UFV's announcement source
Dr. Peter Jones, who served as the University of the Fraser Valley’s third president from 1987 to 1997, passed away peacefully at his home on Gabriola Island on March 10, 2026. Peter served as president during a time of great change for the institution. He came to what was then Fraser Valley College in 1987, … Read more
Longtime UFV employees will recall working with Bonnie Hamilton, who retired in 2005 and passed away on March 24, 2026. Bonnie worked in various roles supporting students with disabilities. Her obituary describes her as an advocate for people with disabilities, a teacher, a writer, and a true friend to many. She had lived in Mission … Read more
Many at UFV will be saddened to hear of the recent passing of Ken Fernstrom, a longtime faculty member in the Communications department. Ken was well known both as a faculty member involved in several projects connected to communication, and as longtime co-coach of UFV’s men’s soccer team. He and Scott Fast, also a long-serving … Read more
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Koyalemót — Mary Diane Stewart, an associate professor of modern languages at UFV. She passed peacefully surrounded by family on March 16, 2026. Dr. Sylvie Murray, Dean of Arts, and Alan Cameron, modern languages professor, shared these words about Mary: Mary completed a Social … Read more
Many at UFV will be saddened to hear of the passing of Donna Costello. Donna taught in the Upgrading and University Prep department for many years, starting in 1989. Here is a link to her obituary: https://www.remembering.ca/obituary/donna-costello-1093466448
Many at UFV will be saddened to hear of the passing of George Peary, a longtime Abbotsford politician and educator who died on September 29. George received an honorary degree from UFV in 2016 in recognition of his leadership, advocacy, and community involvement. He had many connections to UFV. As a secondary school administrator, Peary … Read more
Dr. Sherry Mumford, the first person to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award (in 2003) and one of UFV’s Remarkable 50 Alumni (in 2024), passed away on September 5. Sherry was a mature student and mother when she enrolled at UFV in the 1990s. After completing a BA in Criminology, she kept on going, earning another … Read more
Jocelyn Creigh-Cass, who taught English at Fraser Valley College and then the University College of the Fraser Valley from its early years through to her retirement in 1983, passed away on April 5. Her funeral service will be held May 10 in White Rock. UFV sends condolences to her family and her former colleagues. More … Read more
Vicki Grieve, a longtime faculty member in the Upgrading department at UFV until her retirement in 2018, passed away on January 23, 2025. In addition to her teaching duties, Vicki served one term as president of the UFV Faculty and Staff Association, from 2013 to 2015. She also served as chief negotiator from 2012 to … Read more
Many at UFV will be saddened to hear of the recent passing of Dr. Amy Prevost of the UFV School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, on December 3, 2024, at the age of 46. Amy earned her PhD in Criminology from Simon Fraser University in 2011. She started at UFV’s School of Criminology and Criminal … Read more
Many at UFV will be saddened to hear that Rae Smith, who worked in a number of departments over a 14-year career at the university, passed away on October 22, 2024. Rae started at what was then UCFV as a temporary Counselling & Advising assistant in 1996. She worked as a secretary/receptionist for International Education … Read more
Dr. Jack Gaston, the founding member of the History department, passed away on September 17, 2024. Jack had been living in Victoria with his wife Nicole since his retirement in 2008. Founding Fraser Valley College Dean of Instruction Dick Bate hired Jack as the first history instructor for the college in 1975. He was the … Read more
Many at UFV will be saddened to hear that Gary Williams, a resident Elder with UFV’s Indigenous Student Centre, passed away on June 30, 2024. Shirley Hardman, Associate Vice-President, Xwexwílmexwawt, prepared this statement: “It is with a deep sense of loss that we inform our university community of the passing of long-time resident Elder Gary … Read more
Many will be saddened to hear that Theresa Neel has passed away. Theresa worked for many years in roles supporting Indigenous education at UFV (in its FVC and UCFV days). The following story is based on an interview conducted with Theresa in 2009. Theresa played a key role in the development of strong relationships between … Read more
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Myra Hughes, nee Vandergronden, on Sept 24, 2023 at the age of 63. Myra worked at UFV for more than a decade. She spent time in auxiliary in 2010-11 as an International Education assistant, admin assistant in Professional Studies, admissions clerk, and office … Read more