Well known Prince George Centurion Jo Selkirk was born on December 13th, 1911 in the small town of Sirdar, in the East Kootenays; a short time later the family moved to Trail in the West Kootenays.
Jo reflects back and says, "My parents emigrated from Italy and settled in a new, raw land. There was not much help from the government back then. There was no English as a second language and no financial assistance if things went wrong; so naturally we gravitated to areas where there were other Italians. We were a family of six children with another one on the way. Soon after and with a small infant my mother who was 33 years old became ill and passed away. From there we all went to live with my grandmother in Cranbrook."
In 1942 Jo enlisted with the Royal Canadian Women's Air Force (WAF) and served as a corporal in an administrative role in Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg.
Jo married Ian Selkirk in 1947 who also served in the Canadian Army during the war. The couple moved to Prince George in 1959 and raised four children: Ianna, Roxanna, Barrie and Glenda.
One fateful day in 1972 Ian and Jo went fishing at Sinkut Falls near Vanderhoof. Ian lost his footing, slipped and fell 60 feet down a cliff. He was severely injured. He passed away in hospital in 1974.
Jo has always been very involved in the Prince George community in one way or another. She was named the 1982 "Citizen of the Year" by the Prince George Rotary Club.
Jo says, "In 1973 I became active in Branch 43 of the Royal Canadian Legion. I served on the executive for thirteen years. My main focus was always on public relations, the welfare of veterans, and the widows of that war. I was honoured by the branch with a "Life Membership Award, the "Meritorious Service Medal" and their highest award, the "Palm Leaf Award." Later in 2008 Jo received the "Veterans Commendation Award" from then Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
Jo is a professional writer and over the years many of her articles on a variety of subjects have been published. She recently published a book called, "Journeys with Jo Selkirk" which is available at Books and Company.
Jo is proud to say, "I have been a member of the drama club at the Elder Citizens Recreation Center for many years." Jo was still playing her comedy parts and making people laugh or reciting her 15 minute memorized rendition of "The Highway Man" right up to the age of 99. If she is not on stage she is in the audience. She rarely misses a show.
I personally remember Jo best in her roles as a weight lifter and as the lady drawing up her will: She was still unfulfilled and lamenting because she had never been kissed by a man. I still have to laugh as I recall those skits.
***
The Elder Citizens Recreation Centre, 1692 10Th Ave. presents "A Family Christmas Concert" Sunday, December 9th at 2 pm. Admission by donation with goodie bags for the children and refreshments.
***
Send your seniors news to Kathy at [email protected].
