Thanking Linda Family, friends and a long list of acquaintances who had been privileged to know her were saddened by the loss of Linda (Boland) Brimson in June. Many others who never met her, benefitted from her long hours of dedicated volunteer work. I met Linda, then a typesetter with Murray Kelly Printing on Adelaide Street South, when hired as a proofreader, about 1975. Linda patiently taught me how to mark up a ‘galley proof’ (this was before the advent of desktop publishing, PDFs and email) with standard proofreading marks and a red pen. A moment’s thoughtfulness from Linda could have long-ranging impact on the lives of others. Some twenty years later, when Linda was working in the graphic arts department at London Life and I had worked in various design agencies, newspapers and print shops, she encouraged me to apply for a graphic artist / marketing coordinator position at Diamond Aircraft that she felt was meant for me. She was right: I went on to enjoy a gainful 18- year career with the aircraft manufacturer. At age 50, Linda changed career direction, became a Registered Nurse and worked at The Sisters of St. Joseph until retiring in 2023. Retired? Hardly. With her life-long interest in local history (especially rural and aviation history) and writing, and her natural generosity and strong work ethic, Linda devoted countless hours of volunteer work for the RCAFA 427 (London) Wing, the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) and Re-Forest London and supported other charities too. As a contributor to the 427 Wing newsletter and as author of The CHAA Story , she helped preserve Canadian aviation history. She took on the tedious in-depth tasks such as filing applications for government funding, developing fundraising campaigns (her 2022 427 Wing calendar was a big hit) and helped organize special events. A Hyde Park resident, Linda also contributed articles to the Hyde Park-Oakridge Villager. “Linda Brimson was a dedicated, highly-respected Life Member of CHAA,” wrote Sandra Sparkes. “She loved our Harvards and all things history-related. During her years with us, she gave so freely of her time and expertise and took on several important projects including many Canadian aviation history displays. Her warm smile, true friendship, giving nature and ‘let’s get it done together’ attitude was addictive and is sorely missed. Blue skies and tailwinds, Linda!” Of course, family was always foremost. Linda was the dear mother of Trevor and proud grandmother of four. She is survived by her mother Theresa Boland, her three brothers and their wives, and her nieces and nephews. “She was the Mom offering
water, popsicles and snacks to a lot of hungry guys at baseball,” recalls Trevor. “Mom did a lot during her 69 years with us. She accomplished a great many things, she met an even greater number of people but most of all she touched all our lives in some way and we’re all better for having known her.”
Your Perfect Match awaits you at The London Animal Care Centre and The Catty Shack!
We cater too!
Bringing people and pets together www.accpets.ca
Falafels, salads, kebobs, pizza, wings & more 10 Hawthorne Rd in Whitehills
C atty S hack THE
Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • September 2024 • Page 13 London Animal Care Centre – Licensing, Bylaw Enforcement, Adoption and Lost/Found Services: 121 Pine Valley Blvd., (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack: 756 Windermere Rd., (519) 432-457 2
519-204-9111
www.shawarmahouselondon.com
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@VillagerPublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs