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Mom, Grandma, the linchpin of our family through four generations, Doris Haralson slipped away peacefully Nov. 22, at Forest View Place, Clearwater, her home since mid - 2010.

Predeceased by her parents, her eight brothers and sisters and her husband of 54 years, she is survived by her two children, Ron (Ivy) Haralson of Port Clement, BC, and Ann Piper of Barriere, as well as two grandsons, Bruce Haralson of Estevan, Saskatchewan, and Don Piper of Little Fort.

Born to Ira and Kate Neeley in Gray’s Harbor County, Washington in August 1913, Mom was the first in her family to graduate from high school and to complete a post secondary education as well: she became a Registered Nurse in 1937.  On a summer afternoon a year or so later, she agreed to go on a blind date with the young man who was providing the boat, motor and skis for a group outing — and married him in Reno, Nev.,

a few months later.

Doris and husband Bob were partners in crime, constantly talking each other into new adventures as the years passed.  In the early 1950s they moved  their family from Lebanon, Ore. to Quesnel, BC, where Dad set up the first machine shop in B.C.’s Central Interior and Mom was drawn back into nursing in the face of a shortage of qualified RNs at Quesnel’s G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital.  She would remain on staff there until the mid - 1970s, joyfully learning and passing on new treatments and protocols and enjoying practical jokes and other mischief, on the job and elsewhere.

She remembered the first year women could vote: her father was delighted; her mother said no respectable woman would do any such thing.  She remembered her first automobile ride, her first train and the first plane she saw in flight.  As she and Dad reached their late 60s they moved from the Cariboo to Chilliwack Township and enrolled in navigation courses over the winter, then purchased a saltwater sailboat in the spring. 

They had fun.  Their house was always full: full of nurses, active and retired, “old” newspaper boys, black powder enthusiasts, and younger people in need of elders prepared to listen, admire them and include them in the next adventure. Along the way, Mom wrote and published two volumes of regional history.

When Dad died in 1994, Mom remained in Yarrow for three more years, then relocated to Barriere, to be nearer family.  She remained independent until 2010, when a broken hip sent her to Forest View Place, Clearwater.

Her family will forever be grateful for the excellent care and companionship she found there.

A small memorial was held at the Church of St. Paul in Barriere, Monday, Nov. 26, friend and co-congregant Leslie Stirling presiding.  Cremation by request, Schoenings assisting.  Donations to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Doris Haralson are most welcome.