January 2009

In Honour of Reta Blakely Hodgins

Each of the Walks is dedicated to an Honouree – a person who has been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The 2009 North Island Honouree was Reta Blakely Hodgins.

Born in Alberta in 1917, Reta Blakely Hodgins and her husband Stan raised three children in the Comox Valley.

Reta lived her life with humour and a willingness to lend a hand to all who met her. She wrote Merville and its Early Settlers 1919-1985, and gave back to her community as president of the Tsolum School PTA and the Canadian Daughters’ League.

In her late 60’s, Reta began experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, but out of love for his wife, Stan hid her illness from family for years. When she died in 2004, a photo gallery of ten grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren decorated Reta’s memorial.

“We are pleased Mom is the honouree because the Courtenay Walk will create important awareness about this disease,” said Reta’s daughter Joy. “Our family supports the Alzheimer Society and their research for the cure.”

Other 2009 Walks

Want to Start a Walk in your community?

Contact Angie Kok
Provincial Coordinator
604-742-4908
toll-free at 1-800-667-3742
e-mail akok@alzheimerbc.org