Florence Irene Sliney

Florence passed away peacefully in Canmore, Alberta. She is survived by sister-in-law Lorraine Gray, nieces Terry Thomson, Char Bernard, Trish Tomlin, Kathy Emberly, Sara Germain, and nephews Rick Gray and Sean Germain. She is also survived by her greatly adored great and great great nieces and nephews. Florence was born in Calgary, Alberta. She grew up in Winnipeg attending local schools then University of Manitoba where she earned a BSC degree and teacher certification. She would later get her principal certification from McGill University.

Growing up she loved reading, biking, and participating in school choirs and operettas. She especially enjoyed summers at the family cottage at Dorothy Lake. She was a Gold cord girl guide and certified lifeguard. She married Ray, the love of her life, in 1963 and together they lived a life full of adventure. A lifetime membership of the alpine club of Canada. She climbed such mountains as the Matterhorn in Switzerland, Mt. Kenya, and Kilimanjaro in Africa. She loved hiking with the Canmore Meanderthals in her later years. Encouraged by Ray, she got her Glider pilot and Power plane licenses and received the Pilot of the Year award from the Winnipeg Flying Club. Flying their vintage power plane throughout western Canada kept the spirit of adventure alive. In 1975, Ray moved back to Kamloops where she assisted him at a book store the couple had purchased. Semi retiring in 1975, Ray and Florence embarked on a high seas adventure by sailing their 32 foot sloop, the AVILION on a 12 year sailing voyage around the world. Florence co-Authored a book by the same name. 

Upon returning to Canada she re-entered the work force as a teacher and principal in northern Manitoba and Nunavut. Her teacher career was highlighted by such awards as: the Marshall McLuhan Distinguished Teacher award, the Readers Digest Canada Wide Leadership in Education award, the Hilroy Foundation Award of Great Merit, the Prime Ministers Award of Excellence in teaching Math and Science, and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the N.W.T. She retired to Canmore where she taught briefly at a small private community school. 

In addition to her enjoyment of road trips about the country she and Ray traveled extensively, visiting such places as the kingdoms of Sikkim and Bhutan, and the Andes of Peru, along the tributaries of the Amazon and around the Horn. Backpacking through New Zealand, Australia, India, Asia, and Indonesia were highlights.

Florence will be remembered by her students for her kindness and love for learning. She was a strong advocate of environmental awareness and preservation of wild spaces. She was instrumental in taking her Inuit students to national recognition by becoming the first Earth School in Canada. An active member of St. Michaels Church she volunteered for various church events as well as many local endeavors. Florence was a gently soul living with grace, authenticity, dignity, and a deep abiding love for Ray her lifelong love and joy. She grabbed life with both hands, enjoying the mountains, the sea, and every adventure that came her way. She saw goodness and beauty in everyone and preferred the roads less traveled. 

 A celebration of life will follow in the spring.