The Goldie family came to Canada in 1844, brought by their great-grandfather John Goldie, who died in 1886. David Goldie, father of James Goldie, played an important role in establishing the family’s name; for David’s achievements were remarkable.
In The Goldie Saga, Theresa Goldie (Tib) recalled only one memory of her father. It was sadly of him on his death bed. Mrs. David Goldie (Isabella Easton), also known as Bella, took care of 10 children after David’s passing.
The children grew up in a giant house in the Gore, Ont. The inside was extremely comfortable and designed for a large family. To the average person, the home encompassed unheard-of luxuries; there was a very fancy indoor washroom. The house also had a central furnace, which used hot water that flowed through pipes in the walls. Additionally, there were at least nine different fireplaces.
READ MORE: Oyama settlers after the First World War
Although she never lived in Lake Country, Tib was a welcomed visitor at the Rainbow Ranch. James Goldie and Robert Dormer purchased half the property, not long after James moved to the area, around 1908. James married Jessie Ross, in February 1913 (he made the proposal in 1912, at the Calgary Stampede). James managed the Rainbow Ranch until 1948. Japanese settlers were welcomed to work on the orchard, under the supervision of foreman Shigehisa (Sam) Hikichi. After sub-dividing, they continued to live on a small portion of the Rainbow Ranch.
Both James and Jessie passed away in the early 1970s. Goldies, even today, are well-known and respected in Okanagan Centre, Lake Country. The family name lives on through younger generations in the area.
Visit the Lake Country Museum to see photos of Tib, James, and other influential people connected to the Goldie family who were in Lake Country.
Every week, the Lake Country Calendar will publish a column from the Lake Country Museum highlighting our community’s past.
