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Anita Hagen Obituary
Anita was born in Sydney, N.S., got her BA from Dalhousie, and came to B.C. in '54 to work as an English teacher. She married John Hagen in '61 and settled in New Westminster. Her interest in education led to a life of community service, including 10 yrs as school trustee and 10 as NDP MLA for New Westminster ('86-'96). She was Deputy Premier and Education Minister from 1991 to 1993.
A Unitarian for 30+ years, she also ran the Western Society for Senior Citizens' Services in the early 80s and helped create Monarch Place, a transition house for abused women. Devoted to family and a mentor to many, she lived by the words she spoke in her 1951 valedictorian address, "The great end of life is not knowledge, but action."
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: School District No. 40 (Anita Hagen Community Services Award), 1001 Columbia Street, New Westminster, B.C. V3M 1C4. Attention: Barbara Basden. A memorial service will be held in September.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
9 Entries
Gwen Chute
July 9, 2015
I'm am so sorry to learn of Anita's passing. She was a great mentor and inspiration. What a difference she made - especially to public education. She will be greatly missed and warmly remembered. My heartfelt wishes to you John and your family.
July 9, 2015
Joel and Family
I send my condolences with sadness as you mourn. Anita's legacy inspires me. Her life's work and service gives me some welcomed hope. Her passing is another call to give of ourselves in this life, in our world of uncertainty and need as Anita did. Thank you for sharing her story.
J. Jazvac
Gerald Townsend
June 15, 2015
I have many fond memories of Anita and worked closely with her when I was Government Agent in New Westminster and she was MLA and later Minister.
Mary E. McKenzie
June 15, 2015
I had the great honour of working with Anita in Victoria as her Ministerial Assistant from 1991-1993. She was an enormously respected, effective and well-loved Deputy Premier, Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Human Rights and Multiculturalism Policy. Some of her greatest achievements as a Minister in Mike Harcourt's Cabinet were the ones that helped those least able to speak up for themselves. Two that come to mind are the creation of the BC School Meals Program and the inclusion of sexual orientation and family status as protected grounds under the BC Human Rights Act. At a time when these issues were being hotly contested across the country, Anita simply made them quietly happen in BC.
Upon her arrival in Victoria in November 1991, Anita immediately commanded the respect of senior bureaucrats, leaders of the partners in education and members of the broad constituencies that she served. She made time for everyone and listened closely to the advice she received. She cared deeply for her staff. She usually worked 18 hours a day and only occasionally took a break for time to herself. Virtually no one could keep up with her.
Anita represented the fine tradition of Canadian politicians whose only motivation to seek elected office was to serve the public interest.
My condolences to John and to the rest of Anita's family. I remember hearing her tell happy, loving stories of all of you throughout our time together. I know that she will be greatly missed. I hope that you will be comforted in the knowledge that her legacy throughout her community and beyond will be eternal.
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Lorrie Wasyliw
June 15, 2015
John and family,
Anita will always be our inspiration for the work we do at Monarch Place. Her shining example of service and sacrifice, her devotion to supporting those in need, and her enormous wisdom freely shared, leave us a legacy to be treasured. Our sympathy goes out to you all during this time of grief and loss. May you be comforted and sustained by the precious memories she has left with you.
The staff at Monarch Place
Janet Barnes
June 14, 2015
I'm very sorry to find out about your loss, who was a respected colleague of my late husband, Emery. She was a fine example to all women and an honest and proud contributor to all of us whether in her constituency or otherwise.
Franci Louann
June 14, 2015
Lucky and grateful to have met this fine and inspiring woman...
June 13, 2015
So sorry to hear of Anita's passing, John.
Bruce and Betty Norris
Svend and Max
June 13, 2015
Anita was a fine, compassionate colleague and friend, and a great New Democrat. My condolences to John and the family. Take care and stay strong.
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