Doreen, the darling of Banff Trail, passed away at the age of 98 plus one day on October 14, 2024. She died in the home that she and her husband Bill built in 1955.
Doreen was born in Stettler, Alberta on October 13, 1926, the eldest of five children. She lived on the family farm and eventually in 1948, at the age of 22, moved to the big city of Calgary where she worked at the Hillhurst branch of the Royal Bank.
She met Bill her future husband, purchased land in Banff Trail in 1952 and spent every waking moment building their forever home. In 1955 they moved in and had two children, Warren and Karen. Doreen would tell stories about the land around their home, the farms and fields outside their front window, no power, no sidewalks, no public transit. When you looked to the west there were wide open spaces and mountains. It was a very different world.
What we all remember about Doreen is her unfailing spirit and energy, her kindness, her laughter, her strong sense of community. She was a founding member of Banff Trail. She was on the Board of Directors. She worked with the Ladies Auxiliary, hosted fundraising dinner banquets for our community hockey team, organized many social events including movie night at the hall, sold hot chocolate and without fail worked at our casino fundraiser doing the midnight shift in the count room. If you didn’t let Doreen know about the casino, she would be most upset.
Doreen and the Ladies Auxiliary purchased the beautiful painting that is now on the wall of the Board Room.
Doreen became Banff Trail’s oldest mountaineer when, at the age of 96, she summited Nose Hill, going up the east ridge from the Winter Club along the ridge and then down the west flank to Brisebois parking. It was her determination to do it, and she walked most of the way.
Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Doreen will never forget her. She had the spirit of community that we all should embrace. We extend our deepest condolences to Doreen’s family.
Rest in peace, darling Doreen.
Doreen is the cover girl on this issue of the Howler. She is wishing everyone a very happy and healthy New Year.
Click here to the Banff Trail Community News home page for the latest Banff Trail community updates.
