Phyllis Ivy Linklater

It is with great sadness that the family of Phyllis Linklater announces her passing on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the age of 81, in Kamloops, British Columbia. Phyllis was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Robert (Bob) Linklater, in 2013. Bob and Phyllis met each other while they were both working for New Method Laundry in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Phyllis was a bookkeeper for the company and Bob drove one of the delivery trucks. They were married on July 12, 1958. Phyllis is survived by her four sisters, Marjorie Curtis of Copperopolis, California, Joyce (Millan) Raycevich of Red Rock, Ontario, Kathleen (William) TenHave of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Mary (Gary) Case of Dryden. Phyllis is survived by her two children, Jean (Allistair McRae) McNamee of Balmertown, Ontario, and Jim (Linda) Linklater, of Kamloops, BC; her grandchildren, Ian (Jamie Hamilton) McNamee and Britney (Jayson Botel) McNamee, both in Red Lake, Ontario, Derek (Miranda) Linklater, Caitlin, Brendan and Jaidan Linklater of Kamloops, BC. Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Braidy and Jerzey Botel, Nicholas and Jeremy McNamee, and Kesler Linklater, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Phyllis was also predeceased by parents, Kenneth and Phyllis Evelyn (Dodgson) Nichol, by her sister-in-law, Florida (Pat) Linklater Green, by her brothers-in-law, James (Bud) Linklater, William Mogg and Orville Curtis, by her son-in-law, John McNamee, and by two of her nephews, Ken and Glen Mogg. Phyllis spent her young life in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She moved with her husband and children to Beardmore, Ontario, where Bob worked at a gold mine for a year. They then moved to Red Lake, Ontario where Bob began work for another gold mine (Dickenson Mine in Balmertown), and then moved to the neighbouring town of Balmertown. Phyllis was able to stay home with her children until she began work as a bookkeeper at the municipal office of the Improvement District of Balmertown in 1973. Through those years, she got involved with the local 5-pin bowling league, looking after the league data and became a Brown Owl for the local Girl Guide group. In 1981, Bob and Phyllis decided to move west to Ashcroft, BC… the mountains and warmer weather were calling them. There, they lived happily, until Bob’s passing. Phyllis then moved to Kamloops, BC. Phyllis loved animals, and rarely was her home without a pet or two. She loved crafting. There wasn’t a creative project she wouldn’t try. Knitting, crochet, tatting, sewing, rug hooking… the house always showed signs of something in progress. She loved painting and the walls of her home were filled with her paintings. She loved her plants and garden, as well, and after Jean moved out, the vacant bedroom became a jungle. She loved spending time with her friends, playing card games, radio bingo and board games until all hours of the night. When Phyllis lived in Balmertown, she was known to jump on her bicycle and peddle to a nearby lake to fish. If there was a boat available, even better. But fishing from shore was just fine. And picking wild blueberries…or any berries! Making jam, pies, baked goods. Learning to make perogies and cabbage rolls… the kitchen was a busy place and there was always something yummy to eat. When she moved to Ashcroft, she became very involved with the Ashcroft Art Club and spent many years volunteering for the club, looking after the club’s finances and helping with the art shows every year. Phyllis was thrilled to have a huge backyard where she could tend to her garden and fruit trees. For a few years, Phyllis also owned and operated a small business called The Sagebrush Gallery, at the Ashcroft Manor, where she sold hers and others’ artwork to tourists from all over the world. Phyllis liked to stay active and spent many hours walking the trails in the “dunes”, a short distance from her house in Ashcroft. Phyllis was an avid hockey fan. While in Ontario, she would cheer for the Montreal Canadiens, but once she moved to British Columbia, she switched her allegiance to the Vancouver Canucks. She kept a notebook by her chair, so she could keep track of all the players’ statistics. She also spent many weekends through the winter traveling to her grandson, Derek’s, hockey games. Back home in Balmertown, she had also spent many hours at the arena watching her son, Jim, play. Hockey was in her blood! Phyllis definitely lived a full life, yet a simple life. Life was hard at times, as it can be for many, but she always managed to hold her head up and push through. Parkinson’s Disease eventually took its toll and she was no longer able to do most of the things she loved to do. It didn’t stop her from trying, though! Phyllis was loved and she will be missed by so many. She is now with her soulmate, once again. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day… unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Cremation has taken place and a private gathering will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate, please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or a charity of your chosing.