Submitted by Chris Parker.
On Saturday evening the 25th of August, some 65 friends and family joined Fran Long, a 64 year resident of the Robson Valley/ McBride, as she celebrated that lengthy involvement and active participation in our community.
Fran, who is widely known for her involvement with the Anglican/United Church both as a member and former organist, also was as an active and competitive equestrian athlete and trainer of horses. She is also a mother, grandmother, and friend.
Fran is scheduled to move from McBride to Vernon in September when she takes possession of her new residence in a seniors residence.
At the event those assembled were treated to a number of humorous memories shared about Fran. She accepted these graciously and then added more stories of her own. The gathering was treated to a magnificent ‘Contributory Dinner’ (read potluck). All the participants had the opportunity to write in a memory book that will be given to Fran just prior to her leaving. This ‘scrapbook’ is being prepared by Kelli Parker with photographic assistance from Bill Arnold and Chris Parker.
The highlight of the evening came after the sharing of the wonderful meal, the cutting and sharing of the cake(s) and all the anecdotes….when Fran was brought up to the front of the hall and invited to go outdoors with her guests. Here the well kept secret was revealed: Fran was then ‘ridden off into the sunset’ in a horse and buggy complete with outriders….one last time she was taken around our village and had the opportunity to give us all the ‘royal wave’.
‘So Long Fran’ and ‘thanks for the memories’…
