ELAINE WILSON (née GEORGE)

On the evening of Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, Elaine Wilson was reunited with her husband, Bill (Pud) Wilson.
Born in 1934, she spent her early years in the Emo, Ont. area. She loved sports, flowers, and being outdoors. When Elaine met Pud, it was their mutual love of the outdoors that brought them together.
In the fall of 1956, the two were married and began their life together on a trap line on the east end of Rainy Lake. Together, they raised three children, Peggy, Lynne, and Kelly, who spent a huge portion of their younger years in the wilderness.
Pud and Elaine spent 30 summers working at tourist camps on Rainy Lake and Trout River, and trapped in the fall and winter. In later years, they wholesaled minnows out of the South Flanders area. Her life on the trapline was one she wouldn’t have missed for the world.
Elaine found joy in the natural beauty around her—the first robin of spring, the playful nature of bear cubs, the arrival of hummingbirds after a long winter, and wildflowers growing nearby. When fall leaves rustle beneath our feet and flowers begin to bud in the spring, we will think of you.
In 2011, Elaine wrote a collection of short stories about her life entitled, “At Home on the Trapline.” She enjoyed talking with those who had read her book and was proud to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Trappers Association for her writing and contributions to trapping.
Elaine loved sports. Winters were spent watching curling, and spring brought the excitement of another baseball season to watch on TV. Whether it was golf, football, or tennis, she could talk sports with anyone. As an avid curler until the age of 72, curling was a passion that provided Elaine with many great memories and friendships she cherished.
Christmas was a magical time of year for her—with boughs laden with sparkling snow, carols to play on her piano, baking, and decorations. Shopping was done months in advance and a list helped her keep track of the thoughtful gifts she had planned for everyone. Some years, she had the willpower to open her birthday presents on her actual birthday (Boxing Day), but most years she didn’t.
Grandma Lainie was one of a kind. Adored by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was such an important part of their lives. They admired her tenacity, open mind, and shared many laughs together. They felt very loved by her.
Mom, sister, grandmother, friend—you will be missed more than words can say. You approached life fearlessly and were determined to do what you loved. We will miss your phone calls, your letters, your laughter, and sense of humour. We love you. We thank you. How lucky we were to have you in our lives.
“I enjoyed stepping from a tiny cabin as the sun reddened the eastern sky. I would tie on my snowshoes, creaking with frost, and set out on the packed trails.”
You’re now back with your soul mate, ready for your next adventure together.
—Kel, Trina, Andrew, Lynne, Kelly, Steve, Mya, Bria, Amy, Robin, Peggy, Herb, Lainie, Rob, and Ev—
A come-and-go tea will be held to celebrate Elaine’s life on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014 from 2–4 p.m. at Kelly’s Castaway Lodge in Nestor Falls.