‘In a League of Their Own’: Loved Ones Commemorate Alberta Human Rights Defender Dr. Darren Lund | The Canadian News

Albertan Dr. Darren Lund was a human rights defender.

His dear friends say that he was a man of conviction and compassion, who advocated for inclusion, acceptance and social justice.

He had just celebrated his 60th birthday surrounded by people who loved him.

Darren lund

Darren Lund.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

Less than three months later, his friends commemorate him. Lund was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He died on November 10, 2021.

The story continues below the ad.

Darren Lund and his partner, Nina Howorun.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

Nina Howorun, his partner, said it was a devastating loss.

“He was so brave and so hopeful and so optimistic,” Howorun said. “He thought that his health could help him buy more time.

“He was at the peak of his career and had a lot to give.”

Darren Lund.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

She said that he was also a devoted father and lived life passionately, without regrets.

The story continues below the ad.

“He was an incredible man, adventurous, wise for his age and so vibrant and young,” Howorun said.

Darren Lund during his battle with prostate cancer.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

Lund was diagnosed when the cancer had disappeared too much and had wanted to urge people to stand up for their health.

“He trusted me to take care of him and defend him,” Howorun said.

“He assumed with his annual physical exam that he was going to have tests. If I had known I was at high risk, I would have wanted to get screened sooner. “

Darren Lund and Micheal Gretton.

Courtesy: Michael Gretton

His friend and colleague Michael Gretton recently nominated Lund for the Order of Canada.

The story continues below the ad.

“He was a catalyst in Alberta, influencing human rights, acceptance, inclusion, racism and multiculturalism,” said Gretton.

“What Jerome Iginla is to hockey Darren Lund is to human rights: courageous and compassionate collaborators who moved the needle in their areas.”

Jerome Iginla with Darren Lund.

Jerome Iginla with Darren Lund.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

“We lost a bright star in this province, someone who gave so much of himself to this province,” Gretton said.

“It’s one of the best in Alberta.”

Darren Lund with Margaret Trudeau.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

Lund leaves behind a legacy of advocacy work in the fight against racism. His colleague and friend Michael Embaie said he was special and humble.

The story continues below the ad.

“He didn’t do it for fame or the spotlight; He did it because he was a principled person who believed in equality and justice, ”said Embaie.

“He’s in a league of his own.”

“There is a huge gap now, but more importantly, for students who had a lot to gain from their knowledge, experience, commitment and compassion for the inclusion of diversity and anti-racism.”

Darren Lund as Marshal of the Pride parade.

Darren Lund as Marshal of the Pride parade.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

As a high school teacher, Lund started Alberta’s first gay-straight alliance (GSA) and became an esteemed teacher at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary.

Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice chancellor of the University of California, said the Calgary community is grieving the loss of this influential member of their family.

Darren Lund with Ed McCauley, President and Chancellor of the University of Calgary.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

“Dr. Darren Lund’s unparalleled advocacy for diversity and human rights dates back from his early career as a high school teacher to his 19-year tenure as an education teacher. He dedicated himself to enriching equity, diversity and inclusion in education through the Diversity Service-Learning Program and other community partnerships, ”McCauley said.

The story continues below the ad.

“Both academically and beyond, Dr. Lund led with unconditional respect and empathy.”

Darren Lund with former Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

Lund beat out 200 other applicants for a spot on the Calgary Police Service’s first anti-racism action committee.

Darren Lund with former Police Chief Rick Hansen.

Courtesy: Nina Howorun

In sp. Avril Martin is the co-chair of the committee.

The story continues below the ad.

“What impressed me about Darren was his grace and humility. He was so authentic and the way he spoke about himself and his privilege, those are his words, privilege and it really resonated with our membership and our service, ”Martin said.

Darren Lund with Rachel Notley.

Rachel Notley, leader of the NDP, said she was deeply saddened by Lund’s passing.

“I will always be grateful for your early support. I was inspired by his courageous and principled leadership in establishing Alberta’s first gay-straight alliance, ”said Notley.

“Darren was tireless in his decades-long fight for equality in Alberta, and our province is a better place because of him.”

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.



Reference-globalnews.ca

Leave a Comment