Laurie (Morrison) HETTLE

Evelyn Laura (Laurie) Hettle, aged 94 of Parksville, BC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Trillium Lodge.

Predeceased by her husband, Lloyd; infant daughter, Robin; brother, Robert (Lucille) and sister, Dorothy (Robby), Laurie is survived by her children, Janice (George), Tracy, Alan (Beth) and Shelley; grandchildren, Laura (Christopher), Scott (Stephanie), Krista (Marc), Andrew (Brandi), David (Emma) and Daniel (Emily); great-grandchildren, Sibella and Stellan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in Mission, BC and raised in Dewdney, Laurie grew up a farm girl devoted to her horse Bonnie and ribbon-winning calves. She had a lifelong love of animals — from German Shepherd Tara to Standard Poodle Donna, she was rarely without a canine companion — and an adventurous spirit. In her late teens, she travelled across North America by rail with a likewise intrepid friend, visiting cities including Boston, Los Angeles, Montreal and New York City before moving to Ocean Falls, BC for work.

It was there that Laurie met her husband of 59 years. During their life together, she and Lloyd would also make homes in Port Alberni, BC, Powell River, BC and Rothesay, NB before retiring to Parksville in 1987.

Day or night, Laurie was unfailingly up for a game of cards (bridge, cribbage or Dirty Rummy especially); an expressive and lively conversationalist, she was always quick to laugh. She cherished her family and friends, and was never one to pass up a dip in the ocean.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or JDRF Canada.