In remembrance
Jon K. Grant: dedicated to preserving Canada’s natural places
It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Jon K. Grant, Director and Chair of NCC’s Board between 1999-2005. Jon's dedication to preserving our natural landscapes and his relentless efforts in conservation have left an indelible mark on our organization and the environment. His leadership and passion have been a source of inspiration for many, and his legacy will continue on through NCC’s mission. Jon’s family is organizing a celebration of life for him in the New Year: Jon Grant Obituary - Peterborough, ON
Michel Lamontagne, proud ambassador of NCC for nearly 20 years, member of the Quebec regional council from 2005 to 2020, secretary treasurer of Conservation de la nature Québec from 2014 to 2017
Michel Lamontagne: connector and defender of nature
Michel Lamontagne (1950-2024) was an emblematic figure in the Quebec conservation landscape. He left a profound legacy with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and beyond.
Michel first donated to NCC in 2005, bringing with him an unwavering passion for nature conservation. His commitment soon manifested itself in his nomination to NCC’s Quebec Regional Advisory Board and his involvement on the Board of Directors of Conservation de la nature Québec (CNQ), a separate organization that owns agricultural land in the province.
From 2005 to 2020, Michel was an important member of the CNQ board, serving as secretary-treasurer from 2014 to 2017 with rigour and dedication. He subsequently served as an ambassador and has attended board meetings as an observer since 2020, actively contributing to the organization's good governance and supporting the management team in Quebec.
Michel Lamontagne has been, and will remain, a source of inspiration for all those working for nature conservation in Quebec. His legacy lives on in the projects he supported and the people he has inspired.
Seven former NCC Board members who gathered to honour Norman Schipper: (L to R) Gary Goldberg, Michael Biro, John Riley, Margaret Kelch, Serena Raab Goitanich, Bruce MacLellan and John Moore, as well as Norman’s beloved wife, Honey (Photo by NCC)
Norman Schipper: steadfast champion of conservation
On October 6, NCC gathered with the family of the late Norman Schipper to recognize his contributions to nature conservation and to our organization. Norm was a member of the Ontario Regional Advisory Board from 2001 to 2008 and served as Chair (and, therefore, as a National Director) between 2001 and 2004.
As a deeply committed and active Board member, Norm had a lasting impact on NCC through his sound advice and ambassadorship, bringing many new supporters and volunteers into NCC’s orbit. Norm was remembered fondly for his love of birds, his dedication to community service and for his skill as a fundraiser.
NCC has installed a plaque on one of the benches at the Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve in the Happy Valley Forest. Norm was instrumental in protecting this project, as he arranged the lead private gift toward its acquisition. We hope that everyone who visits will enjoy some quiet time at this spot, connecting with nature, listening to birdsong and thinking about Norm.
