JOSEPHINE RUTH SKODA (MCCORKILL)

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JOSEPHINE RUTH SKODA (nee MCCORKILL) Ruth, a longtime resident of Ucluelet, BC, died peacefully in her sleep at Tofino Hospital on February 21, 2009. Ruth was born in the Swan River hospital in August of 1911 and was raised on a homestead in the Birch River area. Early in her life Ruth began a passion for exploring the world around her, delving into the flora and fauna of the Birch River homestead. She had a curiosity that led her to observe and question and learn about the things she encountered. She maintained this thirst for knowledge and this exploring spirit all her life. Ruth met Joe Skoda while they were both attending music lessons in Flin Flon and they were married in 1939. They had a daughter, Linda, in 1945. While living in Flin Flon Ruth continued her education and qualified to be a teacher in 1956. She taught in the Grandview Manitoba area from 1956 to 1957. The family moved to Spences Bridge, BC in 1957 and Ruth taught there for one year. In 1958 Ruth accepted a teaching position in Ucluelet, BC and she remained in the community for the rest of her life. During this time she proudly completed her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Victoria, mostly by correspondence. Ruth retired from teaching in 1976 and she and Joe travelled the country and explored new lands, visiting old friends and making new ones. Although both Joe and Linda predeceased her, Ruth continued to travel to interesting and exotic places on her own and in the company of friends. Her passport was always up to date and she was always ready to go. She is off again now on the next leg of her journey and when we see her again I'm sure she will have interesting tales to tell. Till we meet again Ruth will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at St. Aidens on the Hill in Ucluelet in the near future. Ruth loved poetry and this untitled poem was found among her things: Do not stand by my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow I am the sunlight on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn's rain When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not there; I did not die. (author unknown)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2009