Re: “Trailblazer for Nelson’s working women passes,” May 9
Thanks to Greg Nesteroff and the Nelson Star for a fitting tribute to Bev LaPointe in Friday’s paper. I would like to add my voice to the chorus of people who are mourning the passing of this great woman.
I was a reporter at the Nelson Daily News when LaPointe’s BC Human Rights complaint against the City of Nelson came forward. I covered the ensuing hearing and was introduced to the horrible ordeal that LaPointe had to endure. I also got to know this extremely brave and caring person during this time. She left a stamp on me during that time which remains today.
I recall an elderly female reader coming into the Daily News offices during the height of the hearing to complain about our coverage. This woman was angry that we would even cover such a hearing. She was disappointed in Bev LaPointe because she felt her case was causing the City of Nelson terrible harm by lashing out against her workplace. I responded by saying that Bev LaPointe is a hero and her courage is to be admired. I then sternly demanded this person leave the building, the only time I ever made such a request in my 15 years at the paper. The attitude of this misguided reader further highlighted the need for the change which LaPointe spurred.
I helped document 19 years of life in this community while in the local media. During that time I met many leaders and community members worthy of our highest respect. Bev LaPointe will always remain amongst the most important I had the pleasure to meet.
She will be missed.
Bob Hall
Nelson