Archived Entries from Tanis' In Memoriam Guestbook
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Listed in Reverse Order Entered
Name: Bonnie Lewis
City Honolulu
Sent: 06.45 - tue 24 aug 2004
Meeting Tanis was blessing. I met and was influenced by her wisdom, compassion, and heart. Gratefully, I've never been the same.
Seems much too soon to say goodbye...until we meet again, then.
Name: Roger and Shelly Carver
City Mission, BC
Sent: 18.37 - mon 23 aug 2004
We first met Tanis over 20 years ago when she organized a national Deaf youth conference. Our paths had crossed repeatedly over the years; we were friends and neighbors for a few years in Stony Plain, Alberta and we collaborated on several projects through the University of Alberta. She had so much energy and drive even while she was ill. Although we did not always see eye to eye on politics, she has earned our admiration and respect. Good bye, Tanis. Shelly and Roger
Name: Alice Anderson
City Madison, Wisconsin
Sent: 07.57 - mon 23 aug 2004
The loss of Tanis ripples to far-away lands. It's a hot humid day in Wisconsin, as tears flow reading of the loss of this great woman. I met her 7 years ago through one of DO-IT's (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) projects. Wit and Wisdom were a constant she would bring to a session each year since. Motivation would be what she'd leave behind. I'll do more, as a tribute to Tanis, who gave so much. I'll miss you Tanis, and will smile as I recall your words of inspiration.
Until we meet again.
Name: Edna Dawe
City Paradise, Nfld.
Sent: 09.15 - sat 21 aug 2004
To Family and Friends:
Sorry to hear of Tanis' passing. I would loved to have met this amazing woman in person. She was a truly remarkable person and will be greatly missed but the wonderful memories of her will live on.
Name: manolo orellana
City san salvador
Sent: 19.21 - thu 19 aug 2004
memoria siempre ayuda para sordo(as)en el salvador,ayudarleer,equipo para clases y muchas cosas.
tanis doe era super especial.los sordos(as)de el salvador que la conocimos,la vamos a extrańar mucho
Name: Janet Noyes
City Silver Spring
Sent: 15.49 - thu 19 aug 2004
You are a GREAT person. You inspired me in many different ways. Thanks for being you, Tanis. Thanks for giving examples for others to follow you.
Love, Janet
Name: Naomi Finkelstein
City Seattle (but a south bronx butch now and foever)
Sent: 17.04 - wed 18 aug 2004
Tanis-
Dear one,
I did not know you well. I only saw you across a room signing, writing and speaking all at the same time. And I asked someone- who is that and they told me.
There are womyn who made it possible for me to have a life when i became disabled. For all the work you did before me I am deeply grateful. Kind of my kind -I will do some of your work now, added to my own, that is the least I can do.
A shaynem dank svester
Gracias hermana
from a funeral plainsong by Judy Grahn
now that you have left you can be whatever the fire is when it blows itself out
now your are the voice in any wind
i am a single wind
now you are a source of any fire
I am a single fire...
I will be your mouth now to do your singing
breathe belongs to those who do the breathing
warm life as it passes through your fingers
flares up in the very hands you will be leaving
you have left what is left
for the bond between women is a circle
we are together within it
i am your best, i am your kind
kind of my kind I am your wish
wish of my wish i am your breast
breast of my breast I am your mind
mind of my mind I am your flesh
i am your kind I am your wish
kind of my kind
I am your best
with love,
Naomi
Name: deloris piper
City Vancouver
Sent: 09.38 - wed 18 aug 2004
It was so recently we were reminiscing about our friendship since the days you were studying at the Uof A.
A friend once shared a passage by China Galland with me: "Once you live with women and the landscape, you find that you cannot separate them from the notions of peace, spirituality and community." I thank you from the bottom of my heart for these gifts and more - to me and so many others. I have always dreamed of publishing a book of women - and when I do - you Tanis will be a major feature and influence in this reality.
You have been my friend, and teacher, always pushing me ahead in so many ways. I am better in this world for your brilliance, wit, support and determination, and I will carry this in my soul with great joy and honor. I am cherishing all that we shared and so my heart is crying but also smiling at the same time. I hope to carry on your presence in this world in my celebration of you and all that you offered. Miss and love you tons!
