With profound sadness and much love, the family of Leila Jones mourns her passing on July 15, 2024. Leila succumbed to complications of dementia at Fleetwood Care Life in Surrey, BC.
Daisy Eleila Jones (Leila) was predeceased by her mother Dorothy McLean, father William McLean, sister Carol Germaine, and her stepfather Lloyd McLean. She is survived by her ex-husband Don Jones, stepsister Llona Godin and her sons Lindy and Scott Jones.
Leila was born on June 22, 1940, in Port Alberni, then completed her schooling in a convent in Nanaimo. Time outside of school was spent with her family at logging camps along BC’s central coast. Her first job was blowing whistles for a logging operation her father Bill McLean owned in Nimmo Bay.
On my mother’s side, the extended side of the McLean, May and Germain families logged at various locations along the BC coast including Nimmo Bay, Beaver Cove, Tribune Channel, Jervis Inlet, Simoon Sound and Echo Bay. Spending time in her youth in logging camps and living in floathouses up the coast, Leila had boating and the outdoors in her blood. She had an uncanny sense of direction on the water and in the woods. She was an avid hiker, exploring the outdoors both locally and abroad. She went on many hikes with the local Scouts and hiked Machu Picchu with ease at the age of 68.
She was an avid mushroom picker, taking her mother with her when she was in her 70s. Her mother Dorothy Mclean spent most of her life deeply entrenched in the logging industry up the coast. She was a very sharp, hardworking “lady” who loved the outdoors.
Much of her education took place at a convent in Nanaimo due to the remote and ever-changing work locations of her family. The convent was strict and communication with family, loved ones and even classmates was very limited, making this a difficult time. With her schooling complete she moved to Vancouver and worked for IBM. She moved back to Powell River in 1960. Her mother Dorthy (Babs) and stepfather (Lloyd McLean) had their float house towed behind a tug and boom to Powell River. They had purchased land at Myrtle Point adjacent to the old Cutler farm and skid the house and float they had built up the coast, about 600 yards up from the beach where it remains. She lived here for a few years with her mother, stepfather and stepsister Llona.
Not long after moving back to Powell River from the city she met Don Jones. Don managed the local Barge Dock in Westview by the Ferry Terminal. They married and rented an apartment then moved to 3308 Hernando Avenue, Grief Point, historically known as Pneumonia Flats. Around 1973 they purchased a waterfront property across the street, 3301 Hernando. Don and Leila had two sons Scott and Lindy. In 1964 our father went into business on his own selling homeowners insurance at Westview Agencies.
Leila was a dedicated wife and mother who truly cared for others and was kind and honest to a fault. Everything she undertook was with an abundance of hard work and dedication. She enjoyed cooking, especially for others. Family, friends and guests could always count on being fed exceptional, nutritious and healthy meals.
Whether the family was boating, skiing, hiking, or sitting down for Christmas dinner, the food was always exceptional. The time and care taken in the preparation of every meal was tremendous.
Growing up, our mother was strict. If you underperformed on the rigorous expectations of a Jones, you would end up grounded and you would be picking weeds out of the cracks in the driveway with a nail or cleaning window frames with a toothbrush. At the time just getting hit would have been my preference. Looking back, I better understand and respect the values and lessons that were taught.
At a young age, my brother and I were enrolled in a swimming club at the outdoor pool. Our mother was always there to take us to and from lessons and provide the moral support required. We swam in competitions and ended up scuba diving in our very early teens. Growing up we were privileged and were fortunate to have been able to experience the many things our parents provided and gave us the opportunities to do. Growing up on the Point are some of the fondest memories of my life.
As a family we skied, boated, camped, hiked, travelled, etc. As my grandparents aged my mother spent about 12 years caring for them with the same hard work and devotion she put into everything. Prior to my grandmother passing, my mother spent the night laying in her bed beside her at Evergreen Extended Care, adjacent the hospital. Another reminder to me, of who she was as a person.
Dementia took much away from our mother, but she remained a person of strength and character. She never complained about her situation and remained remarkably pleasant and positive. When I visited, she was more concerned with my life and how I was doing than her own situation. She will be fondly remembered.
Leila’s family remembers her as a warm, caring and devoted mother who faced her challenges with grace. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
If you’re interested in attending a celebration of life, please contact Scott Jones at [email protected]. I have been living in the city for some years and am not acquainted with all who knew her. Please reach out by email or call 604.612.1146.
Jones family
