her own pocket to donate Money to major projects and special equipment. — Layne Christensen -BRADBROOKE, CRAWFORD & GREEN are pleased to announce that Patricia M. Bond and Christopher B. Doll have become partners of the firm. Patricia M. Bond obtained her law degree from the University of British Columbia and was called to the bar in 1988. Patricia has a litigation practice, concentrated an family law, with a background in insurance and municipal defense as well as personal injury work, She isan active member of the Canadian Bar Association and che Association of Leyal Aid Lawyers. She presently serves on a number of committers related to the provision of Legal Aid in British Columbia, as well as a working committee of the British Columbia Law Society, Volunteer work has induded board work with non-profit societies in the ans and mental health fields. Christopher B. Doll is 3 graduate of the University of British Columbia and Osgoode Hall Law School at York Universiey: Upon his graduation, be worked as a Law Clerk with che Supreme Court of British Columbia, completed his articles with Bradbrooke, Crawford & Green and was called to the Bar in 1991. Since that time, Chris has panicipated in several non- profit associations and societies. He served as the Westen Canada Repreetrative of Medicins Sans Frontitres (Doctors Without Bonders) Canada, and is currently President of the Lower Lonsdale Business Association and Vice-President of the North Shor: branch of the Canadian Bar Association. The focus of his practice is civil litigation, including insurance, contract and corporate disputes. Bradbrooke, Crawford & Green isa pmgnasive general practice law firm established in 1974. The grawth of the partnership teilects the fimis commitment to provide an increasing range of professional services to its expanding client hase. Lawyers 600-171 West Esplanade North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 3J9 Lonsdate Quay Fax: (644) 980-4019 Tel: (6°4) 980-857 1/254-8555 They came, three pleasant young people trom Forest Lawn Ocean View Memorial Park. All were well equipped to help me and my husband learn what is available. Tr turned out to be much more complicated than [ fad imayined. Mv husband had attended to his mother’s rineral, some years ago, but that was a cinch, She herself had made all the Necessary Moves vears betore, and it was all in place. She was 3 torward thinking woman. It opened my eves to a number of things Pd never thought of. Food, for one, tor those attending my going-away party. And after the cremation where did I want my ashes put? Hey, Pd have said to let them go from the rear of the B.C. ferry, but that’s a no-no. The authorities forbid it. Seven pounds of sand, a more or less accurate assessment of your cremated self, is a fair bundle. I was surprised. There’s just alot more to dying than P'd anticipated. And apparently a lor more cast. But don’t wait dil you're dying, is the message T gor. You can start anv time, to set up a payment plan while you are still vourself— they have payment plans that cover up to five years. Pil need some sort of bot- de or little urn and they have various models. Or, if vou pre- fer a grave, there are ail sorts of sizes and styles and plots. Forest Lawn siill has some room, but Ocean View is full. Still, there's the option of a family stack — there are differ- ent boxes to choose from. There’s upkeep involved, but that’s part of the loving remembrance. ‘¢ all agreed that an informed decision was a good idea, and that pre-arranging could save a lot of heartache. And what about a will? These folks can help you there, too, and also with pension benctits. Tt was a good call. But hey, I'm sticking around for a while NEWS photo Mike Wakefield . MARION Appleton (left), Betty Crowther (centre) and Barbara McMechan were acknowledged for their volunteer contributions at West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre recently. Stephen Wong Pharmacist CAPSULE COMMENTS Excessively dry eyes can be irri- tating and painful. Often, the ability to produce tears decreases with age. Some medications can also have this effect. Artificial tears are very useful and are avilable without a prescription. Our pharmacists can advise on the right choice. Our pharmacists are also knowl- edgeable about the contents of non-prescription medications. See us for advice on the product that is right for you. Free Parking Free Delivery for Pharmacy Prescriptions DAVIES PHARMACY 140! St. Georges 985-8771 LIONS GATE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY Volunteers Wanted Regular commitment of 3 hours per week Both men and women needed for various areas of service. informational Meeting Tues., March 3rd, 10:00 am sharp Lions Gate Hospital Auditorium LovinG Excellence in Home HOME CARE SERVICES Services We provide the same care YOU weuld give your parents and that’s nat easy to find! ‘We put the patient fst © Acute long term care * Companionship services © Full honsckeeping/mieal prep, * Personal care * Support to persons with disabilties ° Registered Nurse consaltarion 926-8403 . ailable upon request _ even flawers!