Dr. Tiffany Wolters came from Ontario three years ago after selling her Veterinary clinic and became a travelling specialty surgeon in the area.

Tiffany has been involved in theatre for a large part of her life, starting in primary school doing school and community plays with Port Perry’s Choral Society and Millar Lights. She continued through university, where she studied Biology and Chemistry, but did all of her electives in acting at Trinity Western University. After moving to Ontario after veterinary school at Kansas State University she became an active member at Northumberland Players.

She hopes to bring her experience in administration, business and love of theatre to the Powerhouse!

Therese hails from Saskatchewan where she acquired a love for theatre at the young age of 11. Since then she performed in many community theatre productions, she studied music and drama in college and after moving to Vernon she continued to perform and work backstage.

She trained as a Director with Powerhouse with instructors Dave Brotsky, Sarah McLean and Monty Hughes and has directed Canadian Gothic, Over the Tavern, Over the River and Through the Woods and Butterflies Are Free. She has also directed the following Glee Shows at Powerhouse; Mamma Mia, Across the Universe, Carol King, Motown, Rock of Ages and Queen.

Therese is excited to join the Powerhouse Board as VP Productions.

“That’s interesting” and “How can I help” have been my watch words throughout my different pursuits. That has led me to careers in construction, social services, computer networking. No high school drama classes, no singing on a university stage, yet here I am finding a fascinating and rewarding volunteer opportunity here at the Powerhouse Theatre. Thanks for having an open door.

Having been a member of the Powerhouse Theatre intermittently since 1981, I have had the good fortune to have worked on productions with founding members, life time members and new members from whom I have learned so much.

Besides acting, I have done sound, costumes, props, foyer display and various back-stage positions. This involvement has given me a well-rounded sense of how productions come together and how the Powerhouse is managed.

I’m looking forward to learning even more and assisting in helping the Powerhouse continue to be an amazing community theatre for our members and audiences for years to come.

Lorraine Allum is a founding member of Powerhouse. She and her husband Bill were in the first production.

Lorraine has served on the executive at various levels from secretary to president. She has worked backstage and tromped the boards whenever there was a part. Lorraine and her committee organized the office and archives and continue work in that capacity.

She has represented Powerhouse at the zone level, going on to chair the zone and then to Theatre BC’s board as vice-president. Lorraine was presented with the Ozzie Award for service to the zone and the Eric Hamber Trophy for outstanding contribution to theatre in BC.

She is especially proud to be an honorary life member of Powerhouse.

Chris joined the Theatre in 1975 and is always remembered as a great comedic actor. Who can forget Mr. Fezziwig?

Not only does Chris act he has designed many sets, some of which have received awards. The magical set he designed for Talley’s Folly won the Best Set Award in 2005 at the Okanagan Zone Drama Festival.

He is often found backstage building sets for most productions.

Chris has served on the Board of Directors for many years.

Penny arrived at Powerhouse in 1975 and brought with her some great organization skills.

She was a member of the Board of Directors and served at President for several years.

She worked as a props person on numerous pantomimes.

She ventured on to the stage a few times, and was brave enough to tackle some difficult roles.

Penny produced many plays taking Play Memory to Halifax then all the way to Monaco!

Later she became involved with theatre at the Zone level and became Chair of the Theatre B.C. O Zone, then Vice President on the TBC Executive.

Dave came to Powerhouse in 1978 and has shared a wealth of knowledge with its members ever since. His dedication and outstanding contribution to the Powerhouse has helped the club move forward both technically and artistically.

Dave’s main interests are designing lights and sets, and can often be found building scenery or up a ladder hanging lights. He has offered workshops in Lighting and Set Design to our members as well as other clubs and individuals in the Okanagan Zone.

Dave also assisted as a consultant during several of the theatre’s expansions.

Jo Jones gave her first performance at the age of three, when she sang at a family wedding and was thrilled by the cheers she received!

In 1971, when she and her family emigrated to Canada the UK-born Jo discovered the Powerhouse Theatre. From then on she became Actor, Director, Singer, Workshop Leader, Scenery Painter, Audience Usher, Coffee Pourer – oh yes – and Artistic Director.

