Mrs. Valerie (Val) Fisher died after a short battle with cancer in the Crossroads Hospice on August 6 in Port Moody, B.C. at the age of 88. Val is survived by her husband, Bill; daughter, Carrie (San Francisco) and son Scott (Powell River). She was preceded in death by her brother Neil (Surrey). Valerie was born on February 14, 1933, in New Westminster, B.C. to Helen and Herbert Simmonds. She graduated from Duke of Connaught High School in 1951 after which she attended Nurse’s training for 2 years at RCH. Val married Bill, a Civil engineer in 1959. Over the next 3 years the couple welcomed Scott and Carrie into their home. Her children remember her as a kind and caring mother who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and goals. Throughout her life, whether in many cities in Canada, or in foreign places both visited and lived in, she always found a means to become involved in giving to and helping others. In Victoria from 1961 to 63, while raising two young children, she found time to help new arrivals to Canada assimilate into Canadian culture and, back in Vancouver, from1963 to 1970, she welcomed a newly married couple of immigrants to stay in her house while they established themselves. While in Brazil, 1971 to 1974, she worked as a volunteer at a clinic for the poor and at a children’s hospital. She also organized support groups for foreign temporary residents. She operated a free employment service, matching local maids with newcomers. In Montreal, Winnipeg, and Ottawa from 1974 to 1989, she was deeply involved with the Newcomers clubs, serving in various capacities and acting as a volunteer in various positions and locations. She was involved with PTA activities in Montreal, and in every town, she lived in organized various types of bridge groups.  When leaving Ottawa for a posting to India, the Newcomers Club honoured her with a Mother Teresa Party. While in India from 1989 to 1992 she served in various positions in the Canadian Club at the Canadian High Commission and served two years as a Community Coordinator for the Embassy, helping new posting establish themselves into the community. After her return to her home on the west coast in 1994, she busied herself with helping family, enjoying Newcomers, travel and organizing and playing in bridge groups. She loved travelling, meeting people, helping people, playing bridge, dancing and life. She had a beautiful smile and showed it often. Her life was one of helping other people by many, many ways and means. She was kind, generous and caring to everyone. She was an exemplary human being. Through her actions and personality, she raised the human race to a higher level. We will miss her greatly.