Sharon Judy Riis

Sharon Riis: 1947-2016 On May 20, 2016 Sharon Riis died peacefully and with dignity and determination in the way that she wished. Late of Saskatoon and San Miquel d'Allende Mexico, and most recently in Victoria BC, Sharon passed with a martini on her bed-side table and her beloved dog Chiquita cuddled in her arms. Sharon is pre-deceased by her parents, Hans and Signe Riis, and her second husband Peter Perdue and several other long and close friends. She is survived and mourned by her son, Riis McNinch (and wife, Tannis Grills), her daughter Anna McNinch, her grandson Gage Wudrick, her step-son Pierre Purdue, and her first husband, James (Jim) McNinch and his partner Michael Hamann. Sharon was fiercely proud of her 21st Century blended family. Grieving too are Sharon's only sibling, brother Nelson, and his wife Penny and their sons Nils (wife Tammy) and Jon (wife Renee and their 2 daughters, Kristen and Katie). She also leaves many dear colleagues and many dear friends made along the way. Your outpouring of love and concern and support over this past week has been wonderful and reflects the deep connections Sharon made with so many people. With a sharp wit and quick mind she joined us as a collaborator, conspirator, mentor, and friend. She was a most talented and accomplished Gemini and Genie award-winning writer: novelist, script-writer, script-editor, and story-teller with a career in an industry that left her both grateful and disheartened. (Google all that). She was always her own harshest critic and her strongest supporter. Crusty and cantankerous to the end, Sharon was able to call the last shots. We can all learn from her strength as we lament the loss of this vital human being. In the end, her body, as a type 1 "brittle diabetic" from the age of 13, betrayed and abandoned her spirit. And this is what we mourn as we try to understand the neuropathic pain and anxiety she endured to the end. Many thanks to James Knights and Paula Jardine and Jason Ducklow who helped Riis and Tannis to pick up the pieces in Victoria. People who knew and loved Sharon are spread across the world, including England and Norway and San Miguel which she loved. The family wants you to remember and celebrate Sharon in your own way; there will be no funeral. A toast with some gin or whisky would not be inappropriate. We will post this on Sharon's face-book page and the crematorium's web-site. A remembrance of Sharon may be organized around Dia de los Muertos on November 1st, an event she always loved.