Born – December 17, 1918, Swift Current, Saskatchewan
Died – June 22, 2011, Salt Spring Island, BC / Age – 92
Eileen Pike (nee Forde) died peacefully during the small hours of a new day on an island in the gulf that she had called home for over 35 years. Her husband, Al Pike, pre-deceased her in March of 2006 at the age of 90. Her youngest brother Gerald, died in April of this year in Sakatchewan. Her middle brother, Ray, was killed in action in Holland at the end of WWII.
So much of this is a story of both Al and Eileen, married for 66 years, but she was unique in her own right: a baker, a weaver, a seamstress, a painter, a potter, and a crafts-person of phenomenal curiosity and ability. She was dedicated to her community wherever she lived and was a neighbour of compassion and generosity. She was a committed mother and grandmother.
Eileen was born at the end of WWI and lived on the farm north of Swift Current, the oldest of three born to Harold and Flossie. She married Al in 1939 and they lived in Stoughton where Al taught school until he signed up with the Air Force in 1941. During the war years they moved to Quebec, Ontario and Alberta, and then in 1945 settled in Edmonton where Kevin was born in 1947. Then to Calgary and then Edson, where Dean was born in 1952. Next was Holden and then Tofield and Medicine Hat before returning to Edmonton where they retired in 1975. The next and last move to Salt Spring followed quickly after migration to BC.
Eileen loved to potter around with things; to see what she could make out of nothing – a basket from pine needles, a card from dried flowers, an upholstered box when the shoes didn’t need it any more. She wove the most splendid rag rugs, and the best tea towels and place mats. These and her quilts grace many homes and bring her memory alive.
Celebrating a marvelous life are Kevin and Margo and grandsons Fraser and Carson living in North Vancouver. In Dunmore (near Medicine Hat) Alberta, are Dean and Kim, and grandchildren Courtney and Spencer.
Mom was just the best, and will be missed every day. The joys of life cannot be expressed without facing the finality of death. Perhaps we do meet again.
Sincere appreciation goes out to Dr. Woodley for his constant care, and to the fabulous staff of Meadowbrook.