To promote the links between ecology and economy through watershed management, and to inspire a conservation ethic through education and literature. |
| Memories of Ann Elmore Haig-Brown - Courier Islander 2008 |
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Memories of Ann is a new column intended to celebrate the life and legacy of Ann Elmore Haig-Brown. 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of both Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown. To celebrate this Centenary year, the Courier Islander, in partnership with the Museum at Campbell River, is publishing a series of personal accounts of Ann Elmore Haig-Brown submitted by members of the community. These articles aim to raise awareness of Ann's contributions to Campbell River, leading up to her birthday on May 3rd, Ann Elmore Haig-Brown Day. This memory has been submitted by : John Howard Society of North Island The John Howard Society of North Island (JHSNI) is pleased to contribute an article to the series of memories about Ann Haig-Brown. JHSNI was fortunate to have Ann Haig-Brown on its volunteer board of directors for many years. She brought her energy, enthusiasm, and generous spirit to the board during the late 1960s and again throughout the 1980s. When Ann retired from active service on the board, the society made her its first and only honourary lifetime member. JHSNI provides services to youth, children, adults and families with diverse needs. The agency's mission is to promote and foster safer and healthier communities by providing programs of rehabilitation, education, prevention and healing. Ann strongly supported this community-based approach. "When it came to social justice issues, Ann had a very pragmatic approach to how society should deal with both victims and offenders. She believed in focusing on compassion and healing. She had a natural understanding of justice and was ahead of her time in recognizing best practices," said Paul Barnett, retired JHSNI Executive Director. Ann was appreciated by other board members for her wisdom and common sense approach. "Someone would always ask for Ann's opinion whenever there was a discussion about a serious issue," recalled JHSNI Assistant Executive Director Carol Harling-Bleeks. Ann would host the agency's annual general meetings at the Haig-Brown house, and Carol remembers many pleasant hours spent chatting with Ann in the kitchen while preparing food for the events. Ann was modest and thoughtful, and had a common sense approach to problem solving. Her deep spirituality and sense of fairness shone through in her actions and words. "Ann was very self-effacing. She would never give herself credit for anything, but she did so many good things," remembered long time JHSNI board member and current president Terry Moist. Ann was on the board well into her 70s, even though mobility became a challenge for her towards the end of her years of service. In the late 1980s she confided to Terry Moist, "The older I get, the less I know. Now I can see so many sides to every issue." Terry recalled that one of Ann's special gifts was making people feel good about themselves. "When you talked to Ann, you'd feel like the most important person in the world. She always made you feel like that. Her presence inspired you to be a better person." |
