How will John McLeod be remembered in Salmon Arm?
Though not one for the spotlight, John was willing to speak up for the things he believed in and attempt to effect change when and where possible.
A farmer until he retired, John advocated for preserving agricultural land for agricultural use. Often he reminds people we’re not making any more farmland, and it’s up to us to preserve and protect what we have.
John was also passionate about food security – making sure people have the ability and capacity to grow and produce food locally.
“If you have to rely on foreign corporations and other countries to feed you…. when they control your stomach, they’ve got your brain,” John told the Observer in a 2018 interview. “It’s up to us to protect and maintain all viable land. And by viable, I mean all land. We have to get away from soil classifications; poor dirt is better than no dirt. You can’t grow vegetables out of concrete and asphalt.”
John was deeply concerned for future generations. I have no doubt this was what kept him engaged with the city’s agricultural and environmental advisory committees.
Read more: Salmon Arm farmer makes impassioned plea to protect B.C.’s food supply
Read more: Longtime member of two City of Salmon Arm committees receives accolades
“I want to recognize John’s dedication, his commitment, not only to a better Salmon Arm but preserving the future of future citizens, of future generations and living in a better world,” commented Coun. Tim Lavery when McLeod stepped down from the committee in May 2021. “I have always admired John’s positions, his research and his stridency on issues.”
John was very much in tune with the politics of the day – locally and further afield. In the time I knew him, he always seemed to have some heavy reading on the go, works of non-fiction about the world, about where it has been and where it appears to be headed, and what’s been happening behind the scenes along the way. When John offered his thoughts or opinions on a matter, be it in casual conversation or a more formal setting, you knew they were informed by acquired education and accumulated wisdom.
Of course, if I’d said this to his face during one of the morning chats we used to share at a local coffee shop, I expect John would have laughed and made some self-deprecating remark. Most of our conversations would revolve around what’s going on in the community and/or politics of some sort. Inevitably one of us would say something that would give us both a laugh. John had a good sense of humour.
I’m going to miss that. I already am.
I can’t remember when he and I last shared one of those laughs. It’s been a while.
This morning I received word that John is no longer with us. My condolences to the family.
I keep having to pause as I process a mix of memories and regret. I don’t know how many times over the past several months I’ve thought of stopping by the coffee shop to catch up with John, or at least say hello.
I don’t know how Salmon Arm will choose to remember John McLeod. Hopefully, it will be for his actions, his words, his kindness and yes, his sense of humour. I’m not sure he’d want it, but something more formal might be nice. Perhaps a statement from the mayor? A community garden named in his honour?
Personally, I think little plaque at a table in that coffee shop might be nice. It could say “John McLeod’s coffee corner,” though I’m sure others spent time there with John could come up with a better inscription – something to sit by and reflect on next time one or more of us stops in for a beverage and maybe have chat, share a joke and think about the future.
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