Joan McPhail (nee: Hall) entered the world on February 23, 1929 at Mrs. McCree’s Nursing Home in Nanaimo, B.C. She passed away suddenly on December 26, 2012 at the age of 83. She was the only child of Tommy Hall and Isabelle (Hindmarch) Hall. She was predeceased by her first husband Stewart McIlroy (Cst. RCMP) in 1956 and by her parents in later years. Joan grew up on Vancouver Island amongst the Hall and Hindmarch clans. She married Stewart in 1948 and they resided at the RCMP detachment at Shawnigan Lake and then Abbotsford which, sadly, was his last post. With two young daughters to support, Joan moved to Vernon to be near her parents, residing there until 1967. During this time, she was employed as a civilian member of the RCMP (Vernon Det.) and then the Workers’ Compensation Board. In the mid 1960s, she began her career with Avon Products of Canada Ltd., encouraging and inspiring women throughout southeastern B.C. during her 25-year tenure. In 1970, Joan married Gordon McPhail and they resided in Nelson at Willow Point until 2005 when they moved to Grand Forks. Joan and Gordon enjoyed 42 years of marriage, music, fun and laughter. Her time in Nelson was spent on Kootenay Lake, either sunbathing or boating, fishing, golfing, gardening, renovating, sewing, knitting, crafting of all sorts, playing bridge, and having fun with family and friends. She loved Palm Springs, spending many winters there, and enjoyed trips across Canada and abroad. Since moving to Grand Forks in 2005, she endured two unsuccessful knee operations, and, though her mobility was impaired and painful, she faced each day with her winning smile and optimism. Through church attendance, several bridge clubs, exercise and water fitness, Sam’s Club and card making classes she lived life to the fullest and, due to her youthful spirit, made many new friends of all ages in Grand Forks. Joan was the centre of life for her family and was well loved by all who knew her. In every heart she touched, in every life she changed and in every thought she inspired, she lives on.
Joan is lovingly survived by her husband Gordon McPhail, daughters Susan Martin (Rick) and Margot Brock (Ron), stepson Shane McPhail (Cheryl), 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren which includes extended family members.
A family graveside service was held on January 4, 2013 at the Evergreen Cemetery in Grand Forks followed by a Celebration of Life at St. John’s United Church.