June 28, 1923 - April 15, 2019
Born June 28, 1923 in the highlands of Scotland, in Inverness, Iris was the youngest of nine children. She met her loving husband Wes, a Canadian RCAF Warrant Officer, during World War II. Iris was a telephone operator and worked in London during the bombings and air raids. Iris and Wes were married in Inverness January 21, 1946. Wes returned home not long after, having completed his wartime duties. As a war bride, Iris journeyed to Canada in August 1946 on the Aquitania, to Halifax's Pier 21 and then across Canada by rail, finally being reunited with Wes in her new home in New Westminster BC. They shared 52 years together before Wes passed away August 1998. Iris is survived by her daughters, Juleen McElgunn (Martin), grandson Ryan (Brittany and Ariyana), daughter Viv Lieskovsky (Dave) and granddaughter Heather.
Iris, Wes and the girls lived in Burnaby, Rossland, Prince Rupert, New Westminster, Port Moody, and Penticton as Wes was promoted to various Postmaster positions. In her mid-life, Iris learned to ice skate, slalom waterski, downhill and cross-country ski and golf. After retirement, Wes and Iris remained in Penticton for several years. Iris was on the Penticton Hospital Auxiliary and was a Rotary-Ann during the time Wes was a Rotarian. They moved to White Rock and then Parksville, where they enjoyed many years of golf and travel together. Iris participated with Wes in Scottish Country Dance, she also played the ukulele, enjoyed gardening and loved her daily crossword puzzles. Several years after Wes' passing, Iris returned to Penticton in 2006 to be closer to her daughters. She passed away April 15, 2019.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Haven Hill for their exceptional support and help during her time there. Also, a special thank you to April Tomm for her care and love of Iris over the past two years.ENo service by request.
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