Isobel Procter

A Life Journey Memorial – read by Michael Procter at Isabelle’s Funeral

Thanks again to everyone for coming, we’re all very thankful that you have taken time out of your schedule to be with us at this difficult time.

It’s been a week since Mum’s passing, and months since it became clear that she was in decline. I’ve had quite some time to grieve already, but reading some of the truly wonderful stories, comments and even poems received in the last days has brought along with them a lot of tears. So, I’m going to try to keep this light so I can get through it. There have been some really touching things said, and if we can’t read them aloud today please be assured that we will share them in a memory book that will be available online in the coming days.

What I’m about to read was written in part by many of the comments from friends who reminded us of everything Mum did. So thanks to everyone for writing such wonderful things.

With that said, I’d like to read a short line that came up while Dad and I were preparing for today. It was one of the moments that made us laugh out loud and is a good introduction to Mum’s story. It’s a quote from a Scottish Poet and a good introduction to her story:

“There are few more impressive sights in the world than a Scotsman on the make.”

Isabelle was born in 1942 in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was a baby during the war when parents and uncles were often absent.

Her school days were spent at Trinity Academy, where she excelled in athletics and field hockey.

Isabelle grew up in a sailing family – her father was a member of the Royal Forth Yacht Club and Isabelle frequently crewed on her father’s Dragon sail boat. Her specialty was spinnaker duty. Isabelle loved sailing and spent her youth sailing around the west coast of Scotland and Islands. The adventures of these days were a highlight of the memories she shared with us in the last months.

After graduating from school she attended secretarial college and learned shorthand – a language now long lost. Upon leaving college she worked as a personal assistant for Dr. Peter Mitchell in the Zoology department of Edinburgh University. Dr. Mitchell later became a Nobel Prize winner. He invited Isabelle to continue working with him when he relocated to Cornwall in the south of England, but at only 19 she declined.

She remained in Edinburgh where she met Alan, who was now studying for his PhD in Physical Chemistry at Edinburgh University. They were married in 1965 and immigrated to Montreal. Although Isabelle adopted Canada as her home, she remained intensely proud of her Scottish heritage throughout her life.

After experiencing the harsh winter in Montreal, they decided in 1966 to move to Vancouver where Alan had secured a research position. They packed up and drove across Canada in a second hand Volkswagen Beetle that broke down three times along the way. Despite the challenges, she fondly remembered that journey and spoke of it often throughout her life.

Isabelle and Alan soon bought their first home on Berkley Road in North Vancouver. They brought with them Beatles music and loud parties in the Scottish tradition. They made many lifelong friends in the Berkley neighborhood, many of whom are with us today.

It was here in North Vancouver that her two sons Michael and Neil were born and raised. The family built the first of three homes on Swinburne Avenue.

Later they moved to a 1920’s farmhouse on Queens Road and spent years fixing it up and hauling out the rubbish! Again in their new neighborhood they made more lifelong friends.

For several years Isabelle worked nights in the Lions Gate Hospital admitting department and in the Psychiatric Daycare Center – she always came back with hilarious stories – on one occasion she managed to get a drunk and abusive patient to cooperate with his details – this after failed attempts by the police who had brought the fellow in.

In 1975, Isabelle and Alan bought a wilderness log cabin on Alexis Lake in the Chilcotin, where for many years, Isabelle enjoyed extreme peace and serenity.

We recall lots of fun times when family and friends visited the cabin. Frequently, those attending were challenged in a “hat competition.” This involved searching over the surrounding area for items to create a hat – there were no winners but plenty of laughs. Perhaps, this was a preview of Isabelle’s next adventure into the assemblage art form.

Isabelle has always been driven by art. Once her boys were in school she enrolled in Capilano College to begin her art career, later attending the Emily Carr College of Art and Design. Isabelle graduated with a degree in sculpture and photography; she mastered a wide range of skills – welding, weaving, sculpture, and wood carving. She forged her own tools of which she was very proud. Near the end of her life she passed these on to another artist so they might continue to be used.

Isabelle became an associate director in two prestigious galleries on South Granville – here she met another lifelong friend in Douglas Reynolds. Isabelle became intensely immersed in indigenous art and made many friends of the artists.

