On a warmer than usual Valentine’s Day I joined the Highland Eco-Team for brunch with longtime community activist and two-time Citizen of the Year Ruth Masters. We all sat together and listened to the inspiring stories that have helped shape the Comox Valley in so many ways.
Ruth spoke to the importance of protecting the environment and engaging the community at a political level. She told stories of ascending Comox Glacier in 1938, protecting woodland areas from the logging industry, naming 50 lakes after fallen WWII soldiers from Vancouver Island, the importance of honouring the past by directing the future, and being an active citizen on a daily basis.
Ruth has been a longtime hero of mine and I always revel in her energy and spite. At 89 years of age her fire is still burning with a passion that can move mountains. It was a real treat to hear her speak to the Eco-Team too. She has a sense of humour about things that only comes with decades of experience battling the exploitive fringe of social governance.
At the end of our meeting Ruth was given an honorary membership to the Highland Eco-Team. She is still active in issues around the Comox Valley but her response was clear. She implored the students of the Eco-Team to take the torch of leadership and keep it burning. I have no doubt that they will. Thank you for a memorable and inspiring day Ruth.
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