Her many projects included 1993’s “HMS Pinafore” (directing a cast of 39 singer/actors) and 2003’s 45-minute monologue in the role of Irene in “Talking Heads”. She devoted countless hours to the Powerhouse and “retired” in 2016 after directing her final comedy, “Having Hope at Home.”

At the theatre she made lasting friendships, faced profound physical and emotional challenges in acting and directing, surrounded by much laughter, and amazing teamwork. Long may the Powerhouse generate its Magic!

Joan Karstensen began her career with the Powerhouse theatre in 1985 doing Opening Night for the production of “Fools” and has spent the subsequent 25 years on stage, and in many roles off stage, not the least of which has been to serve in a number of positions on the executive.

Joan is a tireless contributor to the overall success of our theatre company and is a member who is truly worthy of receiving a life membership

John arrived at the Powerhouse from Saltspring Island shortly before 1994.

He already had an extensive background in life theatre so put it to good use right away and was able to apply his knowledge to the technical side of productions.

He also served on the Board as Treasure for many years.

John is also an experienced actor and appeared on stage many times. One of the most memorable was as Mr. Bardolph in Lettice and Lovage, which went on to Mainstage in Cranbrook. The audience there loved him so much that they applauded him every time he entered the green room for the rest of the week.

Sarah joined the theatre in 1964 and has been involved ever since. She worked alongside Doug Huggins where she learned a considerable amount about set design, and was fortunate to spend many years with Paddy Malcolm English learning from her expertise as a director.

Sarah went on to act and direct, winning three best actor awards at Mainstage festivals. A play she directed won best play in Canada and performed at an international Festival in Monaco. A most treasured memory was being presented with the prestigious Eric Hamber Trophy in 2011, and she was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee 60th medal in 2012.

After sixty seasons she is still an active member and hopes and encourages the Powerhouse to thrive for many more years!

Willem came to Powerhouse in 1971 not long after arriving in B.C. He quickly became a valuable member helping to build sets for many of the productions. He soon became interested in the back stage area and started stage managing, which he did for dozens of shows, many that he took to festival, and one that he was part of was performed in Halifax and again in Monaco.

He even ventured on to the stage a couple of times, once as Herr Schwarz in Flea in Her Ear in 1973.

Willem was a Board member for many years and was missed when he left.

Wendy joined the theatre in 1971. She has directed two one act plays and over the years has worked in most areas of the theatre, including the editor of Spotlight the theatre’s newsletter. She was also served on the Board and the Artistic committee, and is still part of the Archive committee today.

She was not on the stage often but proved herself as an actor with a great sense of comedic timing. Wendy is a gifted writer and wrote the very successful Aladdin and His Magic Lamp which played to sold out houses in 1976, and was re-mounted in 1999.

Her ‘History of the Powerhouse Theatre’ is a great read.

Dave first became interested in theatre in Prince George in the early 1970’s. Attending Mainstage in Prince George around 1973 he was blown away with Powerhouse Theatre’s production of Rashomon, so when the family moved to Vernon in 1976 they became seasons ticket holders for Powerhouse and have been ticket holders every year since.

In 1984 Dave purchased his first 35mm camera from Leigh Perry at the Bay, who said that Powerhouse needed a club photographer. Dave started taking photos and became a member.

His on-going documentation of the Powerhouse on film is recognized as a valuable and impeccable asset to the theatre.

Jackson joined the theatre in 1995 when he first appeared as a very convincing cop in Arsenic and Old Lace. 27 years and 18 productions later …. he is still smitten.

Musical theatre, in particular, would become his true passion both as a performer and director. Peter Pan, Joseph, Oliver and Annie are among his credits.

“The bottom line is making live theatre a moving experience for our audience! The opportunity to form a team with cast and crew and work towards that shared goal has been both priceless and cherished!”

Susan joined the Powerhouse in 1986 and has been with the company ever since. Over the years she has acted in several productions playing everything from a woman who liked to light fires in Waiting in the Wings to the lovely Sister Gabrielle, a light hearted nun in Sisters.

She is very clever at creating props and does a fine job of set décor, and sewing costumes. She has also Stage Managed a number of shows. Thirty three years later Susan continues to be a very active valued member of Powerhouse!

Randy, affectionally known as ‘Bones’ arrived at the theatre in 1992 and brought with him a wealth of knowledge to our Sound department.

