July 18, 1950 - February 5, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Born ~ July 18, 1950, in Fernie, BC
Passed away ~ February 5, 2023, in Trail, BC
Elaine was born Elaine Hamilton, the third and youngest daughter of Merle and Grant Hamilton. Growing up in the large old family home was a source of pride and joy for her. She had many tales of her childhood and teen exploits and adventures in and around Fernie.
After high school and a short-lived stab at hairdressing in Vancouver, she returned to Fernie to marry a handsome young warehouseman named Jerry Ihas.
They soon bought a house and along came Kelly, then Kevin. They then made a decision to move to Trail for Jerry's work. As sometimes it happens, they decided that they were better off as friends than as husband and wife. Good friends they were until Jerry's passing 6 years ago.
In 1984 fate stepped in and she met a single dad from Castlegar named Mike. After a somewhat rocky start they decided to get serious and make it work. And work it did for the next 39 years.
After buying a house together in Trail, Elaine settled into a role she relished. Proud mother of two very successful, accomplished children, Kelly and Kevin and a loving stepmother to Chris and Travis.
When the kids married, she was elated with their choice of spouses, and when grandchildren came along, she was on top of the world. What she enjoyed most of all was being called Grandma.
Unfortunately, because of health issues, she couldn't attend as many grandkid events as she would have liked but she made sure she was always up to date on their lives and activities.
As a young woman, Elaine enjoyed dancing, curling and socializing with friends. Later years brought time at Kootenay Lake, the beach, boating, parties on the deck and grandkids for dinners and sleepovers. She was in her element.
Later, after Mike's retirement, her health kept her at home, but not from enjoying wine, music and company amongst the flower gardens she loved so much.
If success in life is not measured by the wealth or power you leave behind, but by the love you leave with, Elaine succeeded beyond her wildest dreams.
She passed away peacefully at home, in her own bed, surrounded by loving family.
Elaine is survived by her spouse Mike Livingstone, daughter Kelly (Bryan) Teasdale, granddaughters Abbe and Olivya, son Kevin (Michele) Ihas, grandson Jesse Ihas, granddaughter Emmie Ihas, stepson Chris (Sook) Livingstone, stepson Travis Livingstone and special niece and friend Traci Snary.
Rest in peace, Mom, Honey, Babe, Damma, Grandma and Scandalous Grandma. We all love you. You were the best.
Kole Roth of Clark's Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.clarksfuneral.ca