In Loving Memory (1932-2024) ~
Alice died peacefully at her home with her husband Peter by her side.
Alice was a Wife, Mother, Teacher, Artist, Author & politician. Born in Rossland B.C. daughter of John & Holly Gordon (her father served two terms as Mayor 1937 & 1940).
She graduated from Victoria Normal School with a Teaching certificate in 1951. This is where she met her future husband Pete Chiko, a member of the 5th Regiment, Reserve Army, who were asked to provide manpower to the dance.
It was love at first sight but most of the courting was done by mail as Alice's first job was teaching at Telegraph Creek B.C.160 miles up the Stikine River. She and Friend Lita Comozzi signed up for one year & it took 3 days by paddle wheeler. It was such an adventure she wrote a book about it called "Notes from the North''.
She was also so proud of her hometown, Rossland she wrote a book about it called "Growing up in Rossland in the 30's & 40's.
Alice was an avid skier winning several awards in Rossland & Sun Valley Idaho, U.S.A. She was a volunteer promoting Mt. Arrowsmith as a ski area by chartering bus trips. She also taught school in Vancouver & Chemainus before moving to Port Alberni when they married in 1954 and where Pete worked as a Telegrapher for the E&N Railway.
Alice believed strongly in education serving as Trustee on the local school board for four years (Chairman in her last year). She was an Alderman on City Council for seven years (1973-1980) also served on the North Island College board for twelve years 1977-1989 (Chairman for seven years).
She was a candidate for the Alberni Social Credit Party in the provincial election in 1983, narrowly losing to Bob Skelly, also serving as a director for the party for Vancouver Island for four years ,1988-1991. She was untiring in her efforts to promote Port Alberni.
When her husband retired they spent twelve years sailing the Salish Sea in their sailboat "Petal" in the summer and winters in Arizona & skiing in B.C. and Washington, Oregon & California.
She is predeceased by her son John and survived by her husband Peter, son Brian and grandchildren Claire & Collin and many nieces & nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Freddy Meyer, also to the many Home Support Staff and nurses especially Margaret and Paul who attended Alice more frequently and developed a special rapport with Alice.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.