Dr. Geoffrey Pawson
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Geoffrey Pawson on January 30, 2012. Husband to Barbara for 50 years; Father to Jane (David) Loblaw, Gord (Lori) Pawson, David Pawson, and Kate (Scott) Langen. He was an extremely proud Granddad to Rachel, Sydney and Chloe Langen and Demira and Darian Pawson. Brother to David (Doreen) Pawson and Lloyd (Angie) Pawson; brother-in-law to Roger & Vicki Hardage and Ann & Jim Stevens; and their families. Geoff is the founder of the Ranch Ehrlo Society and former Ehrlo Community Services. He was only 27 years of age when he opened the first group home with 6 youth. The agency has grown to currently serving 250 youth and families across Saskatchewan and Canada. There have been thousands of graduates of the program, many of whom continued to maintain contact. He received many honours throughout his career such as the Order of Canada in 2000, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2001, the Family Service Canada Award in 2003, and an Honourary Doctorate of Law from the University of Regina in 2005. Geoff was an inspirational leader who had a tremendous impact at the local, provincial, national and international level for his unwavering commitment to youth. He had a gifted ability to create change, overcome obstacles, and challenge the status quo. He was a master problem-solver and visionary who was respected by his colleagues, employees, community, friends and family. Although Geoff will be profoundly missed, he has left a remarkable legacy. His mission and vision will live on at Ranch Ehrlo, as he laid a solid foundation to continue to improve upon meeting the needs and filling gaps for the most vulnerable members of our society. He truly left the world a better place. Donations can be made in Geoff's honor to the Dr. Geoffrey Pawson Education Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to enable present and/or former residents of the Ranch Ehrlo Society and other deserving individuals to continue with Post-secondary and apprenticeship training. The focus is to improve the likelihood of long-term and continuous employment in the future of the recipients. A Memorial will be held on Friday February 17, 2012 at 7 pm at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan in the Grand Ballroom. An online book of condolences can be accessed at www.Ehrlo.com, as well as www.Facebook.com/RanchEhrlo. This is a wonderful way for the family to stay connected as they have yet to be able to return from Tucson AZ.
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Response to Globe and Mail Article on Aboriginal Child Protection System in Manitoba
Note - Our response was submitted to the Globe and Mail on October 15, 2007.
On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Globe and Mail published an article by Margaret Wente, titled "White guilt, dead children - in the name of political correctness", which focused on the Manitoba child protection system. Please read the full article.
Dear Editor,
The protection and safety of children must be the paramount concern of child welfare services. Respecting the race, culture and religion of children is also in their best interests and a fundamental right.
Ms. Wente's analysis of an 'either/or' decision is superficial, misleading and does not promote the best interests of children. When children require substitute care, securing a placement that ensures their safety and promotes their identity is the goal.
There is an urgent requirement to address the needs of vulnerable Aboriginal children and build capacity with Aboriginal child and family services.
We applaud the new funding being provided by the federal government to four provinces for Aboriginal child welfare prevention services, and urge the expansion of these services.
Sincerely,
Peter Dudding, Executive Director, Child Welfare League of Canada
