MYERSCOUGH, Frances Jean
After living a full life, the last 7 years with cancer, our beloved Jean died on April 14. Surrounded by her family.
Born October 14th, 1937, to Frank & Elsie Kerr at Blundellsands, Liverpool, U.K., Jean survived the blitz bombings of Liverpool in WWII. Educated at Merchant Taylor’s School for Girls, and later Manchester College, Jean studied home economics, before becoming a Member of the Institutional Management Association of Great Britian.
In 1960, Jean married her soul mate and best friend David Lloyd Myerscough. Jean and David had met in kindergarten, where Jean taught David how to tie his shoes. In 1962, their first son, Ian David was born in Liverpool.
In 1964, the family was accepted to immigrate to either Canada or Australia. A letter from a close friend describing the natural beauty of British Columbia and opportunities available to new immigrants convinced them to cross the seas to Canada.
Sight unseen, Jean and family arrived in Vancouver in 1964 to start their new life. A second son, Richard Kerr was born in 1965.
In 1966, the family moved to Sidney on Vancouver Island where they immersed themselves in the beautiful marine surroundings.
Constantly on the water in various craft, the family sailed, fished and island hopped, especially to Sidney Spit for beach barbecues. At her waterfront home on Roberts Bay, Jean was known for using a very loud air horn to call her sons from rowing, sailing or running wild on the beach.
In the early 1970’s, Jean and husband David founded the Saanich Peninsula Sailing Association. From this small local club, 2 sailors went on to represent Canada in the Olympics. Jean organized regular dinghy racing and the popular Sidney Regatta.
In the mid 1970’s the sailing club built a boat storage compound and boat ramp at Tulista Park. The ramp continues today as the popular Sidney Anglers ramp lays on top of the original. It was Jean and David who identified this dredged location next to the Ferry as the only place close to Sidney you could ramp launch a boat at low tide. Weekly sailing club meetings were always held at the Myerscough house on Roberts Bay, with Jeans baking being the major draw.
Jean was so proud of her two sons, with Ian excelling in marathon running, competing in events such as the Boston Marathon, and Richard with his windsurf racing, eventually becoming an Olympian in 1988 at Seoul.
Jean loved gardening and her flowers and arrangements were always incredible and could be seen weekly at St. Andrew’s Church where she was part of the altar guild. She was a natural artisit, especially drawing and cross stitching original tapestries that her family hold dear, as well as creating stunning calligraphy. Jean also authored and illustrated a children’s book when her grandchildren were born.
Jean volunteered for many years with the Canadian Cancer Society. St. Andrew’s Church, Sidney, and the Strata Council of Resthaven by the Sea. Jean enjoyed travelling throughout North America, Central America, Europe, small parts of North Africa and U.K. which she and David did as often as possible once he retired.
Jean leaves behind husband David of 54 years, sons Ian & Richard; sister Heather (Dr. Don Treble and family, Albany, NY); daughter-in-law Laurie Anne; her four dearly loved grandchildren; Scott, Becky, Reece and Ana; sister-in-law Sue Myerscough; two nieces, Alison & Katherine, as well as cousins and friends in the U.K. and Canada.
Many thanks to Dr. Darren Biberdorf. Dr. Andrew Atwell and his team at Victoria Cancer Clinic for their kindness and care, and to Dr. Myra Lynch and all the nurses, caregivers of the ERT.
Sincere thank to Dr. Forester, the nurses, caregivers and volunteers at the Paliative Care Unit of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital; Thanks also to Rev. Osita Oluigbo, The Altar Guild and congregation of St. Andrew’s Church, Sidney for all their prayers.
At Jean’s request, there will be a private family service, at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers could be made to B.C. Cancer Research or the Palliative Care Unit at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.