By Tor Forsberg
WATSON LAKE
Lila Corcoran looks too young to be retiring.
This Tahltan woman is attractive and full of energy, but she is ready to go on to new fields of endeavour after 15 years in Watson Lake’s Johnson Elementary School.
She is looking forward to travelling, and doing volunteer work with homeless people in Grand Prairie and Vancouver.
Born in Telegraph Creek, Corcoran moved to Fort Nelson for awhile and then to Lower Post to be near her parents.
From there, she moved to Upper Liard, where she now lives, and it was from there she commuted to work at the school in Watson Lake.
That commute was the least favourite part of the job, said Corcoran.
There is nothing pleasurable about driving to work in 50 below, she said.
But watching the kids go through school to graduation was worth it, she added, citing her favourite part of the job.
And the staff was tremendously supportive through several family tragedies she weathered during her years at the school.
They have been like family, always there to help and comfort her in times of grief, said Corcoran.
The school hosted a gathering of teachers, support staff and parents to celebrate with gifts, goodies and tributes, thanking Corcoran for her years of dedication.
Liard First Nation presented her with a necklace; there was a bracelet from the school staff, and a fleece vest with the school crest on it — good reminders of a job well done and much appreciated.
Tor Forsberg lives in Watson Lake.