Agnes (Aggie) Emlyne Hutchcroft (nee Graham) of Courtenay, BC, passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2011, after a lengthy and heroic battle with cancer.Survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Bernie Hutchcroft; son and daughter-in-law Chris & Cheryl Hutchcroft, daughter and son-in-law Deeann & Sean Eckhart, grandchildren Cameron & Cheyla Hutchcroft and Sage & Ava Eckhart.
Also survived by her sisters Eva (Bill) Foley, Mabel (Dave) Armour, Lynn (Jim) Usher, Jean Ramsay, Lillian Graham, Laura Graham, and brothers Bill (Judy) Graham and Bob (Arlene) Graham.
Aggie was born in Auburnville, New Brunswick, in 1940 to parents John & Annie Graham. The family moved to Chatham in 1943. Aggie attended St. Michael's Academy and worked at Stedmans Store. After her marriage in 1961, she and Bernie moved west to Courtenay, BC. After living and raising two children in North Vancouver, they retired back to Courtenay in 1998.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in her memory are appreciated.
As an online memorial, please leave your story, wishes, and messages in the comments below.
It's amazing how many of my strengths and quirks I have from Mom. Always straightforward with what she means, even right down to her memorial... "I'll be gone and don't care just don't make a fuss".
ReplyDeleteAfter fighting cancer for so many years, these last 6 months of bone cancer have been hard, and I'm glad she's no longer in pain.
Deeann and I and our families are with Dad, taking care of things, making sure he's okay, and saying our final goodbyes to Mom.
Thanks to the dozens of friends and family who have phoned and stopped by, it really helps.
Eva (Graham ) Foley
ReplyDeleteAggie was not only my sister, she was my best friend.She had a unique sense of humour and was very straight forward in her praise or criticism of you. You always knew where you stood with Aggie.We enjoyed many long talks of our growing up together. In the last couple of years I got Aggie interested in our family history. She was very keen . With the help of the internet I was able to get a lot of information and we discussed my findings at length. She was one of the smartest people I knew. Common sense was her forte. She enjoyed entertaining and was a great cook. She was never afraid to experiment with recipes and she always made them better. Her door was always open to family and friends. She made you feel welcome and let you know she was happy to have you in her home. Aggie loved her trips in the "van". She and Bernie were great travellers. They drove to Ontario to see us a few times and we loved having them. Although she was a few years older than me we were very close. We loved and respected each other. We shared a special bond and I will miss her very much. She was a kind and gentle soul. Her legacy is the great love she had for her husband, children and grandchildren. She was so proud of all of you. May you find the strength to deal with the loss of your wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. I will miss my best friend.
Don and I first met Aggie and Bernie when we moved to North Vancouver, from Tillsonburg, Ontario, in 1968. Both Bernie and Don were in the West Van Police Department, at the time, and it wasn't long afterwards, when we met Aggie, that a great friendship began. Our friendship has lasted throughout the years and with those years came some wonderful holidays together, family gatherings and just the wonderful time being together as friends.
ReplyDeleteWe will remember Aggie with much love and affection and have always enjoyed her great sense of humour and her straightforward outlook on life and people.
There was never a dull moment when Aggie was around and it was always a joy to be with her.
Thank you Aggie for who you were and may you always know that you were greatly loved.
And, to you, Bernie, Chris and Deeann, you were such a gift to Aggie and I could always tell how pleased she was with all of you and, now, with her darling grandchildren who brought a twinkle to her eyes and her new name "gramma" crowned in her last years...You were all a blessing to her and she was so proud of all of you....
We will miss you, Aggie....
With heartfelt love,
Don and Reet Herder,
Langley, BC
When good friends walk beside us
ReplyDeleteOn the trails we must keep,
Our burdens seem less heavy
And the hills are not so steep.
The weary miles pass swiftly
Taken in joyous stride
And all the world seem brighter
When friends walk by our side.
Aggie and Bernie were the first family and neighbor we met when we moved to north van in 1972. Because our children were much the same age, we exchanged babysitting often. We had many strong cups of tea together (3 bags per pot for Aggie). I remember the long walks on the seawall....Aggie and I walking faster then Russ and Bernie so we could talk 'girl talk'. With Aggie, what you saw and heard was who she was....We had a lot of laughs and tears, too. Such fun we had on our nights for Chinese food with Carole and Peter and when our whole families would be together. ..Many memories of going to Costco with Russ and Bernie telling us not to buy more for fear we wouldn't get it all in the car. ...But, we always did - many times Aggie and I would have a box on our laps.
