Sep 30, 1947 - Apr 30, 2018
It is with shattered hearts that her family announces the unexpected passing of Sandra Leigh Harrison Berg on Monday, April 30, 2018 at the age of 70 years after a short, yet valiant, battle with cancer.
Sandi was born in Cumberland, Vancouver Island, British Columbia on September 30, 1947. She was the third child of Estella Mae Brankston and D'Arcy Weir Harrison. She is predeceased by her parents, her stepson Randy (Debbie) and her beloved husband, Loren.
Almost from the beginning, Sandi had a light which shone beyond her circle. She was active, athletic, musical, outrageously funny and completely captivating. She liked to say that she was the original sufferer of MCS (Middle Child Syndrome) and was very quick to lean on that condition as an excuse for any sort of behaviour her parents found unacceptable. To her siblings delight, she could cry on command - a very useful talent when faced with any sort of parental wrath. To say she had a handle on "drama" is so understated that those who loved her simply grin and shrug!!
Sandi's humour and direct way of dealing with things hid a tender and overwhelmingly loving heart. She spent her adult life nurturing not only her own kids, but also those that others could not or would not protect. She preached endlessly on the need for love and loyalty to family. For her, family - whether blood or chosen - was above all else. Everywhere she went, she was accompanied by a small army of kids, all of whom were sheltered within her care.
A visit to her home was an adventure. She seemed not to notice the commotion - it was, after all, the sound of family. Intent on surrounding herself with those she loved, Sandi purchased a fishing resort which she called "Family Ties". She said, "Just come up here and hang out - this place is for you!" It became the centre of her universe and will forever be her Happy Place.
Sandi leaves so many behind who will mourn her loss deeply - her siblings Pauline (Joe), Norma, Maureen (Rob) and Philip; her children Tam (April), Jody (Bruno), Danielle (Kyle), Justin (Tara), Tara and Shane (Sara); her grandchildren Tori, Amanda, Natasha, Rylee, David, Bodhi, Todd, Ryan, Kyler, Bryson, Carsen and Mylah; numerous nieces and nephews; the dozens of sheltered ones, who continue to stay in touch; and the five who remained in her care to the end - Barbara, Richard, Lillian, Blaze and Amadeus.
From Family Comes Love - From Love Comes Strength - From Strength Comes Courage. She lived these words every day. Thank you, God, for giving us Sandi.
"How will I live without you, I want to know; how will I breathe without you if you ever go ..."
No flowers, at the request of the family. Sandi worked tirelessly to support cancer research. Through her team, the Dark Horse Riders, she was an avid supporter of the B.C. Ride to Conquer Cancer. Her nephew will ride in her honour in 2018. Donations in her memory can be made at: http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/ Ride/Vancouver2018? px=3108356&pg=personal&fr_id=1662&s_src=CD_PC_ mobile_email_button
A memorial was held on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 2 pm at the Sunrise Golf Course in Surrey, B.C.