Rosalind Patricia (Goode) Craggs

Ros was born in Catshill, Worcestershire, England to Jack and Win Goode. She was the fifth of seven daughters and had a half-brother, John Bate, on her mother’s side. She grew up close to her birthplace in the neighbouring town of Bromsgrove. 

Ros was the first in her family to graduate from university, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Latin  and  French  from  the  University  of  Leicester  in  1965.  While studying at Leicester, she met a handsome young engineer named Anthony (Tony) Craggs who became the love of her life. They married in Bromsgrove in 1964, moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 1969 and retired to Qualicum Beach in 1994. 

Ros’s home was a sanctuary for recent immigrants, family friends in distress, the lonely, the needy and anyone who just wanted a great cup of a tea and thoughtful conversation. Her warmth, generosity and formidable intellect were felt by all who knew her and will be dearly missed. Ros was guided by a deep sense of justice and decency. She was ever mindful of protecting the vulnerable and less fortunate.

Despite her gentle nature, she always stood up against injustice, discrimination and abuse of authority. She was a shining role model for all, especially her children. 

Ros is survived by her husband Tony, her four children Rachael, John, Luke, and Amy, her 14 incredible grandchildren and two of her sisters, Barbara Lamont and Jo Hobby.

Ros’s family is grateful to all who loved and cared for her over the years, but give special thanks to her friends at the Oceanside Rock Steady Boxing Club in Parksville who helped her fight back – physically and emotionally – after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2004. The family also acknowledges with deep thanks the staff at the Palliative Care Unit of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. The family requests donations to Parkinson Canada  or the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in lieu of flowers.