June Elizabeth, born in Kamloops on January 31, 1939, to Vin and Sarah Harton, passed away peacefully with her family by her side in Kamloops on January 12, 2015.
Growing up in Kamloops, Junie spent her days romping with friends, cousins and neighbours, enjoying her school days and many weekend fishing trips, camping with her family. In her teens June began working outside her home, proud to earn her own income. June was a quick study; through the years, her attention to detail, work ethic, and desire to help whenever she could was appreciated by her employers, co-workers and workers she assisted, particularly her years of employment in the office of Fadear Creek Lumber, Balco, and Tolko.
In 1956, June started dating Heffley Creek boy Wally Paige. They never looked back and on August 31, 1957, June married her best friend Wally. Joining hands, they began a life filled with enduring friendships, excellent adventures and many a dance, song and get-together. Over the years June and Wally, with their loyal dogs by their side spent countless hours camping and fishing, enjoying the quiet and beauty of local lakes, happy to share their campfire with lifelong friends and new friends made that day.
Together they were wonderful parents and grandparents to their three children, four grandchildren and those who lived in their home over the years. They showed love and guidance and were always able to accept change as they watched their family grow and blossom. Everyone was welcome at Wally and June’s; they opened their home and hearts and helped many in need. During the past 20 years, June and Wally worked together managing Riva Ridge Mobile Home Park; they worked side by side, supporting each other and tenants of the park.
June liked people and people liked her – she was keen to be part of her neighbourhood while living in Brocklehurst, Barriere, Valemount, Slocan and back again in Barriere. She added color and style with her eye for gardening and landscaping and friendship and fun with backyard summer barbecues, Christmas Carolling, Super Bowl and Grey Cup parties, Halloween goodie bags, and watching a good storm come in. June made the best potato salad, Chicken Cacciatore and Chili.
In recent years and up to last week, June so looked forward to her daily visit to uptown Barriere. She was never too busy to stop and chat along the way, keeping up on the “goings on”. She was pleased to shop local and support her community. She kept the radio tuned to The Bear, Barriere’s local radio station; she thoroughly enjoyed taking time to sit and listen in.
June Elizabeth had the most beautiful handwriting; she was funny, witty and a joy to be with; she was feisty, an independent thinker and a very good listener; she was kind and loving. She was so loved and will be so missed.
June was a devoted wife for 57 years to the love of her life Wally and a proud and loving mother and mother-in-law to daughter Loranne and husband Dan, son Dwayne and wife Linda, and daughter Kathy and husband Pat. Nana spoiled her four grandchildren, Lindsay (Matt), Justin (Rochelle), Clayton and Zoe, whom she adored more than anything else on earth.
June is also survived by older brother Ken (Audrey) and younger brother Pat, lifelong best friends Garry and Doris Hogg, her large extended family and many other dear friends. Auntie June is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. June was predeceased by her parents Vin and Sarah Harton.
A celebration for June will be held later in the year, when the flowers will be at their best.
June’s family is so grateful for the extraordinary kindness and compassion shown by staff at RIH, our Nurse Erin, and Marjorie Willoughby Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in June’s name to Marjorie Willoughby Hospice House. Arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, Barriere, B.C., 250-672-1999. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.NTFuneral.com.
May the leprechauns be near you to spread luck along your way and
May all the Irish Angels smile upon you.