Jean McRann was born November 20, 1935 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, the oldest child of Bert and Lillian Watson. In the early days Jean lived in the Clark / Landry area and later in Dawson Creek and Bay Tree. Jean obtained her schooling in many schools in the area as education was a challenge in the pioneer days. The travels to and from school were done with buggy and horse in the summer and in the winter months with a horse and cutter.
After the school years Jean worked a short while for CIBC in Dawson Creek and it was during this time that she met Gordon McRann. Gordon and Jean were married in November 1953 and entered a purebred Shorthorn cattle partnership. Son Garth was born in 1955 and daughter Sheri in 1958. The hard work on the farm was balanced with fun at dances, ball tournaments, curling, picnics and many family and friends gatherings at the farm. Jean’s cooking and baking talents were appreciated by all as her house was always open with a generous and welcoming attitude and a smile.
The Bearcroft Shorthorns were shown at the Dawson Creek Exhibition until 1980. Jean’s dedication to the Beef division at this show awarded her with a lifetime membership. The cattle were proudly exhibited from the Peace to Toronto and down to Vancouver at the PNE for many years. Bulls were sold at the Dawson Creek Bull Sale, as well as hauled to Williams Lake and Kamloops yearly. Many banners and trophies were won. Jean was involved in 4-H and the Shorthorn Association both locally and provincially. When Jean took employment off the farm she worked as a Teachers Aid at Pouce Coupe Elementary School and with the Ministry of Agriculture.
In 1977 son Garth was involved in a fatal farming accident on the home farm. This was a difficult time for the family. Garth had attended Olds Agriculture College and had expanded the farm land base with purchasing land at Bay Tree. Jean filled the void in her heart by keeping the memories of Garth alive developing his Bay Tree farm.
Jean started her position at the Ministry of Forestry and Lands in 1980. This was the type of job that kept Jean outdoors working with ranchers in the community pastures. Jean also enjoyed her time fighting fires and spending time doing fire patrol either by plane or helicopter. Jean formed many lasting friendships with ranchers all over the area. She was well respected among her peers, and retired after a rewarding career of
16 years with the Ministry.
Jean was a true steward of nature and the land. She was passionate about horses and riding was a lifelong enjoyment. Vegetable and flower gardening brought hours of pleasure which was evident by her beautiful yard. Jean’s annual display of petunias was lavish. Other gratifying activities and hobbies include berry picking, canning, painting, candle making, crocheting, weaving, flower pressing, papermaking and bird watching.
One of Jeans biggest joys was being around her grandchildren Derek and Janelle. She enjoyed taking them camping down by the Pouce Coupe River, spending weekends with them over at her Bay Tree farm, cheering them on at sporting events, or sharing the National Parks and wildlife with them.
Jean enjoyed travelling and took trips to Mexico, Hawaii, up North, across Canada and down into the USA.
Jean suffered a severe stroke in February 2012 which made it impossible to live independently at her Bay Tree paradise. Following this Jean settled in Rotary Manor, where she continued to make new friends and get out whenever possible.
Jean’s last day was spent with family by her side celebrating her 80th Birthday.
Jean passed away peacefully in the early morning of November 21st at Rotary Manor with Sheri at her side.
Jean is predeceased by her parents Bert and Lillian Watson, son Garth, and father of her children, Gordon McRann.
Jean is lovingly remembered by daughter Sheri (Don) Murphy, grandchildren
Derek Murphy, Janelle (Mike) Frey. Sister to Ruth (Bert) Veiner, Allen (Sheila) Watson and Dori (Fred) Goodchild and Auntie Jean to many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, November 26, 2015 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, officiated by Reverend Marilyn Carroll. Donations in memory of Jean may be made to the Rotary Manor – Garden Program, 1121-90th Ave, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, V1G 5A3.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services