Alura Spikes

Mrs. Spikes was a customer of mine, when she was in Victoria B.C. visiting her family. She was more of a generous patron than just another customer. I make small clay birds, animals, houses, old buildings, and Mrs. Spikes took a liking to these and bought many over the years.

She honoured me with a visit to my home a few years ago, and for us it was akin to having royalty visit. She was a gracious person, with beautiful manners,

Mrs. Spikes was a customer of mine, when she was in Victoria B.C. visiting her family. She was more of a generous patron than just another customer. I make small clay birds, animals, houses, old buildings, and Mrs. Spikes took a liking to these and bought many over the years.

She honoured me with a visit to my home a few years ago, and for us it was akin to having royalty visit. She was a gracious person, with beautiful manners, with that rare ability to make anyone feel singled out and important. She also had a terrific sense of humour.

It is over a year since she died, and the little artisans' market where she used to visit me is a lesser place without her. Once, she gave me a lovely handkerchief she had bought in Europe, completely surprising me and delighting me. She was smart as a whip and really sharp...i rather think nobody put one over on Mrs. Spikes.

I was very sorry to hear that this lovely woman had died, but very glad to have met her, even briefly. I still have cards that she sent me, and I consider it a privilege to have known her.

Gary Smith wrote on 1/31/2011:

Leslie and Joe,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Gary Smith
Tracy Tyler wrote on 1/30/2011:

I know how much you loved your mom and so glad you all were so lucky to have had her. Much sympathy and much love to all the Spikes family.
Jacquie Corrigan wrote on 1/29/2011:

Patsy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I didn't know your mum

Gary Smith wrote on 1/31/2011:

Leslie and Joe,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Gary Smith
Tracy Tyler wrote on 1/30/2011:

I know how much you loved your mom and so glad you all were so lucky to have had her. Much sympathy and much love to all the Spikes family.
Jacquie Corrigan wrote on 1/29/2011:

Patsy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I didn't know your mum very well, but remember fondly going for lunch with the two of you and Shaune. It was at the Empress, wasn't it? I know how close you were and how much you are going to miss her. You are all in my prayers♥
Jacquie
Joel & Judy Edgmon wrote on 1/29/2011:

We just noticed the article in the AJ about Alura. Such a dear lady--we will always treasure the family memories from the times at the "Little house" in Cloudcroft. Thanks again for that. God bless you especially, Patsy and Roy for your part in that generosity. May our Lord bring all of you His sweet comfort.
J & J
La Z Boy

Mary and John Zias wrote on 1/29/2011:

So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. We adored her. We are lucky to have had the pleasure of knowing her. God bless you with wonderful memories. Sincerely, Mary and John
Nell Rhodes Revier wrote on 1/28/2011:

Knowing Alura McManus in high school was to enjoy a friendship extraordiarre! I was also invited to a Bridal Luncheon for Alura in the home of Mrs. (Dr.) Malone. I have in my home several pieces of beautiful furniture that was purchased from the Spikes Furniture Store.
You have many blessings and wonderful memories.

Nell Rhodes Revier
(Mrs. Paul Revier)
Rod and Renee' Branch wrote on 1/28/2011:

Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is our hope that the memories of your mom and the warming smiles and hugs of friends and loved ones help you through these difficult days. God bless you all,
Renee', Rod and Family
Kathy Krebbs Evans wrote on 1/28/2011:

Cynthia, Kay, Leslie and Patsy,
Your mom was such a sweetheart and she touched so many lives with her kindness and generosity. She was such a blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kathy
Jan Sturm wrote on 1/28/2011:

Leslie, you loved your mom SO much! The moment I met her at the Academy I could see why! What a gracious, beautiful, caring, engaging and godly woman. I loved to listen to you talk about her and tell stories - yes, you are a great story-teller! I have been praying for Alura and her daughters and their families. I don't need to pray for Alura anymore - she is with Jesus! Her loved ones, who must wait to be with her (and your dad) again, continue in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Sturm
Gladys Rhea Marchbanks wrote on 1/28/2011:

Cynthia,Kay,Leslie and Patsy,
My niece Donna Lindley sent me an email about Alura Mae. I have called Carolyn in
Dallas to tell her. I always thought a lot of Johnny and your mother. You will always
have wonderful memories of her.
All of you will be in my prayers.
Gladys

Ruth Roberts wrote on 1/28/2011:

Kay, we were so very sorry to learn that your precious mother passed away. I remember her sweet spirit and how she always had a nice word for everyone. She was a wonderful mother to all you girls and I know she will be deeply missed.

With much sympathy,
Ruth and Greg Roberts
Margaret Chapman wrote on 1/28/2011:

Leslie, I am deeply sorry about your loss. I loved both of your parents, and I have wonderful memories of spending time at your house when I was growing up. I will be thinking of you.
Todd Perry wrote on 1/28/2011:

Kay, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You're mother was so precious. We all love you so much.

t
Debbie Owen Laredo wrote on 1/28/2011:

Cynthia, Kay, Leslie and Patsy,
My brother, David, just told me about your mother's passing yesterday. I loved your mother! When I think of her, I picture her smiling and laughing. She was always so nice and sweet and kind. Such a lovely lady. I send you all my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your wonderful Mom.

Debbie Owen Laredo
Debbie & Gary Gafford wrote on 1/27/2011:

We absolutely adored your mother! So precious, fun,and always thinking of others. She has truly left a legacy of love exemplified in your wonderful family.
Our love to all of you!
Debbie & Gary