LAURA’S LEGACY
Laura Lee (Milliken, Fink) Hansen
August 4, 1968 – August 30, 2005
A life too quickly over,
but delivered from the pain.
In our hearts and minds forever
‘til we come together once again.
What a wonderful way to Celebrate the Life that was Laura! I have so many terrific memories of Laura!
From Youth group Wake-a-thon , Dances , Rallies , and yes even Law Class.
I was a year ahead of Laura (and most of you) but we were still good friends.
I knew her in Fernie, Invermere, and then again on the Island. We tried to keep in touch with each other. But with both of us moving (and my new name) it wasn't always easy.
'Laura, I know we will meet again in Summerland.'
My family and I send our Love Support and Wishes for Happiness to Wayne and the Children, Mrs. & Mr. Fink and Tracey.
Love and Peace to all
Katherin Reid ( Kathy Blumers)
Wow it has been difficult to sit down and read everyone’s thoughts and memories of Laura. I thought I couldn’t possibly cry one more tear, but I guess it is much closer to the surface than I realized. I feel so blessed to have had Laura in my life. Let face it we didn’t all breeze through high school years without a lot of ups and downs. She was always a friendly face and a great hug. Laura and I have sort of floated in and out of each others lives the last few years. Interestingly enough there were never hard feelings and we always seemed to pick up where we left off. Unfortunately distance and wee ones sometimes give us reason to loose touch with good friends. This last half year has really pulled us back together. I watched in awe as she managed to keep everything together. Many times to my frustration I would walk in on situations and wonder why she hadn’t called for help. That was Laura, she didn’t wish to worry us or put us out. These past weeks have been difficult. My nursing brain knew that Laura was in trouble, but my heart wasn’t willing to give up on her. In retrospect, I’m amazed she held up so long. It just showed how strong her will was. I am just thankful that her last days were comfortable and that she was surrounded with love.
Well Laura I will greatly miss your easy friendship. You have a strength I pray I may someday muster. I will miss our visits sitting around the kitchen table with our big mugs of tea and our little guys roaring around us. I know you worried about Wayne and your babes, they will not be forgotten.
Rest easy,
Love,
Annemarie (Beursken) Somerville
Laura - you've touched so many people's lives just by being you. How lucky we all are to have known you, to have you brighten our days, to bring us all together. Thank you so much for sharing your short life with us. I'll remember you always.
Deb Cryderman
Although I didn't know Laura well, my memories of Laura are of a happy, genuinely caring, and bubbly woman. It's so hard to comprehend the fact that she's gone. Losing her is a sad reminder for all of us that even though we may be still be young and feel that we have a lifetime ahead of us, life holds no promises. My thoughts and prayers are with you Laura. I wish I had known you better, and kept in touch after high school. Thank you so much for teaching us to hold on to and treasure the people we love in our lives while we are here. May God keep you bless you.
Love Leslie Steinwandt
I find myself reading everyone's emails and realizing what a truly remarkable person Laura was. She left her mark on each and every one of us and not many people can do that. I can remember spending, actually... wasting countless hours in the back corner of law class with her. And yes, she could always make you smile. She always had the funniest stories and while I may not remember them all now, I do remember how hard I laughed! Thank you, Laura. You can still make me smile. I will remember you always.
Derry Turner
Laura, my dear friend. I will miss you so very much. I don't remember when we first met, it seems like we've been friends forever. She made it so easy to be her friend, we had so many good times together, we've laughed, we've cried and we've partied. It's so hard for me to believe that now all I will have is those memories, I will cherish them forever. Laura helped me through a very difficult time in my life, a time when I felt like I was alone and had no one, she was always there to lend an ear and was always one of the first to let me know that I was loved. Laura NEVER ended a phone call without saying "I love you chick" Man am I ever going to miss that! Laura I love you too and I know everyone else that knew you loved you also, you were a wonderful mother, wife and friend and we are all going to miss you. Here's a poem that I've had around my house for awhile now, it just seems to fit.
May I Go?
May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go, I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
With All My Love
Darcy Milne (Haugo)
WOW 37...We never think that at our age that death with happen upon us. In reality it does and it touches us. I, myself remember who Laura Fink is but never knew her. I give my sympathy to the kids and the family.
Your regards
Lori Lumsden
I never had the privilege to carry on a friendship with Laura but from the first day I started at the Fernie school she was all ways kind and friendly and just knowing the kind of person she was then only means that she carried on being the kind caring and loving person she was. People like you are far and few between and if the world was made of more people like you it would be almost a perfect place to live, at least more bearable, but not only will your love ones suffer because of your loss the whole world will and for me it will stop just for little while just because it is unbearable to think that another exceptional person has left us. May your journey be safe and your heart be full of love, and a feeling of peace. You will be forever missed.
