June Mufford passed away unexpectedly Sept. 6, 2006 at G.R. Baker Hospital in Quesnel. She fought courageously and kept her spirits up until the end.
She was predeceased by her parents Bill and Ethel Symington and brother Don Symington, all from Quesnel, and sisters Josephine and May in Vancouver.
She leaves to mourn her four children: Jackie (Neil) Worboys of Qualicum Beach, Caroline Mufford of Victoria, Lyle Mufford (Joanne Sawadsky) of Roberts Creek, and Margaret (Tom) Tryon of Dawson Creek; six grandchildren, Alyson Worboys (Eric Byrne), Christopher and Katie Worboys; Eileen Young, Michael (Tara) Danis and Leanna Danis; and one great grandchild, Lucas.
Also surviving and mourning the loss of their sister are Lucille Griffin, Quesnel and Christina Zantolas, Vancouver, and many nieces and nephews.
June was born in Vancouver and attended Van Horne and John Oliver schools, where she excelled in sports, especially track. She was coached by Percy Williams in preparation for running for Canada in the 1940 Olympics.
During WWII, she worked on Lulu Island for Boeing as an electrician. June moved to Quesnel in 1946 with her parents when they bought Carson Lodge, now Wee Chippie restaurant.
In Quesnel, she began her longstanding career with the provincial government at the courthouse.
She loved the Cariboo, where she met and married J.D. (Del) Mufford, and they began their family, and then moved to Kitimat in 1954 for the start up of Alcan’s new town. In Kitimat, she returned to B.C. government service in 1961 and in 1972 moved to Merritt as deputy government agent. In 1979, she was posted to the Queen Charlottes as one of the province’s first women government agents. She moved on to Burns Lake in 1983, where she retired in 1987 after 26 years of continuous service.
On retirement, she returned to Kitimat, where she enjoyed golf, gardening and grandchildren, until returning to Quesnel in 2001.
During her life, she was active in the United Church Women, the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Business and Professional Women, and others.
June had a keen and quick sense of humour and a wicked twinkle in her eye. She was a good listener to everyone and she often had Lady Luck on her side.
We will miss her deeply.
Memorial service was held on Thursday, Sept. 14 at St. Andrews First United Church in Quesnel. Family requests no flowers but suggests donations to the Canadian Cancer society.