Margaret Pinchbeck passed away peacefully on March 6, 2006 at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake at the age of 89.
Margaret was born on November 7, 1916 at Rose Lake. She was the second child of Jack McCluckie and Eleanor Measen. Her father, Jack, worked several jobs, the longest of which was a ranch foreman at the Mission Ranch.
Margaret’s father passed away in the late 1950s while her mother died when Margaret was but a young girl. She also had an older brother, John, who died in the early 1950s and she is survived by her younger brother, Willie, who is currently living in Cranbrook.
Margaret lived with families near Rose Lake until she was about 12 years old and then moved to Williams Lake to live again with her father. In 1938, she married Thomas Pinchbeck, grandson of William Pinchbeck, who is buried on the hill at the Stampede Grounds.
In 1940 Tom and Margaret moved to Terrace as work was plentiful in that area shortly before the war. But in 1963, Tom and Margaret decided to return to Williams Lake once again to find work.
This town had always been home to them both and they were happy to reunite with friends and family. Margaret worked in the hotel industry, working as a chambermaid and desk clerk at the old Maple Leaf Hotel, Lakeview Hotel and Ranch Hotel (all three have since burnt down). She then became involved with the Cariboo Friendship Society, which became a big part of her life. She would later live in an apartment in the current Friendship Centre for nearly 17 years. Margaret was a regular in the downstairs restaurant having many a cup of tea with friends and family.
Margaret was a longtime parishioner of the Sacred Heart Parish, her family at church was always very important to her.
Family was always a centerpiece of Margaret’s life. Unfortunately, both her daughters passed away before her -- Bernice (Harvey) Shevalier in 1986 and Joyce Johnson in 1994.
She is currently survived by her two sons John (Jackie) of Edmonton, Alberta, and Ian (Rose) of Williams Lake as well as 11 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Margaret was single-handedly responsible for keeping the grandchildren warm throughout the winter. She was well known for knitting them sweaters, socks and afghans especially around Christmas or a birthday. In her 89 years she never forgot anyone’s birthday.
The family appreciates Dr. McMahen for his care, the nurses at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, and especially the home support workers for their kindness, compassion and service to Margaret in her times of need.
As well the family appreciates the service arranged by Luc LaPrairie and the kind words, food, flowers, cards and donations from many family and friends. They were very appreciated during this difficult time.
Funeral services were held for Margaret on Monday, March 13, 2006 at Sacred Heart Parish. Margaret was the last survivor of the Pinchbeck family of her generation. She has departed in body but her spirit and memories will live on for many years to come with her family and friends.