In 2011, Isabelle retired from the gallery positions and rented a studio at 195 Pemberton – here she got started in a new art form called assemblage art. Isabelle had great fun looking for promising objects at garage sales or charity shops. Her art form was unique in that it allowed Isabelle to express her wicked humor – all of her pieces have thoughtful titles and messages. Isabelle was a frequent exhibitor at the Ferry Building Gallery, and some of her pieces are here with us today. As a finishing touch, Isabelle authored a book of her work titled “Navigating the Sardine Can of Life.”

It was here at 195 Pemberton that Isabelle also helped many emerging artists to find their way by encouraging their talent and finding outlets for their work.

Over the years, Isabelle touched many lives and made many friends; she has been described as dignified, energetic, feisty, talented, kind, generous, wise, welcoming, loving, empathetic, all mixed in with that wicked sense of humor. She was giving of her time not only to her family and friends but also fund raising for good causes such as the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Foundation that cares for orphans of HIV and AIDS.

Isabelle was very much a people person and she cherished the friendships of the many people that she touched over her life – they were very important to her. Over the recent days, we have heard from many of them how much they have loved her wisdom, her wit, and her stories.

Near the end of her time, Isabelle reflected on a very full and happy life. She has said that she plans to come out on the other side as a seagull; so everyone should be aware if a seagull drops by - it might be Isabelle. She has promised not to poop on your car.

Isabelle leaves Alan, her husband of 54 years, her sons, Michael and Neil, and grandsons Logan, Devin, Jacob and Luke, as well as wonderful daughters-in-law, Kristie and Catrin, all of whom she loved dearly, and of course her many lifelong friends.

She would also remind us to thank:

• Dr. Sugar and Dr. Kyriazis at the Palliative Support Center for their support and guidance.

• The nursing staff at the North Vancouver Hospice and 7-West at Lions Gate Hospital.

• And Kim Musclow, one of the very special nurses in her final days.

We, her family, would like to thank again all her friends for coming and for loving her as we have.

 And a special message from her brother Malcolm in Scotland:

She walked me to school when I was five years old, and helped me with lunch until I was about eight. She was there when I suffered scary nightmares, a guardian at home and on family holidays, but never overbearing at any time.

Isabelle was just good at being there for people. She shared their problems and helped where she could. She also had a lively sense of humour and an infectious giggle. It is her laughter that I will remember most.

Nobody could ask for a better sister and friend. We supported each other through our troubled times, and laughed a lot when we shared time together.

I will celebrate her memory for ever.

My gratitude to her loving family and her medical professionals for taking care of her these many years.

JENNIFER POEM [read at Isabelle’s funeral on Aug 16th]

This refers to the last meeting with Jennifer at Fort Langley.

the sculptor and I have a four-hour talk

for Isabelle

now she propels a walker

morphine shuffles her words and her feet

she counts down the days

she will decide when enough is too much

we talk of husbands and sons

she tells me ‘dinne fash hen’ when I ask if she’s tired

we stand on a bridge and look into a river

‘don’t expect me to resort to metaphor’ she says

she buys cake and can’t eat it

we joke yes we joke and then we can cry

they set off back to the hospice

her arm pale as marble waves through the car window

I stand alone at the side of the road

Jennifer Russell May 2019

A Favorite poem of Isabelle’s that was read at the funeral

Sea Fever

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.

John Masefield

MESSAGES AND REMEMBRANCES

I am sending my love and tell her I said thank you for the dance [with a young nephew from 55 years ago]

Thinking of the happy few months I spent in Vancouver with everyone all those years ago. You and Isabelle made me feel so welcome

What courage - with great sadness and great respect for a very brave lady. She is leaving on her time

Isabelle was a magnificent person and very kind to me and many others

A wonderful lady with great dignity and grace

I can see here beautiful sculpture on my bookshelf as I wrote this. She was a wonderful friend, choir member and studio mate. Our lives crossed at so many intersections.

The world is a duller, poorer place without our Isabelle.

I will miss her spirit, humor and love.

I loved her and will miss her greatly. We still had a lot to talk about!

I have always felt privileged to have met Isabelle, and was thrilled when she sent me a copy of her book, Navigating the Sardine Can of Life. She was wonderfully creative, full of wisdom and, indeed, very brave.

We have been lucky to have her among us,

Dignity and grace were always central to her character for the years I have known her. I will miss her quirky sense of humor, her style and her refreshing forthright manner.

