The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Loraine McArthur A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 23 to celebrate the light and the life that was Loraine McArthur, Rev. Tony Thompson officiating. Loraine passed away on August 18, 2003, after a brief illness. Loraine was born in Invermay, SK on June 19, 1927. She was the third of six children born to Edwin and Esther Boen. Her early education was obtained in Invermay, moving to Flin Flon in 1945 and graduating from Hapnot Collegiate in 1946. Loraine began working at the Bay in 1947 and in February 1949 married Les Jeffrey. She continued to work at the Bay until becoming a mother in 1952. After spending nine years as a stay-at-home mom, Loraine resumed her career with the Bay, retiring in 1984. Les and Loraine shared 30 special years together until his death in 1979. In 1982 Loraine married Bill McArthur. Bill and Loraine were blessed with 15 years of marriage until his death in 1997. Loraine is survived by her children, Scott Jeffrey (Kathi), Lesley (Mel) Matchim, Dean (Kathy) Jeffrey, Donna (Garry) McFadden and Ron (Debbie) McArthur. Grandchildren Tammie Matchim, Vicki (Sid) Dehaan, Tim Jeffrey, Tanya Jeffrey, Kevin (Colleen McFadden), Laurie McFadden, Darcie McFadden, Stephani McArthur and Daylan McArthur. Great grandchildren, Alexa, Ashley and Roxanne McFadden. Siblings Mildred Luchka, Art (Edith) Boen and Una (Bud) Gray, her sisters and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Loraine loved the lake and the cabin at Denare Beach. In spite of her fear of water she also loved to fish and was very good at it. She won many a bet with her son-in-law, despite his Newfoundland roots, and always abiding by Bill's "there will be no jackfish in this boat" rule. Mom enjoyed her many lodge, church and other club activities, dedicating many hours to their various events. Her children remember very well having to ask whether the fresh baking on the counter was for us or for somewhere else, and the answer often was, "Don't touch, that's for the church!" Loraine was very proud of her family and was very quick to list accomplishments or show photos if someone were to ask, sometimes you didn't have to ask. She was proud of us, but she also worried. In our teens, Mom never slept until we were all in the house, safe. She used to sit at the kitchen table, and we could see her outline as we came up the driveway. However, when we got in the house, she was already tucked in, as if she'd always been asleep. Loraine had a great memory for dates and birthdays, anniversaries or other special dates never slipped by unrecognized. She had a quick, ready smile and a kind greeting, perhaps even a hug or a kiss for those who called her friend. As kids, we were sometimes embarrassed at this outward show of affection on Mom's part, but as we grew older we began to see just how much from the heart those little displays of affection were. Mom was very proud of her Norwegian heritage, and she had the chance to visit Norway a few years back, one of the highlights of her travelling life. It was on this trip that she showed Scott just what she was made of. After over 40 hours of flying, waiting and airports, they touched down in Bergen. After freshening up, Mom declared she was ready to see a bit of the town, and it was probably closer to 50 hours before she got some sleep. Mom had great spirit, great energy, and she enjoyed 75 years of that drive and good health. You'll never forget your mother's face, sound of her voice, the gentleness of her touch... they let you know that you were loved. You'll never forget the stories they told, the traditions she handed down... they let you know who you are. You'll never forget the lessons she taught, the things she stood for... they were her gift and her legacy. You'll never forget, and you'll always know that you honour her every day in how you live and how you are.
