We Remember
MCNIVEN, Adele
—
Passed away peacefully Thursday morning, April 7, 2016 at the age of 70. She is survived by Don McNiven, her loving husband of 51 years, children Darrin McNiven, Heather Ivanitz (Mike), Neil McNiven, god-daughter Bonnie Leibel (Ben), brother Cyril Taylor, and sisters; Pam Horak (Al), and Theresa Taylor. Adele is also survived by her beautiful grandchildren and the loves of her life, Makena and Corbin Ivanitz. Her dogs Poppy and Zomy will miss her as much as her family and friends.
Del was an accomplished hairdresser, writer, and entrepreneur. She sat on countless boards where her commitment, dedication and contributions made an impact wherever she went. However her greatest passion was dog sports. In 2002 she was diagnosed with cancer and over the next 14 years went on to organize and run hundreds of dog sporting events in agility, rally-o, obedience, lure coursing and racing.
She was strong, determined, and courageous. It didn’t matter what Adele was facing, she always had the ability to focus on what she loved. She will be deeply missed by every heart she touched.
The family extends their heart filled thanks to Dr. Susan Ellard and all of the nurses at the Kelowna Cancer Clinic.
Please join us as we celebrate Adele’s life on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 4:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or Central Okanagan Hospice House. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 4:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Canadian Cancer Society, 202-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H5 or Central Okanagan Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2Z6 Link: www.cancer.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for MCNIVEN, Adele is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 4:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
My heartfelt sympathies to Don, Heather, Neil and family. Adele was truly a very courageous lady and fought the good fight for many years. I was not a member of the Whippet Club but on many occasions helped Adele with her dog events and even put a Rally title on one of the whippets. Something which we talked and laughed about many times. I personally will miss her exuberance and her dedication to dogs and dog sports. The dog world has lost one of its best and I will always remember her as a shining light in our sport. She is finally at peace and running once again with her canine friends at the end of the Rainbow Bridge. God bless.
Liz Corrigan
Don and Family
We are truly saddened to hear of Del’s passing. As we got t know her, we saw that she packed a lifetime into everyday. She also oversaw a wonderful family in her husband, children and grand children from whom she gained strength. We are sure she will continue to watch over you all as you find the many fond memories you all shared.
Sandy and Gayle Myers
Don, and family
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you.
I was sorry to hear that Adele has passed on. My sympathy to all her family and friends. I knew her through the whippet world and admired her work with her dogs and she was always willing to help with rescue too. She will be missed by many people.
My deepest sympathies. Adele was my first Agility Coach at CODAC, and for many seasons thereafter. We enjoyed a glass of wine (okay maybe more than one!) after several trials. I truly thought she was one of the most courageous and generous people I have ever met. She gave unselfishly of herself and her time to share her passion for dog agility, and to inspire others to do the same. I will miss her smile.
We were so saddened to hear of Adele’s passing. She was an amazingly courageous woman, who left an indelible imprint on the world of dog sports. We will always remember her positive and helpful personality, her organisational skills and determination. Our sincerest condolences to her family.
Our deepest condolences to Don and family.
We are all saddened by the news of Del’s passing. As former neighbors we have many fond memories of Del’s sharing and giving nature and her exuberance and passion for her family, friends, dogs and travel.. Her contagious smile would light up a room and fill your hearts. She will forever be in our thoughts and prayers, and with her smile she will be there to help guide you through life’s journey.
To all the McNiven’s.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss – Adele was an amazing mom and for me a great mentor and someone to look up to for so many reason.
Please cherish the memories and smile and laugh as she would. (she gave Bryce is first haircut – picture from scrapbook page attached)
Thinking of you all – the Millway’s.
Don and Family
We were saddened to hear of Adele passing. She will be sorrowly missed by all who knew her. Our Thoughts are with you and your family.
Richard and Verna Michel
It is with great sadness that I express our sincere sympathy to Mr. Don McNiven and his family on the loss of his wife Adele. On behalf of the Okanagan Irish Society, I extend our condolences to you and all of the family.
Sincerely,
Bob Hillis, President
Don and family,
Your AZ friends are all so saddened to hear about Adele’s passing. She was one strong woman and seemed to give everything her all, including fighting her cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn her loss.
Kate and Steve Pratt
Don, Darrin, Heather, Neil ,Makena
Corbin and extended family
I’m so sorry for the loss of Adele to you all. She was a very loving and giving person, i always enjoyed her company. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this extremely difficult time. Adele will be missed. May God give you peace and strength and dreams of her to help with the pain you are all feeling.
much love Lori Albertson
She shall be missed from the Dog”o” pogo crew. Our thoughts are with you
My deepest condolences to Adele’s family and friends. I did not know her well…we met through dog racing as she had participated in running some CARA events for sighthounds in B.C. and I was/am the CARA registrar. We had a number of occasions to email one another. I liked her very much and she had a good sense of humour and it was obvious she adored her whippets and doing fun things with them. I am sure she will be sorely missed.
The BC whippet world has lost one of its pillars. Adele has done so much to promote the fun and sport of owning whippets to BC whippet owners. She did so with enthusiasm, class and an efficiency that was beyond what one person should be able to do. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to Adele’s family of whom she was so fiercely proud. Darien Adley – Hilerica Whippets
Don, Tom & I are so sorry to here Adel has passed, but will treasure are memories of are card games, motor bike rides and many parties! I admired her strength, courage and independenced. Our condolences to you & your family.
Tom & I and all your Az friends wish you well
Hope to see you next year friend! Tom & Tina Fecht
When we had ideas, Adele helped us dream BIG. When we faced obstacles, Adele saw challenges and came up with amazing, creative problem solving. She loved people but loved even more coaching, teaching, encouraging us to believe in ourselves. She embraced life with a passion and was a gift to us all. Your family is in our thoughts .
Dear Don & family…our thoughts go out to you today…so so sorry to hear of Del’s passing .
Your Arizona friends
Di & Leo
My heartfelt condolences go out to Adele’s family and friends.
Adele was one of the strongest, most courageous people I know. Cancer may have won the battle in the end but Adele didn’t go down without a fight. I will always cherished our agility road trips with my “Shaydar” and her “Little Dude” and the long conversations. I am grateful I was able to take one of her last classes teaching weave poles with my young dog…she was the most supportive and creative instructor. KruZ got his weavies Adele!!! The Agility community lost another good soul and trials will never be the same. RIP Adele…you will be forever missed.
Adele was truly a one-of-a-kind person: strong, funny, independent, single-minded and filled with a passion for life. She was one of my first coaches at CODAC and she passed on to me her love of agility and working with dogs. One of my favourite things was to chat with her after class, as she was the best story teller ever – whether it was a story about her childhood or about what she did that morning, it was always fascinating. She had a big smile to match her big spirit, and all of us who were touched by her were so fortunate.
Dear Don and family.
I was so saddened to read about Adele’s passing. She was such a wonderful woman and I so appreciated her support in the early days of getting our travel agency up and going.
I hope she is resting peacefully. I know she will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Karen Copp
Dear Don & Family,
We extend our sincere sympathy on your loss.
May your loving memories of Adele sustain you and bring you long lasting peace.
God Bless!
Love, Gwen Bebault & Joyce Evans
Don and family,
Our deepest sympathy for this loss and please know we are thinking of you at this time.
The Team at the BCCSA
I just discovered this sad news while trying to find a way to contact Adele, give her some news about our dog, Sadie, who Adele helped me get CGN-certified, and thank her again for all her help.
I’m *very* sorry for your loss. I admired and respected Adele and I will miss her. She was a classy lady. Every time Sadie helps a child at my school, I’ll remember that it was Adele who helped get her there. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Take care,
Ken Woodward