Gwen McLachlan, 1952-2008

Gwen McLachlan was born in the High Prairie Providence Hospital April 3, 1952 to Clarence and Joyce McLachlan and passed away March 23, 2008 at the age of 56 years. Gwen lived with her parents on their homestead near Sunset House until the fall of 1954 when they moved to a quarter section of land 1 1/2 miles northwest of High Prairie. In 1955 Gwen endured the arrival of her twin siblings, Deb and Brian, who as young children, delighted in destroying Gwen’s toys. The years passed quickly and as adults the threesome became best friends. The McLachlan family suffered a deep loss in 1982 when Joyce passed away. Gwen cherished the relationship with Brian and Angie; Deb and Bruce. She was especially proud of her nieces Natalie, Sara and Gina, and her nephew, Max, and all their accomplishments. Gwen took all her schooling, Grades 1-12, in High Prairie. At the age of 18, Gwen left home to attend Vermillion College where she studied fashion design. In 1971 she returned home to High Prairie where she began working at Pleasant- view Lodge. A couple years after she started working at the lodge she took on the position of lodge matron at the tender age of 21. She remained at the lodge, and later on the seniors’ apartments, until a few weeks ago. During Gwen’s 37-year career she successfully ran the lodge with her characteristic quiet, calm but firm manner. She was an expert on building mechanical systems and oversaw several building expansions and renovations. Gwen, along with fellow lodge managers May Fidler and Gisele Letourneau, travelled for many months together to Red Deer College to take the Alberta Lodge Manager’s course. She was an active member of the Alberta Lodge Managers Society for several years. Heart River Housing administrator Pat Billings, says Gwen was an extraordinary shopper, always managing to seek the best price regardless of the item. Gwen was “boss to dozens of employees over the years and was pleased to help nearly 700 seniors make Pleasantview Lodge their home. Gwen was more than an employee or co-worker to those who worked with her. Former Falher lodge managers Lucine Bouchard and Gisele Letourneau recall their comradeship and have many wonderful recollections and souvenirs from the times they shared together. She was a dear friend to her colleagues: kind, caring, always supportive. She was a reassuring presence whenever she was near. On a fine June day in 1989 Gwen invited a fellow named Jim to go fishing with her. She landed more than fish that day! Gwen had met the love of her life, Jim Trevors. Jim fondly says Gwen had looked until she found the person who needed her the most. Gwen and Jim were quietly married in a small Las Vegas chapel Feb. 23, 1996. With their marriage, Gwen became step-mom to Jeff and Jackie. In 2006 Gwen and Jim happily attended Jeff and Andre’s wedding in Mexico. Gwen and Jim were even more thrilled when Jeff and Andre presented them with granddaughter Alexa in 2007. Earlier this year their joy doubled when Jackie and her husband Danny St. Germaine welcomed their baby son, Cole, in Montreal. All of her life Gwen had itchy feet - she loved to travel. She happily recalled her trips to Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii, Las Vegas, St. Pierre and Miquelon, the Grand Manan Island and the Maritimes. Her many road trips to visit family in Saskatchewan, British Columbia or to visit Deb, Bruce and the girls in Bow Island, Alta., were equally enjoyed and were always an adventure. The ultimate road trips were when she was able to go cruising the highways in her 1979 Corvette. Gwen adored her car. Gwen was a very artistic and creative person. She was a painter, a carver, a sculptor, a cook and a seamstress. Samples of her art are spread throughout the area. Gwen loved the outdoors and nature. She hunted, fished, skied, wind-surfed and was even part of a hot air balloon chase crew. She was an avid gardener and took great pride in planning, growing and maintaining her garden. She was the handiest woman around. Gwen was very capable of making any repairs to their house, cabin or vehicles - she was a mechanic, plumber, electrician, carpenter, roofer, house painter and flooring specialist. Angie recalls if ever she complained to Gwen about some needed repair that within the week Gwen would have it fixed or resolved in some manner. She never shied away from a challenge and no task was too great. Her skills were well utilized at their Joussard cabin. Over the years Gwen and Jim have worked hard improving their lake lot and cabin. Jim says their cabin was the place they would retreat to get away from the stresses of the work day. Gwen, Jim, family and friends happily gathered at the cabin often. Fish fries and blueberry pancakes made from fresh-picked berries were just a couple of the highlights. Gwen was a member of the High Prairie Art Club and in recent years was a very active member of the High Prairie Beautification group. While undergoing cancer treatments in 2005, Gwen passionately took on the task of painting the Nativity Scene in her garage. The Nativity Scene has been displayed in front of the Town of High Prairie office building each winter since. Whether it was helping to prepare for the Communities in Bloom judges or the winter Light-up celebration, Gwen was always there to lend a hand. Gwen truly knew how to enjoy life to its fullest. Her courage, determination and strength never wavered through her battle with cancer. Even though she was the one with the disease, she was the one comforting us without even knowing she was doing it. Gwen always had a smile and a positive attitude. Gwen will be forever loved and greatly missed by her husband Jim; stepson Jeff Trevors, daughter-in-law Andre and granddaughter Alexa; stepdaughter Jackie St. Germaine, son-in-law Danny and grandson Cole; her father Clarence McLachlan; brother Brian McLachlan, sister-in-law Angie and their children Natalie and Max; sister Deb Corraini, brother-in- law Bruce and their daughters Sara and Gina; and by her special feline friends, Jazz and Tom. Gwen is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Gwen will be sadly missed by each of us and the thought of not seeing her or talking with her feels overwhelming. But her presence is felt even more today than ever before. She will continue to shine her light in each and every one of us. She was a true inspiration to us and we are eternally grateful for her friendship.

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