Editor’s note: the follow is a letter sent to the Beaver office by Ontario Community Newspaper Association executive director Caroline Medwell following the passing of Napanee Beaver and Picton Gazette publisher Jean Morrison.
The staff, directors and members of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association are are all so sorry to hear that Mrs. Morrison passed away on Sunday, and send you and her family our deepest sympathies.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jean Morrison a few years ago, at a Silver Quill Award ceremony for one of her staff, and subsequently learned more about her and her amazing accomplishments when she received an Honourary Recognition award at the Toronto Ad Club Newspaper Day in 2016.
Jean Morrison in her office in a 1957 photograph.
Jean Morrison was an integral, active and admired leader in the community newspaper business for many years, a long time member of the CCNA and the International Press who also served as President of the OCNA in 1987.
Jean Morrison meets Nelson Mandela in 1990.
Her interests and contributions were many, and she is an inspiration to to all of us who are part of the community newspaper world.
On a personal note, her success at the famous annual Montebello Curling Bonspiel compelled me to compete there one year. I discovered that Jean Morrison is quite literally a legend and a hero at that club – her winning streak as skip taking on mythic dimensions. (Apparently she was pretty impressive on the dance floor as well).
We know you are deeply saddened, and that Mrs. Morrison will be greatly missed by her family and her community.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Caroline Medwell
Executive Director,
Ontario Community Newspapers Association/Ad*Reach