In Loving Memory Of

Elsie May Hakes

July 10, 1921 - June 30, 2012

Elsie May Hakes, longtime resident of Spirit River, passed away peacefully at the Fairview Continuing Care Centre on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at the age of 90 years. Elsie was born on July 10, 1921, in Prudhoe Northumberland, England to James and Hannah Thouless. She had 3 sisters and 1 brother. In 1943, while Elsie was working at the Army Canteen in Maresfield, Sussex, the South Alberta Regiment from Canada moved into camp. One day while visiting the Canteen, Bill noticed Elsie and immediately asked her out on a date to go dancing. Shortly thereafter, at the Maresfield Army Camp, Bill asked Elsie to marry him. On May 9, 1944, Bill and Elsie were married in Hexham Northumberland, England. Shortly after their wedding Bill went off to France, and year later Elsie caught the boat to Canada. After 10 days on the boat she landed in Halifax, boarded a train across Canada and after 8 days arrived in Spirit River. Elsie had to spend a year in Spirit River on her own until February 1946 when Bill returned from War. Bill wanted to go farming, although most times were tough, Elsie was determined to work right along side of him. They had four children, Theresa (1947), Pat (1948), Jim (1949), and Heather (1951). In 1961, after being in Canada for 16 years, Elsie was finally able to go back to England for 10 weeks to see her family. In 1962 Kevin was born. They continued to farm until the spring of 1965 then decided to sell everything and move to town. Elsie has been a Legion Ladies Auxiliary Member for 60 years. She received her Life Membership and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Elsie loved curling, she played for many years and enjoyed it very much, winning prizes and trophies. At the age of 45, she started golfing. Bill and Elsie travelled around the province golfing at various courses and Legion Tournaments, often coming home with a trophy. Elsie’s favorite past time was knitting. She knit sweater vests for her grandchildren and lots and lots of slippers for family and friends. Elsie loved cooking and baking for her family. She was a beautiful, caring person, loving wife of nearly 63 years and a great mother. She will be truly missed by her 5 children, 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, family and friends. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 11:00 am at Spirit of Peace United Church in Spirit River, Alberta. Please make charitable donations to a charity of your choice in Elsie's memory.

There are many words which will have been used to describe my aunty Elsie - Loving, caring, sharing, generous, loyal, honest,. I think I could fill the page & never once would you find one other than praise. If I could find a single word to cover the above & more then this would probably still not reflect my memories of this amazing lady. I have been fortunate enough to spend a number of holidays in the company of my aunty Elsie and my CANADIAN FAMILY leaving endless memories to recall each and every one. There is no doubt that the standards, attitude to life and manor in which aunty Elsie conducted herself was appreciated by everyone who met her. This I believe was reflected in the many roles held over the years with-in the Community and the British Legion. A perfect Role Model to follow should you wish to succeed. The thoughts of everyone here in England will of course be in Spirit River on Saturday and I am sure many a tear will be shed. No doubt at all in my mind at the moment is that if my aunty Elsie was standing next to me then I would hear a quiet word in my ear saying 'everything is OK.

posted by Brian Mordue, Westerhope, Newcastle, England : Jul 04, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

posted by Cathy York, Dawson creek : Jul 05, 2012

Dear Theresa Heather and all the family. So very sorry to hear about your Moms passing. She was a lovely lady . Oue thoughts and prayers are with you all. With Sincere Sympathy Vicky Yaremko

posted by Paul & Vicky Yaremko, Tangent, Alberta : Jul 06, 2012

I became one of the family when I married Brain the son of Alice, who was Elsie's sister. I heard lots about Elsie from Alice and ir very claer that the two sisters had a special relationship. I first met her when she returned to Prudhoe for a holiday and she openly welcomed me into her family. A wonderful lady who was so full of life, she was fun to be around and was game for anything. She had a caring nature and never a bad word for anyone. I have many fond memories from the times she visited us but I will never forget the wonderful holiday the whole family had when we visited her and her family in Canada. She is with her beloved Bill and her brothers and sisters now. She will be missed by many and there will always be a special place in my heart for her. God bless.

posted by Joyce Mordue, Newcastle, England : Jul 06, 2012

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