Honouring Winston White
Winston White was a long-time NCC volunteer, serving for many years on the Atlantic Region’s Board of Directors.
He played a key role in helping to set up an office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay so we could start the Labrador Conservation Blueprint and Nature Atlas projects.
Sadly, Winston White passed away last June.
NCC celebrated his memory at three open houses in December of 2014. Each open house started with the playing of a poignant video tribute to Winston White. The video was produced by NCC and featured former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier and federal Fisheries Minister Brian Tobin. Tobin played an important role in raising funds for the Newfoundland and Labrador Nature Atlas.
The events were also an opportunity to officially launch the Newfoundland and Labrador Nature Atlas. Nearly 80 people braved temperatures of about -30 Celsius in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to attend an open house at the College of the North Atlantic. Two nights later, an enthusiastic group endured a snow squall to participate at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook.
The third open house was held in St. John’s at Memorial University and it was particularly emotional. It was attended by Deborah White, Winston White’s spouse, along with their son Jacob.
Winston White was a well-known CBC broadcaster and public servant, having served as an aide to various provincial cabinet ministers. He was close to the land, having worked for many years as a guide, and is credited for first naming Labrador “The Big Land.” A prolific author, he wrote about the importance of conserving Labrador’s natural landscapes and habitats. He is remembered as a great storyteller who proudly promoted Labrador’s unique heritage and culture.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is honouring Winston White by donating sets of books to middle and high schools across Newfoundland and Labrador, in his memory.