Joan Lake Obituary Joan Lake (nee Rathjen) passed away suddenly on August 25, 2021, at the age of 92 years. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Rene, her sons Steven and Alan and her grandchildren Joanna, Jonathan, and Daniel. She will be sorely missed. Joan was a vivacious woman and loved the spotlight which makes sense given that she had gone to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and then acted professionally in England before emigrating to Canada. She eventually found herself in the Royal Canadian Air Force where she met Rene and they married soon after. In those day, it was not permissible to be a married couple in the military, so she gave up that career to become a housewife (not her style). However, the military life led to travelling around Canada, Europe, and being introduced to the Queen which did suit her. Mom prided herself on knowing Pitman shorthand which she put to good use working as a secretary for base commanders and company presidents. Upon retiring from work, she and Rene moved to their hobby farm outside Qualicum Beach. There, they spent thirty plus years enjoying the fruits of their labour. Joan loved animals. Horses, dogs, and cats brought joy to her life. She rode into her eighties and had two ponies that she could not part with even after she stopped riding. Joan made friends easily, young and old alike, they appreciated her energy and joie de vivre. I will always remember the twinkle in her eye, her positivity, and her willingness to converse about anything. I owe you more than you can imagine. May you ride the horse of your dreams with the wind in your hair.