Ronda Palmer (Willumeit)
I met Laura many years ago at youth group but it wasn't until a few years later in Calgary we met again.
Our friendship was instant. Laura's love for life was infectious and I was hooked. To me, Laura was always that one person who lit up a room, she was that doubled over with laughter feeling and the one hug you desperately needed.
I adored Laura and some of life's best moments have been shared with her. For that I am grateful for. I was able to tell Laura last night that I loved her and that I am also grateful for.
So to you my dear friend when I look up at the stars you will always be the brightest one. When I am embraced by the warm sun I will take comfort knowing it is you. And if I faintly hear the angels sing I will sing with you.
Last night I held your hand in my dreams and through life's journey you will hold mine.
I will always treasure you. I love you lots...
Shauna (Spencer) MacLeod
I remember the first time I met Laura. It was in Mrs. Beursken's class in Grade 9 and I looked over and saw a new face I didn't know. I thought to myself, "She looks nice, maybe I could say 'hi'." For me that was tough, because I was VERY shy around strangers, but I'm SO glad I took the chance and introduced myself to her.
Laura and I have lived together (in Invermere) and a thousand miles apart, and have always remained friends. The fights have been few, and the joys have been many. I couldn't be at her wedding, but I know the happiness she felt the day she married Wayne. I couldn't be with her when she gave birth to her three children, but I know the joy they gave every day. I couldn't be with her the day she left us, but I know she loved me, and that she knew the love I have for her. As in our lives, we may be apart now, but I know like always, one day we will be together again, and on that day we will laugh and tell stories and hug; it is a day I will look forward to for the rest of my life.
A life too quickly over,
but delivered from the pain.
In our hearts and minds forever
‘til we come together once again.
Shelley (Ganter) Furedi
I can't remember first meeting Laura but I bet it was in grade 8 and boy she was fun! Either it was a school dance, trip, youth group or boy talkLaura was always there smilin and laughing! I remember sleep overs and drinking beer and going to the movies. I remember gettin grounded and both of us mad at our moms. As I looked back at old pictures this afternoon and it seemed just like yesterday and then my screaming boys brought me back to reality! My heart is heavy and I'm still in shock. My 6 year old said to me "mommy are you still sad that your friend died? What will happen to the kids? Is their daddy going to heaven too? Do they have a nonna/nonna and gramma /grampa?What can I say to him except to give him a big hug and smile knowing I was blessed knowing Miss Laura Fink! And thanks to you Laura and our group of friends for making our teen years the best time! I didn’t keep up with Laura after she moved but I knew about her life with Wayne through Darcy! There’s a lot of you I don't keep in touch with but I have thought about over the years. Keep your family close and your friends even closer! I will miss you Laura! Your flight has just begun and you are free keep watch over us! GOD has a given you wings and give your children lots of butterfly kisses!!! They will not forget you Laura your family and friends will make sure of that!!!As another tear falls down I say take care and God bless!
Tammy (Bremault) Pesce
May the peace of Love be with you Laura, and you will be remembered forever in our hearts
Love,
Roland Carignan
This is a message I want to send out to Laura and I hope she can hear me up in heaven because it's from my heart as I'm sure it's from most of yours.
To Laura;
If we had one lifetime wish,
One dream that could come true
We'd pray to God so hard
For yesterday and you.
They say memories are golden
Well, maybe that is true
But we never wanted memories,
We only wanted you.
If teardrops were a stairway
And heartaches a lane,
We'd walk a path to heaven
And bring you back again.
A thousand times we've needed you
A thousand times we cried......
If love could have saved you,
You would have never died
I'll Miss You Laura.
Love Rosanna (Prestia) Amoroso
You all may not know me But I came to know Laura through Youth Group...And oh what crazy fun we all had in youth Group. I was from Kimberley and of course we all know where she was from and oh what crazy fun we all had. Remember the Rallies!
Shelley, Darcy, Shauna, Tammy, Leanne, Roland, AnneMarie and a few others would remember me the most.....
I had not seen Laura since I went to Campbell River in 1994 and she had not changed one oz. then last year I had an opportunity to connect again with Shelley and she informed me Laura was doing great and gave me her e-mail and I was able to connect with her over the internet and it was great. Then she took ill. There hasn't been one day since Laura took ill I have not thought of her and how much life she had for one person...how strong her spirit was....she could not be broken....I honestly believed this would never happen to Laura....to another friend...... I will Miss Laura Dearly and remember her forever in my heart and in my memories.
May God give Laura's family strength to carry on one day at a time.....Love you Girl, Peace be with you.