He went on to create sound for A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley, Peter Pan, Cinderella, HMS Pinafore to name a few.

Randy is a very gifted and creative person and during his time here he created a wonderful documentary film ‘A Gem in the Making’ which is a history of the Powerhouse, and is available for purchase.

‘Mo’ joined in 1991 and has been involved at Powerhouse in many areas.

She produced several shows over the years and was involved with creating Costumes, Programs and also Foyer Displays.

She appeared on stage in California Suite, Waiting for the Parade, Over the River and Through the Woods and It’s Snowing on Saltspring.

She was also the Business Manager on the Board for a while, and kept the Props Room in good shape for several years.  

Helene has been a member of Powerhouse since 1979, and in that time she has Produced plays, Co-Chaired two Zone Festivals and Co-Chairing our 50^th Anniversary celebration.

She served on the Board as Treasurer for 2 years, and also turned her hand to Props, Set Décor, as well as a Sound and Lighting Operator. 

She once stepped on stage many years ago in a wonderful production of La Belle Soeur.

Bob arrived in Vernon and came to Powerhouse just in time to be cast as Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley in 1992, and again as Scrooge himself in 2018. He also appeared in Snow White Christmas, Annie, Wrong for Each Other and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

Bob’s main interest is sound. He has given workshops to our members, and some have gone on to use their new knowledge for plays themselves. He has created many wonderful sound designs for which he has received three awards at O-Zone and Mainstage festivals. Since 2019 he has been President of Powerhouse.

Monty, the son of well-known Kelowna theatre members, the late Una and Red Hughes, began acting at 5 years old. He taught band and drama in Ashcroft, then Lumby, and in 1995 at Seaton School for 10 years and retired in 2005. He directed twelve shows at Powerhouse beginning in 1999, many of which were entered in Zone festivals and won many awards.

In his lifetime Monty has directed over 60 shows. Monty has been involved with music his whole life and was involved with the Vernon Big Band playing stand up base and conducting for several years.

Val joined the Powerhouse Theatre in 1997, and since then has served as VP Facilities on the Board for most of those years. During that time she also produced fourteen shows and took eight of them on to the Okanagan Zone festivals!
Over the past twenty years Val was the one who was instrumental in finding the many dollars used for our various upgrades.

We can be thankful to Val for making sure our heritage building is intact and is still functioning as one of the best community theatres in the province.

Joan joined the Powerhouse in 1980 and has been involved ever since. Over the years she has helped to build sets, designed and sewn costumes, done props and even appeared on stage several times. Joan looks after our Costume Bank and continues to support every production.

Ann has been with Powerhouse for more than 40 years. She has been involved with backstage, in the booth, front of house, sewing costumes, creating props and has appeared on stage in several shows. She’s the one we can count on to say “I’ll do it” almost every time she’s asked.

Doug Huggins was many things — a gifted architect, a potter of merit, a dear father, a devoted husband, and a very proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was an enthusiast, instrumental in cultivating the theatre scene in Vernon and the province of BC.

He was a Past-President of Theatre BC 1968-1970, as well as a Life Member and a recipient of the prestigious Eric Hamber trophy.

Huggins, a founding member of Vernon’s Powerhouse Theatre, passed away on April 9, 2018 in his Lower Mainland home at 95-years-old.

Huggins relocated to Vernon with his wife Mary from the UK in the 1950s.

An architect by profession, Huggins and business-partner Drew Allen were approached by City Council in 1962 when the building, that would later become the home of Powerhouse Theatre, was slated for demolition. They were asked to see if it could be salvaged and used for a fire hall,” “The answer was “No, it would make a lousy fire hall, but it would make a wonderful theatre.’”

While Huggins and Allen hadn’t set out to create a theatre at the time, as it seemed too wild a dream, the enthusiasts were enamoured with the building. Vernon Little Theatre and the Theatrical Arts Centre moved in and would eventually become what is now the Powerhouse Theatre.

Formerly a power station, which was covered in vines, Huggins and Allen redesigned the building and came up with the concept for the iconic Vernon building as a theatre.

According to fellow founding member Lorraine Allum, the 75 team members who worked on the transformation of the building were involved in the opening production. “Everybody who worked on it, was given a part,” Allum said. “Whether they wanted it or not,” laughed McLean.

