Richardson reflects on a life well lived

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This article was published 07/08/2021 (1835 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One of Manitoba’s most prominent citizens has written a fascinating and candid memoir which is also an important read.

Born in 1926, Tannis M. Richardson C.M., L.L.D, has an impeccable record as one of this province’s most generous and remarkable philanthropists. Her autobiographical book, Vignettes from My Life, reveals a woman of great character and strength, charm and wit with a profusion of wisdom she is refreshingly happy to share with readers.

It’s no coincidence that all proceeds from her life stories are being donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, and improving the lives of those who are living with it, has been, as the book demonstrates, a mission for Richardson since her beloved daughter, Pamela Richardson, became ill from the disease and died as a result of it shortly before the age of 29.

So far, Tannis Richardson has raised more than $6.5 million for the cause through the Starry Starry Night fundraisers she founded and is a tireless advocate as well.

As her friend, The Honourable Janice Filmon, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, writes in the memoir’s perceptive forward, “Generous! Thoughtful! Inquisitive! Reflective! Tannis is a Winnipeg champion, philanthropist and volunteer.”

That reflective quality is what makes this series of true short stories from Richardson’s very full life hard to put down until the very end. The fact that she also has a passion for photography means that there are some terrific photos, by her and others, which further illustrate her written memories.

She was married to the late George T. Richardson, longtime president and CEO of James Richardson and Sons. In 1970, George T. Richardson became the first Canadian governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Interesting trips taken around the world and their significance are also included in this wide-ranging and compelling collection of recollections. Closer to home, Rochardson delves into the sastrous flood of 1950.

Richardson’s lifelong commitment to volunteerism began as a child when as a member of the Humpty Dumpty Club, where she would spend Saturdays playing with children “on the children’s ward at the hospital.” During the Second World War, while a home economics student at the University of Manitoba, she became a volunteer aid nurse. She was also (then as Tannis Thorlakson) queen of the 1943-44 freshmen. Her father, Dr. Paul H. T. Thorlakson, was an accomplished physician who founded the Winnipeg Clinic. As Richardson writes about the reciprocal value in donating her time, “you never know where you’re going to meet somebody and have a wonderful connection.”

An adored mother of four, and grandmother, whose two daughters, Pamela and Karen, both died tragically young, Richardson is a resilient role model who survived two of life’s most horrific losses. Her two surviving sons, Hartley and David, are both illustrious business and community leaders in their own right. Of parenting, Richardson accurately and self-deprecatingly remarks: “We parents all have our moments of brilliance and our moments of complete despair about how to handle a situation.”

She writes movingly and with great candour about the life and death of her beloved Pamela, who was born in 1961.

Well-known for her support of human rights, many years ago Richardson helped a gay man who was being discriminated against because of his sexual orientation. “How wonderful for me to have lived long enough to witness a change in this repressive attitude,” she writes. “It provides hope that acceptance can replace intolerance and that we can appreciate people for who they are and what they contribute to society.” She adds, with relief, “In every aspect of enterprise and undertaking, there is greater diversity, inclusion and acceptance.”

Tannis Richardson concludes that “as one grows older, it is such a joy to recount life’s events that can give others insights into one’s experiences. “ She has successfully, entertainingly and movingly done so in this excellent publication.

Brenlee Carrington, a former lawyer, former mediator and former journalist, has been writing freelance book reviews for the Winnipeg Free Press since 1998.