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Steve Thorlakson: When those five-year plans turn into lifetime plans

Jeanne Pryndik (nee Roberts) was born in Lacombe, Alta., Nov. 18, 1928; and upon completing high school moved to Calgary for work. Family ties were always strong, and Jeanne returned home to Lacombe almost every weekend.
Lifetime Plans
Jeanne Elizabeth Pryndik passed away on Fri., Sept. 7, at the age of 86. She was an active member of the Fort St. John community.

Jeanne Pryndik (nee Roberts) was born in Lacombe, Alta., Nov. 18, 1928; and upon completing high school moved to Calgary for work.

Family ties were always strong, and Jeanne returned home to Lacombe almost every weekend. In 1952, Jeanne met her life partner Alec Pryndik, and they were married in 1952. Alec worked in heavy construction, and they moved often, including Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Hinton, St. John’s, and Montreal.

In 1959, Jeanne worked as the Hostess for the Montreal Flying Club for two years and found a niche she loved – meeting and greeting people, being an ambassador. In 1962, they moved to Edmonton and Jeanne was the receptionist for the HBC Hair Salon – those that knew Jeanne know she had a lifelong love of classy grooming.

In 1966, daughter Kathie was born, and Alec started in the oil rig bit business. They started Pryndik Bit and Supply in Fort St. John, and Jeanne and new son John and young Kathie joined them in August 1969. They intended to stay for five years but spent the rest of their lives in Fort St. John.

Jeanne was always deeply involved in the community, often supporting kids’ sports, but also with organizations including the Legion, Oilwives, MS Society, Cancer Society, and many more. For many years, she was in charge of registration for the annual Oilmen’s Golf Tournament.

Always passionate about politics, Jeanne ran for council and was first elected in 1990 and served for 12 years. She became the official City Ambassador, and we knew we could always count on Jeanne to put our best face forward, whether it was hosting the Governor General, Lieutenant Governor, or even the U.S. Ambassador.

Perhaps the one achievement that brought Jeanne the greatest joy was her pivotal role in having the provincial government establish the mobile mammography program – something that will save lives and pay dividends for generations.

Those who knew and loved Jeanne would acknowledge that she could occasionally be grumpy – but it seldom lasted very long! She loved family, and even offered to be our kids “Special Grandma” – knowing that our nearest grandparents were 800 miles away. Our children always called her “Special Grandma Jeanne” – a testament to how loved they felt.

If there was one theme that defined Jeanne, it was that, “You should serve your community wherever and whenever you can – in order to partially repay former generations for their sacrifices.”

Jeanne left this world in September 2015, but her legacy and inspiration will be with us forever. Lest we forget.

Steve Thorlakson is a resident and former mayor of Fort St. John. 

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