“On the evening of Nov. 23, 1963, the Powerhouse Theatre opened with a production of Jean Giraudoux’s Madwoman of Chaillot, directed by Paddy Malcolm, and the set designed by Doug Huggins.

Since that original performance, the curtains have continued to open for more than 50 years, with the final performance this season, Calendar Girls

Huggins’ impact on the industry extends beyond the confines of Powerhouse Theatre.  Throughout the years his design talents extended to many other theatre companies.

Many of the sets he designed have won provincial awards. He was so dedicated to theatre that he continued to design sets well into his 90s.

Huggins’ architectural work is also seen in various locations across the city. City Hall, the RCMP building, The Fire Hall, the former Library and Museum are a few of his legacies..

His contribution to the city is major and his contribution to Powerhouse exists because of people like him.

“A theatre is only a building and is of no value without the human resources to fill it and bring it to life,” Huggins wrote. “Our aim is that the Powerhouse Theatre, with its advanced and excellent physical resources, will continue to attract the people of this community in providing high standard of live theatre.”

Huggins is survived by his wife Mary, sons Michael and Peter, his daughter Susan Sambol, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be remembered by all for his contribution to Powerhouse Theatre, the City of Vernon, and the province of British Columbia.

Daughter, wife, mother, friend, actor, director, visionary. Mary Huggins touched the lives of thousands during her remarkable 95 years. Most notably, she left a beautiful legacy of three children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren – each one, blessed by her passion, and her love.

Mary Paula Richard was born in Sittingbourne, Kent, in June of 1923. She and two older sisters – Agnes (Humphrey) and Peggy (Levett) – were raised in southern England. During World War II, Mary joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, where she was part of the tactical team that helped to fight the air war during 1941 and 1942. After the war ended, Mary met Douglas Huggins, a dashing soldier who had returned from service in Burma. In storybook fashion, the two were married in 1947.

After the birth of their oldest child Michael, the family emigrated to Vancouver where Douglas began working as an architect. Soon after, their second child Susan was born. Hoping to settle in a growing town, the Huggins’ moved to Vernon in 1958 where they would contribute to the community for over 50 years. Their third child, Peter, was born in 1961 to complete the family.

It was during this time that Mary and Douglas – along with a few dedicated others – founded the Powerhouse Theatre. The pursuit of excellence in theatre led Mary to act in over 25 productions, and direct some 20 more. She also became the organization’s artistic director for several years, where she was responsible for developing the season playbill and procuring guest directors, costume designers, and others to raise the bar even higher.

Through her mentorship, she influenced generations of young actors, technicians, and administrators – many who have continued in theatre at all levels. They remember Mary as an inspiration, and someone who had a profound impact on their lives.

Her career stands at the pinnacle of community and professional theatre. In 1965, Mary was honoured with the Nella Jefferis Trophy for Best Actress, at the Dominion Drama Festival in Brockville, Ontario. Additionally, she is a five-time winner of the Best Actress award at the Okanagan and British Columbia regional festivals. Between 1970 and 1975, Mary also performed at the Vancouver Playhouse and Vancouver East Cultural Center in professional productions of “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg”, “Relatively Speaking”, and “Heartbreak House”.

In 2006, Mary was awarded the Eric Hamber Award, presented annually to a person, group or institution having made an outstanding contribution to community theatre in British Columbia over a long period.

Amongst all of this, Mary and Doug travelled extensively, seeing five continents and holidaying yearly in Maui. In 2009, they moved to Maple Ridge, where they could be close to their children and growing extended families. Even as her cognitive abilities faded, Mary never lost her wry sense of humour – joking, singing, and loving everyone until the end.

Mary passed peacefully, surrounded by family, and blessed by a priest as she had wished for. As she lay, Mary left one lasting impression that would have sealed the academy award in any decade. She let one tear fall down her cheek, took her last breath, and left this world.

She rejoins Douglas, her closest friend Paddy Malcolm English, her parents, sisters, and in-laws, where they now dance the night away, and quite possibly are producing the latest version of a Shakespearian classic. If you close your eyes and listen carefully, perhaps you can hear Mary, as Juliet: “My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.”

