Friday, September 1, 2023
Send my heartfelt condolences to Doreen’s family from Qualicum Beach, Bc. Doreen and I met at a conference in 2000 and fast became kindred spirits. Doreen came to visit my daughter and myself when we lived in Kelowna. We shared lots of laughs as her guide dog “Mon Ami” jumped into the Lake and attempt to outswim a search and rescue dog, only to discover she did not know how to swim! We continued to share many long phone calls and emails and stories of her travels and mine about raising my daughter who is also blind. It was the sort of friendship that is very rare….time would pass between our calls but as soon as we began to chat…time never seemed to skip a beat. What a life she lived, filled with both challenges and adventure. Today She was on my mind, we hadn’t spoken in awhile….when her phone message stated it was no longer in service, my heart felt a sadness of somehow knowing something had happened. I will miss our talks greatly, there aren’t too many friends that I have shared as much as did with Doreen. Doreen was one of the most authentic person I have ever known…I can truly say….I loved her very much…. “May hope and faith above keep you until, that day when next we meet on Joyous shore we will, hold you in our arms oh so near and hear your voice again, so clear. Love Joyce and Sarah Mainland
