1939 – 2016

Aud was the youngest of 5 surviving siblings born to Ottar and Anna (Ertvag) Novik.  Born in Bremsnes, Norway, her homeland experience was measured in scant months.  Crowded into a 72 foot fish boat, the abrupt departure of the extended family was necessitated by WWII invasion.  The Vancouver newspaper headline read: “Escaped from Nazis – Norwegian Family Flees Here to Join B.C . Fishing Fleet”.  And so began the journey of one feisty, gritty, determined, devil-may-care, adventure seeking, travel-loving, creative, intelligent, pint-sized dynamo of a woman.

Aud was predeceased by her much adored husband Elmer DeBock; sisters Astrid Forrest and Petra Seymour; and her brother Kaare.  She is survived by sisters, Edith “Edie” Novik and Ann Drevland; Sister-in-law Bjorg Novik and Brother-in-law Joe Seymour. Nieces Caulette Snider (Dave McClellan), Sandra Seymour Nahornoff (Larry), Randi Drevland and Roseanne Drevland.  Nephews Tim Snider (Rachelle), Rick Forrest (Jan), Joe  Seymour, Arne Kaare Novik. Grand nieces Sarrah Nahornoff Storey (Jim); Morgan Nahornoff Danilec (Radek), Angela Nahornoff and Karlynn Forrest.  Grand nephews: Dennis Forrest and Kyle Nahornoff.

Aud worked administrative positions in Vancouver, Thunder Bay and Kamloops.  When she moved to Clearwater in the 1990’s, she immersed her creative energy into “The Flower Hut”, her own business.  From this social hub, many relationships within the community‘blossomed’.  On an auspicious day, Elmer Debock entered her shop to buy blooms for his mother; then another day, and another.  Aud was smitten!  One evening, while attending a Fish & Game dinner, Aud screwed up her courage to blurt out “I love you!”…. and promptly darted homeward. Under Elmer’s tutelage, Aud added hunting and prospecting to her outdoor interests. Alongside Elmer, she was an active member of both the Rod & Gun Club and Rock Hounds.

For 13 years , Aud remained undaunted by illness.  Her strength of character was heavily infused with Grade ‘A’ stubbornness that buoyed her through cancer, stroke and kidney disease.  A hearty “I’m FINE!” was her constant mantra.

When her beloved husband Elmer died in 2014, her enduring spirit was gutted by loss and grief.  A ‘small stroke’ minimized her zesty personality.  Cancer returned.  On February 1, 2016, Kalvin Wilde escorted his physically diminished friend to Clearwater’s medical clinic.  Keenly resistant to being admitted, Aud submitted to tests, resulting in immediate transport to Kamloops  Royal Inland Hospital for dialysis. There she languished for 39 days.

On March 10, she gratefully returned to ‘close to home’ at Clearwater’s Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.  Ten days later, Forest View Place provided a palliative room.  In this lovely space, she received weeks of kind, gentle and supportive care.  She genuinely enjoyed many of her remaining days.  Friends and family visited and called at every opportunity, of which there were many.  On the weekend prior to her passing, Andrea and Ed took her on an excursion to Dunn Lake.  At the picnic, Aud devoured 2 hotdogs and an ample slice of cake while she reveled in the enjoyment of a beautiful spring day in the company of beloved and trusted friends.

During the midafternoon of April 30th, Kalvin held her hand and stroked her hair while Aud took her last breath. He gently closed her eyes and he wept.  Aud was gifted with a peaceful departure as her cherished friend watched over her.  Unintentionally, she frequently called him “Kalmer”.  Somehow, he embodied the love and faith she had in both her husband and dedicated care-giver friend.

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the extraordinary staff at Forest View Place, Clearwater Hospice, Dr. Helmcken’s Memorial and Royal Inland Hospitals. The calibre of care was exceptional …exceptional …exceptional.

Home Health Coordinator Janice Wyatt was instrumental in Aud’s quality of care many months prior to her hospitalization.  Clearwater’s Hospice ladies were so genuine and consistent with their visits.  Thank you, thank you and thank you.

Friends were tremendously dedicated and supportive. Andrea Lenny, Sharon and David Zirul and of course, Kalvin Wilde were remarkably steadfast in the love given and time spent with Aud.  Grateful thanks to family and friends and EVERY INDIVIDUAL who visited, phoned to inquire after her wellbeing, and travelled to share a little more time with the highly colourful personality that was Aud.

A gathering to Remember the Life of Aud DeBock will take place on Saturday, May14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Drake Cremation & Funeral Services, 73 Taren Drive, Clearwater, 250-674-3030.  Online condolences to DrakeCremation.com

• Date : 2016-04-30
• Location : Clearwater, B.C.