We always remember Isabelle as a very graceful, artistic and kind lady. Isabelle was amazing to be able to put up with her health problems for as long as she did with such elegance, grace and dignity - it is a good thing that she is now at peace.

Isabelle was such a warm and welcoming woman. She will be greatly missed.

Such a dear lovely lady. I was just looking at some of her art.

She certainly gave and gave to all of us; she is an inspiration and a teacher.

Isabelle seemed kind of quiet and “proper” when I first met her, but then discovering the wickedly funny person underneath. I loved her stories, her art, and her take on the world. I’m really going to miss her.

Isabelle was truly a strong and vibrant woman of immense talent in many areas. Her courage and determination were an example to us all. Facing so many obstacles over a long period of time and standing tall with a clear vision. I was very honored to have known Isabelle and greatly admired her both as an artist and a human being. I cherish the art pieces I have from her and the visits and thoughts we shared. I lit a candle on Friday evening and reflected on the amazing woman I had been fortunate to know and learn from.

We have always treasured the friendship of you and Isabelle. She was always so vibrant and lived a full life.

Isabelle was a very kind and supportive voice, in spite of her own situation. Her strength and serenity and empathy for others was remarkable.

I will miss Isabelle’s wit, feistiness and kindness.

Isabelle was such a warm and welcoming woman. She will be greatly missed

I so remember the many seasons of singing tenor with Isabelle beside me. The Parting Glass springs into mind for me.

Lovely Isabelle was such a gem and so kind and thoughtful. She will be truly missed. It was always a pleasure singing with her in HMS. Her spirit will live on for those who knew her, in her art and legacy of sweetness toward others.

Isabelle was a wonderful woman - so fun, creative, supportive, excited about music and a lovely person to talk to. I was really sad to get this news. We had some really great times and I still remember the party at her house.

Such a dear lovely lady. I was just looking at some of her art.

I am so sad — but so grateful to have had Isabelle as a very dear friend.

She was one of a kind – fiery, caring and talented. We will miss her.

She was so talented and had such a diverse range of interests. Her artistic talents had a particular influence on me. By discussing with me how to view art from different perspectives, Isabelle broadened my views and gave me a deeper appreciation and a greater understanding of many different types of art.

What a woman! What an artist! Isabelle was the most creative person I’ve ever met. Nothing was too obscure or impossible for her to create and her untamed wild imagination combined with great skill and exquisite artistry brought forth such marvelous works. Whenever I think of Isabelle I think of sardine cans. I mean, who creates works for art out of sardine cans?! Only Isabelle! I had such wonderful times exhibiting Isabelle’s art at the Ferry Building Gallery over the years. We shared many stories and laughs and I also loved visiting her studio to see all the works in progress. What a creative genius Isabelle was and what a humorist!

A one-of-a-kind person who I loved and admired. She was someone who could get things done quickly and efficiently. She always made others feel they were important and nothing was too much trouble for her. I wish we had more people in the world like her. We had a lot of laughs together.

She was such a delight - as you all know. I'd see this petite, stylish woman with the big smile across the room. Turns out that smile could be quite "devilish" - what a sense of humor! And when I saw her art my eyes popped open - ah much more to Isabelle than you see at first glance.

An amazing woman leaving a very large void. My heart goes out to you and your family as you attend to the many tasks and experience the truly overwhelming loss of such a dynamic and caring soul.

Equality and Fairness.....she believed all should have a voice. Kindness......I saw this displayed many times, just one example when she offered to become an immigrant’s daughter’s ‘grandmother’. Generosity......Her fund raising for lovely causes, one of my favorites was the Stephen Lewis Grandmothers to ( African ) Grandmothers Foundation. And of course to her artist community. Her Wit and Feistiness.....Isabelle was kind, but I loved that combined with what was a feistiness, and she did not mind telling someone when they had crossed her tolerance level. And her Courage.....I need not say more. I am sorry to miss her Celebration of Life, Isabelle had a fullness of life, and we will miss her.

