"Teach me delight in simple things and mirth that hath no bitter
springs.” - Kipling
Arriving, on a rainy night, in Lewisham, England on November 10, 1922; Iris Eileen was born to Dorothy Alice (Buckland) and David Eugene Armand Fiset.
Growing up around Moose Jaw, bright and imaginative Iris, eldest of seven, learned to care for others and appreciate the simplicity of nature.
She returned to England in 1939.
When the war upset plans to become a pharmacist, Iris worked at Ladywell Hospital before joining the RCAF as a nurse.
After serving at East Grinstead, Cpl Iris Fiset met Sgt Tom Bourne while stationed at Linton, Yorkshire.
They married in 1946 and raised nine children in Toronto.
Her travels took her to Ecuador, Greece, and finally Vancouver.
Iris was a gentle, compassionate soul who gave counsel and comfort through her insight.
Although blind since 2006, her humour and natural talent to offer entertaining and instructive anecdotes lived on.
Her kind, loving and wise spirit nurtured and guided us.
Her tireless resolve for peace and simplicity captured us in her words: "I just want everyone to get along.”
Ninety-seven years later, on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, from home in Vancouver, British Columbia, Iris left peacefully.
But her gift remains.