Side Trip to Grand Canyon, South Rim

While in Sedona, we took a one day guided tour up to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon and back, making lots of stops along the way. About a 12 hour return trip.

Trip to Sedona, AZ

Just got back from 5 days in Sedona, AZ where I went with my friend Susy for a change of scene. Well, we certainly got new scenery and it is so beautiful and mystical.  We loved the Red Rock Mountains and the Oak Creek Canyon.

My Neil

Neil, my husband of over 46 years, died on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.  He was the great love of my life. Here is the obituary for him which will be published online and in print this weekend.

ORNSTEIN, NEIL M.

March 2, 1934 – January 15, 2019

With sadness, we announce that our Neil passed at the age of 84 in Vancouver, BC. Lovingly remembered by Donna his wife of over 46 years, siblings Joan Howitt (Bruce), Jack (Micheline), Marilyn Goodwin (Don), nephews and nieces Vincent Kruger (Shannon), Janice Riahi (Nader), Gillian Morantz (Adrian) and great nieces and nephews Gabriella and Leila Riahi, Dylan Kruger (Katie), Montana Kruger and Chloe and Damien Schauer. Also by brother-in-law Ken Rowan (Libby) and Ken’s sons Chris, Sam and Teddy Rowan. Predeceased by sister-in-law Dr. Linda Vickars and brother-in-law Bruce Rowan.

Neil was born in Fort William, ON to Irving and Gertrude Ornstein. He cherished memories of Port Arthur Collegiate Institute, Loon Lake, and skiing at Mt. Baldy. The family moved to Vancouver in 1954 where Neil attended UBC and obtained his BA in 1956 and his LLB in 1959. His varied 52-year law career included serving as Counsel to the National Harbours Board, and private practice with Varty & Company for 25 years.

Active in volunteer groups, he was President of Vancouver Waterfront Lions Club, Vancouver Central Lions Club and B’nai B’rith Lions Gate Lodge.  He represented the Lodge on the Brotherhood Interfaith Society board.

Neil is remembered for his curiosity and enjoyment of people of different ethnic backgrounds, especially their languages, cuisines and religions. Neil and Donna travelled extensively visiting all 7 continents on tours and cruises.  Home and his family and friends were his greatest joys.

Thank you to Dr. Isaiah Bregman for his dedication to Neil’s care, Emmy and Lanie, Neil’s companions for their devotion to Neil as well as the staff at Weinberg Residence for their assistance to Neil as he faced many challenges with disabilities.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Neil’s memory to Temple Sholom, Louis Brier Foundation or a charity of their choice.

Remembering

Remembrance Day always makes me remember my father, Robert Rowan, who served in the Royal Canadian Navy, based out of Esquimalt, BC. He came back home in 1947 after serving 7 years.  He did not have a physical injury but I came to realize over time the toll those years took on his future life.  He mainly served in the Atlantic on a corvette escorting other ships back and forth across the Atlantic.  He was then moved to the Pacific Theatre after peace in Europe in May 1945 until discharged in 1947. Thank you Dad, I love you.

Remembrance brick for him in Victoria Harbour.

High School Friends Celebrating 50th

In the years following high school and university graduation, we were in the whirlwind of attending weddings of friends and siblings, one after the other throughout the spring and summer seasons. Now I am thrilled that so many of my friends are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries, having stayed together in spite of the divorce statistics.

Today is Janice and Jim's 50th and here are some pictures of that event from Janice's blog and my old album:

Janice and Jim, May 18 1968

Cec, Linda, Me (Donna), Kerry & Roger at the reception

Janice throwing the bouquet to her single girlfriends (don't remember who caught it)

Janice, Kerry and me a few years ago, still connecting!

Walk at Van Duesen Gardens

Susy and I spent about 75 minutes walking through parts of Van Duesen Gardens this morning to enjoy the gorgeous spring blossoms, like these:

Tulips:

Rhododendrons:

Indian Wedding Set Up

The ceremony and banquet tents were set up on the great lawn in preparation for an Indian wedding ceremony and reception later in the afternoon:

Absolutely Gorgeous Dogwood Trees:

Linda & Cec's 50th Wedding Anniversary

Spent a lovely Sunday afternoon at a party to celebrate the 50th "Golden" wedding anniversary of Linda and Cec, who were married on  November 4, 1967.  The party was held at the home of their daughter and son-in-law at their new home.  It was very well organized with a beautiful presentation of savoury and sweet foods, wine, and all the table settings such as napkins, place settings, cutlery having a "gold" theme. The TV had a rotating slide show of many happy occasions in the life of Linda and Cec, especially their many cruises.

I was happy to meet a few fellow classmates from high school at this event, where we shared memories of long ago and got caught up to date on the more recent years. I was a bridesmaid for Linda and enjoyed looking at the old wedding pictures and Linda's wedding dress which she can still get into!

Here I am in my bridesmaid dress which I made myself.  It is emerald green brocade.  I was so tiny then!

As one of the bridesmaids, I gave a bridal shower for Linda with the assistance of my mother, who was a close friends of Linda's mother, at our home.  It was a "Jobie" shower, with the girls from Bethel 23, South Burnaby.  Here is Linda with the traditional apron made with all the gift bows!

Spending my birthday with Neil

So I am another year older today, but much wiser after a year mainly spent taking care of Neil and his needs.  On September 2, 2016 he fell and broke his hip and was in hospital for four weeks.  He came out in a wheelchair, unable to walk.  Because the hospital discharge staff would not allow him to go into a rehab facility, Neil went into a care home.  He did not flourish there, so after five months there, I transferred him to the Weinberg Residence private care home. He is happy and content there and has wonderful companions, Emmy and Lanie. He partakes in the rehab exercise program nearly every day and enjoys the concerts and most of the meals.

I spent the afternoon with him, took chocolate cupcakes and he sang happy birthday to me. As usual he presented me with a box of Purdy's Chocolates, his favourites.

Our 45th Wedding Anniversary Today

Neil and I were married at Cecil Green Park at UBC on Monday, May 22, 1972.  Lots of changes since then. Here are a few memories:

Remembering Linda Today

Thinking of Linda, especially today on the third anniversary of her death. Many memories, both happy and sad.

Linda and I at University Golf Club

Linda with Mom and Dad - Graduation

from UBC Medical School 1976

Linda- high school graduation 1969