February 1937 - September 26, 2021 ~ Four incredibly lucky daughters are heartbroken to share the loss of their mother, Lorie Hark. With family by her side, Lorie passed away peacefully on the morning of September 26, 2021, in Burnaby, British Columbia, at the age of 84.
Lorie was born in Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, to Stanley and Anna Tomkins (nee Lustwerk) in February of 1937. She grew up on the family homestead in Bonanza, Alberta, with her sister Eveyln and her brother Ralph. Until their passing, her grandparents Jüri and Miina Lustwerk also lived with the family.
Since the school in Bonanza was only for elementary grades, Lorie attended boarding school in Dawson Creek. Once her sister began teaching, Lorie lived with her so that she could finish her education.
When they lived in Letcher's lumber camp in the East Kootenay, a handsome young man named Harold Hark cut firewood and kindling for them, and he took a liking to Lorie. They were married in July of 1956, and they had four daughters.
In 1965, the lumber camp closed, and the young family moved to Nelson, British Columbia, where Harold had obtained a position with the British Columbia Forest Service. They now had the luxury of many new amenities such as electric lights, a telephone and hot and cold running water. Lorie did a number of different jobs through the years to contribute to the family finances. She sewed drapes for a furniture store, worked as a janitor, scaled logs, and worked in the laundry at the Hume Hotel.
After Harold passed away, Lorie volunteered at the IODE Thrift Store in Nelson.
In the backyard of their home on Howe Street, Harold and Lorie grew a wonderful garden to feed their family. Summer was her favourite time of year because she loved to eat the fresh produce. She spent many hours canning fruit and vegetables, which she shared with friends and family.
After Harold passed away, Lorie moved to Terra Lee Terrace, a gated community in Cranbrook, British Columbia, as she wanted to have better access to healthcare.
Harold and Lorie loved to camp, hunt for food, and fish with their family. Lorie was a fabulous cook. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and making quilts. She also took a pottery course at the Kootenay School of the Arts.
She was a cheerleader for her children and grandchildren. She was very proud of their educational milestones and always told them that "education was never too heavy to pack around".
Lorie was predeceased by her parents, her husband Herman Harold Hark and her son-in-law Paul Henderson. She will always be loved by her daughters Doris Henderson, Donna Dunn (Bob), Denese Hark (Roger Meeks) and Darlene Zahn (Randy). Her grandchildren Jessica Henderson, Jennifer Henderson and Jacob Zahn and her step granddaughter Laurel Dunn will remember their special times with her.
The family will plan a simple memorial service next summer in the East Kootenay near where Harold and Lorie met.
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