Surrounded by love, Dorothy passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Campbell River, BC at the age of 86. She will forever be remembered by daughter and son-in-law Alison & Mike Derry, and her granddaughter Rebecca Blake. Granny “D” holds a special place in the hearts of Josh Derry and Jessica (Chris) Cottier and children Leo & Ella. She is also survived by nieces & nephews and many friends. Dorothy was predeceased by; her parents, daughter Barbara in 1985, father of her children Robert (Robbie, Bob) in 1994, niece Amanda in 2001 and sister Joan in 2011.

Dorothy was born on January 1, 1940 in Glasgow, Scotland to James Samuel McKenzie Dunse and Mary Lees Dunse. She grew up and lived in many places in Scotland and England due to her father being in the Navy. Dorothy joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1958. It was there she met and fell in love with Robert Kennedy Blake. They married on July 8, 1960 and soon after welcomed their daughters Alison McKenzie and Barbara Anne.

On July 9, 1967 the young family courageously immigrated from Scotland to Portage la Prairie, MB after Robbie was offered employment by MTS. After the girls were both in school Dorothy gained employment at Cobbe’s Plumbing & Heating as a bookkeeper, where she worked until 1986. During her time in Portage la Prairie Dorothy joined many clubs and organizations including; Order of the Eastern Star Electa Chapter #2, Portage Toastmistress Club, Compassionate Friends, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #65 and ANAF Unit #13. She served for many years on the executive of the Army & Navy, was also the first woman President, and later served on Provincial Command.

Not long after Barbara’s tragic accident Robbie and Dorothy went their separate ways, but still kept in touch. In 1986 Dorothy started a new path on her own, moving to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. It was there she earned two degrees in three years, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Social Work. In 1989 she started on a new career journey with the Ministry of Children and Family Services in Grand Prairie, AB. It was during this time that one of her greatest joys and traditions began, the three-generation vacation. Dorothy’s active life took her on many fabulous trips where she thoroughly enjoyed seeing new places and meeting new people. Whether she travelled with family or friends it was always an adventure. She loved and cherished each holiday. It was on one of these exploits she discovered alluring Campbell River on Vancouver Island and made the family promise she would stay there for the remainder of her life.

In 1995 she joined the Ministry of Children and Family Development in Campbell River, and worked with foster parents and child placement. She made many friends in her career and retired in 2002.

Dorothy liked to keep busy and after leaving the workforce she joined many dart, card and domino groups. She loved to play board games with friends and family, and could answer every single question while watching Jeopardy on television. Dorothy was the proud owner of her own home in Campbell River, defeated breast cancer in 2008, and lived for five years in the Seth Norton building on 14th Avenue until her debilitating stroke in June of 2023. She completed her bucket list with Alison where they made their final trip together to Las Vegas, in March of that year. Dorothy loved to gamble and a visit to the casino was a must while on vacation.

Dorothy’s greatest joy in life was her girls – affectionally called by her — Ali Bali and Becca Boogaloo. Her proudest moment was witnessing the birth of her precious granddaughter Rebecca Maryanne, first member of the family born in Canada, but true to her roots on Robbie Burns Day, January 25th. Their two and three-generation vacations were always filled with love and laughter, and took them all over western Canada, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Florida, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, back to Scotland & England, a tour of Europe and Las Vegas many times. The bond of these three gave family and friends a smile and earned Dorothy the name “Granny” everywhere they went. After the age of 10, Rebecca and Granny had private visits together in the summer, which they both anticipated and cherished. In adult life they were proud and had mutual respect for one-another.

Rebecca’s message to her Granny, “whether it was work or life, I didn't have to explain myself to you. I was simply understood and seen by you - an incredible gift. I miss cackling with you as you flew over speed bumps in your “shitbox” cars (and the time we had to pull over to pick up your muffler from the side of the road), our early morning coffee arguments about politics (even though we often shared the same opinions), and how we often got lost on your “wee adventures”. Thank you for being my role model and showing me how to challenge the status quo.”

In October 2024 Dorothy moved to her final place of residence, Discovery Harbour Seniors Community. Her girls visited as often as possible and Dorothy became a favourite of many staff members. Alison would put a heart on the calendar on the dates she was scheduled to arrive, she became known as the heart that lit up her Mum’s cherished wee face. The family would like to thank the amazing staff for the care, kindness and love shown to our Matriarch. Also, huge hugs and much love to Dorothy’s friend Carol for her visits to the care home.

“We’ll always see you soar above the sky. In our hearts, there'll always be a place for you. RIP Granny.”

In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations in Dorothy’s memory would be greatly appreciated at Discovery Harbour Seniors Community, 850-14th Ave., Campbell River, BC V9W 4H4 or the charity of your choice.

The family will be celebrating Dorothy’s life in their travels. We wish to thank everyone for their love, support, kindness and condolences during this difficult time.

Cremation entrusted to Sutton’s Campbell River Funeral Home, Campbell River, BC.

Messages of condolences can made online at www.flynnmemorial.com

Flynn Memorial Services is honoured to assist the family of Dorothy Blake.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you during this difficult time.