It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Eileen Harrison on January 10, 2012. She is survived by her husband, Floyd Tompkins, her children Bob (Barb) Harrison of Pritchard, Allan (Jean) Harrison of Kamloops, Roberta (Will) Hartman of Surrey and Susan (Doug) Inkster of Chase, her eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren and her extended family, Harley (Glenda) Tompkins and Wayde (Rhonda) Tompkins. She was predeceased by her first husband Bob Harrison, her son Ken Harrison, her brother Fred Allan and her sister Myrtle Reese.
Eileen was born in Grand Prairie, B.C. now known as Westwold, to pioneer parents, Donovan and Susan Allan. She spent her childhood in the Westwold/Monte Lake area where many hours were spent playing on the log booms on Monte Lake with her brother and sister. Helping her mother in the kitchen of the logging camps came natural to Eileen. Her great love was playing back catcher for the Monte Lake Pirates softball team. She contributes her pudgy nose to the days of no protective gear. This love of sport continued throughout her life.
She left school at age 15 and moved to Duck Range to help her Grandmother. It is at this time she met Robert James Harrison on the dance floor. They were married in 1940 and moved to the Harrison Ranch. She took on the role of nursemaid to Bob’s invalid Mother and from there her nurturing ways began. Eileen was blessed with five children whom were raised on the family farm. She was famous for putting a meal on the table for whoever dropped by unexpectedly.
After Bob’s passing in 1971 she once again found love on the dance floor when she met Floyd and they continued their love for 40 years. In 1975 Eileen and Floyd moved to Chase and she pursued her love of sports by joining a bowling league, curling and could even be found on the golf course. Because of her strong love for family she became involved with the Heart and Stroke Foundation by canvassing and later was the District Coordinator. She developed many friends while canvassing the neighbourhood and valued the contribution she had made.
Eileen and Floyd started traveling by visiting The Elvis Mansion in Tennessee and attending the NFR in Oklahoma City. They developed travel fever and became snowbirds. They spent 14 winters in Desert Hot Springs and enjoyed living and sharing many stories of their adventures. They also had two trips to Alaska and drove across Canada. Having many laughs and fun was at the top of her list.
Even though Eileen enjoyed travelling, she never forgot about her family and stayed active in their lives. She had a great love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her tradition of cooking her wonderful meals for family and friends has been passed forward helping them understand the importance of spending time together.
She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. Our lives will all be richer because of the family traditions Mom has instilled in us.
The Funeral Service was held in the Chase Community Hall on Saturday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m. Interment followed in the family cemetery, on Duck Range Road in Pritchard, B.C.
Should friends desire, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 203 – 635 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3 in her memory would be appreciated.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com
Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, 250 – 374 - 1454