ERIN MARIE HARTSON
March 10, 1983-May 28, 2009
The Castlegar Complec was full to overflowing on Monday, June 8, 2009, as family and friends gathered to pay tribute to Erin Marie Hartson, 26 years of age, whose death has been a shared loss in the community. Respect and admiration for Erin and her family were abundantly evident in the words spoken and the memories recounted. Erin was an extremely able young woman, with the courage of her convictions.
Erin was born in Trail, B.C., and grew up on Killough Road with her loving parents, Dwayne and Lorraine, brother, Lorne, and sister, Shannon. She attended the Pre-school conducted by Rosa Barre, and very early on displayed her drive and high aspirations. Even as a four-year old, she announced that she was a "College Girl" when Ms Barre took the class on a field trip to Selkirk College!
Erin's Elementary School Education was at Woodland Park, following in the footsteps of her mother and uncles and siblings. Erin distinguished herself as a highly capable student of many talents. She performed admirably in stage/musical productions and enthusiastically in physical activities. Erin was artistic, and loved music and language.
A few years later, Erin became a Kinnaird Middle School French Immersion Student, and was a keen participant and high achiever in French. Continuing in French at Stanley Humphries Secondary School, Erin spent , as a part of the programme, three months in the Province of Quebec.
During her High School Years, too, Erin was selected by Rotary to become an Exchange Student to Bolivia for one year. Studying Bolivia was life-changing for Erin: she learned to speak Spanish, melded into society relatively easily, and befriended people from all walk s of life. She got a good feel of the country and shared her food and possessions with the needy: Erin always had a heart for the disadvantaged! In later years, Erin travelled with the Interact Club to Honduras, where she served as an Interpreter and promoted the project on National Television in Honduras.
When Erin returned to SHSS after her year abroad, she found the adjustments challenging, but she was helped throughout by caring Principal and Teachers. Erin, in fact, identified with teachers and determined to become one, herself. She worked outside of class to supplement her parents' support; in one job, Erin served as Assistant to the physically-disabled. In this position, she was very effective.
Erin attended SFU until 2007, and intended to return as soon as possible to qualify for a Bachelor of Education Degree.
Erin would undoubtedly have made a good teacher: She liked children and they liked her; she had knowledge, skill and experience. She'd been a member of The Aquanauts; the Girl Guides; The Audrey Maxwell School of Dance. She had served as a Candy Striper.
She had been a Long-board Skater and on the Water Polo Team. Erin had a golden voice and also played the flute. She like to study and was a great reader.
Erin's sense of humour, generosity, strength and energy will be missed. Erin was a People Person who really put OUT.
Celebrating the joy that Erin brought to their lives are:
Soul mate : Jordan McNeil
Parents: Dwayne and Lorraine Hartson
Siblings: Lorne Hartson; Shannon Hartson
Grandparents: Mary Bermel; Ivan Harson
Uncles, Aunts and Cousins: Bruce & Colleen Bermel and Family; Jim and Joy Bermel and Family; Neil & Yvonne Bermel & Family; Crystal and Rick Halhead and Family, Kris Nygren (Lorraine)
In honour of Erin, donations may be made to :
Freedom Quest
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals;
Transition House, Trail B.C.
Entrusted with the arrangements are Personal Alternatives