Ina Roelants: women's advocate

Ina Roelants

Ina Roelants, a long-time parishioner of St. Paul's, Vancouver, died March 4. She was 77.

She was one of the diocesan group that started the W.I.S.H. Centre to help women on the street in Vancouver, and directed the Centre for several years. She also volunteered at the Burnaby Corrections Centre for Women, where she visited weekly for several years.

A teacher, she taught in Namu on the BC coast and in schools on Vancouver Island. She wrote poems and children's stories, and was well known for "The Street Bible," a translation of scripture into street language still in use.

She leaves six children, ten grandchildren, a brother and sister. A memorial service was held March 9 at St. Paul's, the Rev. Dale Yardy officiating.

Her obituary said that in her remembrance money might be given to the Ina Roelants Street Bible Fund, "or simply give to that cold, hungry person you see sitting in a doorway."

Barrie Hamilton: church and community worker

Barrie Hamilton, 73, of St. David's, Tsawwassen, active in diocesan, church and community affairs, died February 26 in Delta. He was the husband of Diocesan Council member Phoebe Hamilton.

Barry Hamilton

Born in Vancouver, he engaged in a military career from which he retired as a Lt. Colonel. In British Columbia he worked for the CP and PGE railways and with West Fraser Timber as a transportation specialist. He was part of the original "Livable Region" Committee, which led to the establishment of more effective regional government in the Vancouver area.

He was 50-year member of the Masons, a Scout leader, and in retirement spent many hours at Mission to Seafarers at Roberts Bank, and was active at Sorrento Centre.

He leaves four children, a granddaughter, two sisters, and his wife. The funeral took place at St. David's on March 5 with the Rev. Paul Woehrle officiating.