Resident Spotlight - Sandie Rose

We first met Sandie at the hockey arena, as she is almost a permanent fixture there during the winter.  She is dedicated to her Grandchildren and her family, and this comes through in almost everything she does.  Enjoy her Spotlight answers!

How long have you lived in Gold River? What brought you here?

I have lived here since 1972. My hubby got a job at the logging division in 1970 and commuted for the first couple of years. We moved here from Nanaimo where both our families lived. It was difficult leaving family and moving to a place where you knew no one but it certainly was the best decision we ever made.

What do you do for (paid) work?

I retired from Western Forest in 2004 and wanted something to keep my brain working and seeing as I loved to travel, I decided to become a travel agent. I work for Advantage the Travel Place in Campbell River but work out of my home and only go to the office in Campbell River every week or so.

Please tell us about any volunteer work you do.

I am certainly not as good a volunteer as I used to be when my kids were young. For many years I was involved in Girl Guides and was a Pathfinder leader and a Sparks leader. I canvass for Cancer and mostly just volunteer for things my grand kids need done….baking, driving, etc.

Please tell us a bit about your family.

I have been married to Larry for 42 years (wow where did that time go?) and we have 2 grown children Cheri who lives in Nanaimo and Larry who lives here. We have 5 grandchildren who are the joy in our lives. Ty is 24 and lives in Nanaimo and the other 4 Carli, Taylor, Sydni and Logan live here and keep their Gram hopping.

Do you have any pets?

We have a bichon frise named Missy who is 6 years old. She also loves to travel and take road trips. She was my retirement gift to myself and is great company.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun I love to spend time with my family watching their hockey games and taking part in their activities. The grand kids keep us young. I also love to travel and have been to many exciting places including China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Mexico and Cuba. In the summer I like to spend time at our cabin and also camping – Cougar Creek is my favorite and then of course gardening is high up on my list of love to do things.

What do you wish Gold River had that it doesn’t? Is there anything missing for you?

What do I wish Gold River had that is hasn’t….hmmmm that’s a tough one. I guess more jobs for the young people so they didn’t have to leave town and a bowling alley. There was a bowling alley here for many years and it was great fun. Other than that I think Gold River is the most beautiful place to live and raise a family. If you don’t know what your kids are up to, someone else does and don’t mind telling you.

And just for fun – if you were invisible, where would you go / what would you do?

I can’t really think of a place I’d like to go if I were invisible.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Well I’d like to thank all the people who volunteer in this community. Without them there would not be hockey, soccer, ball, fund raising, thrift store, etc. They are what makes the community work. My hats off to all of you.

Thanks Sandie – a great Spotlight!