Tribute

Christine E. E. Wheadon (née Smith)

October 10, 1949 – February 4, 2021

… per ardua ad astra …

Supported steadfastly by her loving husband, Robert A. (Bob) Wheadon, and excellent care teams at Cowichan Valley Hospital (Duncan, B.C.), Christine left us to celebrate her life.  Her passing ended a brief hospital stay with Bob at her side.  He is joined by Christine’s mother, Patricia Smith, sister Pamela (Regina), brother-in-law Garnet (London, ON), sister-in-law Paula (Salt Spring) to recall many special events and moments we all shared with Christine, along with our families including nieces and nephews (Alberta, B.C., Ontario), special cousins (Brentwood Bay, B.C.; England; U.S.A.), and long-time friends, Ed and Mary Pasetka (Regina).  Predeceased by her father, J.V. (Vic) Smith (1992), her parents-in-law, four aunts, two uncles, and five cousins, she leaves us to cherish our memories of her.

Born in Regina (a Thanksgiving child!), Christine completed elementary and secondary education in Regina or Weyburn, along with four vital years at Gateway School (Harwood), in Yorkshire where her father was transferred.  Magical summers were spent at a small Buena Vista cottage, exploring shorelines, railway tracks, cow pastures, and Last Mountain Lake.  Her life-long love of wide-open vistas, unstructured sports, and self-created adventures was rooted in childhood summers with her family, cousins and friends.  Christine’s first paid employment began with Camp Easter Seal (Watrous; Saskatoon), where she was the Camp’s office manager, followed by many other occupations and volunteer roles (school libraries; First Responders; 419 Squadron) over three decades across Canada.

Quick-witted, self-directed, amusing and adventuresome, Christine left Saskatchewan to settle in Whitehorse, becoming happily employed at its bookstore, which regularly served Dawson with a mobile bus.  Bob and she met in 1982, marrying in 1985.  Their 37 year journey together began with Bob’s Carcross RCMP posting.  Consistent with their shared values, Christine and Bob opened their home and dinner-table to many, hosting neighbours, new recruits and other members, as they moved from one posting to another across Canada: Vegreville, Faust, Cold Lake, Cochrane, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Winnipeg, Dauphin, Iqaluit, and retiring from Prince Albert in 2012 (Northern District Commander).  Moving to Duncan, they looked forward to Bob’s retirement.

Christine often worried for Bob’s safety, especially in his early years of RCMP service.  She was deeply proud of Bob’s roles and accomplishments, including the Governor General’s Medal of Bravery (1984), the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2002) and Diamond Jubilee Award (2012).  Over the years, Christine and Bob upheld an active, shared, committed interest in their own respective parents’ lives, the lives of their siblings and extended family.  They regularly travelled “home” (Saskatchewan and B.C.), returning to participate in weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and funerals within all families.  Generous gifts arrived steadily, always early, and included unique, highly detailed hand-sewn children’s treats.

More recently, Christine struggled with some health conditions.  She found a community within weekly services at Duncan’s St. John the Baptist Anglican Church.  Bob always supported her, finding ways to ensure her life was comfortable and engaged.  Her Regina (and beyond) family deeply appreciate his attentive love and support, as we do all health care providers at Cowichan Valley Hospital and elsewhere.

Arrangements have been entrusted to H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre (5285 Polkey Road, Duncan, B.C.).  Condolences may be posted online at www.hwallacebc.com.  In Regina, Speers Funeral Chapel (www.speersfuneralchapel.com) will assist with supporting arrangements.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  If wishing to make a memorial contribution, please consider:  Camp Easter Seal (c/o Sask Abilities Council, 2310 Louise Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7J 2C7); or UNHCR Canada (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees PO Box 1278 Stn K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9).