January 24, 1940 - January 20, 2013
Lynn was born in Morden, Manitoba, the eldest daughter of Thomas William (Curly) and Agnes Isobel (Bid) Gilbank. She died at Shorncliffe Hospice in Sechelt, B.C. after a long and courageous fight with Alzheimers and dementia.
She is survived by her loving husband Len; daughters Kathrine Lynn Mulder (Tony) and Karen Valerie Heskin (David); sister Valerie Elias (Art) and brother Barrie Gilbank.
Lynn was a graduate of Linwood Public School, St. James High School, United College and the Angus Business School in Winnipeg. She was an Honoured Queen of Job’s Daughters in Winnipeg. She worked as a secretary at United College in Winnipeg and at a high school in Sarnia, Ontario, after she was married. Lynn married Len in the St. James Anglican Church in 1961, before moving to Sarnia, where Len worked. Following the birth of Kathy, Lynn became a full-time mother, homemaker and “moving expert”! During their marriage, even though Len worked for only one company, they moved 19 times between Sarnia, several places in New Jersey, Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and finally, Halfmoon Bay, B.C. after retirement. In between moves and rearing their two lovely daughters, Lynn became a perfectionist weaver. She was a charter member and President of the Heritage Weavers Guild in Calgary and an active member of the Sunshine Coast Spinners & Weavers Guild. She became quite famous for her BC tartan towels. In Calgary, she was a partner with 12 other women who, very successfully, operated a store called “Hand Spirits” for only handmade goods. For over 25 years she was an active volunteer and member of the executive group for the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts. She was a long-time organizer and supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society because both of Len and Lynn’s parents were victims of this terrible disease.
Lynn had a very large and soft heart, along with a winning smile. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Special thanks to Dr. Karen Scott, Dr. Chris Goddard, Dr. John Hourigan, Dr. Sara Wadge, and all of the dedicated staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and Shorncliffe Hospice.
A celebration of Lynn’s life will take place at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt on Monday, January 28, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your preferred charity.