Dorothy Smith, nee Matson (1920 – 2019)
Dorothy Nelson grew up in Atlin, British Columbia. Her mother died when she was baby and she was adopted by neighbours, the Matsons. Her two-year-old brother George was adopted by the Reinburg family, and the three families stayed in close touch. Dorothy attended Atlin’s one-room school until Grade 8 and then worked in the hardware store before learning to cook by her mother’s side at the family’s mining claim on Ruby Creek.1)
Dorothy married Jim Smith in 1942 when he was working at Louis Schultz’s Atlin grocery store. They moved to Whitehorse in 1947 and Jim started work at the Tourist Services grocery store. They lived on Cook Street, went to the Presbyterian Church, and had two children, Merilyn and Erik.2)
Dorothy was a founding member of the Whitehorse quilting group. In 1966, Jim Smith became Commissioner of the Yukon and Dorothy was first lady, entertaining VIPs with dignity if not much enthusiasm. Dorothy joined an embroidery club in 1960 and created some beautiful pieces of work. She was also an expert bridge player and she and Jan Ogilvy were partners for fifteen years. Dorothy and Jim often visited Atlin, staying at their vacation place at Indian River.3)