Community mourns eco-warrior

AFTER a long struggle with cancer and having been in a coma for the last couple of days, community stalwart, Jean Dagmar Lindsay, died at 10.05pm on Monday 1 December.

Jean lived her life to the full and contributed enormously to her community and fought for the environment whenever she could, an eco- warrior if ever there was one.

Jean was a beloved friend, colleague, environmental activist and PR councillor in New Germany. Jean was a committed teacher and swimming teacher before entering politics. She was a gentle soul with a fiery core when it came to matters of environmental degradation. She was also a huge lover of trees and would really protest and get “sick to the stomach” when one of her beloved indigenous trees got cut down. Her garden at home was testament to this. Everything was indigenous and grew as a beautiful, cool jungle full of birdlife. There were no man-made manicured lawns as most properties have. She always said: “Nature is not neat, it grows in a messy fashion – but it is beautiful.”

Jean became the DA’s PR councillor in 2006. She quickly established herself as one of the “greenies” alongside fellow councillors Gill Noyce and Geoff Pullan. The DA caucus always turned to Jean for advice on environmental issues. She was tremendously knowledgeable and the real ‘go to’ person on these issues.

Jean always committed herself whole-heartedly to anything she had been involved in whether it was her career as a physical education teacher, her own sport and recreational activities or later as a conservationist.

During her sporting career she tackled many challenging situations, fresh water and ocean sailing, swimming short and long distances as well as hiking in all types of terrain and in all weather conditions, conditions that were not for the faint-hearted. She never lacked courage.

Jean also never backed off from those hacking and chopping out our precious indigenous trees by ruthless tree fellers, ill-informed citizens or municipal staff. She was never afraid to get in to do the job of invasive alien plant (IAP) removal or wade into a murky river to pull out rubbish. She had no illusion of self importance and did not expect others to do anything that she herself was not prepared to do.

It was said of her that she was never a self promoter and on more than one occasion others took the credit for the work, time and effort she put into her passion, the environment and conservation.

She resigned from active participation in the committee of the KZN Conservancies Association due to ill health in May this year, however she served on it for many years besides other conservation bodies.

Friends and colleagues expressed their condolences on Facebook and shared their memories of Jean.

“When I started as a councillor in West Durban, Jean was always willing to help me with advice and wise counsel. I must also credit her for exposing me to the degradation of our environment and pushing me to become ever more involved in green initiatives. In short, I am just grateful to have known her and to have had such a kind and wise person beside me when I started my career,” said MP Tim Brautesth, former eThekwini ward 18 councillor.

Jean is remembered for her work with the environment – “Before Jean was elected to public office she would often call me to talk about the environment. She took special interest in the Alfred Park Wet Land Conservatory, and played a major role in ensuring its future and that of the cranes which nest in it,” said Nick Libenberg from the Department of Natural Resources.

“Jean’s long battle with cancer did not deter her from her passions. She made time to mentor me, and help me navigate my way within the DA structures. I drew strength and courage from her which seems to have come naturally. She will be greatly missed and leaves an empty space in our hearts,” said Pierre Gertenbach from New Germany.

Bronwyn Gemmell, a faithful friend to Jean to the last moment, said they had been friends for 30 years. They both taught at Fulton School for the Deaf in Winston Park. Jean taught physical education and Bronwyn home economics.

“She was an amazing, multi-talented person, who spent much of her personal time with our family. She is the godmother to my eldest son Christopher, and the favourite auntie to the other five children. Her presence will be sorely missed, but we will strive to continue the good work that she has laid as stepping stones,” said Bronwyn.

A memorial service will be held at Epworth School chapel, 95 Golf Road, Scottsville in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday 4 December at 10am.