Hilda Clarkston
Oct. 8, 1924 - Dec. 25, 2006
Hilda died peacefully at Bulkley Lodge Christmas Day with her daughter, Lorraine, at her side.
Hilda was born Hilda May Remington at Claresholm, Alberta, the youngest of three children.
She met Hugh Clarkston when he was stationed at the Claresholm Air Training Base in 1940. Hugh was transferred overseas in 1941. Hugh and Hilda corresponded throughout the war. In 1943 Hilda went into nurse’s training at the University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton. Hugh returned to Telkwa in 1945 and Hilda and Hugh were married Jan. 28, 1947. They made their home in Smithers ever since.
Hilda and Hugh raised four children. Hilda worked in the office of City Transfer, a family business. She also worked in various doctors’ offices in Smithers. In the early ‘70s, Hilda took a refresher nursing course at BCIT, Burnaby. She returned to active nursing at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital for 12 years. After retirement, Hilda spent her years with her husband, then tending her beloved yard and the animals who visited. She read many political books and wrote letters to politicians about weighty issues.
In 2004-2005, after Hilda could no longer maintain her independence at the house, she moved to Pioneer Place and then to Bulkley Lodge. She chose to remain in Smithers and was able to do so with the help of Home and Community Care and the many friends and neighbours of this community.
Hilda was predeceased by her husband Hugh, sons Gordon, Ken and Joel.
Hilda leaves her daughter Lorraine and daughter-in-law Mary (Joel), as well as sisters Elvetta and Nellie. She also leaves six grandchildren: Ryan and Barclay Macdonald and Bridgette, Meghan, Joel and Nicholas Clarkston. She leaves one great-granddaughter, Madison Macdonald, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral and celebration of life will be held in April 2007.