Hon. Duncan Wilson: Honourable senators, I rise today to honour a British Columbian who selflessly devoted much of her life to civic duty through lifelong volunteerism: Kathleen Bigsby.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Kathleen’s passing over the holiday season.

I had the privilege of getting to know and work with her during my three terms as an elected Vancouver Park Board commissioner in the 1990s.

At that time, Kathleen was in the midst of 30 years of service as a volunteer and president of the Kerrisdale Community Centre, a space that has offered wide-ranging programming in recreation, sport and the arts for all ages since 1955. The community centre was jointly operated by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, so our paths crossed often, as she was then serving as president of Kerrisdale.

Kathleen had a fiery personality that I quickly came to realize was the embodiment of passion for the community that she called home. Though we aligned on many issues, there were times when we had differing takes. Whether standing shoulder to shoulder or toe to toe, I was always struck by how respectfully she engaged with everyone. I also deeply admired her staunchness in advocating for what she thought was best for her community. I admit that, even when you were on the other side of an issue, you had to respect her, because, more often than not, she was right.

Kathleen was a community leader in the city of Vancouver, advocating for communities beyond her own. She understood the power of the parks and recreation network in Vancouver and how, when they acted together, they could really make a difference.

In addition to her volunteer work, she also found time to be a mom and to have a career. She was committed to education, teaching English at Vancouver’s King Edward College before shifting to institutional evaluation in B.C.’s post-secondary system, serving as director of institutional planning and analysis at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Several years ago, word got out that she enjoyed a good gin and tonic, particularly while sitting on the porch looking at her garden. Rumour has it that there were dozens of gin-based drinks at her retirement party.

Kathleen’s community volunteerism continued, though. Facing recent attempts to disband Canada’s only elected park board, she helped create the coalition Save Our Park Board, tapping into the passion we Vancouverites have for our parks and recreation system.

Kathleen led a rich and full life, making an immeasurable difference within her community. In recognition, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal last year.

As I come up on the one-year anniversary of my appointment here, I am grateful for the opportunity to offer a moment of reflection, and of thanks, for what Kathleen instilled in me and in so many others: to be principled, to advocate relentlessly for those whom I serve and to lead with respect always.

Thank you.