Another week has come around, the older I get the faster they come, or it seems that way. We are having some nice summer weather and the farmers are getting ready to start haying. Some have already started. Really good reports the hay is great. Now they will hope the weather stays good. Now this is the most important part.
Good friend
On Saturday last we held a celebration of life for the late Jean Stanton (Peebles) at the Francois Lake Hall. Jean had spent the greater part of her life in the Lakes District. She was lady in every sense of the word. By the number of family and friends in the hall gave us an idea of how much Jean was loved and respected. I had known Jean for over 70 years and she was a good friend.
Scary incident
This was almost a lifetime ago. One Sunday afternoon my late wife Jo and I were driving along the main highway beside Tchesinkut Lake and a gale force wind came up in a matter of minutes and the lake was standing on end.
Jo said let’s stop and watch it, so we did. Jo grabbed my arm and said I see a canoe with two people laying on it and it’s turned over.
She was right and the waves were so high you would lose sight of them.
We were not far from Ruth Lord’s home and I know Cliff Cousins had a big boat so that’s where we went full bore.
Cliff was having lunch alone so Jo told him what we had seen then he saw these folks in big trouble.
In five minutes Cliff was in the lake heading for them. We watched him pick them up and head for his home.
They were in bad shape as the girl kept slipping off the canoe so Cliff was just in time or else there would be a terrible tragedy.
We did know this couple, they were very grateful that Jo happened.
Moving away
Eileen Hewett, a long time resident of Burns Lake and of the late at the Tweedsmuir House, has now moved to be with her family.
She is not going to have a warmer climate in lower B.C.
Eileen was known for her choir singing of which she took an active part.
The Tweedsmuir House will miss her pleasant company. All the residents here will miss her big time.
Another good bye
I have at hand another very sad brochure with the passing of Winnifred Mary Stevens, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Her service was held on Sunday at the United Church.
She was known and loved by so many that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Donna Harrison took the serve. This wonderful lady has left so many pleasant memories as she was such a pleasure to know.
She leaves a very loving family with memories that will never die. What else can we leave behind but memories? They are so precious.
Service in the park
Sunday beamed in loud and clear a great day of an outdoor church service and there was one held in the Spirit Square, what a wonderful place for an outdoor church service.
There was a big crowd there to enjoy the service. Lots of good music and singing and a very good message from Pastor Al from the Grassy Plains Gospel Church.
Lunch was also served. What was so important was the fellowship through the whole service and this is so important.
I feel in my heart there will be another outdoor service sometime the during summer.
Family reunion
Rick and Marie Hunter have just returned from a Hunter family reunion at 108 Mile. What a great place for a reunion and a wonderful time everyone had right from the oldest to the youngest.
What great memories to take home. Lots of the other families were also able to join in as well and meet new cousins and have fun.
Black flies
Some of the residents are mentioning the black flies bothering them. They are nasty little things and can really bite. When I was back on the home place we were really bothered with them and their bite could be dangerous too.
Our daughter Marie had a nice little saddle mare. She was a yearling at the time.
I happened to notice her standing alone so I knew she was sick, so I went out to catch her. I patted her chest and talked to her.
My hand came away bloody and I saw her best was like a piece of raw meat, the black flies were eating her alive.
I doctored her up and kept her in the barn for a week. She healed up in time.
I mentioned this to Clarence Snyder, an old cowboy friend of mine, and he told me they had lost two young calves with black flies at the same time.
At that time they had range down Tchesinkut Lake and that range was well know for black flies.
One year my dad and Reverend Atchinson were fishing in the Bulkley River and they got into black flies, they bit Dad up badly and he had to go to Dr. Holmes and he gave Dad some ointment that cleared the bites up.
But he was sure careful on his next fishing trip.
Something to think on from uncle Hugh
It’s not near as important how many years a fella has lived as how many other folks have been right glad he has, (an old cowboy saying).
Always remember God loves you and so do I. Have a safe week.
