Eileen Way

April 19, 1927 - July 1, 2016

Eileen passed away unexpectedly but comfortably in the company of her family at the age of 89. She will be missed by her loving husband, David, of 63 years, and their children: Deirdre (George), Claire (Rob), Richard (Vanessa), and Yvonne (Leigh), grandchildren: Coel (Kate), Chelsea (Josh), Meghan (Chris), Stuart, Courtney (Baruc), Fraser, Andrea, Aidan, Anika, and Cecilia and great grandchildren: August, Henry, Lunelle, Oscar, Patrick, and Ixchel. The twinkle that was always shining in Eileen's eye now shines through in her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she adored.

Eileen was raised in Ireland and maintained strong ties to her dear Emerald Isle. After the war years, as a young woman seeking adventure, she immigrated to Vancouver. A year later she met the love of her life. David knew the moment he met her that she was to be his wife and two weeks later, as they sat on the banks of the Chilliwack River, dangling their feet in the water, he proposed. She threw caution to the wind and accepted!

With tenacity and courage she worked beside David to create a farm from a forest in the Chilliwack River Valley. Over the next 60 years they worked tirelessly developing a thriving purebred Ayrshire herd and an active growing family. Her church, 4-H and her children's schools benefitted from her many hours of volunteer work. David and Eileen enjoyed travelling the world, creating new friendships and happy memories.

Eileen's dream of documenting the history of the Chilliwack River Valley was realized in her collaborative work and publication of In The Arms Of The Mountains. This book was widely received throughout the valley and she delighted in sharing it along her travels.

Several years ago Eileen and David moved from the farm to her beautiful 'city' house in Sardis. She loved being in town where she was closer to all her friends and where she could easily participate in all her many activities. Eileen's door was always open to family and friends from far and wide. They were welcomed with a warm smile and cheery conversation.

Eileen cherished her Irish roots. She was so pleased to have successfully organized two reunions in Ireland providing her friends a chance to laugh over their antics from their school days. 'Sparrow' will fondly be remembered in Ireland, especially by her dear friends, Claire, Les, Beverley, and Allan.

Upon hearing of her death a good friend of Mum's said, "Eileen never aged!" It's true, she maintained a youthful zest for life and loved a good laugh. Her family and friends meant everything to her and she showed us her love every chance she got.

We would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life at Eileen and David’s home, #23-45752 Stevenson Road, Sardis, Tuesday, July 12 between 2:00-5:00 pm. with a short program at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Chilliwack Museum or the Chilliwack YMCA Seniors Health Programs.

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Funeral Homes & Crematorium Ltd., Chilliwack, British Columbia.