Tribute

Sylvia Dunn October 7, 1926 to October 25, 2018 From her birth in Victoria, childhood in Crofton and Duncan, and her adult life spent in Powell River and on Texada, Mum’s love of nature was a lifelong affair. Mum served in the WRENS during World War II, and her discharge military counselling record states “she has no definite future plans, but is interested only in an outdoor life.” Over the years, Mum fulfilled that wish in so many ways, whether it was on hikes or weeklong trail rides, or in her daily life working the farm at Pebble Beach and later, Paradise Valley, or during their 25-plus years living on Texada. During their life together, Mum and Dad lived “off the land” long before it was popular, and they were recycling household items years before the term was common. The stories from this time are many, describing the challenges of living in a home without electricity and heated only by a wood stove, to the various antics of dogs and horses and other farm animals. Dad was in charge of the vegetable garden and Mum looked after the flowers. Her gardens were colourful and casual and she was always ready to make room for a new plant, whether it was outside in a pot or in the house, on a table or shelf. In later years, her routine of feeding the birds every morning brought her joy and purpose. The view from her kitchen table provided her with endless entertainment and in phone calls, everyone in the family would receive regular reports of her latest sightings of whales, otters and other sea life, along with updates on the latest activity at the eagles’ nest. Our dad Ed, predeceased Mum in 2016. Part of the legacy Mum leaves is her love of nature, something she passed on to her children who are left with cherished memories. Left to keep her stories alive are Alastair (Kathy), Michael (Chris), Susan (Lindsay Louie), five grandchildren and one great-grandson. Special thanks to Texada Home Support Workers and to Diane Coupland, who kindly filled her birdfeeders, allowing her to enjoy her life at home until just a few weeks before her passing. We are grateful for the care and attention they gave Mum the last number of months. Mum enjoyed the lunches and social at the Texada Seniors Hall. Please make donations in her memory to Texada Seniors Council, PO Box 100, Gillies Bay, BC, V0N 1W0.