Obituaries

EDWARDS, Linda Lynne

Linda Lynne Edwards passed away suddenly on November 13th, 2020. She was 77. At her bedside was Brian Mennell, the love of her life.

Linda was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan, and after working as a social worker in Saskatchewan, and in community development in Vancouver, she switched career direction, completed a Masters degree in Entomology, and went back to the land. She started an integrated crop management business (focusing largely on tree fruit) in the North Okanagan, and relocated to Cawston in the Similkameen Valley, becoming a partner with Brian on their organic farm. The valley became the laboratory in which she applied her organic scientific expertise, vision and dedication to research, such that she has been instrumental in organic tree fruits becoming one of the more successful sectors of agriculture in the country. Through her work on the boards of various associations, Linda's expertise has long informed and influenced provincial and federal organic standards and certification.

Linda forged a path in a largely male-dominated agricultural world, and mentored many women on that path. She inspired and gave a helping hand to many others in their various chosen careers. She also exceptionally modeled that success can come with commitment, follow-through, and a good work ethic.

Linda was known for her extensive vegetable garden; her flower beds (she was especially proud of her irises); her freshly baked bread; her devotion to her chickens; and her voracious reading (she wore out more than a few Kindles).

Linda's favourite and oft-quoted author was Terry Pratchett. He wrote that, "No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away." Linda's ripples will long be with us.

Condolence Messages

Dec 17, 2020
Hi Brian,
I have fond memories of Linda as I was a young girl running around the orchard in Oyama. Linda was very patient with me as I liked to tag along and especially look at bugs! She was a kind lady, so sorry for your loss.
Adria Misfeldt (Allingham)
Nov 29, 2020
Brian,
Linda was a special lady and you two made a wonderful couple. It was sitting under an apple tree that Linda inspired us to explore the Canadian Rockies. We will always hold our mountain trips with you guys as special.
Take care,
Jack and Rosie Allingham
Nov 28, 2020
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you all a hug and my deepest sympathy.
Nancy Cawood
Nov 28, 2020
Dear Brian and Family
Hearing of the sudden loss of Linda has had a deep impact on all of us at the New Tree Fruit Varieties Development Council. Linda’s participation on the council was always very focused on her organic farmers and stimulated interesting discussions at the table. Her contributions benefited all growers which will be sorely missed. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Bruce Currie
Nov 27, 2020
Thank you Linda. We'll miss you.
With great respect.
Robert Stathers and Cathy Rublee
Nov 26, 2020
Hello Brian,
My sincerest condolences on the sudden passing of Linda. Her ripples will certainly 'long be with us' through legacy of service to the tree fruit industry. Linda was a very knowledgeable and supportive mentor when I first arrived in the valley. She was a major contributor to the implementation of IPM practices among tree fruit growers regardless of their production systems.
Hugh Philip
Nov 26, 2020
Brian,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Linda was a truly remarkable person who had the talent and persistence to achieve ambitious goals. I learned a lot in the year we worked together.
Sue Haley
Nov 26, 2020
We are so sorry to hear this. We always enjoyed talking and working with Linda during our years in the organic industry. So much knowledge has been lost in her passing.
Tracy and Warren Schimpf
Nov 26, 2020
Hello Brian
It is with a broken heart that we would like to hug you at this moment, but know that we can’t be there for you and your extended family.
Condolences from both of us.
Armindo e Rosa Lopes
Nov 26, 2020
Brian we are so sorry for your loss. We had known Linda for many many years and always respected her decisions on our farms. We send our sincere condolences to you Brian.
Richard and Jacqui Bullock
Nov 26, 2020
She was a great person to work with. It’s big loss for our organic farming. She love to work on new problems farmers facing from any angle she was very helpful. Will be always remembered.
Jarnail s gill
Blossom river organics Ltd
Nov 25, 2020
She came to our apple orchard once or twice a week as head of her Integrated pest management I would inundate her with questions and she would answer them effortlessly cheerfully almost saying come on ask me a hard one. I looked forward to her visits .Have not seen her for many years but remember her well. Very sorry to hear of her passing. Steve and Nancy Williams
Nov 25, 2020
Brian
So sorry to hear of Linda's passing. She was a very interesting and amazing person.
Cherish your memories
Cindy and Tim (south valley sales)
Nov 25, 2020
I met Linda in the early eighties, when she was doing a thesis if I recall correctly, on peach tree borer. She chose my small peach orchard to conduct her integrated pest management experiments. She would unassumingly arrive in her VW van, and quietly go about her work. Her gentle manner and inclusivety endeared our two young girls to her and to what she was doing. Upon hearing her VW van arriving, the girls would announce that Linda " the insector " had arrived, and would run down the hill to greet her. She was a lovely person.
Gabe Coupal
Nov 25, 2020
Hi Brian
So sorry for your loss. We did not know Linda at all but we know you and with that she must have been a wonderful person.
Wishing you some peace and good memories.
With Sympathy
Lynn and John Bremmer