Gwen Shirley Hughman Salo

July 26, 1926 – July 4, 2011

With their deepest love and sorrow, family and friends say farewell to Shirley Gwen Salo, who passed away peacefully at home after a long and difficult decline. Shirley was loved deeply by her two daughters, Rika and Shirley, her four grandchildren Shannon (Mike), Shaun (Kathryn), Ryan and Craig, sister Colleen, brother-in-law Ian and their three children, long time family friend Jim Crowe, and her abundant, life-long friends.

Shirley was first and foremost a devoted, hardworking wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was the strength and backbone of the family. In every way that she knew how, she worked hard to support her family in each of their endeavors. Shirley placed the concerns, interests and dreams of her family before her own. She and her late, beloved husband Al, built their home and life for the benefit of their loved ones.

It was a true Ma and Pa operation shared between two pioneers. Dad would go away (at times for months) to run the Pacific Harvester while Mom would stay home literally to keep the home fires burning and to manage the family business. Mom was a wise and cautious business woman.

Shirley also had a vital sense of spirit as she often joined Al on the Pacific Harvester either here on the West Coast during salmon season or in Costa Rica while fishing for tuna. She further accompanied Al through the Panama Canal as he brought the Harvester from the East Coast to Vancouver.

Shirley extended hospitality, gave encouragement, and demonstrated an ongoing interest in friends. She maintained close friendships dating back to that wonderful time in high school, where she met, fell in love with, and married Al. Together they made many new friends, with whom they shared holidays in Hawaii, nights dining and dancing, Mediterranean cruises, and goods times in the Salo home in West Vancouver. Additionally, Shirley enjoyed arranging flowers, sewing for herself and her daughters and cooking and preparing for guests. Shirley was accomplished, believed strongly in independence and was and is an inspiration to those who knew her. She has finally joined Al with whom she will share eternity.

We wish to thank the many people who cared for mom. Lena, Holly and Anne have been by our family’s side for many years. Their support, loyalty and affection helped immeasurably. Alice, Sylvia, Agnes and Perlyn nurtured Mom and kept her comfortable with nursing care and a loving attitude. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Family and close friends will share in a private celebration together. In lieu of flowers, donations to the CNIB would be appreciated.

For those wanting to share a memory of Shirley, please go to www.hollyburnfunerals.com

Hollyburn Funeral Home 604-922-1221