Audrey Eileen Huestis
Feb.16, 1921 - December 9, 2010
Audrey passed away peacefully on December 9, 2010 at the age of 89.
She was born in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan to Flora and Harold Emery.
The family moved to Saskatoon where she received her early education, and then to Nelson, B.C. in 1935, where she completed her senior matriculation. In Nelson she excelled in track and field, running the 100 yards in 11.4 seconds, and competed in the British Empire Games qualification trials in Vancouver.
In 1941 Audrey married Robert Andrew of Nelson. In 1943, while serving as a navigator in the RCAF, Robert was killed in an air raid over Germany.
After the war, Audrey moved back east, and trained as an Occupational Therapist at the University of Toronto. Following graduation in 1950, she moved to Vancouver and worked as an O.C. at Vancouver General Hospital.
In Vancouver, she met Robert Wilfred Huestis, a Commerce graduate of UBC. They were married in Vancouver on September 1, 1951, and were planning on celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary next year.
They had three sons born in Vancouver. Robert Andrew Huestis, (1952-1978), Donald Emery Huestis (1955- ), and David Alan Huestis (1958-1959).
In 1959, baby David died in his crib. After that Audrey, Bob and family decided to move back to Nelson where Bob taught, and later became Vice Principal of L.V. Rogers Senior Secondary school.
In 1972 Bob and Audrey moved to Port Hardy where Bob was appointed District Superintendent of Schools for North Vancouver Island. They enjoyed a full life in this then remote community.
In 1975, the family moved to Duncan and later Saltspring Island.
In 1978 Bob Jr. went missing while vacationing on the island of Kaui and was later declared deceased. Audrey's strong faith and belief in God helped her, as it had before, through this tragic period.
In 1981, Audrey and Bob retired to Victoria
Audrey's charismatic personality was forged by overcoming the trials that confronted her during her lifetime. It was a positive and loving personality that drew people to her wherever she lived and left lasting memories. She was loved by all and will be missed by many.
Audrey is survived by her loving husband Bob Huestis of Comox B.C., her son Don Huestis (Ghislaine Lauzon), granddaughters Brooke Huestis and Deirdre Huestis, all of Campbell River B.C., her brother Gordon Emery (Marilyn) of Perth Ontario, as well as many dear friends and relatives.
We will always love you Audrey.
A celebration of Audrey's life will be held at Cadboro Bay United Church 2625 Arbutus Rd., Victoria on February, 16, 2011 at 2 pm.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Stocks and the staff of St. Josephs Hospital in Comox for their excellent care.