Wendy and I first met in Mexico city in 1977. A group of us, all SFU students, were travelling through Mexico by bus. Wendy and I became friends. I have two short stories about Wendy I would like to share.
First story: I remember walking with her in Oaxaca. It was late at night. We walked along the roads where the locals were setting up their stands for the market day the next morning. We walked and talked for a long time. Every so often a giant rat would run across our paths. Wendy was pretty scared. After seeing several rats I stopped for a second to “tie my shoe” then quickly ran my fingers up Wendy’s calf in a scratching motion. After she screamed I found out how strong she was. She started chasing me and did get one good kick in. I deserved it of course.
Second story: Wendy was pretty good at getting her way! She talked me into piggy backing her all the way from the Hotel Zaculeu in Huehuetenango to the Mayan ruins at nearby Zaculeu – all at a good running speed. The locals looked at us as if we were crazy. Eventually we arrived at the ruins and sat down on top of one of the walls. We sat and talked about life for a few hours and watched the sunset. I have such fond memories of that time.
Wendy was a very high energy, confident, strong both in mind and body, thoughtful person. Obviously those traits stayed with her.
My wife and I attended the memorial last Saturday. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person. She was obviously blessed to have such a loving caring family.
