Carol Johnson (Irion)

Since learning this past week of Joan’s passing, I am flooded with fond memories of her and her amazing parents, who welcomed all of her friends into their home and their lives, as if we were their own. I met Joan in 5th Grade, Manito Primary, and quickly learned she never met a stranger. Among my fondest memories of her are (1) the many times spent at her house after school watching the “Mickey Mouse Club” and “American Bandstand” while drinking all the Coke we wanted (a huge treat for a girl who grew up in a family of five kids, in which Cokes were rare treats), and (2) the two salmon fishing trips to Campbell River, BC that I enjoyed with her and her parents. Since her Dad was a consummate fisherman, we fished the Straits of Georgia, where, one day, I encountered killer whales who ended up eating half of my (estimated) 56 lb) salmon. Joan and I shared this and other memories at the 50th Class Reunion. To this day, a picture of Mr. and Mrs Hubbard, Joan and I and the half-fish is displayed in my home. One week we camped at “The Spit” (Joan’s preference) and one week we were “pampered” at Painter’s Lodge. On the way to and from Campbell River each year her folks would overnight in Vancouver and Seattle so we could shop for school clothes. When I look back on my childhood, I am extremely grateful for all of the school friends who enriched my life, and Joan is certainly one who is at the top of that list. With all my fond memories, my Deepest Sympathy to Joan’s husband and her family.