Beloved Wife. Oct 21, 1922 – Sept 13, 2011
Born in the small Manitoba town of Griswold, Sheila lived on the family farm with her parents, aunt and two sisters until she began to teach school. Then the day arrived when she was swept away by a handsome airman to a happy, fulfilling marriage of nearly 70 years. From the family farm they moved to High River, then Calgary and at last to the coast – North Vancouver for a happy 45 years. It was in North Van that Sheila began her lifelong love of the sport of curling. From novice to strong amateur competitor she shared her love with young curlers and successfully coached several teams to Provincial championships. Her strong independence, personal dignity and discipline were an example to everyone who met her in the sport. In later years she participated on the board of the BC Ladies Curling Assoc where she held the post of President. The next sport that took her fancy was golf. The move to Qualicum Beach in 1986 provided the perfect environment for her to pursue this new activity. While curling was still an active sport Sheila began to spend more time and involvement with golf. She served as Treasurer of the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club. Then began the love affair with Arrowsmith Golf Club where she participated in the Ladies Club until she was 86. As in the past, Sheila took under her wing the new golfers, sharing with them her knowledge of the rules and etiquette of the game. Her success was topped with a Low Net Club Championship in 2000.
Sheila had a true affinity with the ocean. Family vacations in the 50’s at Qualicum Beach turned to group holidays on Salt Spring Island and finally many happy years with Bob and then the family at Tofino. She always had time to spend with the children to teach them to respect and love the tide pools and life of the waterside. But it was in the garden that she was the most content. Her new garden in Qualicum Beach won the Best Garden in Qualicum contest. Many happy hours were spent amongst her favourite flowers – begonias and lilies. The garden attracted a large range of bird life, a constant source of delight and entertainment.
Sheila is survived by her loving husband Bob (Qualicum Beach), her four children; Barbara (Victoria), Judy (Victoria), Rob (Pat) (North Vancouver) and Susan (Qualicum Beach). She kept close touch with her six grandchildren; Sheila (Lee), Jordan (Lisa), Jocelyn, Theresa (Roberto), Jennifer (Chad) and Russell. The wall was covered with pictures of the great-grandchildren; Noah, Emma, Ava and Jordan.
Thank you to Dr. Clair Biglow for his constant care and Char for her many kindnesses.
A Celebration of Life Tea will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 137 Denman Drive Qualicum Beach, BC from between 1:00 and 3:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parksville/Qualicum Beach chapter of the Salvation Army – where Sheila happily counted and rolled coins from the Christmas kettles.
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.