Valerie Louise (Knight) Harris
Valerie (Val) Louise Harris, a long-time resident of Creston, passed away suddenly on Tuesday April 5, 2011 at the age of 69.
Born in Victoria, Val moved to Creston at the age of eight with her parents, William and Doris Knight, where her father owned and operated Creston Shoe Re Nu.
After graduating from Prince Charles High School in 1959, she attended the University of Victoria where she obtained her elementary teaching certificate. Val then taught school for 17 years in Prince George, Surrey, Cranbrook, and Creston.
In 1979, Val returned to Creston to marry long-time resident Ronald Peter Harris and raise her family. No matter how busy, she always made time for family events and was the source of family news and history – the hub of the family.
Val will be remembered as someone who was always ready to lend a hand whenever needed. As an active member of several organizations in the community she was fondly referred to as "Invaluable Val". Often she could be found placing posters, writing minutes, and performing a variety of other duties for Wildsight (formerly East Kootenay Environmental Society), P.A.W.S., Class of '59 Reunion Committee, Trinity United Church, PCSS band parents, and many others.
Val is survived by her husband Ronald Peter Harris; children Michael Martell, Leanne Harris, and Lyle Harris; brother Doug Knight and his wife Roberta; and many beloved pets.
Her funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the Trinity United Church with interment at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Erickson, BC.
Friends wishing to make a memorial tribute may do so to: Wildsight, 2809 Erickson Rd. Creston, BC, V0B 1G1;
P.A.W.S. 2805 Lower Wynndel Rd., Creston, BC, V0B 1G8;
or The David Suzuki Foundation, 219 - 2211 West 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 4S3.
Valerie’s deep involvement with family and friends, compassion for all living things, and presence in the community will be missed.