Obituaries

With sadness, her family announces the passing of Debbie from pancreatic cancer on May 7, 2023 in Vancouver, BC. She was born May 23, 1960 in Kitimat, BC to Tod Smith and Nettie Klassen, both of whom predeceased her. Debbie was also predeceased by her husband Kevin Trylsson in 1989. She is survived by her partner Wilma (Willie) Edwards, sister Sharon Dow, nephew Jeremy (Savanna), great-nephews Archer and Owen, sisters-in-law Billie, Wendy and Anne Maree, brother-in-law Mark, best friend “country mouse” Becky Skinner, and a large extended family.

Debbie was a kind, warm, generous soul, with an infectious smile who genuinely cared for all people and didn’t pass judgement. She was whimsical, intelligent, full of energy and opinions. An avid sports fan, she loved her Canucks and never really gave up on them. Debbie’s sense of adventure led her to travel and she felt fortunate to have seen many wonderful parts of the world (with Las Vegas always being a favourite haunt), but she loved coming home to her beloved West End with Stanley Park as her back yard. Debbie always gave more than she expected to receive and consequently she received so much love and friendship. She will be so missed by her “family” at Kona Bikes where she worked so happily for over 30 years. She will always be fondly remembered by her many friends, and there are so very many…

The family wishes to thank Dr. Grant Ayling, Dr. Shirley Gill and all the staff at the BC Cancer Association, the Three Bridges Community Health Centre, the Nancy Chan Palliative Care Clinic, and all the wonderful staff at St. John Hospice for the care given to our Debbie. We would also like to thank all her friends for their kindness, love and support during the period of her illness.

In lieu of flowers, Debbie had asked that donations be made to a local food bank of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 28, 2023 in the Pacific Ballroom at the Best Western Sands, 1755 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC. Limited parking is available.