The Quintessential Writers 2015
Gwen Southin, Maureen Foss, Betty Keller and Rosella Leslie
Gwen Southin, Maureen Foss, Betty Keller and Rosella Leslie
June 22, 2024
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TRIBUTE TO BEV SHAW
It is with the deepest sadness that we say a final farewell to Bev Shaw. She was a part of our Quintessential Writers world for thirty-five years, promoting our books, handling sales at our book launches, sharing our triumphs and setbacks, laughter and tears. She was a dear friend, and she has left us way too soon.
We hope this poem reflects our deep regard and affection for this woman of so much character, and our profound sorrow at her passing.
BEV SHAW
She didn’t sell books,
She treasured books,
Knew them intimately
And treated them all
Like friends—old, dear,
And newly acquainted.
She didn’t help writers,
She championed the written arts,
Celebrated every author’s success,
And created spaces on her shelves
And in her windows
For their books.
She didn’t seek the spotlight,
Though it was often cast
In her direction,
But she happily pushed
Those she admired
To step into its glow.
She didn’t greet people,
She welcomed them in
With her generous smile
And genuine interest
That put them instantly
At ease.
She didn’t just exist,
She made each day brighter
Every event run smoother,
And all she met
Feel better about themselves
And their work.
It will take many forevers
To fill the emptiness
Her passing has left
In the hearts and lives
Of those who were privileged
To share her world.
It is with the deepest sadness that we say a final farewell to Bev Shaw. She was a part of our Quintessential Writers world for thirty-five years, promoting our books, handling sales at our book launches, sharing our triumphs and setbacks, laughter and tears. She was a dear friend, and she has left us way too soon.
We hope this poem reflects our deep regard and affection for this woman of so much character, and our profound sorrow at her passing.
BEV SHAW
She didn’t sell books,
She treasured books,
Knew them intimately
And treated them all
Like friends—old, dear,
And newly acquainted.
She didn’t help writers,
She championed the written arts,
Celebrated every author’s success,
And created spaces on her shelves
And in her windows
For their books.
She didn’t seek the spotlight,
Though it was often cast
In her direction,
But she happily pushed
Those she admired
To step into its glow.
She didn’t greet people,
She welcomed them in
With her generous smile
And genuine interest
That put them instantly
At ease.
She didn’t just exist,
She made each day brighter
Every event run smoother,
And all she met
Feel better about themselves
And their work.
It will take many forevers
To fill the emptiness
Her passing has left
In the hearts and lives
Of those who were privileged
To share her world.
CLICK ON PICTURE TO SEE CAPTIONS
Betty and Gwen with newly appointed Festival of the Written Arts producer Marisa Alps at Rockwood, June 26, 2023.
Gwen, Betty and Rosella at Halfmoon Bay, June 26, 2023.
BETTY'S WRITERS BRUNCH JUNE 25, 2023
Quintessential Christmas party 1990.
Gwen Southin signs her publishing contract for Death on a Short Leash, November 5, 2007
Gwen on the Festival stage with mystery writer Louise Penny August 13, 2010.
Gwen with husband, Vic, signs books for festival fans. August 13, 2010
Rosella, Betty and Jo Hammond on a Vancouver Island book promotion tour. Summer 2010.
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Betty presents at Word on the Street in Vancouver.
September 26, 2010
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The Quints celebrate Betty's Lieutenant Governor's Award. April 2015.
Gwen and Maureen at
BC Book Awards 2015.
Writers annual brunch. June 2007.