Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Blunt, Gwen


May 10, 1943 - May 30, 2012 

Born in Newcastle, England on May 10, 1943 to John and Charlotte Lewis, Gwen passed away at Cottage Hospice in Vancouver on May 30. She is survived by her son Andrew (Erin) and her grandchildren Elliott and Charlotte who adored their "Grandma G". Gwen was a longtime teacher and librarian who appreciated the smaller things in life such as a glass of wine with friends, a good book, or a walk on the seawall on a sunny day. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gwen's name to the BC Cancer Agency or St. James Community Service Society (Cottage Hospice). There will be no service by request but please drop by and join us for an informal gathering at Monk McQueens (601 Stamps Landing in Vancouver) on Saturday June 9 from 2 to 4 pm.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

King, Helen (nee Manery)

Prince George Citizen: 2012 January 12

June 8, 1916 - December 20, 2011 

Helen Marion Manery was born to Similkameen pioneers, and grew up on her parents' farm and orchard in Cawston with her five siblings. She received her teaching credentials in 1935 and got her first teaching job in Kaleden. There she met and married Ron King, and together they raised five children. Helen sewed their clothes, taught them poetry and songs, and instilled in them the values close to her heart. In the 1960's the family moved to Prince George. Ron worked for BC Telephone, and Helen continued her teaching career at Kelly Road and Peden Hill Elementary. She loved the kids, the creativity, and the challenges of teaching. She went to night school and to UBC to continue her education as a school librarian. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Prince George, taught Sunday School and Pioneer Girls, sang in the choir, and participated in missions societies. She lived out her faith by adhering to the values she had learned as a girl. Love people, live with integrity, work hard, stay true to your commitments and give generously to others. Helen exercised a life long gift of offering hospitality to others. The King home was always open to young people, friends and family. Sundays after church, Helen hosted lunch for visitors to church, and many people also stayed in their home for extended periods of time. After Ron and Helen retired to Kaleden, they welcomed many of their Prince George friends to their home by the lake. Helen was kindhearted, caring, and supportive. She also had an independent spirit. A woman ahead of her time, she omitted from her marriage vows the promise to obey; she thought that to love and honour was sufficient. She had a pragmatic sort of wisdom, choosing the practices that worked for her from the pendulum swings of educational theory. She had an artistic flair, knitting sweaters and crocheting bedspreads for all her grandchildren. In her final years, despite the loss of many abilities, she retained her sense of humour and her gentle disposition. She often expressed gratitude to those who cared for her. After almost seventy years of marriage, Ron died in 2010. We who remain are blessed to have shared Helen's life: children Douglas (Vivian), Elaine (Bill), Meredith (Bill), Barbara (Jon), Judith (Randy), 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and a large extended family. 

A celebration of Helen's life will be held in Kaleden on the August long weekend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope International Development Agency at hope-international.com or to Canadian Baptist Ministries at www.cbmin.org.