Claire Louise Harrison, age 92, of North Vancouver, B.C. from Alzheimer's on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
Claire, Mom, Grannie, Great Grannie will be forever remembered for her loving and infinitely welcoming heart. She was never short on love, waffles, caesar salad or whatever size waterski you needed. Her motto was if you want to be happy, you just give of yourself.
Claire was born in Vancouver on the first day of spring March 21, 1930 in Vancouver, British Columbia to Sarah Dorothy Alexander Alexanian and Charles Harry Nelson. Story has it that the midwife registered her birth but had a different idea for her name and year of birth, so humor came from the time she was born. She had an older sister Marie Nelson and a younger brother Harry Nelson.
Life began for her in Kitsilano, then New Westminster where she went to Crofton House and was active in track, specifically the hurdles. Claire went on to UBC where she met Bill Harrison https://tinyurl.com/BillHarrisonCelebration who would become her husband of 57 years. Bill first laid eyes on her at a Salt Spring Island dance, after which he talked one of his buddies into introducing them in the stacks at UBC Library. Claire was prodded by her friends to give Bill a chance, since he was head of his fraternity and the extremely proud owner of a Morris minor convertible. Bill finally won Claire over, they dated, got engaged and were married July 15, 1952. They had 3 children Tony, Paul and Marie who Claire and Bill loved very much. Claire was very proud of all her children and grandchildren. Mom’s advice on relationships was to always have goals together. Here’s a glimpse of their 50th wedding anniversary! https://tinyurl.com/BillClaires50th
One of her biggest legacies was created when Claire and Bill, in their infinite wisdom, decided to purchase the property at the beautiful Harrison Lake https://tinyurl.com/lakecalm next to her parents home. This was the beginning of what would generate an encyclopedia of incredible memories for our family and friends near and far. One thing FOR sure, she was always an Olympian at bringing people together and the lake was the ideal spot to do just that.
First things first … a tennis court and horseshoe pit were built which hosted many tournaments and seriously fun competitions. Then she dreamt up the infamous Harrison Lake Regatta Day https://tinyurl.com/clairesregatta which has gone down in the Thunderbird Beach Estate history book as the biggest community event to last 20+ years. It kicked of with the six am fishing derby, followed by watersports: Row boat race, speed boat race & sailboat race then the Land Races: the three- legged race, tug-a-war, wheelbarrow, egg toss, golfing & running races as well as the tennis and horseshoe tournaments. Many memories were created at this tradition which began in 1962 with the last record in 1993.
Being on the lake meant lemon gin cruises on the 24’ Aeolus sailboat, trips to rainbow falls on the Miss Givings speedboat as well as rowing, waterskiing, canoeing and kayaking to name a few. Never a dull moment and every night was a different sunset she would often remark. Equally as important was the incredible meals that were prepared at the drop of a hat. Seventeen people for the weekend … no problem! She was a gourmet cook extraordinaire and gave Martha Stewart a run for her money. It must be noted that wherever Claire was, the loud hailer was nearby to keep everyone in check!
It must be noted that she had many expressions … never go out without lipstick, no rest for the wicked, praise the Lord for small mercies, gadzooks, immediately if not sooner, everyone stop looking, I found it, a good cook always cleans up their mess to name a few and we were always reminded when you toasted, you must look the other in the eye!
Careerwise, after her children grew up she worked in the Raymond Chow Art Gallery and later joined Bill in the travel industry at GIANTS Travel, now called Ensemble Travel Group. They enjoyed traveling the globe and hosting many world cruises and travel tours abroad. She was a very talented painter, sculptor, dancer, gourmet chef, avid gardener, poker expert (runs in the family) and she even played the piano in her early days.
Claire is survived by her children Tony, Paul, and Marie; her grandchildren Kate, Jesse, Amanda, Katherine, Jessica, Nicole, Ryan, Hannah, Tasha and Mischa; her great-grandchildren Venus, Elizabeth, Tyler, Jaiden, April, Devyn, Bryce and Sawyer; children's spouses Helen, Colleen and Chris; and her sibling Harry; predeceased by sister Marie.
A celebration of her wonderful life will be planned for this summer, the season Claire enjoyed the most, at the First Memorial Chapel 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the BC Alzheimer Society.
https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/take-action/donate/donate-memory-honour
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Harrison family.
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