March 7, 1943 - March 15, 2019
Sharon was the only child of Eldon & Nellie (Smith) McArthur. Born in Vancouver, she was raised on a small farm in Surrey where she cultivated her lifelong love of animals and being outside. She spent over 5 years as a member of the Surrey 4-H Beef Club and, upon graduation from UBC, took a position as the 4-H summer assistant for the Central Interior. One of the leaders in her region was Harold of the Quick Club, who was pleased to show her around the Bulkley Valley. Taken by the country and the rancher, they were married in 1967. For the next 52 years they ranched together and raised their two boys at Quick. Sharon was always an active volunteer and enjoyed working with many of the local groups including the Round Lake Rec and Women's Institute. Sharon supported Harold in all of his activities, too, including the local cattlemen's associations and his brand inspection job for 50 years.
In the mid-80s Sharon began to work off the farm, starting with a short weekly farm news report on the radio and writing articles for magazines like Beef in BC, to which she contributed for 25 years. Over the years she worked for several government agencies including Women's Equality, Agriculture and BC Parks. Shortly after her retirement she received her breast cancer diagnosis. With determination, Sharon went through treatment and came out strong. She then started new volunteer opportunities with various cancer societies and networks, local museums and seniors groups. Sharon had nine good years before the cancer returned, but by the fall of 2018 she was losing the fight.
Sharon is survived by her husband Harold and her sons Colin (Leanna, granddaughter Nicola) and Dallas (Laine). It's this family that would like to thank all the staff at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital and Bulkley Lodge for making mom's last few months as comfortable as possible. We also greatly appreciate the thoughtfulness shown to Harold and our family by everyone at the Stork's Nest and the many friends who visited and sent kindness with thoughts and deeds. At Sharon's request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, especially the Smithers Daffodil Dash, would be appreciated.