We have been saddened recently by the loss of two members whose contributions to the Society are especially noteworthy. Tanja Harrison was at the very centre of our most recent activities, serving two consecutive terms as Vice President (Publicity), 2018-2024. She helped guide us through the pandemic, kept us focused on carrying on, and offered wise guidance for our new endeavours, large and small. Tanja was a bright and shining light, and we will miss her greatly.
Older members will remember Donald Maclean, a steadfast contributor who served as President, 1991-1994, and was subsequently elected a Fellow of the Society. Despite his moving to British Columbia some twenty years ago, Don remained interested in the life of the Society, and his contributions over the years are appreciated and acknowledged.
Tanja Harrison
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/halifax-ns/tanja-harrison-12114332
Tanja Harrison passed away on December 2, 2024, surrounded by family and friends at the Dartmouth General Hospital. She succumbed to a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, niece, friend, and colleague.
Born in Kingston, Ontario, Tanja spent most of her life in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Graduating from Bishop’s University and Dalhousie University, Tanja developed into a leader in academic librarianship in Canada. She was the head librarian for both the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and for Mount Saint Vincent University. She published several academic articles and presented her work all over the world. She was also working towards a PhD in Education Studies from Mount Saint Vincent University. Tanja loved travel, ceramics, crafts, art, vintage jewelry, new wave 80s music, and bringing joy to the world. Her smile and energy brightened any room.
Tanja was a beautiful spirit who was both loved and respected. That spirit will live on through her daughter Gracie, husband Shane, parents Doris and John, and brother Chris, along with many nieces, nephews, and other relations in her extended family. Her memory will always be cherished by her family and friends.
Donald MacLean (FRNSHS)
https://thechronicleherald.remembering.ca/obituary/donald-maclean-1092642282/
“Growth is the only evidence of life.”
– John Henry Newman
MACLEAN, Donald Forrest – Age 98, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, in Richmond, British Columbia, leaving behind a nearly century-long legacy of intellectual pursuit, public service, and cultural preservation. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Forrest and Jean (Horton) MacLean, Donald was a writer, educator, and a lifelong learner. Valedictorian at Colchester County Academy (’43), Donald earned degrees from Acadia University (B.A., B.Ed.) and Dalhousie University (M.A.). Donald’s adventurous spirit led him across North America during summer teaching breaks. He explored the eastern United States and the western side of the continent, climbing Mount Fisher, hiking in Yosemite National Park, and experiencing the Calgary Stampede. After returning to Halifax in the mid-1950s, he met Frances Bachynski, a young journalist who would become his wife in 1957. Donald’s 40-year career in education began as a high school teacher in Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and British Columbia. He served three years as Secretary of the Adult Education Division for the Nova Scotia Department of Education before spending 31 years as Senior Associate at Dalhousie University’s Henson College of Public Affairs and Continuing Education. Donald was passionate about Scottish history, heritage and genealogy, serving in leadership roles across numerous historical and cultural organizations. He was President and Fellow of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society, President of The Scots: The North British Society, and maintained memberships in more than two dozen organizations. His commitment to public service extended to advancing civil liberties. He was Secretary for the Nova Scotia Human Rights Federation and the Halifax Advisory Committee on Human Rights, the latter of which he served during the controversial Africville relocation project (1964-1967). Music enriched Donald’s life. He played piano at home and sang bass for many years with Halifax’s choral group, The Dal Chorale. He was especially fond of Handel’s ‘Messiah’, and a musical milestone was singing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Throughout his life, he demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of personal losses, from the early death of his father, Forrest S. MacLean, to the later loss of his son Bruce. In 2005, Donald and Frances relocated from Nova Scotia to British Columbia to be closer to family. He is survived by his wife, Frances (Bachynski); son Brechin (Wendy) and grandchildren Kyleigh and Rowan of Richmond, BC, and brother Robert (Judith) Mackenzie, Kingston. He was predeceased by his son Bruce Maclean (Toronto), sister Katharine Ingraham (Tucson), and step-parents Arthur W. Mackenzie and Geneve (Glennie) Forbes Mackenzie of Halifax.
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