ERMELINE (LYNN) JAMES
1927-2015
Qualicum Beach, BC
You may have seen her bombing around town in her little red sports car, or playing golf 3X a week, or demonstrating her flexibility at exercise class, or walking her beloved rescue dog, Mikey, or even entertaining friends with her latest culinary concoctions. Not many years ago, you would have found her on the water at 7:00 am; paddling with other breast cancer survivors on the Breast of Life Dragon boat. Lynn was indeed 88 years young and a remarkable gal.
She was full of energy, mischief, fun, and advice. Lynn believed that costumes, games, and skits always made things more interesting. This was witnessed by many in the summer of 2014 when she hosted a riotous golf tournament for 36 lucky friends and family.
Lynn faced much adversity in her life which she unflinchingly met head on. She managed to retain her sense of humour even when times were tough. She knew when to lend a compassionate ear and when to give a reminder that life is unfair, play the cards you’ve been dealt and stop your whining.
Lynn was born and raised on a prairie farm near Acadia Valley, AB during the great depression. After becoming an RN, one of her first jobs was in Yellowknife. There, this pretty and intelligent blonde was made an Honorary Princess by the Chief of the Dogrib Band for her great community work with the Dene First Nations people. Later, she became the youngest Matron of the Oyen Hospital.
Around this time, Lynn was smitten by a dashing young pilot with his own airplane - Albert Karr (deceased) . They married and had 4 children. Even while raising those little terrors, Lynn continued a long and respected career in both Occupational and Public Health nursing in Grande Prairie, AB.
At 65, Lynn married a wonderful gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and a great sense of humour- Griff James. They settled in Qualicum Beach and had several happy years together before Griff’s passing.
On October 16, Lynn suffered a massive inter cerebral bleed as she was preparing to go golfing. She would have been disappointed to know that she stood up her foursome. Lynn died two weeks later on October 31, 2015.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated doctors and nurses who provided such wonderful care on the ward and especially in the Palliative Care Unit at Nanaimo Regional Hospital.
Lynn is survived by her brother Chester Neilson, and her four children: Kelly (Dea Napen) , Patt, Avril (Frank Warshawski), and Kerry. She is also survived by Griff’s children, Jim, Judy and Bette Leigh. She was adored by her buckets of grandchildren who knew she was always good for a laugh and a wizened perspective on the world.
Lynn did not want a service of any kind. Instead, there will be an informal gathering on Saturday, November 21 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Lynn’s home.
430 Knight Terrace, Qualicum Beach. We have some great stories.
We hope you will attend and share some too.