May 30,1922 - Aug. 28, 2015
From her iconic spot on the front porch at Farmers’ Bull-pasture, Green Lake, Betty oversaw four generations of her large, loving family. From the countless beach activities to chatting about the top story on BBC News, she was always at the centre. Family and friends came daily for tea with cookies, looking to catch up and engage in lively conservations. She offered sage advice to the youngsters (for 52 consecutive summers) and was fond of discussions about world politics, current events and the daily weather forecast with her much quoted, “It’s clearing in the west.”
Forever by her side was her partner in life, Frank her husband of 68 years. She was surrounded by her 4 children; Sally (Bob), Frances (Rob), Cathie (Rudi), Stewart (Diana) and 11 grandchildren; Teresa (Jeremy), Karla (Bruce), Patrick, Lydia
(John), Riley, Tyler, Devin ( Kelly), Lucas, Carson, Maxine and Jaclyn. She also had 6 great grandchildren: Rebecca, Mattea, Melissa, Rachel, Seppi, and Lorelai. She had 2 brothers; Bill and Chuck and a sister, Evelyn Thompson.
Born in Victoria on May 30, 1922, Betty resided in Vancouver until she joined the Navy (WRENS) in 1943 and was stationed in Halifax and Glasgow. She returned to the Flying U Guest Ranch, owned by her father Charlie Wilkinson where she met Frank. On Dec. 4, 1946 they married and moved to the Green Lake Meadows. With a huge adjustment, the city girl transitioned to ranch life and the community while raising a family.
In 1961 another new chapter began with a move to Vancouver when Frank became a teacher. For 20 years Betty was a busy Mom who also swam regularly, attended harness races, belonged to a bridge club and learned to play golf. A much remembered highlight of hers was the trip she and Frank took around the world in 1979, with a long stop in South Africa.
Retirement to the Bullpasture in 1984 brought more enjoyment of golf, fishing, card games, reading and her favourite activity, swimming. Winters were spent in their condo in Abbotsford with her beloved pool.
Her commitment to family life was inspiring, her love for those around her was endless and unwavering and she met life challenges with a positive determination. Betty was a lifetime lover of words, listening to audio book stories, even to this summer, showcasing her voracity of reading and life.
A farewell celebration of life, with an informal tea to share memories, will be held at 70 Mile Community Hall on Sept. 19, 2015 at 2 p.m.
In keeping with Betty’s wishes cremation has taken place.
Memorial donations may be made to the CNIB
100 Mile Funeral Service Ltd.
entrusted with the arrangements. 250-395-3243
Condolences can be sent to the family care of www.100milefuneralservice.com