Eleanor Gritt (nee Coutts) of Barriere, BC, passed away at Vancouver General Hospital on Sunday, October 24, 2010. She was 92 years of age. Eleanor was born on September 15, 1918 in East Burnaby, BC, to parents Walter and Maude Coutts (nee Mannering). She is survived by her loving husband, John Gritt of Barriere, BC, daughter Shirley (Ken) Johnson of Meadow Vista, California, stepsons Woody (Carol) and Eddy (Debbie), stepdaughter Stephanie, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with many friends. Eleanor was predeceased by her mother and father, her siblings Fraser, Norman, Walter, Kay and Dody, by her daughter Connie, stepdaughter Linda, stepson Terry and by her first husband, Conrad Fisher.
A graduate of grade 12, Eleanor’s work life included being a postmaster at post offices in Granthams Landing and Roberts Creek, BC. She also had a career as a stenographer. When she wasn’t working, Eleanor had a life-long passion for gardening. In her later years, she was an active member of the Barriere Seniors’ Centre.
Eleanor was a very positive person. Her positive nature rubbed off on people – even those she knew for just a short while. She was also a crusader for things she held dear: she got a bookmobile started in her neighbourhood and she managed to get Greyhound to provide school bus service in her community. While living in Roberts Creek, Eleanor saw a need to beautify the beach, so she hired and organized a bulldozer to clean it up. Eleanor was a city girl who overcame her initial fears and began to milk cows. She stood beside John on many occasions and helped to gut and skin the moose he hunted. Eleanor was willing to do anything she could for her partner. She and John even built their own log house – with no electricity – at Clucus Lake (near Finnmore). Even in the final minutes of her life, with family by her side, she expressed care, hope and encouragement for those she loved. She was a strong woman who will leave a big void in the life of family and friends.
An informal gathering to remember Eleanor was held on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the family home in Barriere. Arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, Box 859, Barriere, BC, V0E 1E0, 250-672-1999. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.norththompsonfuneral.com.