When someone has been a significant part of Logan Lake for 32 years, it is extremely hard and sad to have to say goodbye. But, we’ll have to say goodbye to Angie Gilmore who, for the past seven years has played a central role in the administration of the IDA Drug store. Perhaps even more importantly, she worked for 18 years at Highland Valley Foods with then-owner, Bob Lamont.
Angie is leaving to join husband, Chris who, for the past four months, has established a mining career in Mackenzie, B.C., where they’ve purchased a house and are both looking forward to a new life adventure. And, interestingly enough, there are former Logan Lakers already there to welcome them including Tracey Senner’s Dad, Cliff Cooper, and Mark the Mover.
But, Angie’s belief is that “Home is Where You Make It” and that will be her philosophy as she and Chris open a new chapter in their Book of Life. I suspect, that it will still be difficult to leave this community which is home to “friendly, compassionate, caring people.” And, Angie was very definite that Logan Lake is “an excellent place to raise a family” and “if people complain there’s nothing to do, it’s up to them to get involved and to make things happen.”
Part of the attraction of Mackenzie is the fact that the community has an Olympic-sized pool, a quilters shop and a quilters guild, a museum, two banks, two grocery stores, two drug stores, and a hospital. The only negative might be the fact there’s only one gas station which, I’m guessing, makes things financially difficult for consumers when there’s a lack of competition.
Once the Gilmores get unpacked and settled in, Angie may seek a part-time job as a way of getting to know people and volunteer work is also on her agenda as a means of “giving back” in recognition of the care and concern shown her parents when they were residents of Coquihalla-Gillis House in Merritt.
As our time together was winding down, Angie shared that Nicole Owen will be taking over as the I.D.A. manager before showing off the beautiful cake Tracey Makowe had made as a sweet goodbye. And, Angie couldn’t send me down the road before telling me several times over that the staff at the I.D.A. is the absolute best and warning me that she and Chris would definitely be back, maybe even permanently. We can only hope. And Angie and Chris – thank you both for the lovely memories you’ve left with us.
