Obituary of Shirley Frances Rhoda Vipond

Shirley was born in Pouce Coupe, British Columbia to Horace (Joe) and Florence Barringham on September 20, 1928. She was the fifth child of a family of seven children. They were raised on a homestead in Sunset Prairie. In typical settler fashion the children had to help with chores. Shirley reminded us just last week that her sister Winnie was the best at milking the cows as she had small but strong hands. Growing up, Shirley and her siblings also enjoyed playing along Sunset Creek and the surrounding area. There were great hills for sledding in the winter and their dog Skipper, joined in the fun. Shirley was a year older than her sister Glenna so she always looked out for her. However, while playing baseball at school one day, Glenna threw the bat and cold cocked Shirley. Everyone else was angry with Glenna, but Shirley quickly forgave her. One summer when Glenna was ill, Shirley was her brother Jack's sidekick gold panning along the local creek. They had fun, but didn't exactly hit the mother load. Shirley's mother passed away when she was 12 years old. The family pulled together as their father was away in the service during the Second World War. The other siblings were older and Elsie, who is here today, was 16 at the time. Since Shirley was only 12 and Glenna was 11, their father arranged a train ticket so they would go to stay with an aunt in Edmonton. As times were tough they didn't have much and even though hungry on the train their pride and strong sense of values prevented them from asking for help from others. They stayed with their aunt for the summer, but were extremely homesick and wrote home to their brother. Art, who was in his late teens himself and working, was able to send them funds for the trip home. Shirley attended high school in Progress, but after Grade 10 she had no choice but to go to work. One job took her to Fort Nelson where she worked at Bumstead's sawmill. While on a visit home in 1947, she went to a dance at Doe River and caught the eye of Cliff Vipond and they were married in April, 1948, settling on the original Vipond homestead at Rolla. In 1957, the family moved to Dawson Creek. While living in town, Shirley and Cliff were busy with their farm at Rolla and in the 1960's also purchased land at Goodlow. Before the bridge was built at Clayhurst, there were a lot of trips back and forth across the ferry as evidenced in Shirley's painting. The farm income was supplemented from Cliff's winter work in the oilfields with his water truck. Shirley always kept the home fires burning and loved and nurtured their growing children. Shirley worked hard on the farm planting large gardens, feeding the hungry farm crew, driving the grain truck and shovelling grain during harvest time. One year Cliff thought he would be kind and get Shirley a lighter aluminium scoop shovel rather than the old heavy steel shovel she had been using. He presented it to her on September 20th which happened to be her birthday. She was not impressed, but the twinkle in his eye quickly softened her. She had to admit that it was a much lighter shovel. One Christmas, Cliff put a new roaster under the Christmas tree with a bow on it. It was the first thing she saw on Christmas morning and her response was: "Yeah sure, a roaster to cook you fat cats dinner!" He did follow it up with other gifts under the tree so again it was good for a laugh! The family made many trips to the coast and throughout Alberta in the summer once the crop was in and the spraying was done. They also travelled to Cliff's birthplace of Killarney, Manitoba. With the prosperity of the 80's, they purchased a travel trailer and boat. Shirley always packed along an abundance of food of which we all partook. Shirley's parents were both born in England, so she yearned to visit her country of origin. Cliff was also keen to travel to England and Europe again as he had not been back since the war years. They made a couple of trips to England and Scotland, and also to France, Italy and throughout Europe. Such happy times for them both!! Shirley was always very clever drawing cartoons and sketching. When her children were grown she started painting with "Time out for Seniors". She always looked forward to weekly painting sessions with fellow artists. Her talent quickly became evident and all the children, grandchildren and countless friends are blessed with her paintings in their homes. She also gave her time and energy working at legion banquets for many years. Cliff was a veteran of the Second World War and her father, Joe was a Vimy Ridge veteran. Shirley wore her poppy with pride!! Shirley has been a long time member of TOPS and recently received the prestigious award for 25 years as a KOPS (Keep off Pounds). She joined more than 35 years ago with her sister Glenna and friend, Doreen Hustak mostly to have fun and friendship with other women. We would like to acknowledge the support of the TOPS ladies especially during Shirley's recent illness. Shirley was a thoughtful, kind, soft spoken person but she had strong ethical values! She was also: Independent Humble A Giver not a Taker Never a complainer She also kicked everyone's butt when playing Rummy. She cooked beef roasts until they were more than well done as is the old British way and her butter tarts and pies were the best!! She was extremely proud and supportive of her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her such special joy! Shirley's last couple of months were tough but she had great family support and she knew that she was much loved! Shirley is lovingly remembered by her children: Valerie (Stan) Prince, Randy (Shelly) Vipond, Sandra Vipond, Diane (Michael) Thomas, Grandchildren: Bradley (Renata) Prince, Jennifer Prince (Andrew Howard), Dean Vipond (Jodie Huitt), Pam Vipond (Noel Greve), Melissa Thomas (Warren Carlick), Debra Thomas Greatgrandchildren: Sidney & Rune Greve, Cohen & Kiera Prince, Lily & Ryan Howard, Jacob Knott & Winter Carlick. Sister to Elsie Stein and Glenna (Bert) Townsend Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews Donations may be made in memory of Shirley to Salvation Army,1436 104th Ave, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, V1G 2J8 Service 2:00 pm Saturday, December 10, 2016 Bergeron Chapel 10200-17th Street DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada V1G 4C2 Interment Rolla Cemetery Rolla ROLLA, British Columbia, Canada