Editor:
I just learned of Pat MacKay's death.
I'm sad and disappointed in the obituary. It didn't show her joy in life, her honesty, curiosity, creativity or the beauty in her union with John. No only did they love to square dance but they built their lives together.
In Gibsons, they developed the "Funny Farm," growing vegetables, herbs, animals, wool and creative uses of it.
Once a year John put all the furniture in the bedrooms for the "Funny Farm Sale," where seven of us sold our art. Pat sold her knitting, sewing, wool blankets and baking. She always sold more than any of us. She wrote a yet, unpublished, book of the Funny Farm.
Early time in Canada, Pat went to work at a Cariboo resort as a cook. She needed to learn to cook! She did. Very well! Bake too! Her life was wonderful for her. She wrote a published book: Drugstore Cowgirl.
In retirement she continued her giving life. Firemen remember the cookies. Cowboy poets remember her, Barkerville remembers her. I remember a strong, creative, steadfast friend who made me a pair of socks for many years and a lamb hat for Christmas.
I miss her.
Mary Xmas
Ucluelet, B.C.
