Wednesday, August 7, 2019 ~ SOOKE [Text updates August 11, 2019]
by Mary P Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
Yesterday under bright open hot sunny skies, two red oak trees were planted in memoriam of former District of Sooke Councillor Brenda Parkinson.
At the event officiated by Sooke Mayor Maja Tait who introduced Premier John Horgan and Randall Garrison, MP (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke) to make their remarks, Tait wrapped up the formal presentations with her own speech:
“What I remember most about Brenda was her love of this community. She wanted to make sure it was inclusive and welcoming and that much prettier for everyone to enjoy.”
“She wanted us to remember local first, and to ensure Sooke has the very best and not to settle for the second best,” said Tait about her friend on Sooke Council. “You’re all things bright, bold and beautiful. A bit of sparkle and cheer.”
Tait described Brenda as “a shining example of how one person can make a difference…. she found way to get other people involved, even if she bossed people along just a little bit.”
Tait noted how Parkinson had worked on Parks and Trails, Communities in Bloom, and local beautification including indigenous art.
“When she took a leave, she was texting constantly and asking what we were up to on council,” said Tait. “I wanted to make sure her viewpoint was always there.” Tait recalled how on a jaunt to an event with Brenda, the late councillor said: “I think I’m becoming a bit unfiltered.” To which Tait responded: “Really? When?!”, which elicited a collective chuckle from the outdoor audience. “Members of the community will know, no matter what event, you would find Brenda there. She would encourage, support or participate.”
Mayor Tait thanked Brenda and her family. ” I hope the trees will be something that resonates with you. The park is important,” she told the family. Tait thanked the parks staff for finding the right type of tree that would thrive in that location. “They’ll put on a beautiful display in the years to come,” said about the two oaks as she expects they will grow.
Premier John Horgan said in his remarks at the outdoor podium that “at the core of who Brenda was, was love”. He continued: “Brenda loved people, she loved life. It was only fitting that she put on a tribute to her life (a party she hosted herself at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort) where she could dance with her friends.”
“Brenda was a politician that wasn’t a politician. She was friends with everyone across political lines. Her family was certainly right of center,” said the NDP Premier who is proudly left-leaning. “But with Brenda it was always about service to the community of Sooke. We will always remember happiness when we think of Brenda, not sorrow. Her song will always be in our hearts,” Horgan said in a calm and positive tone.
Member of parliament for the area, Randall Garrison thanked everyone for being there. “You are doing this,” he recalled Brenda often saying to him. “She brought people together to get things done.”
Garrison outlined three things that trees represent about Brenda: they put down roots that grow out and hold the soil together; they provide shelter in the storm; and they’re very beautiful. It’s fitting that these trees honour the spirit, art and everyday living of Brenda.” Saying Brenda would not be forgotten, he said “we will carry her spirit forward in all of our hearts”.
The oaks were chosen for their stature and durability, and the brilliant red that the leaves will be in the fall season. The two trees are positioned on either side of the walkway upon entering John Phillips Memorial Park off Otter Point Road.
Some entrance signage will be added to that location soon. In recent weeks a public washroom was installed at the park and a water fountain is soon to come.
People lined up to sign a book of condolences ahead of the event, at a table where pink flowers and a photo of Brenda were set out.
The park was well manicured for the occasion, attended by about 200 people. VIPs and special guests could sit under a tent. The crowd sat or stood a short distance away, with the shade of trees in the park available, from where they could hear the speeches amplified by a sound system and watch the VIPs contribute a shovel of dirt to the area around each tree.
The two trees were placed in pre-dug holes just minutes ahead of the ceremony. Buckets of water were on hand to help ease the trees into the soil.
T’Sou-ke Nation Chief Gordon Planes delivered a greeting and there was a blessing by T’-Sou-ke Elder Shirley Alphonse. They held a small carved wood bowl painted with indigenous imagery which held water that was used to spray the tree lightly. Each dignitary came up to bless the tree, using a small cedar bough dipped in the water that was used to anoint the tree.
Maples, poplars, alders and Douglas fir are more immediately native to the Sooke local geo-climate, but oak was considered an elegant choice. An oak tree was planted many years ago in memory of the first mayor of Sooke — Ed Macgregor — in Ed Macgregor Park named after him, in the 6700-block of West Coast Road just beyond the town core.
This location of Parkinson’s memorial tree in John Phillips Memorial Park at 2197 Otter Point Road is also outside the town core but immediately adjacent to Sooke municipal hall.
Perhaps one of the most unique moments of the event was the announcement by Fire Chief Kenn Mount that the fire department’s Ladder Truck Number 1 had been given the name of ‘Brenda’, a decal for which is now on the truck, immediately to the right of the driver’s door.
While Chief Mount has been in Sooke just three years, in that time he obviously came to know the intent and compassion of Councillor Parkinson. She would sometimes bring goodies for the firefighters on their training nights.
Mount said that Brenda’s name is now up in the fire hall where it will be seen as first responders leave for their emergency calls. “She will have our backs,” said Mount, in one of the most touching remarks of the formal part of the event that lasted about 40 minutes — about 20 minutes for speeches and about 20 minutes for planting and honouring the trees. The ladder truck shows an extended arm, and is always out there during service to the community. “The ladder truck has the most flair and bling,” said Mount, comparing that to Brenda’s flamboyant style of attire.
Local poet Wendy Morton (a recipient of the Order of BC) read aloud a custom poem, the second about Brenda that she has composed in one month. “Let’s make it beautiful, you said, and you did,” was the first line of the poem.
Councillors attending from the District of Sooke were Jeff Bateman and Al Beddows.
Attending from other municipalities were Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Director Mike Hicks, View Royal Mayor David Screech, Langford Councillor Lanny Seaton, and SD62 Vice-Chair Dianna Seaton. Former Sooke Mayor Janet Evans and former Sooke Mayor Wendal Milne attended, as did former Sooke councillors Bev Berger and Rick Kasper.
Sooke Region Museum Director Lee Boyko attended, as did Steve Knoke and Liz Olsen from SEAPARC, Nicky Logins of Sooke Family Resource Centre, Bev Lewis of the Sooke Family Thrift Store, Jacob Cramp of the Prestige Oceanfront Resort, Sinclair and Frederique Philip, Karen Stones, Pat Phillips, and many others who knew Brenda well in the work of serving the community.
Attending from the Langford-Juan de Fuca Constituency Office were Maureen Mitchell-Starkey and Hans Frederiksen.
============== NOTES:
A by-election to fill the vacant seat on District of Sooke Council is set for Saturday, September 28, 2019.