The Assembly Has Had A Sad Week

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #6, 14504-108 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1G8

November XXVIIIth, MMXV

Hon. Dave Eggen, B. Ed., MLA, Minister of Education, New Democratic, Edmonton-Calder

Dear Dave:

Lost in the shuffle of Manmeet Bhullar's violent & tragic death was the fact that another great person died. Former Edmonton-Millwoods Liberal MLA from MMIV-MMVIII (2004-2008), Mrs. Weslyn Mather. In the process of "exactly = time for all sides" of the spectrum that I painstakingly practice here, I feel its only appropriate to pay homage to Weslyn whose late & great husband Dick Mather was an Edmonton City Councillor who like Manmeet, died while in office. Weslyn while stuck on wheels was an advocate for quality school arts programs & encouraging creativity in students. A psychologist & school administrator Weslyn really had insight into education at the ground level & at just LXX (70) years old will be sorely missed indeed.

"Fine arts are not secondary - There is lots of research to support the need for the creative side of education. Education is preparation for life, citizenship, thoughtfulness, engagement in community & society & fine arts in society are crucial in meeting these objectives. The arts are not less important than science or any other academic subject. It is not a frill & not a luxury."

I Will Miss This Fine Lady,

Rory

Source: The Lethbridge Herald.