Obituary of Helen Spafford

SPAFFORD, Helen (Wattie) Helen was born to William Wattie & Helen Davies Rhind, March 27, 1922, in a cottage in Fyvie, Scotland. She was the oldest of six siblings- William “Willie”, Margaret, Mary, Charlie, and Elizabeth. Helen grew up in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland with the influence of its castle, museums, parks, art galleries and playing fields. In school she enjoyed sports and especially field hockey. After graduating from school at the age of 15, she worked as a legal secretary in a law office. She married Canadian Army soldier Kenneth Lloyd Spafford in Edinburgh, August 8, 1942. Lloyd was stationed outside of London, England and they lived in a cottage near his post. Helen commuted by bus to London for her job in a British agriculture office. She said that the scientists did not understand her Scottish accent and she did not know the agricultural terms. After the Germans bombed the building next door, she moved back to Edinburgh. Son Malcolm “Mac” was born December 1943. After the war, Helen and son Mac came to Canada on a ship with other war brides. She said the husbands were not allowed to travel with their brides. She and Mac stayed with Lloyd’s parents in Waterville, Quebec, population 800, in the beautiful Eastern Townships. Lloyd returned to Canada months later and got employment as a Lineman with Southern Canada Power, Waterville. Daughter Heather was born in July 1946. Helen and Lloyd bought their own home in Waterville. Helen’s mother died in 1948. Her father and his children, except for Margaret, emigrated to Canada, staying with Helen and Lloyd in Waterville until moving on to other places in Canada. Son Bruce was born in June 1950. Helen was the Girl Guide and Brownie leader in Waterville, and the Guide district trainer, during the 1950s and early 1960s. From 1962 to 1969 she was the Business teacher at Lennoxville High School, Lennoxville, Quebec. From 1969 to 1979, she was the Business department head at Alexander Galt Regional High School, Lennoxville, Quebec. Helen achieved her Bachelor of Teaching degree by taking summer courses at a technical college, Moncton, New Brunswick and the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick. After moving to St. Thomas, Ontario in 1979, she taught for the Elgin County Board of Education and Fanshawe College, St. Thomas Campus. She joined the local Scottish Country dancing group and danced at the 1985 International Ploughing Match, near St. Thomas. Helen and Lloyd moved to Chatham, Ontario in 1986. Lloyd died in 2006. Helen’s health declined after that time. Helen was predeceased by all her siblings. Helen passed away April 30, 2014 at Riverview, Gardens, Chatham, Ontario. Cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of Helen Spafford to the Diabetes Association would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com