Yes, I am thankful to have Aggie consider me her friend...After all, she could have been a snob - having gone to Medical School and all....and me - a regular peasant...
I will miss Aggie. She was a good friend, a good wife , loving mother and grandmother. Take care - Deeann, Chris and Bernie. She loved you so.
Carolyn and Russ
George & Joy said
ReplyDeleteJoy & I first met Bernie & Aggie when we bowled with Bernie many years ago at Thundbird Lanes in North Vancouver.Our friendship grew over the years which gave us some of the most fondest memories and laughs.Aggie was always up front & told it as it was.We had some of our best camping trips with Bernie & Aggie who loved to camp in the state park in Wenatchee .Whenever we toured together we always had to hit every Walmart on our trips & we said to Aggie why shop at Walmart & she said that they have the best and cheapest BOOBIE CATCHERS which she always bought She had the greatest sense of humour & kept us all in stiches thru out all our trips,plus she & Bernie always won at Dominos.Bernie & Aggie were meant to be together as you could tell every time we camped with them.When we travelled to the island with our friends Dan & Tina they always welcomed us to their home especially for breakfast on our way to Powell River.We will miss you very much Aggie as you were a great friend to us all.Bernie and family please take care of yourselves
With all our love
George & Joy
She was practically the head of the whole family.
ReplyDeleteWhy did she have to die already? D:<
CANCER BE DAMNED!
It wasn't until I opened the "MOM" tab that
ReplyDeletethe tears started to flow.
Often we take sad news and put it away until
we are ready to deal with it.
The pic of my Aunt Aggie with her young daughter all those years ago reminded me of how very special Aggie was to so many.
Thank you Deeann for the beautiful picture.
This is terrible news. My heartfelt condolences to the Hutchcroft family.
ReplyDeleteDave Marskell
North Vancouver
God saw you getting tired
ReplyDeleteWhen a cure was not to be,
So He closed His arms around you
And whispered, "Come to Me."
You didn't deserve what you went through,
And so He gave you rest;
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best.
So when we saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain;
We could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
"If you had spoken before you died,
These are the words you'd have replied,
Weep not for me, but courage take,
Love one another, for my sake."
This is a poem that reminds me of my Mom and I just wanted to share it with you. I'm so sorry about your Mom, I know how special she was to your whole family. Take of each other!
Cheryl Stewart & Family
I can hear your voice. I can see your smile.
ReplyDeleteAnd that will never change.
Love always, Sue
To Aggie,
ReplyDeleteWe want to thank you for being such a great friend over the years. We have enjoyed our many trips together and the numerous parties we attended, and the many visits back and forth between Chilliwack and Courtenay. You have always been honest and straight forward and for that we thank you. We will look after the Rhubarb with loving tender care.
To Bernie,
Our thoughts are with you. Just knowing that Aggie is no longer in any pain makes things a little easier to accept. To Chris and Deeann and their families we send our love. Aggie will always be looking over those she loves.
Love Paul (Pauly) and Jan Blagdon
Although we've "known" Aggie & Bernie for well over 30 years, it was only after retiring to the island that we got to know them better as part of a smaller social circle of retired police couples. Over the course of many get-togethers, we discovered what a unique character Aggie was. She added her special outlook and humour to every occasion, even in the face of her battle with cancer. She was truly one of a kind and our regret is that we didn't get to know her better sooner. Bernie, our hearts go out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWe were fortunate for to have Aggie & Bernie as our neighbors for the past ten years. As they say "you can pick your house; but not your neighbors”. Aggie was a special lady, who had a great sense of humor and loved working in her gardens. We will miss talking with her by the fence. R.I.P. Aggie.
ReplyDeleteLillie and Duffy D
Dear Bernie, Chris & Deann,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear of Aggie's passing.We have so many memories of our time spent socializing especially at police get togethers.
We hope and pray that Aggie is at peace now, and as time goes by Bernie and family will be comforted by cherished memories.
With sincere sympathy,
Les & Judy
Verna and I (Gene) moved to 2190-9th St East in May 2002 just across from Aggie and Bernie. It was quite obvious right from the start that we had the great fortune to have landed beside the friendliest most down to earth neighbours it was possible to have.
