Obituary
Harris ( nee Dabinett ), Evelyn Mae
May 4, 1928 – July 3, 2021
With great sadness, the family of Evelyn Harris announces her passing.
Evelyn was born in Chemainus, B.C., the second of three daughters born to Walter and Alice Dabinett. She lived her entire life on Vancouver Island.
At age 18, Evelyn married Jack, the love of her life. Together they raised their four sons, Danny, Tom, Jack and Ted. Summer weekends and vacations in the early years were spent camping on Vancouver Island and in the Gulf Islands. In 1961, Jack and Evelyn were among the first to buy property and build a cabin on Mudge Island, where they had many happy times. In 1964, they moved from Victoria to Nanaimo to open a Rambler dealership, which they eventually expanded to Jeep, Triumph, Isuzu and Toyota. In 1967, they exchanged it all for a Chevy Oldsmobile Cadillac dealership, which they operated until 1982.
Evelyn and Jack spent many wonderful years together. They were very active with the Gyro Club of Nanaimo and made countless lifelong friends through Gyro. They often wintered in Palm Springs or Hawaii; they loved listening to the big band sounds, dancing together and entertaining; but they especially loved to have their family nearby. When Jack sadly passed in 1983, Evelyn kept up her many friendships and made new ones as well. She went out to lunch almost every day of the week with different people from her wide circle of friends, but she always kept Friday open for “Friday Lunch” with the family, which was often joined by some “surprise” guest or guests.
Although she experienced tragic loss along the way, Mom kept a positive outlook on life to the very end. She was often heard to say “Life is good, isn’t it?” For her, the cup was always half full…never half empty.
In addition to husband Jack, Evelyn was predeceased by two sons, Danny and Tom, as well as her sister, Marie. She is survived by sons Jack ( Darlene ) and Ted ( Amber ), daughters-in-law Stephanie and Christine, grandchildren, Rod, Brett, Michael, Elizabeth, Cynthia, Stephanie, Tony, Greg, Jeff, Scott and Caroline, their spouses, and 24 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Lois and many nieces and nephews.
Mom will be forever remembered with love and affection by all of her family and her many friends. The family would like to thank Mom’s wonderful neighbours, Caroline and Drew for watching out for Mom for over 30 years and bringing her more dinners than we could ever count. We would also kike the thank her care givers, Darlene, Betty and Marie, as well as the staff in ALC and Palliative Care at NRGH for their care and compassion.
At Evelyn’s request, no service will be held
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Evelyn, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Evelyn Mae Harris May 4 1928 July 3 2021 (age 93)..
Telford, Toneff and Boyd Burial and Cremation Centres
Death notice for the town of: Nanaimo, Province: Colombie britanique
So so sorry to hear about the passing of the lovely Evelyn and our heartfelt condolences from everyone in the Howardson family to the Harris’ family. Your Evelyn was one of a kind and a great tribute to all of those born of that noble generation. She persevered through many difficult times with such dignity and grace one would think it came naturally. But it didn’t – it was the learned knowledge that through life’s hardships one strove to balance the good and happy times with the heart wrenching times of loss and heartbreak. Evelyn loved life, she loved her family and her friends. Her smile lit up a room and age did not diminish her natural beauty nor her zest for life. Evelyn didn’t simply enter a room – the room beckoned and she sailed through laughing and genuinely made each person feel important and special. That was her very special gift and we will miss her very much ad will you all. Our deepest condolences to you all,
With much love the Howardson family