One of Richmond’s greatest volunteers in history was remembered by members of the community Thursday afternoon at the Minoru Seniors Centre.
It was clear — from the lineup of community social workers who spoke to her tenacious attitude and kind soul — that Jennifer Larsen, a former journalist and community activist, has left behind a legacy that will be hard to maintain.
Larsen, who was a member of several past and present community advisory boards, died peacefully July 22 at the age of 85.
“She leaves behind a legacy of being a presence at the table for people who don’t have a presence at the table; for being a voice for people who don’t have a voice. She asked relentless questions in her quest to learn how we can make our community a better place. And if you didn’t have the answers you better get the answers and they better be good answers,” said Alex Nixon, Richmond Food Bank outreach worker, at the memorial.
“She leaves behind a challenge. In an age when, quite frankly, I plan on being on a beach somewhere, she kept at it. She kept trying to make her community a better place. She kept fighting for people who needed a fighter. She kept the siege. And her passing has left a hole in the community. It’s a hole we’ll need to fill with energy, passion, care and love and questions; always questions,” said Nixon.
It was clear the impact Larsen had on community groups and organizations, particularly those that helped people with mental health issues.
“When you worked with Jennifer so closely, as many of us had done, you know when she’s not there because you hear what has to be said,” said Rick Dubras, executive director of Richmond Addiction Services.
“We would have strategic planning around what questions Jennifer was going to ask. So we had a strategy for Jennifer, and that took up most of the meeting,” he quipped to laughter from the audience.
Janice Barr, executive director of Richmond Society for Community Living, noted Larsen “didn’t work for an organization; she worked for the community.”
Larsen was able to “step outside herself” and embrace causes “bigger than herself,” noted Barr.
Ella Huang, executive director Richmond Centre for Disability, said Larsen “exuded friendliness” and “tenacity in unveiling the truth.”
At the memorial, Larsen’s son Tim read a memo from long-time friend Olive Bassett, who was honoured with Larsen in 2012 with the Pioneer Award at the Ethel Tibbits Women of Distinction Awards.
Meanwhile, The Sisters choral group of Barb Coward, De Whalen and Janet Hall devoted a song to Larsen.
Larsen was a mainstay at city council meetings when she perceived social injustice occurring, noted Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“As a result of that advocacy, (my) appreciation of her point of view became more focused. And I don’t think I need to say that if it didn’t become more focused, well, then it was time to make that point again,” said Brodie.
“Jennifer was a pioneer and for decades she worked tirelessly on issues such as homelessness, mental health, affordable housing, seniors and more. She was dedicated to supporting families,” he added.
Larsen, of course, never saw eye to eye with politicians all the time.
Former BC Liberal MLA Doug Symons recalled, with humour, that Larsen was one of the first persons to walk into his office and she “scared me.”
Brodie said she kept council on its toes to remain transparent and dedicated to due process.
Larsen was in frequent communication with local newspapers as well. Her last emails to this Richmond News reporter expressed concerns about mega mansions being built on farmland.
“I’ll now commit to finding out more about the 'hedge-hider' place from front counter friends at City Hall,” wrote Larsen.
