The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Although 15 years separates them, a community connects Pearl Doak, Don Milburn and Jack Reed. Over the past week or so, each of these long-timers has celebrated a birthday, and family and friends within Snow Lake have come out to show their respect and admiration for their collective longevity. A number of significant things took place in 1919. The Treaty of Versailles was signed, Prohibition began and the Winnipeg General Strike occurred. However, most importantly, at least on a local basis, Pearl Doak was born! They no doubt celebrated when she came into the world, so fittingly family and friends marked her 90 years on this earth with a come and go tea in the Snow Lake Elks Hall on the afternoon of August 8. Pearl was seated in the centre of several tables at the front of the hall, flanked on both sides by sons Wayne, Bob and Brian and their respective spouses, Gertie, Ila and Bonnie, as well as on the end by surrogate son Brian Hicks and his wife Betty. The coffee and tea flowed unabated from the start time to the afternoon's end, and in addition to taking on the pouring duties, Pearl's grandchildren made sure the sandwich plates were full and the dainty trays overflowed (thanks, Ryan). Once seated, daughter-in-law Ila Doak assumed emcee duties and wished her mother-in-law a happy birthday prior to welcoming those in attendance. Ila marveled over the changes that have taken place during Pearl's lifetime, noting that many were of a family nature. Pearl and husband Gordon (who passed away in July of 2003) had four children, 11 grandchildren, and 26 (soon to be 27) great-grandchildren. Of these, three children were in attendance (daughter Joan passed away in March of 1990) along with nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The two grandchildren who could not be with Pearl on this date sent birthday greetings, as did MLA Gerard Jennissen, who also sent flowers. While Ila had the group's attention, she advised that there would be an open microphone during the afternoon and that anyone who had special stories or remembrances of Pearl, was welcome to come up and share them. Several of these had the crowd laughing uproariously. Following this formal part of the afternoon, Pearl was called over to the other side of the hall, where she blew out the candles on a large and lovely birthday cake as the gathering serenaded her with their version of "Happy Birthday." Subsequent to everyone sampling the cake, tables were pushed back and a multitude of pictures were taken to mark the occasion Family and friends also turned out en masse to wish a happy 85th birthday to another of Snow Lake's long-standing and well-liked citizens. The always jovial Don Milburn seemed ageless as he welcomed friends and showed off his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was a full house, and not everyone had a seat, but most had a full plate in hand and a topped-up coffee cup. Prior to Don cutting several large birthday cakes and the obligatory singing of the birthday song, a bit of a program was commenced by emcee Joe Milburn. Joe introduced several songs by family members, previous to asking Mayor Garry Zamzow to say a few words. Zamzow, eloquent and prepared as always, drew laughter and reflection from the assemblage before presenting Don with a certificate from the town. Following Zamzow, Milburn's adopted daughter, Cheryl Riemer, spoke from her heart (and tugged at everyone else's) with a tender tribute and stirring song for her father. See 'Celeb...' on pg. Continued from pg. Son Joe followed in this vein, thanking the community for the part they have played over the years in keeping his father safe, happy, productive and involved. The senior Milburn thanked those who attended prior to posing for pictures and continuing the celebration with family members. Cathy and Ted Stabback's Larch Street home was the scene of another special celebration that honoured a former HBMS employee and Snow Lake resident. Jack Reed celebrated his 80th birthday with his daughters, grandchildren and a number of friends, which included several of the men he'd worked with during the years that he made the community his home. Reminiscing about time spent locally as a shaft miner and later as a mine supervisor, Jack noted that he liked to celebrate the big ones back in the old home town Ð he marked his 75th in the community's Legion five years ago. The Stabbacks' hospitality along with copious amounts of cake, coffee, tea and fellowship was enjoyed by all. Additionally, with Ron Langan on hand, there was a bit of razing and lots of laughter to mark the momentous occasion. My Take on Snow Lake runs Fridays.
