Who are you?
My name is Betty Annand and I’ve been around long enough to wear purple and drink gin! I should be very sagacious by now, but I find that I learn more from my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren than they learn from me. I was born in 1927 in Vancouver and lived on Capitol Hill in the east end of that city until 1937 at which time we moved to the little town of Bevan on Vancouver Island. The #8 mine had just opened and the families that moved to Bevan had come through some very hard times and were still hard up, so everyone was in the same boat. This resulted in a bond amongst all the children that was, and in most cases still is, tantamount to belonging to one family. Although we only lived in that little town for two years before moving to Courtenay, I still enjoy being referred to as a “Bevanite.”
What do I do for fun?
I have a great time dabbling. Although I’ve never become an expert at anything, I’ve always had the desire to try new things. I’ve dabbled in oils, clay and even painted fish plugs. I’ve tried my hand at acting, playwriting, directing and producing. I’ve written three books of memories from local pioneer families and am now attempting to write my first novel. I’m also learning to play the ukulele, love to go for walks and play cards. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many countries, but the most fun I have is just being with my kids! The only hobby I don’t want to take up is “Boredom” and hopefully, I never will.
What is my favorite community? Why?
I would have to say that I love every community in the Comox Valley equally. When you have lived here as long as I have, you have good memories of every neighborhood and the people that lived, and may still be living, there.
What is my superpower?
Gosh, I wish I knew! It may be my smile, or my interest in people. I think all people are unique and have an inner, if not outer, beauty so I like to smile at who ever I meet just to let them know I see it! If I really did have a superpower, I’d want the power to make everyone tell the truth, especially politicians. There would probably be times when even I’d be caught bending the truth – but it would be worth it.
How do I use it to build community?
If my interest in people really is my superpower, I guess I could say that I’ve used it to record the stories of the courageous pioneer families who began building communities in this wonderful part of Canada.
My Three Favourite Things About Betty Are…
1. Storytelling Prowess. Whether during conversations, as part of a presentation, in essays, short stories, or novels, Betty’s unpretentious interest in people – and her ability to tell their stories – has made her the stuff of legend. With a natural ability – and well-honed talent – Betty pushes nouns against verbs with passion, wisdom and, as evidenced above, a wonderful sense of humour.
2. Lust for Life. Yeah, that’s a photo of an 84 year old woman riding an ATV. Awesome.
3. Family. My mom, Janet, and Betty’s daughter, Nancy, taught elementary school together. And, somehow, such a connection makes Betty and I family. And such a thing makes me lucky. And such a thing doesn’t even include the dozens of blood-relatives with whom she shares her energy, ideas, love, and, most importantly, stories.