The Writers’ Union of Canada is extremely saddened to hear of the passing of founding Executive Director, Alma Lee. Lee died in Vancouver on Friday, March 28th.
Alma Lee was a powerful force for good in the world of Canadian writing and publishing; she was instrumental in launching the Union in 1973, secured funding for its continued existence, and served as its only staff member for many years. Lee went on to help found the Writers’ Trust of Canada in order to separate the functions of professional services and fundraising for our sector, and served as the Trust’s first Executive Director as well.
If that wasn’t enough, perhaps Lee’s greatest contribution to Canadian letters was the founding and longtime programming of Vancouver Writers Fest, one of Canada’s largest and longest-running venues for readings, interviews, and panel discussions by, about, and with writers. Lee ran Writers Fest until her retirement in 2005 but, as detailed in this Globe and Mail tribute, never stopped attending and asking questions from the audience.
In 2023, Lee joined esteemed founding and longtime Union members Andreas Schroeder and Merilyn Simonds to discuss the Union’s first fifty years, in a Union Town Hall. Her humour and energetic dedication to Canadian authors were on display that day, as always.
In her later years, Alma Lee continued to provide valuable and deeply appreciated advice, feedback, and strategic thinking to all of the organizations with which she was connected. Her friendships in Canadian and international literary circles are uncountable. She will be deeply missed.
When Alma contributed to the Union’s In Memoriam for Graeme Gibson in 2019 she wrote: “How marvellous that Graeme gave me and so many others, such inspiring opportunities to work, to mature, and most of all to continue our creative lives with the protection of an organization like the Writers’ Union.” We could all say the same about Alma; how fortunate we all were for the work she did to create the Union, and provide all of us with opportunities and protection for our creative lives.
The Union awaits word on a celebration of life for Alma Lee, and will provide details to members when they are available.