Michelle Plante-Dresser
I first met Laura in Grade 11 but I can't remember exactly how or in what class. I know we had French together with Mr. Harwood. Troy and I would always joke around with Laura and she knew how to take a joke and give it back as well. Her smile and laughter was infectious. That is what I remember most is Laura's sense of humour. That is probably why we got along so well. I will miss my friend but I will never forget her and my memories of Laura will bring a smile to my face when I need it most.
Gordon Holmes
Meeting Laura... how can one forget that?? The first thing a person would notice was the way she was full of life and in a good way it would "rub off" on you. I moved away and didn’t keep in touch with anyone, then it was a web site that i saw and sure enough the names of the people I met while going to school. And sure enough you start thinking and smiling recalling all the good times and some bad. Then it was an e-mail from Derry saying "HIGH SCHOOL REUNION" I laughed and thought it would be cool to see some of the old class mates and old friends including Laura. Then the emails from Darcy, Shelley, Robert (Bobby) and so on. I found out that Laura was living 10 min from me and never new it. She is married and is a mum all I could think is wow. When I found out that she was ill I remembered meeting her for the first time (around the 10th grade), and she was as always smiling. I didn’t get a chance to see her after 20 years, but I will always remember her. I think she has a bigger plan in store for us and in some way it is reuniting some of us before the grad class reunion making the old friendships return. I know that she has gone but she will always be there in our hearts.. My heart to her family and kids my thoughts to former class mates and old friends. Thanks Laura for making the memories return.
Chris Lethbridge
I wanted to add a few more words about Laura. I met Laura in High school and I instantly liked her. She was always so full of spunk and very funny. She was honest with you and told it like it was without hurting anyone. I lost contact with her after high school and then one day in 1991 I received a phone call from Laura in Calgary out of the blue. She moved to Calgary and we became very close for the next two years. She came back into my life at a time when I felt I had no one and it was like God sent her to me. She became my confidant and my savior. She made me laugh again. She moved away to the Island and I missed her so very much. I was able to see her a few more times after that at Shauna’s wedding and at her own wedding in 1994. I went to Campbell River and saw her on her wedding day. She was so happy with Wayne and I could tell Wayne loved her so much. That was the last time I saw Laura but we have kept in touch over the years. I only wish I could have given her what she gave me. Laughter, Friendship and Love are the three words that come to mind whenever I think of Laura. I love you and I miss you. God Bless you Laura for being who you were.
Love Rosanna
I met Laura in high school, in grade 11. She was one of the first girls to introduce herself to me as I was new. I appreciated how she made me feel welcome from the start. Still in shock to hear the sad news, I shall miss her, rest in peace Laura you will never be forgotten.
Julie (Ross) Mehrer
Well, I don't know when it was that I actually met Laura but I have lots of funny memories that I'll cherish always. She was always there for everyone, no matter who you were. I'm sorry that it was only after she became sick that I found out that she lived just minutes away from me, here in Surrey. We didn't keep in touch after high school like so many of you did, but had I known she was so close, I would have tried to contact her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, especially her children, during this very difficult time. We love you Laura, and I'm so glad I got to know you during high school. God bless you and yours and may He keep them safe until you meet again.
Kim Pamenter (Tripp)
It is difficult to believe that Laura has left us so early in her life. Like many of you I have not seen her in the last 19 years but I don’t think any of us will forget her. Thinking of her family, especially her children at this sad time…
Caroline Chang-Leng
This 'chain' is beautiful and quite overwhelming. I remember that 'little piglet laughter' of Laura's it was so infectious. I also remember and cherish her capacity for empathy. I am blessed for having known her.
A Perspective:
What is Dying?
A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon
and someone at my side says, "she is gone". Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all;
she is just as large as when I saw her.
The diminished size, and total loss of sight is in me, not in her,
and just at the moment when someone at my side says, "She is gone",
there are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout, "There she comes!" and that is dying.
(Bishop Brent - Ireland)
Peace to all,
Leanne Davis
Sometimes words are not enough to express our feelings during this sad time, but it’s obvious from reading that Laura touched a lot of people's hearts throughout her life. I'm sure Laura would not want us to be sad. So beautiful, brave, positive and full of energy, Laura will be deeply missed by us all. My sincere condolences to her family and friends and fellow grads. She has forever etched a place in our hearts. I too regret for not getting to know her better. God be with you Laura. See you on the other side.
Bob Greene
Hard to believe, but this is a recent picture of Nick, Emily and Trevor. I'm sure Laura is amazed at how they've changed and watches with pride how they live their lives. They were her reason for waking up each morning, and the light of her life, even when they did stuff like spread a whole bag of flour and another of sugar across her kitchen floor. The hardest thing for her was knowing she wouldn't be there for them as they grew up, but I hope they know, without a doubt, that there is a part of her that lives in them and will be with them for the rest of their lives.
