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Mrs. Heather Baum (nee Dickson) of Medicine Hat succumbed to the effects of both ALS and cancer at Rosedale Hospice, Calgary on Apr 21st, 2010 at the age of 63. She leaves to cherish her memory Husband Al, and children Mark (Julie Read) and Brian Baum as well as step-brothers Stuart (Rennie), John (Janet) and James (Harriet) Hanna. Born in Montreal, QC on Aug 17th, 1946 to Dilys (nee Foulkes) and Andrew Dickson; they soon after moved to Campbellton, NB where she completed high school and eventually went on to graduate from UNB in 1967; Majoring in sociology and poli sci. She then headed west where she met her future husband while working in Calgary. They married in Salmon Arm, BC on Feb 5th, 1972. Actions speak louder than words -- a cliché perhaps, but words she lived by; from the student organizations and sports teams she participated in--up until the half century mark of her life!--to the countless other non-profits she volunteered and worked in. Through it all she always had a smile on her face, and a sympathetic ear to everyone she came across. In these endeavours she always carried with her the belief that “your community isn’t just your little block” and it showed in the organizations she worked with. By setting up the first UNICEF chapter in Grande Prairie in 1987, and serving on boards of numerous other organizations that bettered the lives of the people locally and internationally. She was an agent of multiculturalism in Canada. A product of her belief in the value of diversity, embracement of other cultures, an unceasing empathy, and her personable nature -- no matter the colour of your skin, or the number of candles on your cake, she not only enjoyed the company of others but when she chatted with you, you got the sense she was really listening. She parlayed this quality by talking to kindergartens to colleges about anti-racism, hate crimes, and valuing diversity to name only a few of the many causes she championed. Another among those causes was the importance she placed on environmental stewardship. While she was an avid recycler she knew the 3 R’s were a hierarchy and that reducing your impact, and reusing items were the real key toward sustainability. And through it all, whenever her sons took the field, or court you could always find her in the stands, or even on the sidelines. A memorial service will be held outside Medicine Hat, AB this May 3rd from 1 to 4 pm at the Echodale Regional Park swim centre. In memoriam, donations may be sent to: The ALS society, 400 – 320, 23rd Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2S 0J2 or alternatively: Attn: Heather Baum Memorial Fund, MHSD No. 76, 601, 1 Ave SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4Y7



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