Edna Ryan McPhail 1923-2008
It is with great regret and heavy hearts that the family of Edna Ryan McPhail announces her sudden passing at the age of eighty-five.
She was born on October 7, 1923 to Mary Officer Piper and Joseph Albert Piper in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Her family, which included her three sisters and her two brothers, moved several times: first to Calgary, then to Brickline, followed by Lytton, before finally settling in Burnaby.
It was here that she would obtain her normal school certificate, followed closely by her teaching certificate. She soon took a teaching job in Powell River where she joined her brothers, who were working on a dairy farm. There she shared accommodations with a woman named Ruth, who would
eventually marry her brother Jim. In 1950, she took a teaching position in Dawson Creek, where she immediately began to embed herself in the community. She met and married Jim McPhail, and soon after gave birth to four children: Sheena, Barry, and twin boys Michael and Patrick.
Over the years she would remain a shining presence in the community, tirelessly trying to change it for the better; she was a leader who was greatly respected and admired by all those around her. She showed us her competitive spirit through curling, and demonstrated her determination and
leadership when she almost single-handedly led the campaign to convert Dawson’s last grain elevator into an art gallery.
Although she would face a not inconsiderable amount of tragedy during her life (most notably the loss of her son Barry), she still approached each day with a boundless energy that was a source of both envy and inspiration for everyone around her. In each and every moment of her eighty-five years, we all saw a woman who was always going, trying to be a part of everything around her. Her enormous spirit will be missed by all those who knew her, as we sadly bid farewell to a woman who filled many roles during
her life: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, builder, artist, and leader.
Edna passed away on October 20, 2008. She is survived by her loving husband Jim; her dear siblings Merrie, Betty, Barbara-Jean, and Jim; her devoted children Sheena (Chris), Michael (Jennifer), and Patrick; her adoring grandchildren Edward, Stuart, Rhyan, Rachel, and Roger. She is predeceased by her brother Gordon and son Barry.
A memorial service was held on November 8 from 1:00 to 5:00p.m., at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery which she put so much of herself into. If any of those in possession of Edna’s artwork would be willing to loan any pieces for the service, it would be greatly appreciated.
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