August 3, 1942 - December 20, 2022
In loving memory ~
Phyllis Nellie Lucille Nygaard (nee Wenger) was born in Loon Lake, Sask. on August 3, 1942. She died on December 30, 2022, at Trillium Lodge, Parksville, B.C. at 80 years of age. She was predeceased by her brothers Dave (2006), Dennis (2011), and by her sister, Beulah (2008).
Phyllis and her sister, Rosalie, came to Lake Cowichan in 1968-69. Rosalie was a school teacher, and she would check out the employment ads at the end of each school term; looking for a new, interesting school district and town to live in. Phyllis was always up for an adventure, so she joined Rosalie, and they lived together in many different places. First in Sask. and later, in B.C. because they thought, "Let's go and find out what it's like." Phyllis with her pleasant personality, radiant smile, and willingness to work at anything, would find a job in no time, and then they would find some suitable living quarters to share. Rosalie and Phyllis had one year in Courtney, another on Salt Spring Island, and of course, Lake Cowichan. While in Lake Cowichan, Phyllis worked at a drugstore owned by Mr. Larry Thorne. He encouraged her to upgrade her education and he promised to recommend her application to the new pharmacy assistant course being established in Vancouver which was sanctioned by the pharmacy association. She completed those courses and became a registered pharmacy assistant. Rosalie and Phyllis stayed for more than one school year in Lake Cowichan because there were some eligible bachelors around! One young man, named Arnold Fenrick, had eyes only for Rosalie, and soon they were married and moving away. That ended the living arrangement for the ladies, but Phyllis had caught the eye of another young man (me) and I owned a gas station in town. Well, I was sure looking at her, and it wasn't long till our life's journey in tandem harness began.
Phyllis was the happiest person that I ever knew. She got pleasure from the most simple things. If you ever had the opportunity to share a "giggling fit" with Phyllis, you would know what I mean. It was contagious and you just got caught up in it and you had to participate; laughing until you were out of breath with happy tears running down your face. We were together for 49 years and I had the pleasure of seeing it happen many times with relatives and friends.
Phyllis loved to create. She was a talented sewer and she always had a beautiful project on the go. She loved to decorate cakes and shared her gift at many family parties and gatherings. She was thoughtful and kind. She was a good cook and our home was always pleasant and inviting.
In 2007, Phyllis' health started to deteriorate. Within the next year, a bone spur was removed from her neck, but the damage had been done. She suffered silently for the rest of her life. This past year was especially challenging, but her pain is no more. She was my best friend and partner. She will be deeply missed and sweetly remembered.
A family gathering to celebrate Phyllis' life will be held at a later date this summer.