Former Councillor and Community Booster Dies
Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 3:37 PM
Prince George, B.C. – Anne Martin, who has spent the better part of her life devoted to making life better in Prince George, has died.Her health had been failing for some time, and she passed away last evening.
Martin came to Prince George in 1965, and has had a hand in many of the organizations in Prince George , including, the Child Development Centre, Communities in Bloom, Winter Cities, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, the Two Rivers Art Gallery, the David Douglas Botanical Garden.
She was bestowed with the honour of “Freedom of the City”, was named Prince George’s Citizen of the year, and in August of this year, was the recipient of a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.
She has served as a Councillor for the City, a Director on the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, was Vice Chair of the UNBC Board of Governors.
“She was always looking at ways to build a stronger more vibrant community” says former Mayor and City Councillor Dan Rogers, “Her passing is a great loss to our community. I loved her for her passion and compassion, she certainly will be missed.”
Murry Krause served on City Council with Anne Martin. He say he recived an email from her son Peter late Saturday night informing him of her passing. "Of course I’m very sad" says Kruase. "She had been ill for quite some time and it wasn’t unexpected." Asked about her contributions to the city and her qualities as both a councillor and a person, Krause says "I think with Anne they were combined. It wasn’t just that she was a councillor. She reflected everything as a councillor that she would reflect in her personal life. Very ethical, hard-working with a balanced point of view, great sense of humor."
Krause says he understands plans are underway for a celebration of life, likely to be held next weekend. Details are to follow. He says he’s letting people across the province know, adding "of course many people are quite sad."
Former Mayor John Backhouse says "I think she’ll be a tremendous miss in the community. Although she was no longer active in elected office, Anne continued to play an active role in the community. Anne played a very important role in the councils on which she served while I was mayor. One of the key committees she served on was the one that developed the city flag and all of the other important items that went along with that." Backhouse says Anne Martin would not refuse to work. "She was one of those councillors who, when I said "Anne, would you…..the answer was yes. It didn’t matter what I asked her to do, she was there. She was also someone who came forward with ideas or initiatives that would be in the community’s benefit. She was always positive and had the community at heart, whatever she did. She had an absolute belief in this city."
Comments
Wow. That’s a real shame. Anne was a first class person and a true champion of Prince George. I’m going to miss her greatly.
A bright shinning light in Prince George has darkened. Ann Martin gave unselfishly to this community that she believed in so very much.Such a terrible loss. The first word that come to mind when I think of ann is CLASSY.
PG has lost a caring and compassionate citizen who did much for this city. Rest in peace Ann.
When I think of Anne Martin, I think of a person who embodied much of the best of stoic philosophy – freedom of anger, envy and jealousy; an inner calm; clear judgment; self discipline.
I believe that for Anne behaviour was more important than words.
As one of the Roman stoics is quoted: “It is not how long you live, but how nobly you live.”
Much respect.
Prince George will miss Anne Martin.
metalman.
I’m a cynic when it comes to politicians, but Anne is one who I never felt that way about. She had a way she conducted herself that one knew she was genuine and looking to really improve the community. Its a real loss for PG and its to bad we don’t have more like her.
I think Gus said it well….
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