Denise MAURICE

To Denise's family and close acquaintances:

I was shocked to read about the passing of one of the shining lights of agricultural technology transfer in Western Canada over the past several decades. Denise Maurice touched so many people with her enthusiastic, grassroots approach to agronomy issues, and had a gift for distilling scientific data into usable, understandable, accessible language, making her comfortable to engage in discussions with everyone from lab technicians to extension staff to producers. Her approach was that of both a teacher and student, and her presentations were truly two-way discussions between her and her audience members, a process which also took place before and after she graced the microphone with her distinctive and energetic style. She was always interested in how her audiences felt about the research she had shared – if it rang true to them or not, and if not, she would draw alternative points of view out of those she interacted with to help her find the correct answers to her own questions.

I first encountered Denise in the late 1980's and early 1990's in Alberta, when she was working with weed control and herbicide resistance issues for Alberta Agriculture, and I was starting out as an Agricultural Fieldman in Pincher Creek. Her presentations (and our discussions before and after them) were something I looked forward to every winter when we would see her at our in-service training sessions. It was a big loss to Alberta Ag when she moved on to Westco, but we were happy to find that she was still out there in the field and presenting as always – Denise was still Denise, we were happy to discover. This continued throughout her career, and it is still a shock that she will no longer be a feature of prairie ag education.

Denise was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to me in my own work as an agricultural and environmental observer and educator. Those getting into the field out of university would do well for themselves to scour the internet for snippets of her presentations and media interviews that were captured during her various career phases. She was truly one of the best, and I will miss her greatly.

Sleep well, Denise. You have earned your place with the angels.

Kelly Cooley
CoolPro Solutions Environmental Consulting
Pincher Creek, Alberta

So sorry to hear of Denise's passing. I have fond memories of Denise when I worked for Alberta Agriculture. She was very well respected by the farming community and I was proud to have her as a speaker and adviser in Falher, Ab from time to time. My deepest condolences to her family.

Hector Goudreau

My deepest sympathy to your family. Denise was my boss for over 2 years back in the days of Crop Protection at Alberta Agriculture. I had the privilege of stepping in for her while she was on maternity leave with Elyse. She was a great boss, mentor and friend. While I haven't seen her for many years I am certain that she never lost those traits! She will not be forgotten.

Beautiful woman, wonderful mother, daughter, sister, friend. A great sadness has settled over the land at your passing. You have left the world a better place and as much as you are missed, you are celebrated. Love and sincere sympathy to your family. Your smile will always be in every heart you touched.

Denise, You were a truly inspirational person, not to mention beautiful, inside and out. Every one of your visits to the farm was not only a learning experience, but also a wonderful conversation that just seemed to strengthen our friendship.Friend to us and mentor to our children, we will miss you. Sure hope you finally cracked open that champayne, your life was worth celebrating!

My sincerest condolences to the family. I worked at Viterra in Regina and remember Denise. She was a very positive, hardworking and friendly person!
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Denise - ever since I met you during my first week of work 26 years ago in Edmonton you were forever smiling. You were always interested in what was happening at DuPont and whenever I needed help you were quick to provide it. Thanks for all you have done for Canadian farmers, for others in the ag industry and the obvious love for your family. You will not be fogotten.

At times like this it is good for us to remember the good times. Many years ago we were at the head table at a medieval feast at the Banff Park Lodge. You were the princess and I was the court jester. At a point in time we became quite "happy", and felt it was time for a palace coup. Quite the food fight broke out and boy were the hotel staff less then impressed. Rest in Peace