George was one of the eight founding members of the Powerhouse Theatre. This proud WWII Navy Vet loved the theatre, and could be found in the carpentry shop at the Theatre most Sundays from Sept to March. He was a skilled carpenter and problem solver, with a “Let’s get it done” attitude. He had a hand in building the Powerhouse Theatre and innumerable sets during his time at the Powerhouse, which totalled over 30 years. He was wonderful story teller and didn’t need a stage to entertain, just required an eager ear and a willing soul. George loved a good story whether watching it on stage or whether he and his friends were “spinning a yarn” stories were told and audiences delighted. He was an excellent dancer, and frequently tore up the dance floor at Powerhouse Openings or Closings night party. In fact he was last seen dancing on the Powerhouse stage at the 50th Anniversary aged 87, entertaining old friends. George’s optimistic, mischievous sense of humour has been built into the very fabric of the Powerhouse Theatre, and so it lives on.

Nancy was not only a founding member of the Powerhouse Theatre but was an active member for almost 50 years. She had a profound sense of community and being inclusive was second nature to her in a way that fostered an environment of devotion to the craft of theatre, which is what the Powerhouse Theatre and its members are all about. She embraced new comers, welcoming them with open arms, she had an uncanny way of making them feel they belonged, were accepted, and were supported in their creative endeavours. Over the years the Powerhouse family, was a place where people found their calling, grew as artists, and had the freedom to find their role within this unique community. Nancy’s devotion to the Powerhouse earned her the distinction of “Lifetime Member” and it was a indeed a lifetime commitment for her as an active member from 1963 until she passed away in 2012. During that time she explored many different roles and responsibilities and worked tirelessly as a: Producer, seamstress in the Costume department, and Props Master, Box Office, FOH and every once in awhile she stepped out from behind the curtain and took on an acting role. She loved the theatre so completely that her dedication and enthusiasm rubbed off on those around her, and all the time and energy working on the productions became a joy. In short, you could depend on Nancy to take on a challenge and execute it with enthusiasm and generosity. Her kind and loving spirit permeates the Powerhouse Theatre, and is a legacy for which she will be remembered.

Peter died in September 2019, and Brenda in Sept. 2020. They were very active at Powerhouse during the 70’s and the 80’s. They both had positions on the Board, Brenda as President and Peter as Treasurer. Peter could always be found swinging a hammer at work parties and Brenda, a gifted actress, with a great gift for comedy appeared in many Powerhouse productions. Some years later they moved to the island where they became involved with Echo Players in Qualicum Beach. When they eventually retired they moved back to Vernon and always attended all the productions at the Powerhouse.

Jim was certainly a character – unique, eccentric, delightful and entirely unforgettable. Live theatre was important throughout his life – he taught, performed, stage-managed and directed countless plays, and made many friends and no small impact at the Powerhouse Theatre along the way. His teaching career varied widely, including high school drama, a vice-principal ship and kindergarten.

Since joining Powerhouse in 1971 David has enjoyed about 30 acting & directing roles, and supervised 2 theatre expansions/renovations. He won the ’96 Eric Hamber trophy for service to theatre in B.C. David, was a life member of Powerhouse and he devoted the last 44 years of his life to making this building a better place. He gave us his wisdom, his humour and experience, and he left us with policies to guide us when we get lost. Because of his love and dedication to the Powerhouse, his energy and spirit will live on. David died in a fall from his sailboat, another of his passions, on May 21 2015.

Dennis Eric Learey, at the age of 90, peacefully passed away in his sleep in the early morning of May 16, 2015. Dennis was born in London, England and at the age of 16 joined the Royal Air Force and served in Europe.

During WWII Dennis and Gwen’s families became close and right after the war in 1948 they were married. For their honeymoon they moved to Canada and settled in Vernon, BC. Dennis was devoted to his wife and together had a family of two sons Stephen and Eric.

Dennis and Gwen together became some of the founding members of the Vernon Little Theatre which later became known as the Powerhouse Theatre. At that time, Dennis did work at several jobs, including many years at Okanagan Electric, but his true passion was acting. Over the years he performed in over 60 plays and took on a wide range of roles from comedy to Shakespeare.

He won numerous awards for his acting, with the crowning achievement being when he was voted the Best Actor in Canada, in 1969 at the Dominion Drama Festival.

