Joan Leslie Robison

Much loved by family and friends

She always ran with the wolves

It is with deep sadness that the loving family of Joan Robison announces her passing, at the age of 87, on November 26, 2012 in Vernon’s Hospice House.

Joey, as she was known to her family, moved to Vernon on April Fool’s Day, 2000, an easily remembered date that always amused her.

In her teens she served in Kingston, ON as a Morse code operator during World War II, listening for messages from enemy aliens. However, she spent much of her adult life in northern BC, helping her husband run their sawmill, buck logs and cut poles, and was well acquainted with the toughness of wilderness living. She brought that mental and physical toughness to her final years, bouncing back from accidents, illness and difficulties that would have felled anyone less resilient. She loved to say, “I am my doctor’s miracle patient.”

She left northern BC to work on the CF18 base at Cold Lake, AB where she worked as a valued secretary for a number of years until she moved to Okotoks, AB to be near her daughter and son-in-law.

Joey was passionately interested in all animals, and particularly loved horses, wolves and cats. She was creative in many ways: a gifted artist and sculptor, leather carver, potter, horse breeder and trainer.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Vernon Funeral Home. By request, there will not be a funeral service, but a Celebration of her life will be held in Spring 2013.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of Joan’s very supportive friends, to Dr. Lindsay Pritchett, and to the wonderful staff at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Hospice House, who cared for her so lovingly.