Nancy Leggatt – 1921 to 1998
George Clark – 1923 to 2000
The Clarks had a very keen sense of community and of the importance of contributing to the health of the place you live in order to make it a better community, a better country, and a better world. Their values were reflected in everything they did. Nancy, an enthusiastic outdoor person and well-known gardener, was born in New Zealand in 1921. She came to BC briefly to teach but returned home to further her own education.
George was born in Saskatchewan in 1923. After serving in the Second War, he bought land under the VLA, and took up farming in Peace River Country. In 1961, after his crop was in, he decided to travel, and in New Zealand he encountered Nancy Leggatt. They married and moved back to the farm.
Nancy taught in the Peace, much of the time on a Reserve. She understood immediately that much of the subject matter of prescribed curricula was not relevant to the culture or the experience of her students, and with them proceeded to write stories appropriate to her primary readers.
Life on the farm was good, but never easy. Both Nancy and George developed tremendous self-reliance and survival skills. They also experience again and again what they already knew—community, sharing and hospitality are critical.
Nancy and George retired to Salmon Arm in 1977. Nancy soon became known for her gardens. She was a volunteer literacy tutor of OUC, and eventually joined the College’s Community Advisory Committee. George—always an exceptional handyman took up model making and weaving and ended up touring fairs and conferences showing and selling his product.
George and Nancy were Foundation Founders and supporters. In their wills, they left over $150,000 to the Foundation for scholarships, for Foundation administration, and for discretionary gifts to their community.
