During this season of giving and receiving, we should not hesitate to acknowledge some people who have made a lasting contribution to our community.
Let’s start with the man who during his lifetime was considered by many residents to be our most influential citizen. Dr. LaVerne Kindree ran a general medical practice in Squamish for more than 50 years, assisted by his wife Norma, a nurse. Dr. Kindree also served on municipal council for 23 years and helped initiate local projects including the Squamish Rotary Club, the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and the construction of the Squamish General Hospital. Before he passed away, he received the Order of Canada.
Larger-than-life logging pioneer John Drenka, better known as JD, founded Squamish Mills in the early 1950s, an operation that became one of this town’s major employers. He promoted many civic projects, including the first public swimming pool, the Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club, the Rotary Club and Alice Lake Provincial Park. JD’s business partner, Pat Brennan, was the mayor of Squamish from 1964 to 1977. He launched the construction of the dyke system, thereby averting the habitual flooding that plagued the valley. Both men have passed away but their legacy lives on.
In the realm of local politics, Corinne Lonsdale has few peers. She served for 16 years as a Squamish councillor and nine years as mayor, the first woman to hold that office. She was also on the executive board of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the Union of B.C. Municipalities, as well as the Lower Mainland Local Government Association.
Ten years ago, a scientist and education visionary, David Strangway, spearheaded a unique post-secondary learning centre in Squamish. Since it was founded, Quest University has seen a sixfold increase in enrolment and now has over 100 full-time staff. It ranks as one of our top three employers and is nationally recognized for its innovative programs.
When Gwen and Ernie Harry got married, they lived in a two-room shack on the Stawamus reserve. They raised seven children, including Dale, who became a Squamish Nation councillor and continues to be a spokesman for that community. Another son, Tom, helped found the successful Squamish Nation Peacekeeper program. A third son, Rick, is a renowned wood carver and was awarded the Order of B.C. in recognition of his artistic achievements. Their daughter, Alice Guss (Tsawaysia Spukwus), is a Squamish Nation advocate, educator and innovative native crafts workshop leader. Ernie Harry has passed on, but Gwen continues to be the centre of a growing extended family.
Thanks to the notables cited here – and to others who made a difference.
