“There are things we don’t want to happen,
but have to accept
things we don’t want to know
but have to learn.
and people we can’t live without
but have to let go”.
Author Unknown
Joan must have known this as well as anyone can, having put her own grief into action in service of suicide prevention following the loss of her parents more than 20 years ago. Her painfully won understanding of the impacts of loss made her a compassionate, courageous and articulate advocate. Her kindness, warmth and unpretentious grace drew people to her and to the cause she so believed in. Joan has given her thoughtful voice, her unflagging energy, and countless hours of her precious time to suicide prevention and to offering support to those bereaved by suicide at the local, provincial and national levels. Most recently we were blessed to have Joan join us as Survivor Chair and then Vice President of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Her death is an enormous loss to us, not only because of her deep dedication to the work of suicide prevention, but also because she was such a delightful human being and just a joy to be around. Joan lit up the room when she entered. She was an integral member of the CASP Board and a mentor to many. She was a loyal friend to each of us as well.
This October CASP’s annual national conference will be dedicated toJoan Seabrookin recognition of all that she has done for suicide prevention. The dedication is a kind of beacon to encourage our continued inspiration by Joan’s example and her vision; which was both simple and powerful – that each one of us has the capacity and ability to do something to reduce the risk of suicide. Joan was and will remain for us a guiding light.