ReplyDeleteIt is undoubtedly very sad to lose Aggie but we hold to the belief that she is now, not only beyond pain and in a place of rest and comfort but she is also with her maker.
Our condolences go out to Bernie and the family who now must carry on and be true to Aggies’s indomitable spirit.
Although I don't have very many memories of Aggie because she lived on the other side of the country, I remember a lot about her visit to Ontario in the summer of 2009. I remember that she told me that when I was a baby I pooped while she was holding me in her arms. I remember that she taught me that you can clean pretty much anything with Amor All. I remember that she made a delicious sauce for blueberry cake. I remember that she was able to tell my grandpa to mind his own business and he would actually listen (this something that surprised me A LOT). Most of all, I remember that during that visit, it was the happiest that I have ever seen my grandma. Every time I saw them together, they would be laughing and having a lot of fun. They brought each other a lot of happiness and strength. Aggie's joy, spunk, and straight-forward honesty will be missed by everyone who met her, but especially by those who were really close to her. I hope that Hutch (Bernie), her children, her grandchildren, and her siblings are able to stay strong during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteOur first recollections of Aggie and Bernie and becoming friends are from over 40 years ago. They were friends of my sister and brother-in-laws at the time and we all shared a common love for 10 pin bowling. It was a matter of days before it was really evident how lucky that we had been given the chance to become friends. Their straight forwardness with people was absolutely wonderful and before you knew it we were spending more and more time together, going to movies, spending time visiting and later discussing our kids and their health issues and how they were doing in school. Some of our mutual friends would all get together at our house and play charades, being that we were all so broke. A big pot of chili and the boys with their beer, a good night every Saturday night. Later we all seemed to be a bit more flush and we would take our evenings out to the local pub.
ReplyDeleteBernie and Dan spent many, many hours working on our renovation on Keith Road, the entire time kibbitzing while Aggie and I sat below joking and talking about their carpentry skills. Our hero's prevailed and our renovation turned out amazing. Throughout the years, Bernie and Aggie and Dan and I, as does happen when you have jobs and kids, would get in touch, move away, get in touch, move away...but always managed to rekindle and catch up, as good friends do. In our retirement years, when going to the island with George and Joy, we always stopped by to have a beautiful breakfast that Agg would put on for us, on our way to the ferry at Comox. What a woman, even at some ungodly hour of the morning she would throw this wonderful breakfast fit for Kings and Queens, so we could get on our way on an early ferry.
It wasn't too long before Agg and Bernie were joining us on our trips, and honestly, some of our best camping memories were of those great times. Agg loved Wenatchee, a bit too hot for me, but just the thought of being with them as well as Jack and Bunny, George and Joy, Agg and Bernie and ourselves, was something even those friends experiencing Chinooks at that special time of life, could not resist. And so we were there to take it all in, laugh for hours and take a good ribbing from Agg when we started to complain about anything. She called us as she saw us and brought us back to the big scheme of how lucky we were to just be all together,and be on this green earth, experiencing each other. She kicked the complaint department square in the butt. That's our Agg.
On a few trips we managed to make it out to the Oregon Coast and venture up the Rogue River near Gold Beach. None of us will ever forget them teaching all of us games along the way and making meals together. It was amazing. The Pacific Ocean spread out before us, and good friends would sit around, talk about the past and the future and take in the sunset as it sizzled down into the ocean. Who could ask for anything more.
On the past couple of trips, Agg's spirit never dulled, although we all knew that she was having more and more pain. But just like Agg, there was no complaining. Although we are all hurting so deeply at the loss of our dear friend, maybe there is some small comfort in the fact that she is finally at peace with what she has been going through. Bernie you and the kids have been her world. She was so proud of her family and of her grand-babies.
She is in a better place with no pain. A person would probably say that Agg should be at rest, but the way Agg was for all of us, she is probably the same way in heaven. We can see her now, up there in heaven, organizing a game of domino's and telling everyone how to play, while she re-writes ( yet again) the rule book. Chicken Leg will never be the sam.
Agg, our dear friend, we will miss you terribly. Rest in peace.
Dan and Tina
Aggie was such a kind and gentle woman with a knack for making others feel welcome. Her sense of humour was always present.
ReplyDeleteIt was a privilege to be able to visit her.The care her husband was able to manage was outstanding. What a special couple.
