April 12, 1938 - May 16, 2021
A star has gone out in our lives. Ann Marie Harrison, born April 12, 1938 said her last goodbyes on May 16th, 2021 and left us to remember her in better health and warmer weather.
Ann was predeceased by her loving husband Gerald (Gerry) Harrison, her brother Blake Rees, daughter Lee Anne Baxter and son-in-law John Hancock.
Ann is survived by: her daughter Kim Hancock and grandsons Spencer and Carter Hancock; her granddaughter Jessica Baxter; step son Greg Harrison [m. Tess Harrison], step grandson Mark Harrison and step great granddaughter Isla Harrison; step son Todd Whiteside and step granddaughter Lindsay Whiteside; as well as stepdaughter Carol Lynn.
Ann was a highly skilled and passionate hairdresser and spent over 40 years perfecting her trade. She served as President of the Hairdressing Association of BC (with a membership that numbered over 12,000) and as administrator for both Raymond's School of Hairdressing and the School of Cosmetology.
As a hairdresser she listened and engaged with her clientele wholeheartedly. A client leaving Ann's chair felt seen and heard as well as beautiful. Ann regularly competed in international hairdressing contests and employed her friends and family, particularly her daughter Kim, to serve as canvasses for wild and artistic designs. Outside of work, Ann loved the theatre, wrote poetry and in a lifelong pursuit of learning, joined toastmasters to hone her leadership and speaking skills. In her youth Ann stayed active by swimming, golfing, and playing badminton, volleyball, and basketball.
Ann had a zest for life, a twinkle in her eye and she always had open arms for everyone. She loved her family deeply and her friends dearly and built a community through her church, Knox United where she was involved with many of their programs.
Ann was a consummate host, a master chef, and a social butterfly. She was quick to laugh, open to love and had a G&T to share with friends who stopped by. Ann had a great sense of adventure and a "take no sh*t" attitude that has been passed down through the generations.
She found great joy in exploring Galiano Island, (where she retired with her love of many years, Gerry) with good friends and her grandsons Spencer and Carter and in teaching them how to catch crabs and play golf.
One of Ann's greatest joys was spending time with her daughter Kim's family surrounded by beautiful art, serene countryside and a constant flow of family and friends. She shared daily life with them in Coombs for many years, and took great pleasure and pride watching her grandsons grow and flourish.
Ann was a board game master and a fierce card shark. She played bridge regularly with her friends and often shared a love of "Hand and Foot" with her grandchildren and anyone who dared a seat at the table.
Ann Marie Harrison will be missed dearly. She was a caring mother, step-mother, grandmother, and beloved friend to many. Next time you sit around the table playing cards, raise a glass to "Annie"!
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