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It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of Bette Tkachuk. Bette had an energy, vitality and zest for life that was uncommon and truly set her apart. Her life was built around her family and huge network of friends, who she happily spent her days with golfing, playing tennis, snowshoeing and of course skiing.
Bette grew up in a small town in the New Jersey countryside and lived there until she met the love of her life George, on the ski hills in Mont Tremblant. They were in many ways perfect partners, finding the same joy in sailing the Indian Maiden on the waters of Lake Ontario, as they did assembling costumes for parties or travelling to new destinations with their beloved dogs in tow. They actively sought out new adventures together, and once uncovered welcomed the experience with open arms. They embraced parenthood and along with their children Corey (Alison), Jeff (Samantha) and Kris became engaged members of their community, joining the Kingsway Paddle Tennis Club and developing lifelong friendships.
A special project and true labour of love was rebuilding in Collingwood a century old log cabin.
It was done, as so many of their activities were, with friends and family helping out, swinging hammers, making sandwiches and occasionally, after a productive day, indulging in a bottle of beer or glass of wine. It became their winter home from where they would faithfully travel every Saturday and Sunday to Craigleith Ski Club. Craigleith held a special place in Bette’s heart and whether she was coordinating racers, organizing a social event or simply skiing down the hill with friends and family, she was an enthusiastic participant in club life. Her grandchildren, Georgia, Matthew, Andrew, Alexandra and Mikaela were her pride and joy in later years. Her happiest moments were spent with them, around the Christmas tree, on the beach or at the ski hill. The loss is truly immeasurable and we’ll remember her laughter, enthusiasm and vitality. In addition to her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and many friends, Bette leaves behind two dear sisters Carol (Bob), Ellen (Dick) and step siblings Joyce (Steve), Kathie and Arthur (predeceased). While her passing is tragic, it seems somehow appropriate that her last moments were spent skiing down a favourite run with blue skies and sunshine above, a good friend at her side and so many people she loved close by. Thank you for the incredible attention and care given to her by Craigleith’s ski patrollers and members who were on the scene as well as the paramedics and staff at Collingwood General & Marine Marine Hospital. Heartfelt appreciation also goes out to her many friends who have helped us to weather this unexpected storm by sharing our grief and buoying our spirits with happy tales of time spent with Bette. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday March 2nd at Collingwood First Presbyterian Church, 200 Maple St. with a celebration of life at Craigleith Ski Club to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Collingwood General Marine Hospital or the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bette Tkachuk, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.