Laura left this world far too soon, just days before her 34th birthday. Left to cherish her memory are her loving family members—parents Tom and Sue, siblings Heather (Steve) and Graham (Itsuki), treasured nieces Ella and Riona, and awesome nephew Fuzuki. Also surviving Laura are many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Laura passionately pursued many interests including top level sports such as soccer, ringette and most recently CIS Hockey as a member of the UBC Women’s T-Birds silver medalist hockey team. In her younger years, Laura coached young players in various sports and volunteered to assist challenged young people in most of the communities where she resided. Laura loved being outdoors; hiking, skiing, kayaking or cycling. She had an appetite for learning about anything and everything and was keen to share this knowledge. Her caring attitude naturally led her to UBC medical school where she thrived on the new learning experiences and developed great skills.

Laura was drawn to follow in the medical footsteps of her grandfather, father and older sister. The challenges of medical school were a perfect match for her brilliant mind and her caring heart. For more than half her life, Laura valiantly tried to overcome her long battle with the effects of depression, within the disease of bipolar disorder, but sadly the struggle finally took its toll.

The family truly appreciates the compassionate care provided by numerous physicians over the years in Saskatoon, Prince George, Kelowna and Vancouver.

Laura was passionate about addressing and eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness. The funds raised from the memorial campaign will support UBC projects or initiatives related to stigma reduction in her honour.