Island of Dreams

In the fall of 1952, my parents purchased a summer home on Gambier Island. They named the place, SunSea. Although only a short distance from Vancouver, Gambier was isolated-there was no ferry service-and almost entirely undeveloped. Though the population grew into the low hundreds during the summer months, there were few permanent residents. Roads were non-existent and the majority of homes lacked basic services. In short, Gambier was the perfect refuge for those seeking solitude and escape from modern life. For almost half a century, SunSea played a pivotal role in our lives. Island of Dreams is the story of how we came to be there and the life we experienced. It is about the magical world of childhood, the allure of nature, love and loss, and how the elemental forces of fire and water shape lives. It describes our neighbours-strong, self-reliant individuals who lived on Gambier year-round and made their living there. Finally, it is about dreams In all their guises. When I started writing this memoir, my main interest was in telling the story of my family’s Gambier days. I knew there was a story to tell-indeed, many stories, some that I had been sharing with others throughout my life. However, as my writing progressed, I realized I wanted to do more than recount amusing tales. I wanted to bring back to life the people I had known and loved. The ritual of a family leaving the city and retreating to a summer cottage is a part of our Canadian identity. Island of Dreams describes one family’s experience of this ritual. This book is both a celebration and a cautionary tale.