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 |
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Memories of Ann is a new column intended to celebrate the life and legacy of Memories of Ann Elmore Haig- Brown ~ Mentor and Friend In the early 1980’s, as a young mother and relative new comer to Campbell River, I placed a notice in the paper to see if there were any female university grads in the community interested in forming a local University Women’s Club. One person who called me was Ann Haig- Brown. Of course I had heard much about this well known Campbell River woman so was rather in awe as we spoke, but I remember she was most friendly and interested in the possibility of the formation of such a club. She told me she was hosting an event at her home the following weekend and invited me to attend. I approached her door with some anxiousness but once she opened it and I saw her lovely face and beautiful smile my fears dissipated. She was so gracious and welcoming. We had a wonderful chat that day, which was to be one of many in the years to come. She regularly attended the University Women’s Club Meetings, a number being held in the Library of her home. She often stood on the stairs leading into the library taking an active part in the lively discussions and never had any hesitation in expressing her opinions! We all learned so much about life and living from her. The Club disbanded some years after Ann passed away and we took the funds we had remaining and gave them to the North Island College Foundation. Each year two sizable bursaries in Ann’s name are presented to a female Campbell River North Island College student who is working toward a university degree. The past recipients have all felt honoured to have received a bursary in memory of this outstanding woman, and I feel sure that Ann who valued education for women so greatly would be pleased that this bursary was established in her memory. Ann became a close friend to me and to many of my female Campbell River friends. The majority of us were living in Campbell River without family and so Ann became a surrogate mother to each of us, offering us love, knowledge, guidance, inspiration, support and counsel when we asked. She was always so kind to our children and loved to have them visit her home and garden. They too thought she was very special. But at the same time Ann was just “one of the girls.” She was so well informed and up to date on everything, so interested in our lives and families, and such fun to be with, that we really never thought of her as being older than we were. One glorious Spring morning, the year before she passed away, Ann arrived unexpectedly at my front door. She brought with her a tall white vase filled with beautiful yellow forsythia from her garden. I remember fondly the lovely visit we had that morning discussing many things and having some good laughs. A few weeks later I dropped by Ann’s home to return the vase. “Oh no, dear,” she said. “I do not want the vase back. It is for you. When I am gone fill it with forsythia each Spring and think of me.” I treasure the vase and this Spring as I do each year, I lovingly fill it with forsythia from my garden. Right now it is sitting on my sideboard, and as I look at it each day it brings back a flood of memories of Ann ~ the wonderful, caring woman that she was, the wisdom she shared with me, the compassion she had for abused women and for bettering their lives, her strong belief in the value of education and life long learning. But I will especially remember that special visit we had on that beautiful Spring morning. I feel blessed that Ann Elmore Haig-Brown was part of my life as both a mentor and a friend. Janet L. Lackey April 15, 2008 |
