FLORENCE SHEILA GRIP

We regret to announce the untimely death of our mother, Florence Sheila Grip, on September 20.

Born September 7, 1932 to Angus and Cassie (June) McLeod, Florence grew up in Westwold and Kamloops. After her career as an RCAF meteorologist, she married RCAF pilot Lars William (Bill) Grip and raised a family, with many postings in Canada and overseas. In the 1970's, she and Bill parted, and she returned to the ranching life she loved, living on Campbell Range until she entered the hospital on September 2. She spent 30+ years with her beloved second husband, Geordie Gowans, but when he died this year on March 1, the light went out of her life.

Florence was predeceased by her parents, Angus and June, her brother Douglas and sister Lorraine.

Left to mourn her are her children Hield Bloom (Andy), Maja Louise Grip (Jack), Lars Grip, and Margaret Johnson (Barry); six grandchildren (Kristen, Kimberly, Lars, Maja, Devon, Matthew); one great grandson (William); and her dear sisters Joan Dorothy Evans, Muriel Ivens, Jean Prevost (Ed), and Verna Pippolo and their families. Florence also leaves behind many friends and a host of good neighbours. We will miss her terribly, but we will never forget the lessons she taught us.

Special thanks to Dr. Montgomery and the staff at RIH for their care in Florence's final days.

A Celebration of Florence's life will be held Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street.

In lieu of flowers, please consider doing a random act of kindness in her memory, and always remember to pay it forward.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 250-374-1454.