Agnes was my sister and I wish I had had the relationship with her that all of the bloggers described - like the one she had with my sister Eva. Although Aggie was 2 years older than I, I really only knew her for about 3 years during my teenage years, which actually means that I didn’t know her at all so it’s wonderful to hear that she was so highly respected and loved by so many people. What I remember about Aggie is that when she and her friends went out, she would save all the cigarettes that were offered to her and bring them home to me as I had been smoking since I was 12. This was great for me until she started smoking and I lost my ‘source of supply.’
ReplyDeleteHutch, Chris & Deeann, I know you will miss her terribly and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. Thanks, Chris, for creating this page so that we could honour your mom. I hope the following poem will bring you some peace and comfort as you deal with your loss of your wife and mother:
All Is Well
Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effort, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
1847-1918
Canon of St. Paul 's Cathedral
Henry Scott Holland
I have 46 years of memories of Aggie, starting when I was just a young newlywed in Chatham. Time and miles often came between us but there were times when we were together that felt like I'd come home. Aggie had that nack of making you feel welcome and no matter how long. To Bernie and Chris and Deeann, keep the memories alive. Talk and laugh and cry together. Share your memories often. Cherish Aggie's journey through this life, she was one of a kind.
ReplyDeleteGoodbye, Aggie, my dear friend. I hope you dance.
Joan
My first memories of this adoring woman was at the age of 7 when I flew to Vancouver with another Aunt to stay with Aunt Aggie and Uncle Bernie for a few weeks. I remember in the beginning I was actually afraid of her, she was firm, stern and meant business but had the warmest smile always. My 7 yr old mind was a little weary the first few days there until the day we all climbed into a cab to go to the mall. The driver asked me if I wanted to sit in the front. Coming from little town Newfoundland I suddenly got very scared. My Aunt I flew to Van with encouraged me to ride in the front but my Darling Aunt Aggie sensed my fear and put her arm around me, reassuring me that she would take care of me and said, No, she's going to sit here with me. As the years went by I often thought about that moment, when she comforted me when I needed it and everytime I saw her smile after that I felt the same warmth. Now, at 45 yrs old, I think about her often and remember the simple gesture that made my 7 yr old heart fall in love with her. She made a huge impact on this world in such a way that those who were lucky enough to have met and known her will never forget.
ReplyDeleteI will never ever forget your strength, your smile, your caring heart, your "kiss my b**t" attitude and your laugh.
I love you dearly and miss you much....
Love Tina XO
My wife, Eileen and I, are so sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful lady. We drifted apart in recent years but I do remember the many social gatherings of Academy Class #39 members and their families. Bernie you take care...we are thinking of you, my friend and former classmate.
ReplyDeleteDennis J. Tiessen
There are few words to say about this kind of sadness, I remember her smile and her laugh and all the fun we had at our class parties. Those memories will endure. We will all miss Aggie. My deepest symapthies to you and your family. Love Rob McKeddie
ReplyDeleteDear Aggie, it was a privilege to get to know you on a personal level since our move to the Island. You are an amazing lady, your humor, how you have always handled your courageous battle with cancer right to the end with such dignity. You have been such an inspiration to others. We will miss you.
ReplyDeleteOur deepest sympathy to you Bernie and your family, you have been such a strong and caring husband to Aggie, you were indeed a special couple.
Mike & Marilyn
although we only knew Bernie and Aggie a few years ,we will always treasure the motorhome trips we took with them and George & Joy & Dan & Tina. her infectious laugh and sense of humor will never be forgotten.at last her suffering is over and life will never be the same without her.you will be missed Aggie. our deepest sympathies to Bernie & family.love Jack & Bunny.
ReplyDeleteBernie and family, will be thinking of you at this very difficult time. Please except me sincerest condolences.
ReplyDeleteTodd Vickers
North Vancouver
All our hart felt sympathies to Bernie & the Kids, we will miss a true gem,thank,s for the fun love & friendship you gave us from the bowling & WVPD do,s & the just plain knowing you. Peter& Oriel Norman Chilliwack
ReplyDeleteWe were so sorry to hear about Aggie. We can only imagine what you and your family are going through, Bernie, and our hearts go out to you. We'll always remember Aggie's great sense of humour and positive outlook on life. Bob and Cathie Willock
ReplyDeleteMY VERY FIRST MEMORY OF AGGIE WAS A TRIP HOME TO DEER LAKE. AS I WALKED IN OUR FAMILIES HOME AGGIE WAS SITTING ON OUR DAD'S LAP. WOW! SO I FIGURED IF DAD LIKED HER SHE MUST BE SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL.
