A shining light for the Squamish Nation and the community at large has been extinguished.
Carol Harry, a dedicated community activist and volunteer, passed away of cancer Saturday (Oct. 21) at the age of 49.
Harry was born in Squamish and raised on the Stawamus Reserve, working for School District 48 and for Transport Canada for many years.
But what she was most known for was her community volunteer work in countless Totem Hall events and community gatherings as well as community fundraising efforts like Cops for Cancer and the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Her work with cancer causes hit particularly close to home after she was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. After an initial remission, the cancer returned this year and spread.
"She was very encouraging for a lot of people, because even despite her illness she still had a big smile on her face," said Dale Harry, Carol's brother and a Squamish Nation councillor.
"She was a good organizer. She organized our birthdays and the family functions. She was a very people person and she smiled a lot. Even when she was in pain she never really showed it."
Harry was particularly proud of her meeting with then-Prime Minister Paul Martin last year in Vancouver where she presented Martin and local MP Blair Wilson with some of her handcrafted vests.
Harry's life was celebrated by the community at Totem Hall on Thursday (Oct. 26).
