Myrtle Booi

Myrtle Viola Jackson Booi passed over to the realm of angels at 5:35 A.M, August 11, 2014. Her family was by her side.
Myrtle was born in Edmonton, Alberta, to Elizabeth and Abner Jackson, April 27th, 1916, joining her brothers Earle, Ray, and Herschel. Howard was born eight years later. The family moved from Edmonton to Neepawa, Manitoba and when Myrtle was eight years old the Jackson family moved a few miles north of Quibell, Ontario where they homesteaded a section of property, making it into a farm. Myrtle remembered, arriving in Ontario with her mother, travelling from the train station in a horse drawn sleigh to the farm, how happy the large evergreen trees made her feel.
Myrtle married Walter Booi on November 18th, 1934 and they moved to a property north of the Jackson farm to a small house built by Walter. Two years later, Elnora was born, followed by the birth of Ronald in 1938. Walter and Myrtle began work on the lodge at big Cannon in 1938 and with the help of some good log builders, the camp on big Cannon was open for business and the Booi’s legendary call to advance tourism in North Western Ontario had begun. The log cabins on Big Cannon are still standing. The property that became “North Star Camps” on Clay Lake, seven miles north of Quibell was purchased. Cabins were built to accommodate tourists who came from all over the U.S. to enjoy good fishing, hunting and the great hospitality of Myrtle and Walter. It was hard work and times were tough, but their ambition, planning and love of people made it all worthwhile.
Myrtle loved to knit and crochet slippers, blankets, sweaters and booties. Her knitting needles are treasured by several great granddaughters. Myrtle wrote colorful, newsy letters and cards to many friends and loved ones, if she thought she could brighten their day. She was known as Nana to her grandchildren, their offspring and others in the community. During her 98 years, Myrtle enjoyed gardening, music, baking and photography. Her homemade bread was the best; she played a haunting Hawaiian guitar and made the harmonica come alive with merriment.
She is survived by her daughter Elnora Bratland, daughter in law Ardith Booi, brother Howard Jackson, sister Clara Brooks, 6 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 17 great, great grandchildren (with another one on the way), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by Walter, her husband of sixty-seven years (2001), her son Ron (1997), her brothers Earle, Ray, Herschel and her parents.
Myrtle moved into Princess Court/ Long Term Care, October, 2013. Everything about her new home made her happy and she and her family were very grateful for the loving care and support she received there. She was pleased to be living in the same facility as her brother Howard and fortunate enough to be a few doors down from him. Myrtle enjoyed and participated in most exercises and activities at the home and although she had a hard time hearing, she was always very social.
As per Myrtle’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Quibell Hall, Friday, August 22, 2014 at 11:00am with Elnora Bratland officiating.
Interment will be held later that day for the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Princess Court Long Term Care Facility through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Loved and admired by many, she will be missed by her family and friends far and wide. May our beloved Myrtle be embraced by loving arms as she transitions into her next phase. So loved and then set free, with love always and forever. Godspeed!
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net Subject heading: Booi