Joan Foster Binnie, 92

Born in Montreal Dec. 11, 1924, Joan was the third child to Winnifred Foster. Joan had an older sister, Brenda and older brother, Raymond.

Joan met Alfred Binnie at the ski school at Jasper in Quebec. She was working at Weaver Coal in Montreal, and was 25 when she married “Alf” in 1950. They moved to California and settled in Long Beach. There, Joan worked for Insurance Company of North America (INA), surveyors, and for Clark Drake Marine Insurance. Joan and Alf loved to camp at Sequoia National Park.

They lived in Long Beach for 34 years before re-settling in Whitefish in 1989 once they retired. They chose Whitefish because Alf loved to ski and they both wanted to be close to their beloved Canada. They purchased a lot in Houston Point and built their home, which they cherished together. Alf loved to fuss outside, while Joan was busy nesting inside.

Joan and Alf had a spiffy, colorful style which was evident in the green VW bug they drove. They loved the farmers markets, shopping and they both had a keen eye for color and fun decorations.

Summertime was Joan’s favorite time of year. She loved to hear the children squeal with delight outside, and especially loved the visits with the neighborhood pets. They both enjoyed to travel, especially to London, and made their annual trip to the Carmel car show, Concours d’Elegance for many years after they moved to Whitefish. It also provided the opportunity to revel in their coastal memories.

Joan was gentle, sweet and unique, and gracefully accepted the loss of her eyesight. She continued to manage her life successfully after Alf passed in 2009. She was especially grateful to her friend Peter Ramseth at Buffalo Hill Terrace for his wonderful friendship, Beth Waterman in California, and Leslie Collins and Myrna Wade in the Flathead Valley for their constant support throughout her years in Montana.

As requested, there will be no service for Joan.

Joan passed away peacefully on May 31, 2017, while residing at Immanuel Lutheran Home.

Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.