I met Shirley in January this year whilst she was travelling through Malaysia, in between humanitarian assignments. I was then my privilege to spend the next two week travelling with her. As we journeyed through Borneo various travellers joined and left our happy group all of whom were entranced by this warm hearted, compassionate and intelligent Canadian; when we climbed Mt Kinabalu she was there encouraging us on, whilst we trekked through the jungle, on one of ' UncleTan's' expeditions, she was keeping us amused with her knowledge and anecdotes and when we were 'hanging out' for a few days at Kota Kinabalu, you knew that if you were in conversation with Shirley she was really listening to you.
We kept in e-mail contact as she took on assignments, first in Chad and then Afghanistan, always playing down any danger she might be in. I have a treasured e-mail sent a few days before she died, typically sweet and full of encouragement and kind words. There are few people in this world who can light up a room merely by stepping into it. Shirley was without doubt a bright star. It is clear to me; from the brief time I spent with her, from reading the testimonies to her, and speaking with others who knew her, that we all feel robbed of a wonderful friend.
The news of her death was devastating to me, so I can only imagine the pain of her family and closer friends. It will be of no consolation to them, but those of us whose lives were merely touched by Shirley feel blessed to have known her.
The world is a poorer place without her.
Rest in peace Shirley.
Steve (London, UK)
To a wonderful friend
Steve Smith (Aug 26, 2008)
We kept in e-mail contact as she took on assignments, first in Chad and then Afghanistan, always playing down any danger she might be in. I have a treasured e-mail sent a few days before she died, typically sweet and full of encouragement and kind words. There are few people in this world who can light up a room merely by stepping into it. Shirley was without doubt a bright star. It is clear to me; from the brief time I spent with her, from reading the testimonies to her, and speaking with others who knew her, that we all feel robbed of a wonderful friend.
The news of her death was devastating to me, so I can only imagine the pain of her family and closer friends. It will be of no consolation to them, but those of us whose lives were merely touched by Shirley feel blessed to have known her.
The world is a poorer place without her.
Rest in peace Shirley.
Steve (London, UK)