Devine Elden was a special friend of mine as she was to many others. She was a lady who lived by the code that she preached and oft recited, “a life of attitude and gratitude.”

It was not until the later years of her life that I came to know and understand the complexities that comprised this lady. It was a relationship that developed between us that allowed me to realize that her positive outlook on living and her giving attitude were the qualities that drew myself and so many others to become close to her.

A long life can be marred by setbacks, disappointments, struggles both emotional and economic and heartbreak. What truly marked Devine as a lady of distinction was how she emerged from these setbacks and was able to realize an existence that was rewarding for her and had a positive effect all others she came in contact with.

Undoubtedly it is not an easy challenge to emerge in mid-life and have to set about making the best of a situation fraught with economic perill, long hours, tiredness and a loneliness that comes from having embarked upon a solo career of entrepreneurship. That Devine did just that speaks of the qualities of perseverance and toughness that earned for her the admiration of so many.

My being, as I know it has been with so many others, has been enriched by my close friendship with Devine. I grew to appreciate why she loved her home community of Steveston, came to understand the reasons why she acquired so many friends, appreciated her ability to reach out in so many positive ways and most of all, the true love she had for living and doing things that had a positive effect on so many including myself.

In this complex and troubled world there are many choices that an individual can make and as many potential outcomes as a result of those choices, both positive and negative. Often, someone may wither before the consequences and withdraw from the world and it’s challenges. Or an individual can decide to strive to overcome obstacles, to utilize one’s talents to make things better for themselves and for others and to reach out to give in so many different ways. Devine Elden chose the latter of those two options and that is why she will be remembered by so many of us as an individual that we so deeply valued.

Gerry Swan
In memory of Devine Elden