October 30, 2003
Doreen Lawson
MLA Statement
R. Lee: Today I rise in remembrance of Doreen Lawson, a former Burnaby councillor and longtime community activist. Doreen was a remarkable individual who devoted her life to the betterment of her community and to teaching others about the importance of preserving the environment we live in. It was Doreen who lobbied for years to have the Burnaby Lake area designated as an official wildlife sanctuary, earning her a well-deserved nickname as the Lady of the Lake.
She was passionate about every challenge she took on in life, especially municipal politics. Doreen served on Burnaby city council from 1972 to 1985 and again from 1991 to 1999. Even in her mid-seventies, Doreen was still going strong, working behind the scenes during the last municipal election. But what I respected the most about Doreen was her lifelong commitment to teaching and learning. When I first considered entering provincial politics, Doreen took the time to show me the ropes and gave me a real sense of what I would be going into.
I remember the day she and I took a canoe out onto Burnaby Lake so she could explain to me why the wildlife in that park was an important issue to the residents of my community. I also understand she recently enrolled in numerous art courses to obtain a degree from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and held several exhibitions of her paintings of wildlife and nature.
I think that sort of dedication to expanding one's horizons in the latter years really speaks volumes to the character of the Lady of the Lake. She will be remembered and sadly missed not just by those who knew her but by all those who in the future will visit Burnaby Lake to enjoy the natural beauty that thrives there today. That is her greatest legacy.
