Linda
Bud – It is somewhat ironic that you – the orator – have been struck dumb with laryngitis at this time, but perhaps it is not a bad thing for you to sit back and listen to others tell you about a wonderful lady your precious wife Linda.
First of all, may I pay tribute to the dedication and love demonstrated by Linda’s family and friends who have been caring for her in recent months. It has not been easy for any of you, but I am sure you will agree such care is no less than she deserved. Us, who have been somewhat further afield, have appreciated being kept up to date by the website.
Like many across the world, The Bramleys have many happy memories of Linda. I will have to be selective in what I share with you today because of time. I start 22 years ago when Jason, aged 16 came across from the UK with a friend to see something of BC. Bud (Uncle Phil as I knew him) and Linda not only put them up, but ferried them here there and everywhere to many of the beautiful sights of BC.
Linda was very proud of Canada and BC in particular, she was very keen for everyone to see the best of beautiful BC. Now, 22 years later, Jason with his wife Rachel and their 2 boys have made several visits and Kiernan – at 5 – Jason’s eldest knows and loves – “Auntie Linda”.
A few years after Jason’s first visit, his brother Scott came – with friends – to take advantage of Bud and Linda’s generosity. It was winter this time and snowboarding was the ‘order of the day’. Scott was so taken with it all that when he went back to the UK he sold his car, gave up his job, let his flat and came straight back for three months. This point of this tale is that during those three months Linda took it upon herself to ‘educate’ Scott. There is no doubt that in my mind that Linda had a significant influence for good on Scott’s development in those difficult late teen years – something that parents could never do. Although Scott has not coped too well with Linda’s illness, he will always hold Linda in the highest esteem.
Esteem – regard – affection – fondness – love. All words that describe how we all feel about Linda but none of them, or even all of them, fall short of the way we would want to think of her.
Jason, Rachel and boys; Scott & Fiona; Claire and Steve; Rachel and Philip; Carol and Fred, and my wife Sue all send their love and will be thinking of you right now and especially Bud.
We all have happy memories of Linda – her tireless energy – a fantastic communicator – a people person – her tapestries – her needlepoint Christmas cards that you would open very gingerly because of the confetti that would fall out all over the floor.
Linda will be remembered for her tireless work on the Abbott Family Tree. But that was in many ways only a means to an end because most of all Linda will be remembered for bringing people together. She travelled the world – from North America to the UK to Australia doing just that. And, today she is still at it – bringing people together.
Peter Bramley
