Obituary of Blanche Isabel Evans-Eirikson

EVANS-EIRIKSON, Blanche Isabel Suddenly, after suffering a stroke, on Friday, May 11, 2007 at The Toronto Western Hospital. Blanche beloved wife of Eric Eirikson and the late Trevor Evans. Dear sister of Gordon Webb (Anne), the late George Webb (Geraldine), and Kathleen Armstrong (George). Loving aunt of Donald Webb (Nancy), Wendy Fraser, Peggy Bennett (Ned) and Doug Webb and their families. Blanche, daughter of the late Margaret (nee Latimer) and Alfred Webb, was born and grew up in the Stroud area of Innisfil County, Ontario. Blanche attended High School in Barrie Ontario, after which she moved to Toronto to take a position with the Ministry of Education. After five years with only small advancements, she decided to move on to wider horizons. Blanche took on a job of teaching Arts and Crafts at Deep River, a housing community for the Chalk River Research Centre. Her most lasting career move was to serve with the Distiller's Company of Canada for 33 years. She worked her way up to become Advertising Manager and was appointed to the company Board of Directors. Blanche traveled extensively on company business across North America, as well as Europe and Britain. Besides her corporate duties, she had several other interests. Blanche served as President of the Canadian Advertising and Sales Association and the Women's Advertising Club of Toronto. She was a founding member of N.A.B.S., a charitable organization dedicated to helping people in the advertising industry who have fallen on hard times. She served on the Allocation Committee of the Club until very recently. Blanche met her late husband Trevor Evans while she was working for the Ministry of Education. They were married in April 1956 and Blanche was widowed in February 1992 when Trevor died after a lengthy battle with cancer. Blanche took early retirement in 1986 to better look after her ailing husband. It was at that that time that she was contacted by Queens Park and was asked to act as "chair" for the Advertising Review Board of Ontario. She accepted the offer and held that position on a part-time basis for six years. In September of 1995 Blanche was remarried to a long time close friend and neighbor Eric Eirikson. They shared their retirement years together entertaining friends and traveling . Together they visited every Province in Canada as well as much of the United States. Virginia Beach was a special spring time retreat. Besides her close relatives she is survived by two extended families. The Eirikson family; Brewsters, Gales, Johanssons, Cabrals, Rusts, Kelemens and the Kassians. All of whom loved her as a sister and/or an aunt. The Evans family; nieces and nephews who always called her Auntie Blanche. As well there are many close friends and past business associates. who mourn her passing. Indeed, Blanche will be greatly missed by many. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th and from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, May 17th. A funeral service will be held in ST. ANSGAR LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1498 Avenue Road, at Lawrence Avenue, on Friday, May 18th at 2 p.m. Private interment. If desired, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1300, P.O. Box 2414, Toronto M4P 1E4 would be appreciated.