Condolence From: Bev Batiuk
Condolence: I am sorry this is so late but I just learned of your Mom’s passing the end of December. I loved working with her these past many years. I enjoyed her honesty, humour and her foresight. A few years back she gave me a small book on the ‘‘Sayings of the Vikings’’ which quotes some very wise words on getting along with people.
My last e-mail went out to her August 25th and I spoke with her the beginning of September since she was planning another trip down east. She said she was feeling good so I never thought for a moment she was ill.
I will miss her humour, and her calling me ‘‘Wonder Woman’’. I guess all I can really say is that I
loved your Mom .. and will miss her greatly. She will not be forgotten –– so very, very sorry for your loss!
God Bless
Wednesday January 06, 2016
Condolence From: Larry MacDonald
Condolence: As a freelance journalist who contributes regularly to PortHole Magazine, I was always delighted to correspond with Joan. She was the only editor I know who took time to express her sincere appreciation for submitted articles, while sharing information on various issues, sometimes in great detail as if she herself was doing an article.
This past summer, in response to my email enquiry: "Have you decided which is worse in Sask -- winter storms or summer smoke?" Joan replied:
"You want to know how bad it is? There had been 5,588 people evacuated and spread around southern Saskatchewan, before one of the fires jumped the fail safe line and headed for the town of La Ronge (you can find it easily enough on a map).
The military has been called in to help care for 7,900 people from a northern Saskatchewan community that includes the province's largest First Nation, as a rash of wildfires prompts a massive evacuation.
Up to 5,000 of the evacuees will be taken hundreds of kilometres away to a refuge in Cold Lake, Alta., staffed by the Canadian Forces and the Red Cross.
The air in Foam Lake tonight is as blue as that photo of Saskatoon. La Ronge, by the way, is 525 km north of Foam Lake."
My sincere condolences to family and friends. We will all miss her caring spirit, sense of adventure, and tireless dedication to her beloved PortHole.
Sunday November 08, 2015
Condolence From: DM[Don]Whyte
Condolence: My dear friend Joan, farewell, you will be missed.
Sunday November 08, 2015
Condolence From: Sacha Warunkiw
Condolence: I had not heard from Joan since our last email in June, we promised to connect again after the hectic summer and so I was prepping to contact my Dear friend when I received the unwanted news . . . Joan's last words to me were "I've been having a wonderful time - from my desk I can see the robin nest on a little ledge outside the transom window over my front door. Nest with four babies and two very busy parents. Just spent 30 minutes on a stepladder trying for a photo. Finally got one - poor quality, of course, because the transom is done in coloured squares, but I've got it anyway and now I can relax and just enjoy the little family. Joan"
I shall need time to believe that You are gone Joan. Our short but lovely time together, our sharing of our Viking heritage and our lust for all things exciting, You words and I images. I will miss you and all the things we were going to do together! Give my best to Odin while you sit at his feet telling him of your exploits here on Mother Earth! :)
Viking Burial . . .
When that day comes that I will die, dress me in the finest silk
the color of the evening sky
As the sun sets west and reflects upon the sea
place me in a sailing craft carved from the finest wood
surround me with all my memories of keepsakes and my written words.
Rest In Peace Dear Dear Joan my Viking Cuz.
Sacha
Saturday November 07, 2015
Condolence From: Don Butt
Condolence: I worked with Joan as photographer for the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons when she was the editor for the National newsletter "Port Hole". She was always accompanied by her life-giving oxygen, yet she was never short on lively conversation at the meetings. She was radiant in her optimism and courage. She will be missed but what she left for those privileged to have known her, will make us all better people.
Saturday November 07, 2015
Condolence From: Catherine McLeod
Condolence: I was devastated to hear of Joan's passing after her courage and strength in fighting her illness these many years. I have worked with Joan for more than 10 years through Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons and will miss being able to call her to chat about the Port Hole and hear that great message about the cats! She will be sorely missed. My most recent conversation with her involved my ancestry search and our shared Viking background during which she provided me with valuable assistance. Joan is someone I will always remember with fondness.
Saturday November 07, 2015
Condolence From: Snoo
Condolence: My heart feels so heavy and sad with the loss of Joan. She played a very big part in my growing up years. I will always cherish the fun times we all had, sailing, baking, stories shared, gardening and just daily life in Pincourt and Ste Anne de Bellevue.
Another star shines brightly in our evening sky and my heart feels warm thinking it's Joan watching over us all.
Til we meet again....
Friday November 06, 2015
Condolence From: Snoo
Condolence: My heart feels so heavy and sad with the loss of Joan. She played a very big part in my growing up years. I will always cherish the fun times we all had, sailing, baking, stories shared, gardening and just daily life in Pincourt and Ste Anne de Bellevue.
Another star shines brightly in our evening sky and my heart feels warm thinking it's Joan watching over us all.
Til we meet again....
Friday November 06, 2015
Condolence From: Catherine McConnell
Condolence: I was deeply saddened to hear of Joan’s sudden passing. I am honoured and blessed to have had the opportunity to work so closely with her during her time as editor for L-H, we became very close. I will cherish my memories of her wonderful and gentle soul. Please accept my sincere condolences and let us be comforted in faith that now a special angel is watching over us.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” – Leo Buscaglia
Thursday November 05, 2015
Condolence From: Kendra Jonasson
Condolence: We have all lost a very special friend in Joan. I met Joan many years ago at an Icelandic National League convention. She had a way of drawing people to her with her quick wit, sharp turn of phrase and larger than life personality.
She was never afraid of being herself and not giving a second thought of being any other way than that.
I discovered over the years that if she considered you a friend, you were then part of her world of warmth, hopes, dreams, love and strong viking spirit.
There is no greater tribute that I could give than a short poem.
The Prairie Viking Woman
The Prairie Viking born of tough prairie stock.
Holds true to Iceland's long ago past.
She fought with word and phase as her sword and shield.
Independent of heart and soul of strength.
Her light shall lead the way for kin to follow.
Be strong, be brave, love well and live free.
For now we bid you good rest and fond farewell.
You shared your very best for all to see.
Your viking spirit is now free to fly upon the wind.
Good night my friend.
My condolences to the family.
Thursday November 05, 2015
