I wanted to write to express my sorrow at Theresa's death, and to add to the many stories I'm sure you're receiving about the incredible difference Theresa made in so many people's lives. I have been out of town for the last few days and so couldn't come to the service on Saturday, but my thoughts were with everyone there.

I first met Theresa many years ago (1991 I think?) when I became a student at UVic. At that time we were both fixtures in the Student Union Building, working at the Women's Centre and in other social justice oriented projects both on and off campus. Although we were at many events and meetings together, I didn't actually get to know Theresa as more than a passing acquaintance until 1996, when we worked together on the annual gay/lesbian/bisexual issue of "The Martlet". Theresa spent a very long weekend patiently teaching me how to use the computer programs, writing last-minute articles with me, and reassuring me that we would somehow make the deadlines despite the fact that there were only two of us working around the clock. I remember being horribly bossy and anxious, and I also remember Theresa's kindness and great sense of humour.

Shortly afterwards, I made the difficult decision to undergo sex reassignment treatment, to go from being female to living as a man. At that time, there was no support for people such as myself and the hostility within the women's and LGB communities was, at times, overwhelming. Theresa made a strong effort to be supportive of me personally and also to help educate the broader community so that I would not be so isolated. I don't think that Theresa ever knew how much a difference she made for me, or how courageous I thought she was for taking what was, at the time, a very unpopular and risky stand. Theresa always had impeccable integrity, both personally and politically.

In later years, we worked together on campaigns to support native struggles and other various political efforts. Almost all the political work I've done in the last 10 years bears, in some way, the touch of Theresa's competence and generosity. She was never a grandstander and would have, I think, denied this wholeheartedly, but from my perspective she has left behind many rich and splendid blossoms.

I thought that Theresa would always be a part of my community here, that we would have many opportunities to look back on our work together and reminisce. I wish that I taken the time to thank her properly for all that she brought to my life. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do this now, with you. It doesn't ease my grief at all but it at least feels like I can do something to honor her.

If there are any particular actions you would like people to take in remembrance of Theresa, I would very much like to participate as a way of acknowledging what she meant to me, and appreciating the many fruits of her efforts to make the world a more peaceful and just place.

Joshua Goldberg