Nature Vancouver

 

Long time members of Nature Vancouver will remember Theda Mackie for her infectious giggle and bright smiling personality. With binoculars and camera ever present, she actively participated in Society’s programs, field trips, nature tours and summer camps for more than 40 years.

 

Of Finnish decent, Theda was born and raised in Chase River, on the outskirts of Nanaimo. At age 20 she moved to Vancouver. She worked for the B.C. Telephone Company from 1934 to 1976 and lived at 11 West Broadway for more than 50 years.

 

Theda joined the Vancouver Natural History Society in 1960. Her love of travel took her to almost every corner of the world. Tour leaders Chess Lyons, David Stirling and others remember her as always being cheerful and on the lookout for good photo opportunities. She was a ‘master’ traveller when it came to doing more with less. Her suitcase was always half the size and less than half the weight of most other travelers.

 

Theda’s appreciation of far-away places, other cultures, the beauty of nature and wildlife provided her great pleasure. This was visually captured in her photography. At her home she often entertained and showed her many slides. 

 

Theda was also a remarkable walker.  She used to walk to work (when BC Tel was on Seymour St.) and also used to walk to Brock House in later years.

 

Theda was a long time member of the B.C. Telephone Pioneers, Brock House Society and a number of other organizations.

 

Theda returned to her roots in Nanaimo in 2002. June Banwell, from Vancouver, visited her about four times a year and remembers her as a wonderful lady who loved to read. June last visited her in October 2009 and it took Theda two hours to recognize her - she eventually did before June left. Theda passed away peacefully on 23 November 2009 at the age of 97. 

 

Submitted by Bill Merilees and June Banwell