It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful Mom on August 19, 2018 at the age of 94.
Predeceased by her loving husband, Reginald (Reg) in 1984, and her beloved sister Norma in 1971, Myrtle will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters: Linda & Arlene (Reg); 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and many cousins, nephews & nieces.
Born in 1923 to James & Minnie Corkle in Victoria, B.C., Myrtle was raised in a strict but loving home during difficult economic times, yet she would tell you she had the best of childhoods, learning early in life to be thankful for all she had and to love with all her heart. After leaving Mount View High School, she was hired as a bookkeeper at Murdie's Ltd. in Victoria. She married Reg in 1944 and they moved to Sooke, B.C., where in addition to raising 2 young girls, she also kept the books for Reg's logging company. In 1955, they moved to the Comox Valley and Myrtle was hired as Secretary/Bookkeeper for Tsolum School (then Grades 1-12) where she worked happily for 24 years, retiring in 1980 due to Reg's failing health. She loved her "Tsolum kids" (as she called them) and the feelings were reciprocated. She became like a Mom at times to many. She kept in touch & maintained friendships with many students over the years and rarely, if ever, missed a Tsolum School Reunion.
For over 15 years Reg, Myrtle & the girls lived on the farm on Piercy Road, and Myrtle encouraged & supported all of Reg's dreams, and once again she did the bookkeeping. She was always so proud of him and would always tell us "your Dad can do anything." They moved to Saratoga Beach in the early 1970's to be closer to her aging parents who had retired there, and she remained lovingly devoted to both parents until each passed away. Myrtle loved Saratoga and logged many miles walking that beautiful beach!
Myrtle was strong-willed, fiercely independent, made her own decisions and never looked back. She lived life to the fullest. She loved music & dancing, and sang all her life in Church Choirs, as a member of CoVal Choristers, and at many weddings & other venues over the years. Myrtle loved to travel and was fortunate to see a lot of the world. She loved sports of all kinds and was a swimmer all her life, still going to the pool occasionally until a few months before her death. She also played badminton, golfed, biked and walked, walked, walked. Her Grandfather Fanthorpe called her a squiggle bottom at an early age and that nickname fit her all her life. She just could not sit still, she had to be doing something, and more times than not it was for someone else.
Simply put, Myrtle lived a life of love. Faced with her share of sadness over the course of her lifetime, she preferred to walk on the sunny side of life. She had a deep and abiding faith and she was the eternal optimist. She valued friendships and treasured her friends. Family was everything. Her smile was as natural to her as breathing. She worked hard and loved it, always looking for ways to help others every day and became famous for her sponge cake...one for every occasion: a happy time, a sad time, a thank you, or just because.
We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Janet Green (her doctor for over 33 years), Dr. Andre Brais and the staff on 3C & 3D at the Comox Valley Hospital, not only for the wonderful care Myrtle received but also the kind support given to her daughters. We know Mom would also like us to thank the wonderful staff at Shoppers Drug Mart in Courtenay for their many years of kindness & assistance. As Mom would tell them EVERY time she was in the store....she loved them all, they were like a family!
Please join us in remembering Myrtle by visiting our memorial at www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm at St. George's United Church (505 6th Street in Courtenay, BC). In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Mom's beautiful spirit, PLEASE PAY IT FORWARD.