It’s Christmastime again, a time when many of us pause in our hectic lives and relive special times we have shared with those who have passed during the year.
We were out of the country when Elke Blodgett passed, so it was a huge shock on our return to learn that this small, feisty, indomitable and seemingly indestructible woman was no longer with us. A close friend for many years, we know how much she hurt when officialdom moved in what appeared to be senseless directions, merely for human or economic convenience, and not thinking of the greater good.
We remember her sitting out in all weathers collecting signatures to stop the planned Ray Gibbon Drive from actually crossing over the eastern end of Big Lake, one of the three most significant environmental wetlands in Western Canada.
We remember the diligence of her overseeing of meetings of successive city councils for many, many years, acting as a necessary check, and making points that otherwise might not have arisen.
We remember the warmth of her Christmas Eve gatherings, which we attended whenever possible, and are reliving so much this season.
We remember the thousands of phone calls on environmental and political issues; most of all we remember her warmth and friendship.
She was a finalist twice for the national award of “Hometown Hero” put out by Earth Day Canada; she was nominated for the Alberta Emerald Award, and of course we have Elke’s Point overlooking her beloved Big Lake, and her many photographs (several of which are in the St. Albert 150th anniversary book).
Every community needs an Elke, we were lucky enough to have had the original.
Elke, you will not be forgotten.
Peter and Mary Jansen, St. Albert
