Page 34 - Card Photo Flipbook-December 2022

32 July 1st, 1961 the two became engaged. That fall both Helen and Bob left residence to move
On
to boarding houses. Helen’s was at 337 Earl Street, Mrs. Phoebe Weir’s. She roomed with Faye
Rowden and Nanci Willard in the attic. Nanci was dating an RMC cadet. Faye later married Bernie
Skitch – Helen, Bob, Faye, Bernie became close friends, and visited each other a number of times
over the years. Bob’s boarding house was Mrs. Ford’s at 134 King Street East. He shared this with
classmate Dave Scott. Both of these houses still exist. By coincidence the Earl St. house was 2
doors from where Bob’s dad, John, had roomed when he went to Queen’s (1931-37). This house
was also across the street from Kingston’s high school (KCVI).
One interesting observation was that Bob visited Bermuda with his family, but without Helen, in
December 1961. Why "leaving Helen behind" occurred continues to be part of family lore - with
debates as to why. It would appear Bob spent most of his time writing letters, judging by the
number he sent from Bermuda that Helen had saved in her box of letters.
Helen continued her studies and received her B.N.Sc. from Queen’s that spring. In the graduation
photos from May 26th, 1962 Peggy (Tait) Barton recently pointed out that the two of them were
wearing their nursing whites and shoes under their capes – they had to return to KGH that day
with a rotation to finish!
Sadly, distance and Helen’s illnesses prevented her from attending many of her nursing reunions
from either TWH or Queen’s. Photos from Queen’s Nursing 10th and 30th show how much she
enjoyed those she could get to.