ForeverMissed
Large image
Stories

Share a special moment from Joan's life.

Write a story

Time for Work

June 1, 2019

As you all know Joan was a wonderful teacher by profession. Being a teacher she regularly had the summers off.I would often see her lounging around drinking a cocktail from time to time while I had to go and earn a living.

She would often smile while off to work I went and how lucky she was. My way of dealing with this was at the end of the summer and the night before I would call and remind Joan that it’s time to go back to work. This became a tradition, and she would always expect the call.  She would give a big sigh at going back to work and laugh at the reminder. 

I only wish I could call and remind her her again and hear her laughing

Dennis and Frances

Always There.

November 25, 2017

Grandma and Grandpa always show up. No obstacle insurmountable, no distance too great, no time too inconvenient.

And its a good thing too because their grandkids could be anywhere doing anything. Recently the drive to Cornwall (5 hrs) was almost the shortest distance for Grandma hugs; the closest being 17 minutes to the Guelph residence of three ridicuously cute grandkiddies, the furthest being Oslo the home of the newest addition, and somewhere in the middle (time-wise) is Clagary, an established stronghold of G and G visits.

To go see the Cornwall clan, however, is usually a three or four day adventure in always uncertain drving conditions on the notorious 401 eastbound. Grandpa loves the traffic, Grandma not so much. But she braved it nonetheless, regularly heading our way. Nothing was going to stand between her and grandchildren.

G and G have literally driven across the country for child and grandchild. Starting with a north of Superior run in 2004 to Thunder Bay, they've racked up road trips to Pickle Lake, Sioux Lookut and all the way to Calgary for visits. They've seen swim meets as far away as Ottawa, Cornwall and Belleville. Not to mention Brantford, London and everywhere in Toronto. Picking up munchkins in Port Hope for a late summer cottage visit was not out of the question either, but may also have tested their endurance as the round trip is close to 8 hours! But it matters not, they were always there.

Grandma even ventured out on trains (with Aunt Ruth too! and some very inconvenient buses) and planes (a Wasaya Beech 1900D doing the milkrun all over Northwestern Ontario - visiting two fly in reserves and Pickle Lake, again - was a 3 hour trip for Grandma which never even made it to Sioux Lookout because of a thunderstorm - she came up the next day direct on a Bearskin Metroliner). Planes, trains and automobiles, indeed.

Needless to say, these two granparents are the gladiators of getting there, the sultans of showing up, the victors of visitation.

Though occasionally it was the otherway around and the kids came to them, like in the picture above, there was no greater pleasure than seeing their car pull in the driveway with an armload of hugs for the kids...and me.

 

 

New Year's Eve for many years

November 22, 2017

For many years we had marvelous New Year's celebrations with the gang in the photo.  We would rotate who hosted, everyone brought food and drink and certainly the ladies loved to dress up. The gang was:  Joan & Doug/ David & Maria Phipps/ John & Camille Arnold/ Donna & Chuck Bartliff/ Shirley & Rance Oosterveld/ Barb & Ian Galloway/ my Mom Inge Rakovszky.

November 21, 2017

We're about to to reboard our cruise boat on the Quadiana River( border between Portugal & Spain). We had just enjoyed a Portuguese lunch in a remote ancient village founded by the Moors. 

My friend

November 18, 2017

I met Joan in the early 80's and we became very good friends.  Joan was always a calming influence on me and all who knew her.  We spent many wonderful times at each other's homes, living quite nearby to each other. 

She loved her "cottage" life as has been noted.  I was always thankful for the invites up to Wabesheene, where she first had her summer "abode".

 Joan stood up for me when I remarried, and we continued to stay in touch, but sad to say, as the years passed, so did our communication.  I am so happy that in the past few years, we did reconnect and I met Joan's wonderful partner Doug.  

She was living the perfect life.  Her children were married and doing very well.  She had her darling grandchildren, the many travels, her hobbies and a beautiful home.  Many, many close friends and family.  All to be envied.

I have looked at the photos posted on this site a few times over, with tears in my eyes.  So many wonderful memories of Joan come to mind.  Joan, if only I could have another conversation with you and see your smile.  Rest in peace, my dear friend. 

November 18, 2017

I have only a few memories with Joan, but I have many with Brody.  Never have I met a more caring father and devoted family man.  A better friend and man you cannot find.

Every time I had the pleasure of meeting Joan, I always knew why.

A permanent smile always, a true lady who controlled the room with quiet grace.  Carrying herself with a dignity that you knew you were in the presence of goodness at its purest form.  I don't hug a lot of friends, and I sure don't hug their moms.  But when our paths crossed, I made sure I got one (or two) every time.  She radiated life, and passed it along to everyone she met I imagine.  

Seeing her again in Cornwall this summer was a special treat, a few days that I will remember forever as great times were had by all.  When it was time to leave, I got one of those special hugs, and made sure my children did as well. 

Brody, Lisa, Rori and Bree...I have not the words to tell you just how much I feel for you all through your loss.  Love you all, and my condolences to Doug and Lyndsay as well.

Uncle Marc



November 17, 2017

Many of the times I can remember being with Joan involved sitting back, relaxing, and having some laughs. Also, many of them involved a cottage, as Joan has always been one of the best cottagers I have ever known. Last summer, she joined us at my in-laws cottage for a few days. She even showed them - relatively seasoned cottaging veterans - a few things about having a good time. We had a blast together. She also knows the value of using a paper map for getting directions, and not trusting google maps. I gave her and my mom directions printed off the internet of how to get to the cottage in rural Quebec. She took a look and thought she better come up with her own directions. Lucky she did or they may never have gotten there.

Joan has always been like extended family to me and my family. We love her so much. I am shocked and so saddened by Joan’s passing. My thoughts are with her family and everyone else who knew her. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need somebody to talk to. ❤️

Share a story

 
Add a document, picture, song, or video
Add an attachment Add a media attachment to your story
You can illustrate your story with a photo, video, song, or PDF document attachment.