Betty June Selby

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Selby on Monday, December 31, 2018, at the age of 86 years.

Betty was born in Bassano, Alberta. All of her life was dedicated to helping others and she was a tower of strength to her family. At just over 5 feet tall, she inspired respect. Betty trained as a Registered Nurse at Vancouver General Hospital. She married Dr. Raymond Selby in 1955 and turned her considerable energy to family and charitable causes. Betty served as President of the Junior League and was a board member of the YWCA.  She had the common touch, working many days at the “Next To New Shop” and donating her love of gardening to the Deane House.

Betty was a free spirit, and a great traveler and reader. With her best friend Ray, she journeyed to many countries all over the world and imparted an interest in people and places to her children. In 1966, the family camped across Canada for five weeks in a tent trailer and followed that up with trips to Europe and many provinces and states. She hiked in the mountains from the family cabin, El Nido, in Banff and enjoyed ski trips across North America. As her children (“the Golf Orphans”) can attest, her greatest passion was golf at the Calgary Golf and Country Club and courses around the world.

After the passing of her husband in 2009, Betty devoted much of her attention to her nine grandchildren, supporting them in diverse activities from mountain climbing to scholastic excellence, providing an example through her indomitable will. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Harold Honens and Gweneth Honens; stepmother, Esther Honens; husband, Dr. Raymond Selby; and her grandson, Nicholas.  She is lovingly remembered by her children, Charles Selby (Jocelyn), Cathy Steedman (Andy) and Beth Truscott (Ken) as well as her grandchildren, Sasha, Brooklyn, Spencer, Micki, Robin (Julian), Taylor, Shawn, Cole and Jeremy.

The family is very grateful for the wonderful care and companionship that Betty received at the Chateau Renoir retirement home over the past six years. While details are limited, rumor has it that she was the life of the party. Special thanks to Gayle, Nicole and Sharon for their compassion.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty June Selby, please visit our floral store.