ReplyDeleteWE HAVE HAD FUN AND GOOD MEMORIES OVER THE YEARS. ( AND A FEW NOT SO GOOD) BUT SHE WAS ALWAYS VERY SPECIAL TO BOTH JERRY & I AND WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN OUR MEMORIES AS A VERY SPECIAL SISTER-IN-LAW AND FRIEND.
PEACE BE WITH YOU BERNIE AND FAMILY AS GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF AGGIE.
YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS, EBJOY THE GREAT MEMORIES YOU HAVE OF HER.
REST IN PEACE AGGIE, YOU HAVE EARNED IT.
ENA & JERRY KACSMARYK & FAMILY
WINTERHAVEN CA
There are no mysteries, only unanswered questions that have no answers, and the memory of people who enter and leave our lives, for a short or long time, and stay only as long as they are meant to. We cannot change the patterns of life, but only observe them and bend to their will with grace.
ReplyDeleteI read this somewhere and it is so true, we are only here for a moment in time. Enjoy them while they're here and cherish the memories.
Aggie, we will all love you forever, we are sorry for your pain and glad that it is over.
Fly with the angels Aggie.
May God Bless you and your family
Elizabeth, Laurie, Paul, Kimberley
Reflection
ReplyDeleteSomething that usually happens after someone or something is gone.
With phrases starting with remember when….
A phrase for my reflection is I remember when I was a little girl, a little more than 20 years ago now.
I was a child of the 90’s.
Any child of the 90’s most likely has a Disney movie they remember the most
I have two special ones.
The Lion King which teaches you to be who you are
and The Little Mermaid which teaches you to be true to yourself.
Just like Simba after the passing of someone I loved very much I began looking at my reflection.
And at first my phrases were filled with remember when….
But then a wise voice told me, just as it told Simba, to look harder.
And I began to remember the little girl I once was;
The little girl who wasn’t afraid to dance to Boney M. Christmas until she wore out Aggie’s tape,
The little girl who sang along with Ariel until Aggie gave her the VHS so she would sing it at home and
make her parents hear “part of your world” over and over and over again instead.
The little girl who ate Macaroni and Tomatoes seemingly every day and even though her peers thought
it sounded gross, she didn’t care what they thought.
The little girl whose confidence and belief in herself are all the things the woman I’ve become wishes
she was now.
This reflection of myself growing up with Aggie when I was little just makes me hear the
same wise voice that first told me to look harder, and just like it told Simba to look harder it is also saying “you see, she lives in you.”
And it’s true, she lives on with all the lives she touched whether by her to the point words, her loving
nature, or by her warm, unmistakable laugh that, no matter how I felt, always made me smile.
They say gone but not forgotten and in this case it couldn’t be more true.
I believe she lives on in all of us as long as we reflect, remember who she was, and follow her lead by
being strong no matter what we’re faced with, being who we are and by being true to ourselves and
each other. With that said;
Aggie, I promise to keep singing like Ariel, keep dancing to Boney M at Christmas, M&T will
always be my favourite, and I will miss you but I promise to keep on "movin".
You'll always have a special place in my heart ♥
To Bernie, Deeann, Chris, and the family my heart goes out to you, big hugs!
Love forever
Karen
You were someone I could talk to; That no one can replace. You were someone I could laugh with; 'Til tears ran down my face. You were someone I could turn to; When I needed a helping hand; You were someone I could count on; To advise and understand. You were someone I thought more of; As each year came to an end. You were my dearest mother; And also my dearest friend. Thank you for the memories; That are yours and mine alone; For they recall so many special moments; That you and I have known.
ReplyDeleteDad isn't this beautiful?
ReplyDeleteSave Me a Seat
My love, it's been a week since you went away. Honey, I miss you more and more each day. It seems like a dream that never ends, You were loved so much by your many friends. I know in my heart, you're in a better place, But it's hard not to see your pretty face. I knew in my heart that the die was cast, The Lord was calling you home at last. But I still had hopes, a miracle would be, And you would get well, so I could see, You once again, the way you were before That cancer took you far from shore. I guess I'm being selfish for wanting you here, God needed you more, away up there
So goodbye, my Love, thanks for the ride-- some day we'll meet on the other side, Until that time, when we shall meet, I love you Honey, save me a seat.
