In her remarks at the School District 47 board of education meeting on January 13, chairperson Dale Lawson paid tribute to recently deceased trustee Jackie Timothy.
“I’d like to begin by acknowledging the sudden passing of our fellow trustee Jackie Timothy and express our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him,” said Lawson. “It’s difficult to find the words to describe the impact Jackie made in the lives of others. Jackie always had a story to share. It’s my privilege to share one in his honour today.
“When we were elected just two years ago, I didn’t know Jackie, but his genuine kindness shone through quickly. Jackie reached out to invite me to his home to share his vision for a totem pole project he had begun work on for another school district.”
Lawson said that day, Timothy shared a lifetime of incredible stories with her, articulating the story of his carving with passion and raw emotion. She said there were tragic stories combined with incredible empathy and resilience, plus stories full of kindness, love, hope and peace.
“Jackie envisioned a better future and a world filled with respect for all,” said Lawson. “Jackie expressed through stories how much pride he had for his culture and how important it was to him to share it with others. What was supposed to be a lunch meeting filled an afternoon and into the evening, neither of us seemed to notice the passing of time.”
Lawson said she knew she had made a friend forever that day and that it would be just the first of many afternoon meetings.
“I wish we’d had more time,” said Lawson. “I believe that we are all better people because we knew Jackie and that his spirit will live on in our hearts.”
She then called on the meeting to join her in a minute of silence to honour “our friend and colleague Jackie Timothy.”
Lawson said Timothy’s family has set up the Jackie Muksamma Timothy Memorial on Go Fund Me for those in a position to help with final expenses at gofund.me/1e5e2750.
