My sincere condolences to all of the family. I only knew of them out on RR 1 when I was their mail delivery person from 1981 to 1995.

Vaire had a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious laugh. She was my aunt and godmother and I remember her well when she and Alec lived at The Glen.
Vaire was ten years younger than our mother which meant that she was nearer our age. As children we used to play her records and enjoy watching her play tennis which she did very well. We came over to Canada to visit her once when it was snowy and very cold. Vaire will be remembered especially for her love of dogs and her special breeds: Apricot Poodles and Papillons.

Aunt Vaire, my last and final letter/note to you! You were to me and my family a very much loved and respected member of our family. We thank you for the lovely memories we have shared, we thank you for the delicious meals that we shared, we thank you for the wonderful stories you shared, most of all we thank you for sharing your life with us. May you rest in peace you have done your time! Much love always and forever, Helen, Gerard, Stephanie, Cheyenne and Ryan xxx

As children of Henry and Daphne Wollaston we would often visit Vaire and Alec at The Glen whilst making the annual trip to visit our grandparents. Vaire would always welcome us with a warm chuckle and a cigarette elegantly balanced between her fingers! Her apricot poodles were much admired and she always had a vivacious interest in the attention they received at the various Dog Shows she attended with them.
Vaire and Alec were always kindly towards us and Alec would regail us with hair-raising stories from his time in the Military Service!
Later on Vaire and Omand visited Ashtead House and we loved to hear Omond speak about interesting matters in his warm, easy Canadian voice.
Vaire is fondly remembered for her stoicism and strength of character.

As a friend of Vaire’s through our interest in Papillons she was instrumental in us obtaining one of her beloved dogs and later in obtaining our foundation female. Vaire was always gracious, extremely knowledgeable, and fierce in her love for her Poodles and Papillons. I remember visiting her home and being warmly greeted and seeing the pride she had of her home and dogs. My memories will be fond ones and never forgotten. My condolences to her family on their loss.

Our Grandma was many things to many people but for 44 years, she was my twin (54 years apart) and as twins very often do, we shared a great passion for learning, music, tennis and ice skating, a wicked sense of humour and, though you may not believe it of us, a great love of adventures, martini’s, practical jokes and mischief-making!

Grandma has always been my dearest friend and confidant and honestly I can’t believe she has left us – she was hale and hearty just five weeks ago when I sang her happy 98th birthday… Who will I call at crazy times of the Australian night for a laugh, childrearing advice and a curry recipe now?

I was fortunate enough to see her for the last time when in Toronto in 2017 for work and that was such a joyous reunion, for as many will know, ours has mostly been a bond that stretched across hemispheres – my very first pen pal and then phone calls when they weren’t $50 for 30mins… (thanks Vodafone for adding 2 free international calls a month to your plans!)

Rest In Peace my dearest Grandma – You led a remarkable life and inspired me to make you proud everyday. I shall miss you terribly but will look for you in butterflies and birds in the garden and most especially I will think of you in the spring as my lettuce and tomatoes pop their heads up out of the slowly warming earth, like your bulbs did every year once the snow thawed… and I will play every musical note with you in my heart.

Thank you for the way you always just ‘got’ me, as eccentric as I can be… you were my kindred spirit, my person, my greatest supporter and I will always be grateful for you.

Rest In Peace xo

Vaire and I were friends for 50 years, starting in dogs. I knew all of her children/grandchildren directly and indirectly through her stories and your visits. I will miss her especially for all the sports we shared together–she always watched the Kentucky Derby with me. Her loss is irreplaceable.

Dear Vaire,
We had so many plans this fall, I am sorry you will not meet your great grand child, Ashley. But, I can assure you, she is excited to visit the U of T, hope to see my cousin Erica.
Years ago, I took your advise and never looked back., Im still in Philadelpha, working in Early Childhood and advocacy. I finally decided to have the spinal implant. I knowlonger live in chronic pain, that was the other surprise, I want to share. I pondered what to say for the last few months. I didnt want to make things harder. As you tought me to be strong, know your place and respect your elders.
I am sadden, that we will not be returning to the Wolfe Den. I didnt take that very. I wanted to share the memories with my daughter. The fun times tobogganing, the canoe trips and the many night sitting at the table, putting those Huge puzzles together. Thank you for sharing your love of your dogs. I am sitting with my Champion, Chin and Horty. I just returned from the Butterfly Expo. Breath taking.. Thank you for the memories, may you live in all our hearts …across all lands

i ‘ve just learned of Vaire’s passing. What a wonderful friend and dog breeder she was and I hope a few of her beloved pappilons are with her in heaven. I met Vaire about 37 years ago, we were both serious and successful dog breeders both living in Caledon. I enjoyed our great conversations together, sorting out the world and always trading our stories from the whelping pen to the show ring. I will miss seeing you around town and our catch -up conversations. Deepest synpathy to Vaire’s family. RIP Vaire xo.

Sheila Kingsborough

I tried so many times to phone Vaire and realized she must be gone. Then I found this site and see this is true. Vaire was one of my long time friends from the time I lived in Caledon East in the 80’s. We shared many wonderful experiences showing dogs both in the US and Canada. I treasured out friendship after I moved from Canada and talked to her several times each year, especially around Christmas. I knew Ormand who was a wonderful and wise man.

Vaire and my husband shared a love of martinis and we shared an “S” marked glass back and forth. Vaire visited with us after we moved back to the States and lived in Georgia. They shared an interest in always using an iced glass and iced Vermouth for their favorite drink.

May this gracious lady rest in peace.

I had the pleasure of raising two of Vaire’s beloved papillons over the years and only just learned of Vaire’s passing today. My deepest condolences. She definitely grilled me at the time of getting the first pup to ensure I was suitable. Royal and Honey brought great happiness to my life and I am forever grateful to Vaire for her love of Papillons and bringing them into my life.

I have been Vaire’s helper for many years. She became such a great friend of mine . After we moved up North we would often visit with her , she always had great stories to tell about living in the UK as a child . David and I had a visit with her on her last birthday had a great last visit with her. My sincere condolences to the family, Ian, Tig, Rosalind and Allister. It was a great pleasure to have been part of your Mothers life, such a beautiful Lady, Joanne-Ann -Proper-Thorley