(Written by a man for his wife of 49 years)
Mike and I were fortunate enough to have Aggie and Bernie as our neighbours for the last 11 years. I have the best ever mustard pickle recipe that I got from Aggie. When I make them this summer, I will be thinking of her.
ReplyDeleteWe love the picture you posted! Aggie will be missed very much, we will have lots of hugs for Bernie for you Aggie! Our condolenses to Chris, Deeann and families.
To my most beautiful most wonderful aunt.You were the best auntie that i had. I will miss you dearly you have made me feel very special when i was around you.I love it when you taught me how to make tea buns you only yelled at me a few times but thats ok this was my special time with you.Uncle Bernie my heart breaks for you Ilove you very much.Iso sorry for chris and deanna my thoughts and prayers will be with you all. ALL MY LOVE KAREN AND RICK AND MY GIRLS
ReplyDeleteTo Bernie, Chris and Deeann -
ReplyDeleteOf all my memories of Aggie, I think my favorite is the afternoons we sat in the sunshine in the backyard on 22nd St. We talked and laughed and enjoyed a glass or two of wine. She was a wonderful friend and I miss her.
Love to you all, Gloria
I told Deeann that I need to start laughing more. I read everyone's story above and realize that we should all strive to be more like Aggie. I can still hear her laugh.
ReplyDeleteShe was such a good friend to my mom and such a great mother to my good friend. She was always good to her dogs too. I used to think that Deeann was so much like Bernie but now I see how much Deeann is like Aggie. We are all lucky to have known Aggie. If I could just figure out how she kept her house and garden so beautifully clean.
With Deepest to Bernie, Chris, Deeann, and Families. She will always be with you.
Coral, Damon and boys
Dear Bernie and Family: Steve and I send our most sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of Aggie. I remember with fondness the way you used to look and smile at each other at our class get togethers. May the love of your family and friends strengthen you and your cherished memories of her see you through.
ReplyDeleteShelley and Steve Sweeney (nee Brown - another Academy classmate!)
We met Bernie and Aggie over 30 years ago when Bernie and Valdy bowled together. Later we did mixed league bowling and some of our fondest memories were of the beer and pizza that followed many of our games. Aggie was always phoning home to make sure Chris and Deeann weren’t killing each other since leaving the kids alone was new at that stage.
ReplyDeleteAbout nine years later the tables turned and we had a baby just when Chris and Deeann were becoming adults. Aggie practically raised our daughter Karen. I would drop her off on my way to work each morning and Aggie would go back to bed with Karen in tow, to wake again at a more civilized hour. Bless you Aggie, you had the patience to answer her hundreds of questions and teach her many things. At home I always heard “Aggie do”. No one could make macaroni and tomatoes like Aggie did. Aggie liked to say to us “you have no secrets” because a four year old will always tell the truth.
One of the things I liked best about Aggie was her “tell it like it is” approach to life. No need to second-guess her. My kind of person!
Over the years we’ve spent many happy times together going out for dinners or visiting over a pot of tea. We missed that when you moved to the island. I know we will still have many visits and reminisce about Aggie as she will always be in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bernie, and with Chris and Deeann and their families also. We were all blessed to have known Aggie and she made each of our lives just a little bit better for it.
Valdy & Rhona
Dear Aggie... We never really got to say goodbye, but I am so glad we had a good visit on the telephone in April when I called you on your birthday. That was one of your better days and I was happy that we got to share some good times and laughter. I thank you for your many words of wisdom and the friendship we have shared over the years, as well as your visits to Leduc. Besides being special for who you were, I was so pleased when you and Bernie were here making my retirement from teaching very special. I guess that's why I can understand all the wonderful memories that others have about you. Rest in peace, dear sister, and I know that you are in a far better place. You are home. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. Our prayers are with all of her family. Love, Mabel and Dave.......Leduc, Alberta.
ReplyDeleteI was very fortunate to have Aggie as my Godmother. Although I never saw her too often, to know she would be there for me whenever I needed her was reassuring. The biggest thing I loved about Aggie was her laugh!!! And her smile would make your heart melt!!! I love you Aggie and know you are smiling and laughing forever. I will see you when it is time. Love Dawn Malainey xoxo Bernie my heart goes out to you and your family. You are the lucky ones to have such a special Lady in your life and memories.
