This past week we lost two great Northerners.
Brian Wilson was well known to many in Thompson and the North. He came to Thompson in 1972. As a teacher, vice principal, principal and superintendent, Brian had a tremendous influence on the development of education in Thompson and the North. He played a key role in putting forward many initiatives that established the School District of Mystery Lake as one of the most progressive school divisions in the province. Brian was also a significant contributor for many of the post-secondary initiatives that eventually led to the establishment of the UCN.
Brian was elected to city council in 2002 and was respected by all he came in contact with. He had a major influence not only on council but also in the community as a whole.
He also had a dry wit and a tremendous sense of humour that was so evident in his long time involvement with the Thompson Playhouse.
Despite being diagnosed with leukemia, Brian remained active including attending many community events. He showed tremendous dedication and courage and a true sense of public service.
I was honoured in 2008 to be able to present Brian and his wife Valerie with the Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Award. Both Brian and Valerie had given so much to the community.
Chantelle Chornoby was an incredibly courageous young Manitoban from War Lake First Nation.
Chornoby first beat cancer when she was 10 years old but was diagnosed again in 2007 with a rare form of leukemia that can only be treated and cured through bone marrow transplants. Bone marrow transplants require a complicated set of matched genetic markers, usually from a donor of the same ethnic group.The Canadian Blood Services One Match Stem Cell and Marrow Network has about 220,000 people registered to be potential donors, but less than one per cent are aboriginal.
Recognizing the great need, Chornoby setup a Facebook group and became the spokesperson for Chantelle's Promise to raise awareness and recruit Aboriginal people to register as donors.
Chantelle did not let her illness slow her down. She was enroled in the addictions and community services diploma program at CDI College with the intent of graduating and giving back to her home community of War Lake First Nation. She spoke to numerous individuals and groups about her story and the need for people to register as donors. Chantelle was proud to become a mother last year.
What struck me was how remarkable her outlook on life was. She was a role model for young people and an example for all of us.
A courageous young woman. A respected leader. I am proud to have known Chantelle Chornoby and Brian Wilson. They were both great Northerners and will be sorely missed.
