May 24, 1935 - December 12, 2024
In loving memory ~
We are sad to announce the passing of Myrna Boulding, aged 89. She died peacefully and surrounded by family in Comox. Myrna was the oldest child of Wallace and Myra Baikie and is survived by her sister Joanne Campbell, brother Bruce Baikie and a large multi-generational family.
Myna lived a fulfilling life and was often ahead of her time. As a girl she loved horses, rode often and raced with her father's connivances. She studied home economics at the University of British Columbia, where she met Jim Boulding. They married in 1955 and both taught high school in Nanaimo and Campbell River. In 1959 the couple founded Strathcona Park Lodge in central Vancouver Island and built the business into one of Canada's first outdoor education centres. Myrna shared in all aspects of running what had become a large, complex business while raising their five children - Elizabeth, Annie, Jamie, Josie, and Nick. Myrna and Jim were visionaries, working on concepts that didn't have names yet - environmentalism, ecotourism, experiential education, eco activism, reconciliation. When Jim died too young in 1986, Myrna continued to run the Lodge with the help of dedicated staff.
She met Brian Gunn at a tourism conference in 1994. They eventually moved in together at the Lodge and adopted each other's families as their own. As Jamie and his partner Christine gradually took over the running of the Lodge, Myrna settled uneasily into retirement, spending more time travelling with Brian and advocating for environmental causes. When Brian passed in 2021, she remained a second mom to his kids, Jackie, Michael and Dylan, and their families.
Throughout her life she had steadfast principles and was a fierce advocate for good nutrition. Myrna was hospitable, loving and was proud of her blended family. Her spontaneous generosity earned her lasting friends - there was always a place at the table for anyone who came by and a bed if they needed it.
We will all miss her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 2, 2025 at 2 pm, at the Anchor Inn, 261 Island Hwy, Campbell River. All who knew her are welcome.
Service Details
2:00 PM