Tribute

Passed away suddenly on June 20, 2014 in Powell River, BC. Survived by her loving husband Harry Lamacraft, children Karel Gemmell (Gord), Wendy Dodd (Barry), Brian Lamacraft (Lisa Usher), sister Joyce Lloyd (Lorne), sister-in-law Gwen Lamacraft, grandchildren Daniel Gemmell, Katie Gemmell, Michael Dodd (Lianne Cranfield), Andrea Lee (Keith), and great grandchild Mary-Jane Dodd. Thank you to the physicians and nursing staff at Powell River Hospital for their care of Doreen during her stay and final day.

Doreen was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, eldest daughter of Alan and Francis Fiddes. She lived in Vancouver, BC during her younger years. Doreen was attractive, a real 50s beauty. She first met Harry, the dashing sailor in Vancouver in 1953. It was love at first sight, with marriage and family to follow. Doreen managed the home and children on her own for many weeks at a time when Harry was away at sea.

Doreen had many talents in her lifetime! She was a Can-Can dancer in the late 1950s along with her sister-in-law. She later joined the Sweet Adelines singing group and travelled to Calgary and other venues to perform. Doreen volunteered at her children’s elementary schools and is remembered helping serve meals in the cafeteria and other functions. She became involved at St. Peter’s church and social functions in her late 30s and loved to make crafts and bake for the church bazaar. Doreen had a passion for decorating during the Christmas holiday season and her home made Christmas decorations are still hung on the family trees each year.

Doreen’s latter years since 1993 were spent in Powell River where she enjoyed bus tours to Reno and the many adventures with Heather Tours and Powell River friends. A recent highlight took place in April 2014 when she travelled to Fanny Bay, BC to visit with her great grand-daughter Mary-Jane Dodd who had just turned one year old. 

Doreen had her own personal style and was always dressed to the nines at every occasion, even when she was relaxing at home. Doreen will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother; a great cook, a lover of good food, wine, much laughter, and really enjoying family get togethers.