Thinking of you Chris, Morgan and Dan on the anniversary of your dear, sweet momma’s passing. She was a treasure, so full of love and life. 

My favourite memory of Jacqueline was her reading at UNBC in the (now) cafeteria space. 

It was during the first few years after I arrived in Prince George and I was still getting to know the writing community. I found the writing culture in town alarmingly male-centred and, so, was grateful to meet Jacqueline and read her poetry. 

The reading was part of a series I started called "Just West of Unruly" and Jacqueline read with visiting author Aritha Van Herk. The reading was charming and it was a good dose of feminism that I think the town really needed. 

I will always remember Jacqueline's grace and power that night! 

<3 Rob

My condolences to Jacqueline's family. I first met Jacqueline when [ I arrived here in PG from Ontario in 2000. She was at a women's event at the Friendship Center. I was surprised by how kind and warm she was in this first conversation.  Very affirming. Very complimentary. I sensed how earnest and authentic she was. Our conversation that night gave me confidence about the choices I'd made that had ended me up here in PG/ BC/ UNBC. I was very lonely and afraid but Jackie helped me feel connected and safer in the world. She always demonstrated that stance toward the world around her (complimentary, optimistic in a gritty way, noticing of ordinary folks and their challenges and accomplishments). After that first meeting I saw her at many poetry and social justice events. She shared a bit of space on the stage here and there. Comrades. We also spent many vibrant minutes at the grocery store chatting about the news and how conservative forces had to be watched with thoughtfulness and a slightly paranoid attitude. We shared stories about various politicians (local, provincial, federal, international). She was wise and had a sharp memory. She also had an fabulous sense of humour about the lies and strategies that these common oppressors/ oppressions threw into the world. She saw through them and beyond them. I deeply enjoyed those conversations in the grocery store over lettuce or cauliflower. I valued her intelligence, wit and ability to also laugh at the way those oppressors/ oppressions under estimated the verve and resistance tools we have. There aren't enough tall brave and creative souls like her in the world. I miss her. I will always remember her for those conversation and for her poetry. We talked about how poetry is a medicine and one that can be given to folks who are located so that they don't go to the library or to the conferences that talk about racism/ classism/ sexism - but those folks are alert and needing to engage. Poetry can be that space.  Her poetry respected her audience and told them about  ecofeminist ideas and intentions - without being preachy or condescending or obscure. I have been wanting to write a poem in respect to her/ a gift to her but I haven't been able to do so yet. I feel sad and lonely thinking about her right now. I will find a way to create that poem - to do her justice but it might take me a long time. I'm sure she is missed deeply by many many people. She is irreplaceable. She was an original. A potent tall kind and welcoming original. 

I regret I am unable to celebrate Jacquie's life tomorrow. Will there still be a gathering in Loos?  My favourite memory of Jacquie was when she attended a Training Forum of the Ending Violence Assoc. of BC with Morgen. She got up and told her story to a packed house. It was very powerful. She made the lives of women living in rural and remote BC visible. She gave voice to our common experience of domestic violence.  And for those of us working in the anti -violence field  she once again connected the personal with the political. Just as she does in her writing! And she was funny and courageous - a model for us all. I am sad I didn't make myself available for one more visit with her.  She has left an indelible legacy. Sending my love to the Baldwin family. And Morgen, I know our paths will cross again some day. Happy Solstice.   

I first met Jacqueline when I was 16, home from boarding school for Christmas, and she a young mum recently arrived in the Crescent Spur/Loos valley with Chris, Danny and Morgen. I thought she was the most exotic creature. Over the next 56 years we exchanged letters and phone calls and when I was lucky enough to be in the same place, we sat across her kitchen table with a pot of tea, catching up on our lives and our loves and our children, talking for hours, laughing and crying. We shared a love of poetry and politics, music and language, gentle cowboys and strong women. Jackie was always passionately curious and interested in people and their everyday lives, and this is reflected in her beautiful poetry. She was the most supportive friend and no matter what wild adventure or relationship I embarked on, it was always ‘Good on ya, mate!’ I shall miss your presence on this planet that you so loved, ma chère amie. 

Jackie was an inspiration as an environmentalist and as a poet.  We miss her dearly.

Always an unbelievable speaker — with Aunty Jackie

The Duo — with Aunty Jackie and Son

Doing what she loved to do. — with Aunty Jackie

A moving and beautiful obituary, thank you!

Wild rose petals, wild clover and yarrow placed in the sea

Hugs and prayers to all!! I wish I could be there but Cheryl had planned a trip that weekend. I will be thinking about you all❤️❤️❤️

I have wonderful and interesting memories of Jacqueline, going back to the 1970's.

Please let me know the time of the June 22nd event in P.G.  I cannot drive to Loos on the 23rd, although I would love to, so to join you on the 22nd in P.G. would be great.   Thank you.

Jacqueline and I met one day at Books &Company where we had a delightful conversation that began when we admired each others hats! Our shared love of hats lead us on to later meetings over cups of tea and  conversations on life, love, and poetry. In 2001, I had the pleasure of spending time with Morgen during a summer course at UVic. It was a delight to connect with these two amazing women, mother and then her daughter.  After my family and I moved to Victoria, Jacqueline and I continued periodic chats by phone and email for quite some time. I treasure the moments we shared. Threadbare like Lace is a beautiful testament to Jacqueline’s strength, grace, and resilient spirit. Jackie, may your spirit continue to soar. Blessings to Jackie’s beloved family.

I met Jacqueline not long after I arrived in Prince George in  September, 1994, when I was asked to take on organizing- at very short notice, a celebration for October, Women’s month. Fast and easy was the only way to go so invitation to a potluck for all and any women to meet also bringing anything they could contribute to a celebration and sharing of “ordinary” women’s lives. Jacqueline came, read some of her poetry and I fell  in love with her words and voice. Her poems just spoke so deeply to women’s unique and common experiences. Articulated injustice in ways that flamed courage into readers and listeners. After that evening, I kept running into her in all kinds of places. I named her the poet laureate of northern BC.  But,  I treasured the moments we had alone - where we connected and created together. And I would never have published my book of poetry without her encouragement and support which quelled my fears and - she wrote the preface.  She leaves a hole in my heart the size  of her  heart. Soar high, spirit. 

I was never keen on poetry readings until I heard Jaqueline read. The power of her words and the resonance of her voice transfixed me. It has to be almost 30 years since I first met her in and around the women's community in Prince George. I loved running in to her and chatting with her. She was fierce and warm and genuine and someone I consider to be a great role model.  Periodically I would send her an email and she always responded with grace and wisdom. Manitoba Crocus will always be one of my favourite poems.  My condolences to everyone that loved Jacqueline, and to Morgen and family in particular.

I was fortunate to meet the firecracker who was Jackie a few times in the company of her daughter.  She gifted me some of her poems which I cherish.  I feel lucky to have them because they remind me of our short visits.

My deepest Highland condolences to the family and friends. Jackie brought so much life and joy to this old world. She gave her all, now, has moved into the spiritual realm, allowing her spirit to soar back to Aotearoa, New Zealand and to the Highlands and back home amongst her loved ones. It was an honor to have known her, both lifelong social activists on many levels, our Highland Souls connected.  Wherever activists are found the spirit of Jacqueline Baldwin will be found.  A life well lived, well done!