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Iris May Klenk


Iris May Klenk, aged 80, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2017 in her home in Mission, BC. Iris was born June 15, 1936, in Revelstoke, BC, the daughter of Charles Clark Boyd and Lorna Elizabeth Stevenson. Survived by her loving husband Carl William Klenk and her children; Carla (Dana) McKamey, Wendy (Pat) McCormick, Brian (Karen) Klenk, Denise (George Sarrazin) Klenk and Lori Veres, grandchildren; Rio, Colin, Brent, Mark, Mitch, Shane, Scott, Kyle, Haley, Madison, Kendra, Josh, and Tyson, great grandchildren; Ezekkiel, Marshal, Oeriua, Sequoia, Pearl, Lucas and Allison. Her daughter Shayana Watkinssen predeceased her. Iris spent her childhood in North Vancouver and later moved to Watch Lake, BC where she enjoyed working on a dude ranch leading horseback tours. It was in the Caribou that she met her husband of 62 years, Carl William Klenk. In 1955 Carl and Iris were married at the Catholic Church in Mission, BC and lived in Watch Lake where they had their first daughter, Shayana. After moving to Powell River daughters Carla and Wendy were born. Their next move took them to Bowen Island where they welcomed their only son, Brian. In 1964 they settled in Mission on a ten-acre hobby farm, their family was completed with the addition of daughters Denise and Lori. Despite her duties as a busy mom Iris loved to travel. She took many trips with Carl and family to Las Vegas, Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Cuba, Alaska, and across Canada. Iris was an active member in the community and volunteered many hours with her children’s sports including Mission Minor Soccer, Mission Volleyball Club and Mission Swim Club. Later in her life she volunteered her time with the Arthritis Society, Kidney Foundation and thoroughly enjoyed making “Wee Care Quilts” with all her friends in the Abbotsford Quilters’ Guild. Iris was well known for her amazing talent as an artist and crafter. She leaves a legacy of oil paintings, knitted items, and stitchings; but the most prized possessions are the many beautiful quilts she made with love and generously gave away to family, friends, and those in need. She was dearly loved by her 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and took every opportunity to watch them participate in their sport. She was often seen cheering at swim meets, hockey, soccer and lacrosse games right up to her final days with her two youngest granddaughters watching great grandson’s hockey game. It was because of Iris’ love that a ‘family function’ of 30 plus people was a common occurrence. Birthdays, holidays or a Sunday dinner brought all her kids and their families together and Iris loved it. She was so proud of her family and their accomplishments. A Celebration of Iris’ Life will be held at the Best Western, Mission, BC at 11:00 am on Sunday, March 26, 2017. Light lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC. Woodlawn Mission Funeral Home (604) 826-9548

www.woodlawnfh-mission.com



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