Tribute: Jack Gregson
Long before John (Jack) and Barbara Gregson began supporting West Coast, they had firmly established an environmental legacy in Kamloops. Two years after arriving in Kamloops from Courtenay, Jack founded the Kamloops Outdoors Club in 1936. It was the first of many contributions he would make to the Kamloops area, and British Columbia, in his lifetime.
A lifelong naturalist, Jack was enamoured with the study of ticks and other insects that were found in abundance near his home in Courtenay. That interest fostered a long career as an entomologist with the federal Department of Agriculture in Kamloops and, eventually, took him and Barbara around the world. Jack’s contributions to the field helped to further understanding about human/insect interactions – so much so, that a species of wood tick is now named after him.
Jack’s love of insects was mirrored by his love of the outdoors. In October, I was fortunate to learn more about his life work, when I met with Barbara in their living room, overlooking the South Thompson River in Kamloops. Jack’s paintings adorn the walls, depicting many of the alpine places he hiked with his family and with members of the Kamloops Outdoor Club. Barbara proudly showed me the catalogue of his works – beautiful oil paintings that have been exhibited at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Their heritage garden was strikingly beautiful, even in early October, although Barbara noted that they were about to put it to bed for the winter. The garden has served as a backdrop for many newlyweds’ photos, and it is easy to see why.
There are several reminders throughout Kamloops of Jack’s legacy – including a trail that bears his name, the Waterway Park at McArthur Island, and the Butterfly Gardens at Riverside Park. Among the many awards he received was the honour of being named a Freeman of the City of Kamloops.
Jack was feted at the 70th anniversary of the Kamloops Outdoors Club in October 2006, just one month before he passed away. Despite failing health, he played his harmonica and reminisced with club members about the early days of the club.
Barbara speaks with pride about Jack’s work and love of the outdoors, and with modesty about her own contributions to conservation in Kamloops. She was an integral part of Jack’s legacy, accompanying him on many hikes, maintaining their heritage garden and the home they built together. Among their greatest achievements are their five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Barbara is carrying on Jack’s legacy and support of conservation groups throughout British Columbia, including West Coast.
West Coast is honoured to be a part of the Gregsons’ world and even more grateful to be an annual recipient of Barbara’s gifts. We were saddened by Jack’s passing, but heartened by his many contributions to British Columbia, noting that his legacy will live on for generations.
AN ECO-FRIENDLY GIFT…
Earlier this year, West Coast launched a tribute programme, enabling friends and family to honour the memory of those no longer with us. Donations made in honour of an environmental champion will support West Coast’s work to preserve and protect British Columbia. Donations in tribute – for a birthday, anniversary, wedding or any other occasion, are also an increasingly popular form of gift-giving. We will notify the acknowledgee or next of kin that a gift has been made in their honour, and the donor will receive a tax receipt for the gift.
This holiday season, consider a “green” gift – West Coast can help you customize a unique gift list this year.
West Coast salutes the environmental champions who make a difference each and every day in their communities, like Jack and Barbara Gregson. We are also grateful for the support of our donors, who make our work possible. To discuss tribute giving, or any other form of support for West Coast, please contact Andrea Wilkinson at awilkinson@wcel.org or 1-800-330-WCEL (ext 209).
– Andrea Wilkinson
Contents:
The gift that keeps giving, and giving, and giving...
We are grateful to all our donors and supporters, but each month, we
say a special thank you to the members of our West Coast Protectors’
Club. These special donors make small monthly donations to our operating
costs, through an automatic withdrawal from their chequing account or VISA
card. It’s a very simple way to give, and also very painless.
For example, you might allow us to draw just $10 a month from your
account (about the price of one movie, or two lunches, or three coffees).
You’ll hardly notice the money is gone, and at year-end, when we send
you a tax-deductible receipt, you’ll have made a significant
contribution of $120!
And the value of your monthly donation to us goes beyond the face value
of your gift. We can reduce renewal notices to monthly donors (saving
paper and other resources), and your generous gift provides an ongoing,
reliable source of operating funds, allowing us to focus our attention on
emerging and critical issues.
The Protectors’ Club is critical to West Coast’s long-term plans.
It is our most reliable and important means of support on a month to month
basis. We invite you to now become part of this important program. Your
gift, of any amount, is greatly appreciated. However you choose to give,
thank you.
If you have a credit card, we can accept your donation online!
To make a tax-creditable donation to West Coast, click
here, and you will be taken to our secure, encrypted payment
page.
For more information about benefits and how to get started, call us at
604-684-7378 in Vancouver and 1 800 330-WCEL toll-free
throughout British Columbia.
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