Salt Spring Hospice Society

We prepare for many of the big transitions in life. We make plans for our education, our career, and retirement. We buy insurance. We make travel plans. We think about where we will live, how we will support our loved ones and perhaps children, and what we want our future to look like.

But how often do we talk about dying?

For many of us, the answer is: not until we have to.

The Last Ferry: Navigating Death and Dying on Salt Spring Island, is an invitation to change that.

Hosted by Salt Spring Hospice, the morning is for any of us, not just those who are seriously ill, working in healthcare or caring for someone who is dying.

These conversations aren't only relevant when we are getting old or nearing the end of life. At different points in our lives, most of us will find ourselves navigating illness, caregiving, dying or grief, whether as a partner, parent, child, friend, neighbour or caregiver.

And yet, many of us will probably have more questions than answers about how the practicalities of dying and death can be navigated on our island.

How does Island Health support palliative care on Salt Spring Island? What happens if one prefers to die at home? What happens when one dies? What is green burial, and why might someone choose it? What is an Advance Care Plan - and why should I have one before I need it? How can families avoid unnecessary expenses?

These practical questions that The Last Ferry will make space with answers for you.

The morning will begin with a panel featuring four experts on dying and death in our community: Tuula Rea, President of Salt Spring Hospice; Cathy Valentine of Salt Spring Island Natural Cemetery; Christie Doyle of Hayward's Funeral Home; and Leanne Drumheller from Island Health Palliative Care Services.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lunch is included, gluten free options!
Location: Seniors Centre, Ganges

Tickets are $20/person and can be purchased through our website.

If you'd like to attend, please register here or visit our website: www.saltspringhospice.org

Tickets are limited for this event. Purchase on the Salt Spring Hospice website. Here is the link: https://www.saltspringhospice.org/event-details-registration/the-last-ferry-2

If you have any questions, contact Tracy at [email protected] | 250-537-2770

The Salt Spring Hospice Society invites you to a meaningful day of community learning, connection, and conversation. "The Last Ferry" is a dedicated event designed to help residents navigate the journey of death and dying with support, resources, and clarity.

Whether you are looking ahead for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to engage with this important aspect of life, this event offers a supportive space to get your questions answered.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Lunch is included, gluten free options!
Location: Seniors Centre, Ganges
Cost: $20

What to Expect
Speakers Panel: Come hear valuable insights and perspectives from a dedicated panel of local experts including The Natural Cemetery, Haywards Funeral Home, Vancouver Island Health Authority and Salt Spring Hospice Society.

Breakout Sessions: Dive deeper into specific topics during interactive smaller group discussions.
Q&A Opportunities: Bring your thoughts and get direct answers to your questions from experienced guides.
Community Connection: Connect with neighbours and local resources over a shared lunch.

Co-sponsored by Salt Spring Island Natural Cemetery and the Senior's Society

Tickets are limited for this event. Purchase on the Salt Spring Hospice website. Here is the link: https://www.saltspringhospice.org/event-details-registration/the-last-ferry-2

You are not alone. At Salt Spring Hospice Society, we see you, we hear you, and we walk beside you through uncertainty. Our free, community-based support offers calm, practical reassurance for families facing life‑limiting illness and grief on Salt Spring Island. Reach out today, let us steady you when words are hard to find. 🕊️🌿

Come visit us at the Fall Fair!! We have books, and lots of advance care plan material! Come by and say hi!!

Come visit us at the Fall Fair!! We have books, and lots of advance care plan material!

Talking about the future can feel heavy and it can also bring deep relief. Advance care planning helps you name what matters, choose who will speak for you, and give your loved ones the clarity they need. When you put your wishes down on paper and share them, you gift your family peace of mind and ensure care that reflects your values.

If you live on Salt Spring Island or nearby, our community offers compassionate, volunteer-led support to help you start these conversations, with resources that make planning simple. Start small. Start with a quiet moment. Start today.

Want practical steps and local resources? Read our guide:

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING | Salt Spring Hospice Society We offer vigil and grief support, as well as volunteer visits and one on one services.

Grief Support Group - Grief shared in community, not carried alone.

You don't have to carry your grief alone. You are seen. You are heard. You are welcome to come as you are.

This volunteer‑led group, part of Salt Spring Hospice’s free community services, offers a gentle, listening space where neighbours support one another.

When: October 21, 2026, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Hospice Office - 118 Fulford‑Ganges Rd Unit #202, Salt Spring Island

Register to join the group or message us if you'd like to talk before attending. Tell us below if you plan to come - your presence matters.

🕊️ 🤝 💬

Our wonderful hospice team, from left to right. Volunteer Connie Gibbs, board member Elly Silverman, office manager Tracy Vandek, board member Lorinne Mackenzie, long time volunteer Kathleen Horsdal. ❤️

Join us for a free presentation on dementia! This Thursday, June 25th, 10:30am - 12:30pm at the Library Program Room, you're welcome to drop in!