"I'm just so proud of being from North Vancouver. It's my town," says Doris Hart.
In 1923, Doris was brought into the world by her father at home in Cedar Valley, near Mission. Three years later, the family returned to North Vancouver, her home for 88 years.
Doris's speech suggests a time far back, though she's definitely an upto-date person. Her words have soft endings: "workin'" and "Kitsilanah," "restrunt" for restaurant, and her speech has a lilt, as if on the brink of gentle laughter. Perhaps Doris's beautiful voice is a gift from her parents.
On her mother's side, Doris descends from the Nahu family, Hawaiian in origin and well-known longshoremen in the marine industry on both sides of Burrard Inlet. Born in Hastings Mill, Florence Nahu was living in North Vancouver and commuting to her job at Jones Tent and Awning, making flags during the First World War, when she met Harold "Murphy" Campbell, a motorman on the B.C. Electric streetcar.
The nickname suited Doris's dad. "He was so doggone Irish, right to the corncob pipe," she remembers, and blessed with the gift of words. Murphy was a popular elocutionist, reciting verse and stories, at the Knights of Pythias Hall. At home, he taught Doris card games. She was playing crib by the time she was five. When she was six, Doris began her friendship with neighbour Ruth Steacy, which has lasted for 85 years.
The family home on Ridgeway Avenue was a happy one. Murphy would give Florence a big hug and ask, "Still love me, old girl?"before going out to the garden. "He had his gladiolas and dahlias, and his vegetable garden; mother had her roses," remembers Doris.
The family fortunes changed with Murphy's sudden death in 1940. Brother Keith had signed up for the war, and Florence was caring for her own mother, who was blind.
"I am proud of my mother. She kept house and looked after our gram, her mother. Our nice neighbour, Terry Quaife, chopped our wood and stacked it. His mother baked for us and kept an eye on mother, knowing she didn't eat much more than tea."
Doris left Ridgeway school after Grade 9 and went to work to help support the family. "I
started doing housework and then I found a nice job at Hewitt's grocery on Lonsdale." She moved on to North Van Ship Repairs, working in the canteen and then as an engine fitter's helper on the Victory ships.
"Then I joined the 'quacks.'" That smile in Doris's voice surfaces as she explains, "I joined the Canadian Women's Army Corps so I was a CWAC."
After the war, Doris and husband Charles Atchison raised their three children, son Dan and twins Keith and Kathie. Doris worked at Woodward's Park Royal and later at Hanson's bakery.
"When the hot buns came out of the oven, the Bishops from the jewelry store across the street would come right over."
In 1966, Doris married again. Leonard Hart was a friend from way back, but they had only four years together before Len died. Daughter Kathie also passed away a few years ago. Doris worked and volunteered at Lions Gate Hospital until the time came to retire. She belongs to the legion and North Shore Historical Society. At the Twin Towers, Doris's present home, she helps bring about more sociability and friendliness. They've added more games to an already busy schedule, "and we celebrated the big decision with tea and treats."
Doris is a charter member of the Lower Lonsdale Seniors Society, a social group that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Last week, society members presented Doris with an orchid corsage and a round of applause in recognition of her years of participation on the phone committee.
"Since Doris's last name is Hart and with Valentine's Day coming up, we thought our February meeting was the right time to say thank you," says Louise Pollock, society organizer.
Doris believes she is the one to be thankful, especially for her two sons, six grandchildren and six great grand-children (some of whom attend Ridgeway school today). "I kinda had a wonderful life," she says, "and I have a lot to be grateful for."
Laura Anderson works with and for seniors on the North Shore. 778-279-2275 [email protected]
