Ilse Emmi Salt

Ilse was born in the southern German village of Kleinheubach, on August 17, 1931. She was the oldest of her siblings - Rosi and Rainer. Ilse’s fierceness in life was driven by her experiences growing up during WW II. It was not only the need to survive but to endure the hardships of war, however, in her village, she experienced the gifts of closeness and caring of the village people, who helped her, and her siblings survive.  She was recognized as being exceptionally bright and over the course of her life had opportunities and education that was not traditionally available to many women.

She came to Canada in 1955, and one of her most joyous memories was the train ride across the country. She settled in Vancouver, and soon after met her love, Thomas. They began their shared passion of the outdoors by adventuring in the wilds of BC. In the summer, while living in Fort Nelson then onto McLure, they prospected in remote parts of BC and the Yukon. This is when Ilse discovered her love of rocks and minerals, which led to studying Gemology, and earning, in 1966 the first Gemological degree given to a woman by the British Geological Society. She was a well-known expert in mineralogy and her skill in making jewelry with gemstones, led to contracts with Birks Jewelers. These same skills were taught by her to many members of the Golden Rock and Fossil Club and other interested friends. She was a hugely generous person, and "did not suffer fools lightly”.

Ilse was not restricted by traditional women's roles, so when Thomas lost his vision in an industrial accident, she learnt carpentry and together they built their home in McLure and later another on the house on Campbell Road, in Golden. She did not allow adversity to get in the way of her desire to learn and create.      

Ilse was a prolific artist, creating fine silver jewelry with gems and polished rocks. As well she wove lace, embroidered curtains, made wall hangings, bordello and cross stitch pillows, knitted sweaters and socks! Her home was full of all this beautiful art.         

She loved travelling and made trips to Turkey, China and Argentina with friends, and locally, hiking in the mountains, finding new rocks, and experiencing wildlife. Her large vegetable and flower gardens were a picture in summer. Her dogs were always her faithful and much loved companions. She was a great storyteller, a voracious reader and watched sports on TV, sometimes very energetically!! She was always learning something new and was never idle.

She overcame monumental adversities and enjoyed a life full of passion that ended peacefully, surrounded by love and good friends.

She will be remembered and greatly missed.

Ilse’s life will be celebrated on March 23rd, 1:00 at the Hindman-Bowers Funeral Home Chapel, in Golden, B.C.