A tribute to Helen. Fortunate enough to call myself a close friend of the family during our "formative years" together, I was blessed with the opportunity to sit at the dining room table and relish in the sumptuous fare provided by Helen. There was always and forever delicious food to be had in Helen's kitchen; from homemade preserves to the stuffed stack of cookie tins placed high on the shelves. It was a constant full larder, the abundance of which would culminate early in September, each year, for the Port Hope Fall Fair: a home and garden - an incredible showcase. Helen's role in the Agricultural Society was unsurpassed and was reflected by her extensively cultivated, organic flower gardens and ponds. Helen maintained this, her volunteer work, managed a very busy household along side her professional career as a nurse in support of her husband's general medical practice. She was progressive and well in advance of the times. Emblematic of Helen's forward practical thinking in household management were the three bins placed outside of her kitchen door for disposal: the primary one for compost. Helen's typed cue cards delineated all domestic schedules and existed as the tip of her organizational schemata. Later, we would read similar monthly calendars published in a popular trendy lifestyle magazine. These thoughtful aspects of Helen's professional world were staid and set in a firm routine. However, they were also shaped by much love, laughter and humour, all held in good taste and affected by life's many interruptions. I can recall, during a busy family event, while voices chirped, riding over one another, Helen inserted her own, "You are not listening to me!" Her calm flat tone, neither shrieking nor demanding, just stated a fact. She was right. Why were we not listening? There was so much to be learned by hearing Helen. We should have been listening. To this day, I believe it is because we all desired her attention; for her to hear us, to be validated by Helen. That was important, above all. Helen's passion for reading was evidenced by an architectural showcase of magazines and books which existed in the Bedford Street living room. Her love of learning remained constant. Our final conversation together was about books and life. I love you Helen. How greatful am I for our time together. To Barb, Jane, Peter, Heather, Rob and Rose; I love you all. This is a sad time. It is Helen's time. My heartfelt condolences.