ReplyDeleteTo Bernie and Family......As I am one of Aggie's older sisters, on behalf of my family, I would like to express our condolences to you and your family. What words can express a loss of a sister? Not only were Aggie and I co-workers at Stedman's,( she worked on the candy counter and I in the office ), but we were good friends. Even before their wedding, many a Saturday night ( with Rita and Blair) was spent with Arnold and me. These were times of laughs, drinks and fun.... remember, Bernie. We enjoyed all of you so much. There are many things to remember....the visits on the Miramichi with your family.. before and after Chris and Deeann were grown. I remember in particular Mom and Dad's 50 Wedding Anniversary. Aggie decided that she would make cheese cakes to serve at the supper. While at my house, she baked so many that all of us said stop..enough..but Aggie continued baking. Needless to say, we had way too many deserts. But, that was Aggie... one who wanted to do more to please those important to her.I guess she was just that sort of person! That was just a fond memory of a sister that cared. Dear Aggie, I can understand why so many people had respect and love for you. Count me among them. God bless. You will be missed. Love Jean
ReplyDeleteI AM ONE OF YOUR OLDES'T SISTERS AS WELL, WOULD LIKE TO REMEMBER THE GREAT TIME WE HAD AT YOUR HOME, WHILE VISITING OUT WEST.HAD LOTS OF LAUGHTS, TALKS AND SANG EVERY SONG IN THE BOOK, WHILE CINDY KEPT US GOING ON THE GUITAR. WE ALMOST SEEN THE SUN COME UP. YES AGGIE YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL GOD BLESS LOVE LILLIAN GRAHAM
ReplyDeleteI must of first met Mrs. Hutchcroft (I would never feel comfortable calling her Aggie) when I was 5, but most of my memories of her begin around the time I started high school. Through high school and the early years of university I spent a lot of time at the Hutchcroft's house on 22nd. It felt like a second home. At the time I wondered if I was considered more of a pest than a guest. Now in hindsight I feel if she felt I wasn't welcome she would have told me.
ReplyDeleteI keep finding myself coming to this memorial site and reading all the entries. I have been wanting to write something that captures it all that and perhaps add something new. I know that it won't make up for calling or writing as I should have.
Some things that come to mind now as I sit here. Her always having dinner ready at 5 and the dogs getting meals just as good as Bernie. Being thankful that she never told my parents how the back fence got stained. Getting me home safely after Chris and Cheryl's Wedding. Sometimes calling her Mrs. C. as a Happy Days reference, and her reminding me that her last name started with a H. Being proud of me when I did well and not being afraid to let me know when I didn't.
So, Mrs. Hutchroft, I have three kids of my own now. I think you would be proud of who I have become. Thank you for all you did for me and forgive me for not staying in touch.
Andy
Thanks to all of those that sent cards, flowers, email, and phoned:
ReplyDeleteJoan, Debbie, & Gary
Dan & Tina
Russell & Patty
Mike & Jan
Sue & Scott Teasdale
Jack Buckingham
Kathie & Rae Wong
Gord & Katie Kiloh
Valdy, Rhona & Karen Chrobok
Barbara Wahl
Marge Hutchcroft
Ed & Lin Klick
Geo & Joy Ross
Jack & Anne Harmston
Dave & Peg Bingham
Paul & Marian Von Wittingstein
Mike & Dove Hendren
Loretta Wick
Ed & Mary Pruner
Laura Graham
Judy & Les Fox
Jan Lloyd
Christie & Roger O'Donnell
Joanne & Steven Crossman
Everill family
Yetta
And thanks to those I may have missed and those who tried to post and it didn't stick to the site.
Dad--Coral sent me this. It was found in her Grandpa's shirt pocket when he died:
ReplyDeleteOne or the other must leave,
One or the other must stay.
One or the other must grieve,
That is forever the way.
That is the vow that was sworn,
Faithful til death do us part,
Braving what had to be born,
Hiding the ache in the heart.
One, howsoever adorned,
First must be summoned away.
That is the will of the Lord,
One or the other must stay.
Our belated condolences, Bernie.
ReplyDeleteWe're sorry we lost touch after retirement.
Life is too fragile to take it for granted.
Hal and Adele Jenkins
It's been a year already! Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Uncle Bernie and his family.
ReplyDeleteTony, Lee, Austin & Gabriel
Thank you so much Tony and family for remembering and thinking of us all--it means a lot.
DeleteDeeann
Im singing along to The Little Mermaid and making macaroni and tomatoes today. Can't believe its been two years. You were a light that could brighten any dark. Miss you ♥ AH
ReplyDeletexxx
DeleteThanks Karen xxx
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