ADAIR, Joan Lorene (nee Gibson)
Our dear and beloved Mother died October 31, 2012 after a short journey with cancer. She found her final peace in Revelstoke, surrounded by family.
Mom was born December 1, 1928 in Chilliwack, BC, the first child of Vic and Lyn Gibson and had all her schooling in Chilliwack. Mom excelled academically and in sports, and had a sharp mathematical mind. Mom was predeceased by her infant brother Dean, father Vic in 1978, long-time companion Jimmy McKinnon in 2005, mother Lyn in 2007, daughter-in-law Rita in 2010, and most recently by her son, Ted, in June, 2012. Mom is survived by her children Victor (Gina), Brent (Teresa), Mark (Mickey), and Colleen. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, June, and grandchildren Mary, Catherine, Drew, Scott, Patrick, Sherri, and Alison and her great-grandchildren. Mom is survived by two brothers, Doug (Naomi) of Chilliwack and Jim (Gail) of Toronto.
Mom moved to Revelstoke in 1956, originally living on the Hillcrest Farm with her family. In 1957 Mom began working for the McKinnon family on the Standard Dairy Farm, and in 1960 she earned her Dairy Short Course, and Pasteurizer Operator ticket. Mom worked in the dairy processing milk until the High Arrow Dam and the planned flooding of the Columbia Valley forced a switch. Standard Dairy then began carrying Dairyland milk products, and the operation moved to Nichol Road two years later. Mom delivered milk to commercial businesses for a handful of years and will be remembered as the woman who zipped around town in her yellow milk truck and Dairyland uniform. McGregor’s Motor Inn was the recipient of Mom’s hard work and dedication for a number of years. Whether she was the Dining Room Hostess, serving drinks in the lounge, or booking rooms at the hotel front desk, Mom ran a tight ship and put up with no Tom-foolery!
In the early 70’s Mom switched careers again and went to work for Jake-Jay Holdings (Jim, Jack, and Bill McKinnon) as the Office Administration person. Mom worked there for close to twenty years before retiring in the early 90’s. In 1983 Mom was awarded the Employee of the Year Award.
Retirement brought gardening, travel, family visits, and a time in Mom’s life when she was able to relax and have fun. She golfed, bowled, cross-stitched, knit, and maintained a beautiful yard and gardens. And told stories. If there was anything you wanted to know about the town or its people, you could just ask Mom. After Jimmy’s death in 2005 Mom turned her work skills and energy to the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store; it was truly a God-send.
A Celebration of Mom’s life took place at the Revelstoke Seniors’ Centre on Saturday, November 3, 2012.
We would like to thank Diane and Gary Wiege for their tremendous friendship and support to Mom, especially in this past year. Thank you also to ‘all the women and men at the Thrift Store’ where Mom spent so many hours; she shared many tales of the ‘store’ and of you with us. A heart-felt thanks to Dr. Sara Brown for her compassion and attentiveness to our Mom as she navigated this last part of her life. Your care will always be remembered. Thanks as well for all the kindness and support from the medical staff here in Revelstoke and elsewhere.
A fund has been established to install a memorial bench, to be placed overlooking the Pioneer McKinnon Farm. To make a donation, please send to Revelstoke City Hall, in memory of Joan Adair.