Vancouver’s Mountain View Cemetery: Five Fascinating Denizens
Stepping into the serene environs of Mountain View Cemetery, one can’t help but be enveloped by the weight of history. The tales of countless lives interwoven with the very fabric of Vancouver resonate with every rustling leaf and every whispering breeze. But amongst the myriad stories, there are a few that stand out, capturing the essence of a bygone era and offering glimpses into the souls of Vancouver’s past. Let’s embark on a journey and meet five of these fascinating denizens.
1. Margaret “Peggy” Jones: The Unsung War Heroine
During the tumultuous years of World War II, many brave souls from Vancouver joined the fray. Among them was Margaret Jones, affectionately known as “Peggy” to her mates. While her name might not ring a bell, her deeds were nothing short of legendary.
Peggy was a nurse, providing critical care in makeshift tents while bullets whizzed past and explosions rocked the ground. Often, she’d use her own clothing to bandage the wounded, proving the old adage, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” She once quipped, “If it’s fabric and it ain’t on fire, it’s a bandage!” Her indomitable spirit and selflessness saved countless lives.
Did you know? Peggy once braved enemy lines to retrieve medicine for her patients. Her bravery earned her posthumous recognition, including a commemorative plaque at the War Memorial in Vancouver.
2. Samuel Goldwin: The Silent Movie Mogul
Long before Hollywood became synonymous with global cinema, there were silent film pioneers like Samuel Goldwin. Starting with a shoe-string budget and truckloads of ambition, Goldwin produced silent films that had Vancouverites lining up outside theatres.
His most famous work, “The Whistle’s Echo,” portrayed life during the railway boom in Vancouver. Critics lauded it as “an evocative masterpiece that captures the heartbeat of a burgeoning city.” Goldwin’s tales weren’t just about entertainment; they were slices of history, immortalized on celluloid.
Fascinating Fact: Goldwin’s legacy can still be seen today. The Cinematheque in Vancouver regularly screens his classics, preserving the magic for future generations.
3. Lillian Wight: The Enigmatic Socialite
With her flamboyant dresses and penchant for the dramatic, Lillian Wight was the talk of the town in 1920s Vancouver. Her soirées were legendary, with attendees ranging from artists to politicians. But beneath the glitz and glam, there was a woman with a heart of gold.
Lillian secretly funded orphanages and women’s shelters, often under pseudonyms. She believed in giving back, remarking, “Life’s been good to me, why shouldn’t I spread the joy around?” Her philanthropic efforts, though kept under wraps, made a world of difference to countless Vancouverites.
A Tidbit to Chew On: Lillian’s famed ‘Masquerade Ball of ’29’ is still a popular topic among Vancouver’s elite. It’s said that Vancouver Art Gallery got its first Picasso from that very event!
4. Robert “Bobby” Lee: The Culinary Maverick
The world of gastronomy owes a debt of gratitude to Robert Lee, known in culinary circles as Vancouver’s very own “flavor maestro.” Introducing Vancouver to a melange of Asian-inspired dishes, Bobby’s restaurant was the place to be.
His signature dish, “Pacific Fusion Roulade,” was a harmonious blend of East meets West. People often joked that waiting for a table at Bobby’s was a rite of passage in Vancouver!
Food for Thought: Bobby’s pioneering spirit lives on. Vancouver’s Granville Island Public Market houses a stall dedicated solely to his innovative recipes.
5. Emily Carrington: The Voice of the Wilderness
A poetess par excellence, Emily Carrington channeled the raw beauty of Vancouver’s landscapes into her verses. Her seminal work, “Whispers of the Cedars,” is often likened to “a love letter to Vancouver’s wilderness.”
Emily found solace in nature, often remarking, “The trees, they speak if only we’d listen.” Her works remain a testament to Vancouver’s pristine beauty and serve as a clarion call to preserve it for posterity.
Literary Nugget: Emily’s poems played a pivotal role in the establishment of the [Pacific Rim National Park Reserve](https://en
