Pauline Wilson
1926 – 2016
Polly died on August 18 at Lady Minto Hospital under the compassionate care of Dr. Crichton, the wonderful nursing staff and hospice volunteers.
She had friends around the world and especially on Salt Spring.
Polly was the epitome of graceful aging. Despite almost constant pain in recent years she remained cheerful and when asked, ‘how?’ replied with a smile, “There’s no point in being anything else, is there?”
Born in England in 1926, she left school early during the war but she continued to observe and to learn all her life. She was interesting herself and always interested in others and was an avid reader.
In her early 30’s her adventurous spirit took her to Kenya to work for a few years. Back in England she met her life-long friend Char and together they trained to be British Animal Nursing Auxiliaries, a three-year course sustained by her great love of animals. Together they sailed to Canada then crossed the country by train to settle on the West Coast. During a trip to the Yukon Polly found her true place in the world and returned to live there.
She and her partner, (the late John Lammers) lived for many years on the Pelly River, 27 miles from the nearest community, welcoming guests, running river trips and opening the eyes of visitors to the beauty and wildlife of the North.
After retiring to Salt Spring Polly took pleasure in long walks, her garden and her little Norfolk terrier, Minnie. As her mobility decreased she enjoyed tea with friends, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, a good game of scrabble, (if you weren’t too serious about it), and more reading.
As she said from her hospital bed shortly before she died, “I’ve had a good innings”.
Donations to the Lady Minto Hospital and Salt Spring Hospice would be much appreciated.
Condolences welcome at www.haywardsfuneral.com