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Gloria Girvan Akin: 1922-2003

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This year, more so than other seasons of Thanksgiving, Gloria was on our minds and in our thoughts as a noisy and rambunctious quorum of alumni from the Gloria Girvan and Loyd Akin school of hard knocks were seen in and around the Vancouver and Vancouver Island regions in late September and early October. Regrettably, we missed the most illustrious among us, the flamboyant Phillip. His place however, was more than ably filled by a little sprite, Princess Maya, our very own Tinker Belle who charmed the leaves off the deciduous trees on Vancouver Island.

In the presence of Mom’s boys, the stories which make the fabric of a family came alive. Photographs spanning nearly 200 years became links integrating Janice and Maya, the newest of the collectivity into the genealogical narratives initiated by Uncle John Thom McKinley Girvan and Gloria Elise Girvan Akin.

Although Gloria left us 15 years ago, her presence has been palpable especially the last couple of weeks. The care and love she gave, the sacrifices that she made on our behalf as well as the genetic stock that she left in each of her boys have added value to the many communities in which her descendants live. And the achievements of her growing tribe bring warmth to her memory.

Beyond the irreconcilable differences which ended Gloria and Lloyd’s union, there must be a postmortem space where differences in life are reconciled. Lloyd as well as Gloria must also feel an immense measure of pride in the people below who continue their legacy.

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Gallery

of

Gloria and Lloyd

Click on a photo to start slideshow

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