Carole Jean Buck (née Hughes) died unexpectedly at home on December 18th, 2018 in Camlachie, Ontario at the age of 75.  Mum’s passing has broken the hearts of her daughters, Karen Louise and Cynthia Ann, who both now live in Pemberton, British Columbia (mainly because of Mum’s high praise and continued longing for her beautiful home province), her two brothers, Alan of Crescent Beach, BC and Norman of Salisbury, England and their wives, Lesleigh and Karen, as well as our father, Roger Buck, previously of Thornhill, Ontario and, of course, her many friends in Ontario, BC and beyond.

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     Carole Hughes was born on January 21st, 1943 in Vancouver, BC to William Lister Hughes and Edythe Elizabeth (née Guy).  She grew up in Kerrisdale on 43rd Avenue with a group of girls who remained friends for life and attended Magee and Point Grey schools. She worked for BC Hydro, saving for a trip to Europe, until she married Dad in November 1963. They both worked for Dow Chemical until the birth of their first daughter at which time Carole became a stay-at-home mom.  The family moved several times over the years: to Sarnia, Miami, Texas, Sarnia, Edmonton and finally Camlachie.  She imparted a deep love of nature and travel to her kids through many camping and outdoor adventures during our young lives.  Carole was a long-time member of Lambton Wildlife and a founding member of the Lambton Outdoor Club, as well as other more informal walking groups, such as the Wednesday Walkers and, more recently, as she struggled increasingly with her breathing, the Huronview Doggie Walkers.  She was very proud of having completed the entirety of the Bruce Trail not once but twice in the company of good friends and fellow hikers.  She was an early advocate of personal responsibility for environmental protection and started recycling long before it was cool.  Mum adored her pets, especially the dogs it seemed: From Mitzi, her beloved first pet, to Bandit who enjoyed countless romps in the woods with her all over Southwestern Ontario (“Bye-bye, Bannit!”) to her current treasure, Tessa, who was spoiled with affection (“Who’s my little girl?”)  Most people will know that Carole became an extremely knowledgeable bird-watcher, a passion that took her to every continent in the world (except that very cold one) in pursuit of an impressively long “Life List” – at least 25 countries she counted up one time (and, ever the competitor, she counted England and Wales as two countries, which cannot be argued), resulting in a list of over 5000 different bird species personally observed.

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     Because of her self-admittedly shy and private nature, many friends may not know that Mum’s life was forever marked by the tragic death of her much-missed young daughter Janet Elizabeth in Sarnia, Ontario in December 1978. This left a scar on Mum’s heart that could never fully heal but she always loved her other two daughters with everything she had left.  She was a constant, faithful and generous mother who could always be counted on for moral support and unconditional love.  From brushing her daughter’s hair every morning for 14 years without fail to providing Mom's Taxi service for a decade (even though she was often kept waiting far too long…which she hated!), she showed her dedication to us.  Her friends will remember other acts of kindness and ways she demonstrated her caring by offering help.  Carole would never turn down an invitation to a concert, a seat at dinner, a round of canasta (all the more fun with a winning hand), a glass of wine (or a sip of Scotch!)  She will be remembered for her practical no-nonsense worldview, for adding spice to a conversation with her strong opinions and stubbornness, for being an able practitioner of the Hughes sense of humour and for a quiet beauty that she never ever saw herself. 

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     A gathering of friends is scheduled for 2:00pm-4:00pm, Saturday, December 29th at McCormack Funeral Home.  Everyone who loved Mum is welcome to attend to honour her memory.  There will be no formal service on Saturday but we would be heartened to see you and hear your memories or just to take a moment to sit quietly to say farewell to Carole.  We would like to thank all of Mum’s friends for surrounding her with love and laughter while her family was so far away.  You were her family, too.

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     In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please send a donation to Lambton Wildlife (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/lambton-wildlife-incorporated/) in honour of her love for nature or the Canadian Lung Association (https://www.lung.ca/get-involved/donate) in the hopes that others will not have to suffer asthma as she did throughout her life.  Condolences can be posted here on this webpage or mailed to Karen and Cynthia at #41 – 7410 Flint Street, Pemberton, BC, V0N 2L1.