For those of us that are lucky enough to call Chestermere home, the thought of leaving here is rarely visited. Once you move here, it can become your ‘hometown’ very quickly as friendships are built and that sense of small town community gives you that feeling of never wanting to leave. But, if your path ever leads you away from Chestermere, know that although you’ll be missed, those that you have touched while here will send you away in style.
That was the case at the Chestermere Whitecappers on March 8, 2015 as they bid farewell to a remarkable couple that have been such an important part of their club for so many years. Eleanor & John Semochuk have lived in Chestermere for twenty years and have been valued members of the Whitecappers organization. They are leaving Chestermere this month and heading west, to Victoria, where both of their daughters live – along with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. As in true Chestermere spirit, the Whitecappers couldn’t let their dear friends leave without sending them on their way in style. So the china was brought out, friends invited and a ‘Goodbye Tea’ was organized.
Carollyne Hinde, President of the Whitecappers 50+ Association, gave a heart-warming speech to the couple, who in July will celebrate 75 years of marriage. “Today we are here to wish you and John our very best wishes on your move to Victoria. How lucky Victoria is to have two such beautiful people move to their lovely city. As I reflect back on the many functions that I have been a part of at the Whitecappers, you (Eleanor) were there for all of them. At all of our potlucks you were our greater. Your welcoming smile and cheerful “hello, welcome” made everyone feel at home. You always brought that special elegance to each and every event, it didn’t matter if it was carpet bowling, bacchii, cards, riding on our float for the fall parade or have a dinner, you were our rose”, and with that the sweet Eleanor was presented a bouquet of beautiful pink roses. Hinde went on to say, “You were our rose. A friend is like a flower and Eleanor, please know you are our rose”.
Other friends of the couple and members of the Whitecappers spoke and told sweet stories of their memories of meeting and spending time with John and Eleanor. Then with tears in her eyes, sweet Eleanor address her friends. “It is so wonderful and we are going to miss you all. But life goes on and we are happy, really really happy. Thank you for this beautiful event and I’m astounded how many people have come out”.
Although, likely not very many people in Chestermere knew or had the great opportunity to meet the Semochuk’s, but after hearing the beautiful remarks of their friends, Chestermere’s loss is very much Victoria’s gain. All the best Eleanor and John. Chestermere will miss you.
