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| Myrtle and Alex Philip ran the Rainbow Lodge for thirty-four years. In the 1940's the popularity of the lodge began to taper off as more people began to take interest in the interior of B.C. and in 1948, it was sold to Alec and Audrey Greenwood. Myrtle maintained that she never wanted to sell Rainbow Lodge but Alex was moving on and felt that it was time to retire. Myrtle was heartbroken at first and looked at buying another lodge in the interior of British Columbia. However, she couldn't bear the thought of leaving Alta Lake. She was in love with the valley and she was still an integral part of the community. In the end the Philips retired to a cabin not far from the lodge on the west side of the railway and Myrtle continued her life as an active member of the community. | |||
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| In 1976 Myrtle's dedication to education was recognized when the valley's third elementary school was named in her honour. The Myrtle Philip Elementary School was built at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, in the heart of the new town center known as Whistler. It was important to the members of the community that she continue to be recognized when the school was relocated to a new location after her death. The Myrtle Philip Community School still stands, representing her unrelenting commitment to the education in the valley. | |||
| Even in her later years, Myrtle made an effort to maintain a close relationship with the children in the community. The valley was in a time of transition, changing from a small community down on Alta Lake to the new ski town of Whistler. Myrtle often spent time at the school, telling stories of her pioneer days at Alta Lake and reminding the children of the natural beauty of the mountains and valuable resources that drew her and Alex to the valley many years before. | |||
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| On her 90th birthday, a large celebration took place at the elementary school to honour Myrtle's great devotion to the community. Myrtle was presented with a plaque to be awarded annually on her behalf to a student who excels in academics, citizenship, sports and creative achievements. The award still holds its prestige today. Myrtle remained at her cabin on the lake until she could no longer manage on her own. She then moved to Hilltop House in Squamish but returned to Alta Lake each summer. She passed away on August 15th, 1986. In her memory The Resort Municipality declared March 19th Myrtle Philip Day. To this day, the good times at Rainbow Lodge and Myrtle Philips adventurous pioneer life continue to be celebrated in Whistler. | |||
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"I wanted an anchor here at Alta Lake." |
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