Laurel Jean Atwood (nee Stroppa) Laurel was born in Seattle May 28, 1966. Laurel passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long and extremely brave fight against breast cancer in Vancouver, Nov. 18, 2007. She is remembered by her family and friends for the joy she brought to all of our lives. Her light shone so brightly it touched us all. She had unlimited energy, kindness, and spirit. She was intelligent and had a great sense of humour. All of these characteristics were evident in her work, play, social and athletic endeavours. Growing up in Burnaby, she was a top scholar. She excelled in many other areas: softball, gymnastics, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, and downhill ski racing. Laurel also played the piano and the saxophone. She performed in dramatic and musical school productions. She was the lead singer in a hobby rock band during her adult life. For the past 12 years Laurel has been a passionate participant in the game of Ultimate. She co-captained a team in the Vancouver Ultimate League (VUL). She persisted with active commitment to the sport during her lengthy illness. Her spirit is well known throughout the league. The VUL board has recommended that the annual Spirit Award be named in honour of Laurel. Laurel attended elementary and junior high school in Burnaby. She graduated from Port Moody High School in 1984 (class valedictorian). She attended Arts 1 at UBC, received a BA from University of Victoria and a MBA from UBC. Laurel's sense of adventure took her all around North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Her most memorable trip was in Africa as seen from the back of a truck For the past 12 years Laurel was employed by BCIT. Most recently, she has been the Meeting and Events Coordinator at the BCIT downtown campus. Laurel will be missed deeply by all who knew her in her short life. She will forever be in our hearts. She is survived by her loving husband, Colin Atwood, her loving parents, Dorothy and Nino Stroppa, twin brothers John and Tony (Michelle) Stroppa, Grandmothers Annie Wyrcimaga and Maria Stroppa. Aunts: Lee Falconi, Muriel (Peter) Botham and Uncle Dino Stroppa. Cousins: Tim Botham, Carlin Favell, Nicola Laidlaw, David Falconi and Robert Falconi. She is survived also by many extended family and countless friends. A memorial service followed by a celebration of life gathering will be held at the Vancouver Rowing Club in Stanley Park starting at 1 PM on Sun., Nov. 25, 2007. Our family wishes to thank all of the Drs. and health care workers who gave Laurel loving care. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the BC Cancer Foundation, Patient Care, Vancouver. (604 877 6040) (Walkey & Company 604 738-0006)