Dennis will always be lovingly remembered by his family—Stephen Learey and Shelly with their children Parker and Connor; and Matthew (Eric) Learey with Kristine and their children Denthew, Meta, Gwendolin, Eritin and Timeran.

For memorial donations and flowers Dennis wishes you to please donate to the Powerhouse Theatre.

John came to Canada with his wife Mary in 1980.  He and Mary joined the Powerhouse Theatre soon after their arrival. While Mary helped out sewing costumes, working on set decor, house and box office when Powerhouse sold its own tickets,  John helped with set construction and with the re-modelling of the upper dressing room. He was Treasurer of TAC for 19 years. John died on April 3rd, 2010, Mary in December 6 2005.

A member since 1974, her acting credits include: You Can’t Take it With You (2007), Black Comedy (1974), Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1975), A day in the Death of Joe Egg (1976), Aladdin (1976), Last Wednesday (1978), Blithe Spirit (1978), No Sex Please, We’re British (1981), Babes in the Magic Wood (1983). Penny directed Chinamen (1982) and has many technical credits also. Penny died on Dec 29th, 2009.

Alan acted, did set construction, helped with lighting and sound and was on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. He, just once got on stage as the lead in The Mousetrap. He enjoyed his time at the Powerhouse.

Fabric artist, Haute couture fashion designer, Pattern maker, Seamstress
Stage Manager and Costume designer extraordinaire, Educator
Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Stepmother, Grandmother, Aunt
Precious wife, Friend and inspiration.

At 8:30 am on Thursday October 20, 2022, Lorraine died in the Vernon BC home she made, shared and loved with her husband Dave. The bright autumn sun was working its way over the hills, surrounded by the richness of her art and passion, her favourite music playing on the iPod next to her bed, and the pine trees standing outside her studio window dappling morning light against the house. She passed in the most serene, tranquil, calm and beautiful way, taking her final peace-filled breaths with Dave at her side, her hand in his. Lorraine lay in repose for two days at home with Dave, her grandchildren Iris, Caspar, June and Raidon, stepdaughters Amie and Tressa, and their partners Bryan and Matt sitting beside her with loving attention, colouring books, knitting, conversation, tears, laughter, and silence. On Saturday October 22 Lorraine’s remains were lovingly wrapped in a blue blanket by Dave and the wonderful funeral home staff, and escorted by the family from the house to the funeral home van.

LORRAINE’S CANCER JOURNEY

Lorraine was diagnosed with uterine cancer in December 2020, underwent surgery in January 2021, and until late summer of this year, embraced chemotherapy and radiation treatments with positivity, focus and endurance – Dave ever-at her side, close friends supporting them both. Then, on September 29 Lorraine suffered a severe pulmonary embolism that resulted in palliative treatments shifting to end of life care. Lorraine received incredible care by the Triage, ICU and 6th Floor nursing teams at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

On October 13, Lorraine returned home with Dave as her principal caregiver – a role he welcomed, knowing it would be a wonderfully loving thing to be able to care for her every minute of each day and night until the time came for her passing. Lorraine’s sewing room became their bedroom, a sanctuary of colour, light, familiarity, every corner full of the most excellent creations for reminiscing and reflecting on a life lived with beauty. Lorraine died seven days after coming home – five days after her 67th birthday, four days after her mother’s 100th, ten days after her eldest grandson’s 16th, and nine days before her beloved Dave’s 75th. In his birthday card to his wife, Dave wrote, “I love you deeply, I’m so glad our life paths converged, we’ve been beside each other for 43 years and loving it!”.

In the days in the ICU and then at home before she passed, some of Lorraine’s family were able to travel from coastal BC and Alberta’s plains to spend time with her. Amie, Tressa, sisters-in-law, Michelle and Naomi, and brother-in-law Doug had their last, bright conversations with Lorraine while in hospital. At one point Lorraine quipped to Tressa, Amie and Dave about cancer’s undiscriminating unfairness, “eat the French fries and cream puffs!”. Lorraine’s brother, Greg, and her mother, Doris, made a careful journey from Vancouver to Vernon, spending important time together and celebrating the Mother-Daughter birthdays. Doris and Lorraine and Greg had two days of many chats, hugs, and time spent very close with loving, intentional goodbyes. Amie and Tressa, and their families, came as soon as Dave called with the news that Lorraine passed and had meaningful time to be with their dad, of reconnection, and tender farewell to their stepmom.

