December 10, 1932 - October 15, 2023

In loving memory ~

With love in our hearts, we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Audrey Haughn, of natural causes, at North Island Hospital, Comox Valley, in her 91st year, on October 15, 2023.

Audrey was born and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia. At sixteen, Audrey worked in downtown Vancouver for Eaton's and later, for the East Asiatic Company in the Marine Building. At twenty, an act of spontaneity saw her join the Royal Canadian Air Force. It was a decision that would change her life.

Following basic training in 1953, Audrey's first posting was Lac St. Denis in the Laurentians, where she worked as a radar operator. In November 1956, Audrey moved to CFB Comox, BC, where she taught basic navigation and later became an admin assistant. It was on base that Audrey met Tom, a young aircrew officer. They were married in 1957 on Sea Island (Vancouver), and after a short stint in Comox, were stationed in Winnipeg, followed by Nova Scotia (Dad's home), returning to Comox with their young family in 1971.

Audrey was a mother, wife, homemaker, avid bridge player, golfer, curler, bowler, and innovator, cutting her own patterns and designing original creations. She loved to sew, the basis of one of her Audrey-isms, "We can make that!" Audrey's determined spirit was also defined by "Where there's a will, there's a way" and "You don't ask, you don't get," signature mantras taken forward by her family.

Although a wonderful cook, our mother was not a fan of housework; a sign in the kitchen attested to that: "I'd rather be golfing!" Audrey was a member of the Comox Golf Club for thirty-seven years. She was vivacious, social, funny and had many friends. Audrey was also deeply involved in her community, volunteering for the St. Joesph's Hospital Auxiliary, and helping to train young girls in the Candy Stripers program. In later years, Audrey loved spending time with her grandchildren. Card games (No Peeky-Peeky), board games, mini-golf and golf with Gramma were always "funsy-wunsy"—another Audrey-ism. Her passion for golf lives on in her grandchildren and in their children: "Watch this Gramma...a puttsaver!"

Mom and Dad enjoyed travel to Europe and throughout North America and the Caribbean. After Dad passed, Audrey took a solo trip to Australia and New Zealand. In the last two years of her life, she lived at Berwick retirement residence in Comox. The overwhelming reaction of residents to the news of her passing was "Audrey asked questions. She listened... She knew my name." Ten days before she passed, Audrey won her last bridge game.

Audrey was predeceased by husband, Tom, in 2005; father, Jack King and mother, Mary (Enefer) King. She is survived by daughters, Leslie (Mike), Lori (Peter), and Teresa (Frank); grandchildren, Trevor, Kimberly, Kevin, Scott, Erik, and Heather; great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Layla, Tommy, and Klara; sister, Norma Clayton and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

By request, cremation has taken place, and Audrey will be laid to rest with her husband of 48 years. Friend and family gatherings will be held to celebrate Audrey's spirit and life—52 of those years lived in the beautiful Comox Valley.

We would like to thank Audrey's long-time GP, Dr. Anderson; Gillian Johnson, wound care nurse; Dr. Matous and the third-floor nursing staff of North Island Hospital, Comox Valley, for excellent and compassionate care.

Condolences may be offered at www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca

 

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