January 18, 1947 - April 15, 2020
"When I come back, I want to be an evergreen, one of those ancient trees in Cathedral Grove so the birds will land on me, and I won't lose my leaves, and they can't cut me down because I am old growth and special."
Sandra (Sandy) Mary Sikina (Orchard) decided to journey to her place of rest on April 15, 2020 at 4 pm with the same determination and resolve, sophistication and grace that defined so much of who she was and how she lived her life.
Sandy was born on January 18, 1947 in Courtenay B.C. to John and Peggy (Margaret Morgan) Orchard. She is survived by her husband Blair (Dennis) Sikina; sister Donna (Bob) Colling and brother Doug Orchard; children Tami (Roger) Rizzo and Greg (Roselyn) Sikina; grandchild Anthony Sikina and many loved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Sandy had a passion for animals, dirty jokes and Elvis. Music was an essential part of her day, and to her it was all about the lyrics. She loved to sing while she puttered and when she did you knew it was a good day. She will be remembered for her quick wit, insatiable curiosity, brutal honesty, twisted sense of humour, and flare for fashion. She was quick to judge, kind and compassionate, giving, and generous to a fault.
Sandy had many hidden talents that one would never know, and if you did, it was darn near impossible to give praise or compliment. She painted and sewed; had an incredible vocabulary and passion for the English language. She could whip the pants off anyone in a game of scrabble if she chose to and truly was a master baker.
Sandy loved the birds and the bugs and spent copious amounts of time observing, feeding, rescuing, and talking to them. She always said she loved animals more than people! Playing cards with the Cumberland and Union Bay ladies became a highlight in her week as well as aqua fit classes but not for the exercise, but for the people she befriended.
As one of her good friends wrote to her in a letter of farewell:
"Although the world is losing a grand lady, and we are losing a great friend, there will be one more beautiful angel."
Thank you all for your love and support. A Celebration of Life will be held in her honour at a later date.