We were saddened to learn that barbara findlay, one of the namesakes of our new Fuller-findlay Housing Co-op, died on Saturday, August 22.
findlay spent her life and law career advocating for human rights, including a number of groundbreaking legal cases for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, championing family law rights, child custody protections, and trans rights.
“barbara findlay dedicated her life to advancing equity, inclusion, and human dignity. These same values are woven into the foundation of co-operative movement,” said Michelle Cooper-Iversen, Chief Operating Officer of the Co-operative Housing Association of BC. “We are honoured that her legacy will live on through this co-op community, creating not only affordable homes but a lasting expression of the principles she championed throughout her life.”
When we sought out a name for our housing co-op at 981 Davie the name Fuller-findlay was put forward by the local community to honour barbara alongside long-time friend and fellow advocate, Janine Fuller.
“We are honoured to carry a small piece of barbara’s legacy forward through the naming of the new Fuller-findlay Housing Co-op,” said Monica Morgan, Executive Director, Community Land Trust. “We hope the inclusive community we intend to build through this housing co-op will serve as a lasting reminder of her spirit, dedication, and decades-long commitment to fighting injustice.”
During our naming celebration in June, barbara reflected on sharing the honour with her friend and the importance of community.
“I think it is absolutely terrific that we are on that building together, because it is a symbol that nothing gets done alone,” said barbara. “We have to have community. We have to have capital ‘Q’ community, and we have to have small ‘c’ community, or we’re never going to survive.”
barbara’s legacy will live on, not just as our namesake, but as a fierce advocate, iconic trailblazer, and as a reminder that the rights and liberties we take for granted today did not come freely or easily, but with the continued efforts of those like barbara findlay.
