Hole - Gladys Elenor Imlah Boyer
Born in Vancouver BC December 22, 1914 - Died in Vancouver March 11, 2006.
It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my dear mother and friend Gladys, a woman of principle, courage, humour and service to others.
Gladys was the granddaughter of Flora McDonald Imlah and Alexander Imlah of Craighead Cottage, Edenville, Banffshire Scotland.
Gladys was born in Vancouver and raised in North Vancouver by her late Aunt Mary and Uncle Charles McWilliam. Gladys was warmly received into a loving family and grew up with her cousins Robert (Bob), Allan and Alexander (Alex) McWilliam. Many happy times were spent with them and with her Uncle Alexander Imlah and Cousin Jean Yeats Yearsley.
In order for Gladys to afford to attend high school she worked for the family of Dr. Frost in Vancouver. She graduated from Fairview High School of Commerce in 1936. In 1986 she attended the 50th Anniversary of the school and was the oldest alumni present. After graduation she worked at the Vancouver General Hospital until 1942 and then like many other young women joined the war effort by working at Boeing Aircraft in Vancouver.
In 1941 Gladys married Leo T.J. Boyer and in 1944 their daughter Mary was born. In September of the following year Leo was tragically lost at sea while on the MV Arrogant. Leo and his fellow fishers were never found.
After the death of Leo, Gladys and Mary moved to Port Hardy to be closer to her friends Glena and Ted Stromme. It was there that she met a returning soldier, Douglas Arthur Hole. They fell in love and married in 1947. Doug was the son of Albert and Clarice Hole.
A pioneer family from Coal Harbour on Vancouver Island, the couple took over the family business, A.E. Hole & Sons. The business consisted of a general store, hotel and restaurant. Gladys worked many long hours along side Doug.
Gladys was a tireless worker in her community: she was a founding member of Coal Harbour Community Club and was instrumental along with other women in recruiting the first Doctor to Port Hardy and in establishing the first Doctors residence and clinic on Airport Road. This was the start of the Port Hardy Hospital Women’s Auxiliary. In 1980 at the age of 66, she participated in a 12 mile walkathon raising more money than anyone in support of the hospital. Gladys was the driving force in the naming of Albert Hole Road in Coal Harbour in honour of her father-in-Law.
In 1952, the family visited Hawaii for the first time, and Gladys loved to regale friends with the wonderful memories of this trip.
In 1954, the family moved to Gartley Beach, just south of Royston. Gladys always said that she was happiest on the beach or working in her garden. In 1972 the family moved back to Coal Harbour and established a mobile home park and in 1983 they moved to Beaver Harbour in Port Hardy. After Doug’s death in 1986 she moved to Telco Street. Gladys worked for the RCMP in Port Hardy until 1990 when she moved to Richmond to be closer to her daughter Mary. Gladys is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Polaris 98 Chapter Port Hardy.
Gladys is survived by her daughter Mary and son-in-law Ian Martin, sisters-in-law Mary Woods, Enderby BC, Gwendolyn Craig, Richmond and Anna Hole, Rupert Arm along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear friend Alice Arnet and son Jerry Arnet of Port Hardy, and Irene Hansen of North Vancouver, and special friend Willie Fraser and family from Dufftown Scotland.
The family would like to thank Gladys’ caregivers Lolita Obena, Jennifer Bonifacio, Annie Mesias, Penny Elefante and Clarina Randoy for the love and special comfort they provided Gladys. Gladys enjoyed the many car trips in Lolita’s car even though she thought she was going “slow as molasses”. Also to Dr. Robert McKenzie, for his gentle care of mother and his many visits at all hours of the day and night. St. Jude’s Anglican Home and the wonderful support staff who made Mother’s last year a happy one.
A funeral service was held on Friday, March 17th at 2:00 at St. Mary’s (Kerrisdale) Anglican Church 2490 W. 37th Ave.
Vancouver BC. Rev. Elizabeth Northcott and Rev. Trudi Shaw officiated.
In lieu of flowers donations in Memory of Gladys may be made to St. Jude’s Anglican Home - 810 W. 27th Ave. Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G7 or Port Hardy Hospital Women’s Auxiliary - 9120 Granville St. Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0
Walkey & Company Funeral Directors
Phone 604-738-0006