LORRAINE’S LIFE AND ART

Lorraine was born in Vancouver BC on Saturday October 15, 1955

Lorraine’s sewing career began when she was a preschooler, making outfits for her Troll dolls (drawing on her mom’s sewing talents and guidance) and in high school she proudly told her parents that she skipped PE classes to work on costumes for the Drama Department’s productions! In her graduating year Lorraine won a garment sewing contest and was awarded a high end sewing machine; from there, her gifts with fabric and her passion for making fabulous things flourished. Lorraine took clothing design and textile courses at Douglas College (Vancouver), moved to Montreal and worked in the city’s thriving garment industry for a company called ‘Adorable Lingerie’, and was drawn back to BC after getting a call from a high school friend starting a new clothing company: Far West Mountain Wear Co. In 1979 Lorraine became Far West’s designer and pattern maker, and sample sewer for the company’s line of outdoor wear. In 1980, Lorraine stepped out on her own and opened “Lorraine’s Couture Studio and Fibre Art Studio”, initially working out of her one bedroom apartment and getting off to a strong start.

Lorraine met her ‘to be’ husband Dave through the Powerhouse Theatre, and they married at Trinity United Church in Vernon, in 1981. As Lorraine stepped into family life with Dave, Tressa and Amie, “Lorraine’s Couture and Fibre Art Studio” moved to a large, sunny room in a family-sized house that they purchased.

Over the years Lorraine was a wonderful friend to so many who shared her love of sewing and quilting, learning, the United Church, and a good party. She loved the Theatre and partnering with Dave (W.L.Seaton High School Drama Teacher) in every aspect of his shows, making a formidable production duo. Lorraine’s intuitive sense of flow and organization made her a respected stage manager and usher in community and professional productions alike. In their theatre life together, Lorraine was first and foremost the designer and builder of costumes for dozens of theatrical productions, from small intimate settings, to full scale professional shows. Notably for the Powerhouse Theatre: I am a Camera, Trojan Women, Taming of the Shrew, Little Shop of Horrors, Sveva and virtually all the major productions at W.L. Seaton Secondary School over a 27 year period of time.

Lorraine was gifted in colour theory, tailoring and liturgical art. She was passionate about fashion history and the ways people around the world used fibre and colour. Lorraine enjoyed challenging her eye for colour, taking colour theory courses (in which she got top marks, always) and embarking on complex colour-related projects. When it came to tailoring, pattern-making, and quilting techniques, Lorraine also excelled. She shared her knowledge as a skilled and supportive educator at the community college, in public schools and private classes, as well as offering workshops for quilting guilds and United Church worship committees around BC.

Throughout her career, Lorraine created hundreds one-of-a-kind wedding dresses, formal gowns, and special occasion suits as well as offering alteration services and sewing every-day wear too. Quilting became a passion over the years and she won countless awards in quilt, fashion and art shows – locally and nationally. Lorraine’s love for, and sensitivity to the nuisances of colour underscored her entire life’s journey and art-making. Her mastery of colour is evident in the copious quilts she created. Her fabric art legacy is as broad and rich and deep as the full spectrum of Light.

In their life together Lorraine and Dave camped through much of Canada and the western US. At a later date in honour of Lorraine and their adventures in their custom designed and built “CAMPER TRUCK”. Dave will make what he lovingly calls “a home run camping trip” to spread Lorraine’s ashes in the waters at the most Westerly, Northerly, Southerly and Easterly points of their Canadian travels: Rennell Sound (Haida Gwaii), Watson Lake (BC/Yukon border), Clark’s Harbour (Nova Scotia) and Cape Spear (Newfoundland)

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Christine expressed her artistic talents in myriad ways – as a visual artist, as an accomplished calligrapher, as a talented clothing designer and seamstress, in choral singing, in the theatre and as a story-teller. She was a performer, and she also directed and produced plays at local theatre groups in Vernon and on the North Shore for many years. Christine will be remembered as considerate, generous, insightful, and a mentor to many. She had an engaging personality and wonderful sense of humour. She lit up any room she entered, and she never missed an opportunity to get up and dance. Hers was a life well lived.