July 5, 2023
In loving memory ~
The family of Alice Winsby is saddened to announce her passing on July 5, 2023, at the age of 101 in West Kelowna.
Born in Winnipeg to Bill and Minnie Thompson, Alice grew up in the Dunbar area of Vancouver. She married her husband, Roy, in 1943 while he served in the Canadian Army. Following the Second World War, the couple moved to Kelowna, where Roy worked as a pharmacist and Alice worked for several years at the Daily Courier.
Subsequent moves took them to Port Moody and Comox.
During her years with Kelowna Little Theatre, Alice won a Best Actress and three Best Supporting Actress awards at regional festivals. Kelowna wasn't the only place she performed. She started at 16 with the Vancouver Community Players. On the Courtenay Little Theatre website, you can still see Alice's name listed for 8 plays she directed in the 1960s and 70s while living in Comox.
She has been a director, production manager, and front-of-house manager.
Her background in acting no doubt stood her in good stead when she entered a different type of theatre鈥攑olitics. Alice was elected to the Comox Valley School Board and served for 13 years, then sat on the Comox town council for 2 years before returning to the Okanagan. She was also a long-standing member of the Women's Liberal Commission.
Alice is survived by her sons Bryden (Colleen) of West Kelowna and Malcolm (Edna) of North Vancouver; grandchildren Bryden John and Meghan; their mother Deb; step-grandchildren Tira and Trina and their families; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, sister Muriel, and her husband Frank.
The time and location of a remembrance gathering will be announced at a later date.
Condolences can be sent to Springfield Funeral Home in Kelowna.