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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
REITSMA, Doreen Nettie (née PATTERSON) - was born and raised in Vancouver, BC., Canada, and was the second daughter born to Charles Bruce Patterson, and Elva Eleanore (Elliott) Patterson.
Doreen was a very active child and enjoyed playing all kinds of sports. She played girls softball, lacrosse, and rode her bike all over Vancouver. In addition to sports, she also loved music and was a member of the Elgar Choir of British Columbia. The choir was world renown at the time, and Doreen travelled across Canada and the United States for various performances. Doreen stated, "I remember one special day in 1939 when we were invited to sing for His Majesty King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth. We assembled on the steps of St. Andrew's Wesley United Church and sang as their motorcade drove by."
After graduating from King Edward High School in 1945, Doreen was hired as a front desk clerk at the Hotel Vancouver. In Doreen's words, "Working at the hotel was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the job, and also was able to meet a lot of the popular singers at the time, such as Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. I also met Eddie Cantor who was a well-known singer, dancer, and actor. He gave me a box of chocolates." But one individual was particularly inspiring. In 1949, Doreen was introduced to former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. It was Mrs. Roosevelt who helped give Doreen the inspiration to sign up for Canada's New Post War Women's division of the Royal Canadian Navy. Doreen was the first to sign up. Doreen was often remembered saying; "Of all the people I met at the hotel, Mrs. Roosevelt was the most fascinating."
On October 2nd, 1951, Doreen began her basic training at HMCS Cornwallis in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. She was trained as an elite radio intelligence operator for the wireless base at HMC NRS Coverdale. In 1953-54, Doreen served a term at the Radio Station at Churchill, Manitoba. She was one of only 11 WRENS to ever serve there. While at this post, she was trained to live and work in extreme weather conditions. She and her fellow WRENS were so successful at their tasks that they helped convince the government to create a permanent and fully integrated regular force for women. This decision, which took effect on January 26th, 1955, was not only an important milestone for women, but also marked an historic first for the commonwealth.
After her time in the navy, Doreen married her childhood friend Roderick Douglas Falconer. Their marriage took place on July 20th, 1957, and lasted 2 years before they decided to divorce. Doreen then married Gerard "Bill" Reitsma on August 18th, 1960, at the Capilano United Church in North Vancouver. Doreen and Gerard had met while in the Navy. Doreen later became a bookkeeper with Simpson-Sears (now known as Sears Canada) in the Metrotown area of Burnaby, BC., and later for Art Knapp's Garden Spot in Steveston. Doreen and Gerard raised two children in Richmond, BC.
Doreen is remembered for her sense of humour, but also for her decades long volunteer work for the BC Cancer Agency. She also served on the executive of the 7th Richmond Scouts and spent many hours as a volunteer with the Richmond Kigoos Swim Club. She also held membership in the Rebekah Lodge for more than 40 years and served as Matron of her local Order of the Eastern Star lodge, in which she volunteered for many community projects. In her final years, Doreen continued to give back to her community through her involvement in the Ladner Meals on Wheels program.
When Doreen died, several letters were received regarding her military service and for being the first woman to enlist in the new post war Women's division of the Royal Canadian Navy. One such letter was from Premier of British Columbia, Ujjal Dosangjh, who stated "I wish to acknowledge her initiative as an achievement for women, and her example as an inspiration for all British Columbians". (Biography by Raymond Reitsma)
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