Doris Jeanette Squire

Doris Jeanette Squire, mom, nana sister, aunt, and friend was a warm, kind and caring person. Her nature and calm presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem fun and exciting and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver or confidant. Doris had a strong desire to be treated fairly and always offered others the same fairness in return.

Doris was born on January 26, 1932 at home on the family farm in Enniskillen Township, Lambton County, Ontario. Her parents were Joseph and Alma Vokes. Doris was raised in Ontario. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Doris was raised to be accepting of others and to possess a strong personal work ethic. Never one to force her opinions on others she was, because of that, a person you would seek out for help, guidance and advice. Her advice was always thoughtful and caring and came from her heart.

Blessed with a great attitude, Doris was able to relate well with others. Her occasional role as mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Doris was raised with seven siblings; Maurice, Ross, John (Jack), Ralph, Margaret, Marion, and Kathleen a sister who passed as an infant.

As a child, Doris worked on the family farm where she developed her work ethic. All her life she was outgoing and loved her family, friends and meeting new people. Doris enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. As a child she took part in school yard games like softball, red rover and basketball.

As an adult, after moving to BC, Doris got involved in a variety of sports such as, curling, downhill skiing, cycling, and her most favorite of all golf. One of Doris' most memorable achievements included shooting a hole-in-one at Sunnydale Golf course.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat competitive individual, Doris was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. She graduated from Petrolia District high school in the early 1950’s. In school she enjoyed some courses more than others, like most she had favorite classes and teachers. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Rose.

With a goal of attending nursing school she was able to earn her nursing cap and degree from Sarnia General Hospital. She loved living in residence and made lifelong friends. Soon after graduating from nursing school Doris left Ontario for BC, there she worked as an operating room nurse at Vancouver General Hospital.

It was while working and living in Vancouver that Doris first met Harry. Setup on a blind date by a nursing friend she thought he was a lovely man however perhaps a bit too chunky for her. Apparently that was not a sticking point as they went on to marry.

Friends and acquaintances found Doris easy to get to know, while she might from time to time sit down by a stranger, she always got up from meeting a new friend. Doris was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of her best friends were Wilda, Norma, Janet, Flo, Pat.

On March 2, 1957 Doris exchanged wedding vows with Harry William Squire at the Courtenay United Church in Courtenay, BC. Doris charmed Harry and others with her gift for being able to give freely and generously of herself and her time. A good listener with an engaging personality, Doris was able to bring support, joy and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Doris was very engaged in her children’s lives and activities, if ever there was someone needed to volunteer for something she was there. She was able to direct a lot of her energy towards helping her children grow and develop into adults themselves. Doris was blessed with two children, Janet and Chris. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Meghan, Brodie and Kelsey.

Doris was a hard worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Doris’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. Doris was able to positively manage situations and motivate others in order to get the job done

In later years Doris enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were golf, cards (train, crib, cinch, bridge), crochet, and travel. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. There was always a basket at the front door with her famous dishcloths tied up in a bow to gift to others. Many laps are kept warm by the lap blankets she crocheted over the years.

Doris enjoyed athletics and exercise. In high school, she played basketball. Later on after moving to BC she enjoyed curling, golf, skiing, skating and biking. Doris was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events on TV or in person whenever she got the opportunity. Some of her favorites to watch were the Olympics, curling, golf and the World Series.

Doris was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made her a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which she belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Doris worked steadily to meet any organization’s objectives. Throughout her later years, Doris was an active member of the Sunnydale golf club. She was also a past member of the Royal Purple. She worked tirelessly for the BC summer games in 1981, Ducks Unlimited and was a volunteer in the ER at both Comox Valley Hospitals, she was also a tireless fundraiser for Canadian Cancer Society and Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Doris was a generous woman who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that she was so active and giving in her community. Doris was a member of several community groups, including a group of ladies responsible for serving July 1st birthday cake in Lewis Park for the city of Courtenay for several years.

Travel and vacations were experiences Doris truly enjoyed. She was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back however she was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case something exciting came along. Favorite vacations included a family ski trip and vacation to Europe in the early 1970's and many trips with her sister Marion such as a bus trip to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, a bus trip to the east coast of Canada. An overnight trip on the MV Uchuk plus a train trip on the Rocky Mountaineer, both of these trips were lifelong dreams that she made happen with the love and support of her sister Marion. One of her final trips was with Marion and her family to Florida where she had a wonderful time.

Doris was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Doris’s favorites was a cat named Boyfriend. She got the biggest kick out of waiting for Harry to leave for work in the morning, then opening the back door to call in the cat. She thought the neighbors might be talking. Her and her Boyfriend were best friends for many years. Her animal family was rounded out by cats, Ginger and Tiger, as well as dogs Lady, Mike, Abby, and Bailey.

Doris passed away on July 31, 2021 at North Island Hospital Comox Valley. While the last few months were difficult, Doris never lost her beautiful spirit. She is survived by her two children, Janet and Chris (Maureen). Also survived by her three grandchildren Meghan, Brodie and Kelsey. Services were held at Piercy's Mount Washington Funeral Home. Doris was cremated and her ashes spread as she had requested.

Doris was the kind of person who could win others over easily. If Doris had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Doris Jeanette Squire.

* * * * * * * * * *

Doris Jeanette Squire (Vokes)

Doris passed away on July 31st at the Comox Valley Hospital in Courtenay BC. She was born at home on the family farm in Enniskillen Township, Lambton County, Ontario on January 26, 1932.

After graduating high school Doris entered nursing school in Sarnia, Ontario. Upon graduation from nursing in 1954 she took the long trip out to her first nursing job at Vancouver General Hospital as a surgical nurse. While working at Vancouver General she was invited on a blind date through a nursing friend and met a lovely man who, she thought was too chunky for her. Apparently that was not a sticking point as they fell in love and got married on March 3, 1957.

Once married Doris and Harry moved to the Comox Valley where they resided for the remainder of

their lives. In their early married life they raised their children, Janet and Chris, and were extremely

active in the community. Doris was an avid curler at the Courtenay curling club, following that she started to golf and in the early 80's she became an active member of the Sunnydale golf club.

She was always involved in local associations and volunteered for a lot of community functions over the years; Comox valley minor baseball, BC Summer games, Ducks Unlimited banquet and golf tournament. She also was extremely proud of her involvement in several positions at Sunnydale Golf Course executive and ladies club. She was a volunteer in the ER at the local hospitals. Wherever she went and whatever she did she made lifelong friendships.

She was a very proud grandmother of 3 exceptional grandkids. She took great pride in how these three

have grown into fantastic adults whose company she always enjoyed. Her influence, humour, and company will be greatly missed.

Predeceased by her loving husband Harry, her parents Joseph and Alma Vokes and her siblings Maurice, Ross, John, Ralph, Margaret, and Kathleen.

Survived by her sister Marion Smith, and her children, Janet Squire, her son Chris Squire (Maureen) and her grandchildren, Meghan Squire (Will), Brodie Squire (Emma) and Kelsey Fisher.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions a private celebration of life will be held on August 14th.

Donations to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or BC Cancer Society would be appreciated.