Remembering Rene McCullough
With saddened hearts, we announce the passing of our Mother, Rigmor (Rene) McCullough during the early hours of Sunday, February 21, 2021.
Rene, nee Hermansen, was born on January 23rd, 1929, in Edmonton to Norwegian homesteaders, Carl and Maria Hermansen and raised at Chip Lake, Alberta. She was a spunky and energetic girl, a good sister to Ralph, Laila, George, and Charlotte. Very early on, she channeled her unique creative talent, artistic flair and fashion sense into a life-long career as a hair beautician and small business owner. She was 85 years of age when she reluctantly laid down her scissors.
Rene was the Mother of three determined daughters: Jacquie (Jacqueline) Moffat; Corky (Corleen) Muir, husband Graham; and Gerry (Geraldine) Ashton, husband Dale. She took endless pride in her grandchildren: Andrew and Gordon Moffat (Jennie); Ross Muir (Dianna); Scott Ashton (Courtney) and Alyssa Foster (Mark). And, she had a special place in her heart for her great granddaughter, Mikayla (Andrew’s daughter). Above all else, family was Rene’s first love.
Words are insufficient to describe our remarkable mother. She was so gracious, generous, selfless and exceedingly kind. Rene loved a good joke and gave as good as she got. She was a proper lady ‘of the old school’ and was never heard to utter a cuss word. She was an avid card player and master cribbage player, particularly, in her latter years. Those that played and lost to her (more often than not) were met by a constant refrain of ‘muggins!’ to signal points forfeited.
She was a self-taught guitar player, having learned her cords listening to gramophone recordings of her favourite crooner, Wilf Carter. She loved to sing, but never laid claim to much of a voice. And she loved to dance, with cherished memories of waltzing with her father.
Rene was an adventurer at heart, no doubt something to do with her ‘Viking’ heritage from which led to the acronym VWP I (Viking Warrior Princess I). She had fond memories of an early retirement sojourn to Jamaica; a Hawaiian escapade with the Ashton clan; a search for family roots in Norway; an epic Mediterranean cruise, wedding celebrations of Ross and Dianna in Mexico; and a Caribbean journey with the Moffats.
Over the years, Rene raised her girls in several cities across Canada, making dear friendships. Close ties were formed during the 30 years spent in Fort Smith, NWT. She was enticed from the North by her daughters and spent the last fifteen years of her life in the embrace of the Ottawa branch of her family while maintaining close contact with her daughter and grandchildren in Calgary.
Together, we share a wealth of wonderful memories of this remarkable lady who shall live on in our hearts as she soars the skies of the ever after.
In memory of Rene you may wish to consider following charities:
Caldwell Family Centre
Dress for Success Ottawa
Digital Guestbook
Judy Forrester
Joan and Gerard Hogervorst
Oh my , such a loving, warm and fun lady, and such wonderful precious memories that will give you comfort especially at this time.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Love, Joan and Gerard Hogervorst
Louise and Gerald Joa
We would like to wish the family our deepest condolences. We had the chance to know your mother and we can say that it was an honor. She sure was an amazing lady.
Lou and Cheryl Comin
We were friends of Jack and Rene in Fort Smith for the fourteen years. They were incredible people. Rene spoke so highly of their daughters. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be so missed, she was my idol and mentor. Our condolences to her family.
Jim and Patchanee Carmichael
Please accept our very deep condolences on the passing of your mom. I remember her from many years ago as a very cheerful and enthusiastic person, full of fun. I know she was very close to her three determined daughters, so it is wonderful she was able to spend her final years with the Ottawa branch of your family. We wish the three of you and your families all the best.
Gladys Hill Brennan
Our condolences from myself and Dale to you and your family.
Gregory Ashton
Rene was always full of life kindness and energy. It didn’t matter if she was cutting hair, hosting friends or singing and dancing to Joplin’s “Bobby Magee”, she gave it her all. I feel privileged to have known her and have so many fond memories of our families together. She will be missed, but reflect on the good times and the full 92 yrs. she was with us. My condolences, Greg
PS: Busted flat in Baton Rouge, waitin' for a train
When I's feelin' near as faded as my jeans
Bobby thumbed a diesel down just before it rained
And rode us all the way into New Orleans
Rick Phelan
Well, I bid a fond farewell to Rene, whom I have known for the fourteen years that she resided with Graham and Corky. She was a contemporary of my parents in many more ways that one might imagine - her husband, Jack, was a troopmate of my Dad's when both were in the Mounted Police and Rene and my Mom were the quintessential 'Force wives'; women to be reckoned with for sure and to be taken lightly at one's peril. What I remember most about Rigmor was her ability to catch me when spinning an embellished or contrived yarn and to pointedly call me on taking liberties with the details. We had acquaintances in common fron our times in the MacKenzie Delta and reminisced at length over a libation or several.
I am much the richer for having known her, will miss her and reflect on her often, and admire greatly the incomparable women who had the great fortune to call her Mom.
Your eternal rest was well earned, Ma'am
Brad Hampson
I had known Rene for many years. A lovely lady, and a legend in Fort Smith, NT. I recall visiting Fort Smith with Dad and hearing all about the McCulloughs for the first time in 1989. I know my father was also deeply saddened to hear of her passing. She had a great life and certainly will leave a legacy. My deepest condolences to Corky, Graham, and the whole family as you grieve her loss. She will always be remembered with a smile, and we shall certainly meet again someday.
Terence McDonald
Please accept my sincere condolences to you Corky and husband Graham.
My most beloved aunt, Rene was such a great role model to me...classy, smart, elegant, funny, honest. I shall forever remember and cherish the times I enjoyed basking in the presence of her warmth and affection. She possessed 'true grit' and will always hold the most special place in my heart. God bless you and keep you eternally, Aunt Rene. My love and support to Jacquie, Corky, Gerry and their families. How fortunate were you all!