She walked me to school when I was five years old, and helped me with lunch until I was about eight. She was there when I suffered scary nightmares, a guardian at home and on family holidays, but never overbearing at any time. Isabelle was just good at being there for people. She shared their problems and helped where she could. She also had a lively sense of humor and an infectious giggle. It is her laughter that I will remember most. Nobody could ask for a better sister and friend. We supported each other through our troubled times, and laughed a lot when we shared time together. I will celebrate her memory for ever. My gratitude to her loving family and her medical professionals for taking care of her

these many years. - Malcolm Robb [brother]

A beautiful, wonderful talented artist and friend will be dearly missed

She had a strong presence in our choir for many years; I loved Isabelle’s wit, quirky sense of humor and her artistic and interesting approach to life. I will miss her

Isabelle was a force, a brilliant artist and a great wit. I loved her and so enjoyed working with her. I held her close in my heart.

Isabelle was one of a kind. I have such fond memories of her.

I will always be grateful to Isabelle. She has been very kind, generous and thoughtful person! She knew of my story of being a single mom and she graciously offered that she would be the "adopted Scottish grandma" of my daughter. She used to drop off gifts, card etc. at our front door. I'm very sure, my daughter grew up not lacking of love from both grandmas.

To me and my mother, she was lovingly referred to as Grandma Isabelle. She played a profound role in my childhood by “adopting” me and taking me in. She was incredibly kind and caring. As an aspiring artist, Isabelle was also an amazing inspiration to me, she even bought me my first set of paints. Isabelle will always remain in my warmest memories. I wish the same peace and comfort for all of her friends and family

I had known Isabelle for many years and was aware of her many achievements in the arts, so nominated her for a FANS award. The thing that I thought was special (and that not everyone would know) was that, during her time in 195 Pemberton as manager and studio owner, she quietly helped many artists to find their way. She encouraged their talent and helped them to find outlets for their work. Her enthusiasm was contagious. She will be missed by so many. Condolences to you and the family at this difficult time.

My aunt Isabelle did not let distance get in the way of keeping in touch with her family in the UK. She loved receiving photos and news of our two children. She would gently rebuke me for not sending these as often as I should! She was incredibly generous to us all. On one of her last visits to us, I remember Isabelle and I trying to teach my Grandpa (her father in law) to use his washing machine at the age of 96. I think we succeeded!

Isabelle was creative, strong, thoughtful and a wonderful host. I spoke to her a little over a week ago. She sounded as she always did, bright with a soft Scottish accent. She was at peace with her decision. During our visit in 2007 we had a most enjoyable and memorable trip with Alan and Isabelle to Tofino. Isabelle drove us all in her much loved Honda CRV, and I have an image of her “commanding” the car like a sea captain with base-ball cap and sun glasses with the arm rest down. So thanks to Isabelle and Alan’s thoughtful hosting and consideration, they have given us a lasting memory of the wild coast and beaches, the huge forest trees and the odd black bear, the First Nations culture, plus some good local food and wine. We were greatly struck by the vastness and unspoiled nature of BC where everything feels on a different scale to here in the UK.

My earliest memories of Isabelle date from when I was a young boy and she would be in the UK visiting us with Alan, Mike and Neil. As a child of the 1970's - long before e-mail - we only heard occasional snippets of news from the Canadian branch of the family via our grandparents. This meant that the rare visits Isabelle made to the UK with the family were a big deal and I remember the accents and the exotic toys and sweets that would be brought over, winning us some significant kudos in our small rural primary school. Later in my early 20's I traveled to Vancouver for the first time, and spent a very happy week with the family. I was touched that Isabelle took me into town to share her passion for First Nations art and the warm introductions that were made to her friends at the gallery, and can still picture the cedar panels and boxes with the iconic black and red figures. I then visited a second time, this time with my wife Lily, our daughter Poppy and my Grandfather. The journey over was made much easier as Mike had managed to combine his return flight from a business trip with ours, which was a huge help when travelling with a three year old and a 95 year old! On arrival we were treated like royalty and I know that having a little girl to stay was a new experience for Isabelle; she and Poppy bonded over a chest of keepsakes with numerous drawers that Poppy enjoyed opening in turn and asking about the contents. On that trip Isabelle was kind enough to baby sit for us so that Lily and I were able to spend a night out downtown with Mike and Kristie. When we last spoke to Isabelle she was remembering that Poppy had taken her hand and had asked to see upstairs at Pasco Road all those years ago. One last thought; yesterday (Friday) we went to watch Poppy (now aged 12) perform a short play she had been working on during the week. When we got back home she asked me to help her with the catch of the necklace she had been wearing - a silver necklace with a dolphin charm - and she pointed out it was a gift from Isabelle and she'd wanted to wear it that day in memory of her Great Aunt.