Name: Mandeep Toor
City Victoria
Sent: 20.54 - tue 17 aug 2004
Tanis-I hope you knew how much you meant to all of us. I enjoyed coming to your class because you helped create an open and honest atmosphere where we didn't have to be afraid to cry! I learned so much from you, I was inspired by you. You changed my perception of the world and taught me so many things. I feel so honoured and privileged to have known such a wonderful and brilliant soul. I'm sorry you had to leave so soon but I will always remember you and carry your teachings with me everywhere I go. I will miss you.
Mandeep
Name: Nancy Hansen
City Winnipeg
Sent: 14.37 - tue 17 aug 2004
Another disability scholar passing all to soon.
Name: Erica Williamson
City Victoria
Sent: 11.33 - tue 17 aug 2004
I knew Tanis as a professor and friend. I was constanty suprised at the honesty and commitment she showed us as students. I will always be appreciative of the support she showed me in my studies and the belief she had in all of us to fight our way across oppression. She was an amazing woman whom I will miss very much. I know she will be standing with my elders whenever I need support in rectifying injustices. I love you Tanis and wish you peace in your journey through the afterworld.
Erica
Name: Marisa Bennett
Homepage: http://www24.brinkster.com/resourceress
City Washinton, DC, USA
Sent: 07.05 - tue 17 aug 2004
I met Vicky and Tanis two years ago at the Queer Disability Conference in San Francisco. I aspire to be like them. One favorite memory is that at the end of the QD conference I had the honor of going out to lunch with Tanis and other notable (notorious?) QD-studies folks. She told a story about how someone had given her a T-shirt that said "LA lalala, LA lalala, I can't HEAR you!!!" (This is an expression that hearing Americans tend to use - with their fingers in their ears, and perhaps eyes closed - to mean "That's too much information/I won't listen to you say that") Hee hee hee.
I'm just so shoked and sad to hear of her passing. I just started graduate school in sign language linguistics/Deaf studies and I was really looking forward to seeing Vicky/Tanis at future conferences.
Tanis, wherever you are, we love you!
Corbett, Mary Anne, and Meecha: our thoughts are with you.
Love,
Marisa
Name: Kaia Sherrit
Sent: 19.07 - mon 16 aug 2004
I met Tanis while taking a social work research course at UVIC. As a woman with a disability myself, I was interested in speaking to people about disability in relation to accessing post-secondary education. Tanis taught me a lot about disability issues - both during our meetings and in the disability course I subsequently took with her. I appreciated her uniqueness, her strong voice, her compassion and the wealth of knowledge she had accumulated through both lived experience and schooling. I truly will miss her.
Name: Joe Coughlin
City Victoria BC
Sent: 17.34 - mon 16 aug 2004
I met Tanis while hosting the "Disability Network" for CBC Television in the early 90's. Tanis was a guest on one of our shows. She was a spirited person. I moved to Victoria in 1995 and re-connected with Tanis on quite a few occasions. The discussion were always lively. Ironically, I met Tanis on the bus a few weeks ago, just days before she passed. We will all miss her energy in the disability movement. I'm sure her message will inspire younger people with disabilities to carry the torch of freedom.
Name: Yvette Bear
City Vancouver
Sent: 16.48 - mon 16 aug 2004
Thank you to those who have written about Tanis and both her personal experience/life as well as her professional life. Having only met through "distance" courses, I didn't have the opportunity to "fully" meet and appreciate Tanis for all the wonderful things she is and will leave for this world to digest and remember. Even through "distance," however, it was clear that Tanis was doing the things she was meant to be doing in her life. She was an excellent professor and offered unwaivering support and thought-provoking insight to her students. I have been greatly inspired.
Her energy is will live on forever. Our thoughts and prayers will make sure of that.
Thank you, Tanis.
Name: Norma John
City Smithers, BC
Sent: 14.52 - mon 16 aug 2004
Tanis was my faculty advisor for my MA thesis. I deeply appreciated her enthusiasm and encouragement and her belief in me. She was a unique and gifted woman and I am saddened by her passing. My condolences to her family,
Norma John
Name: Anita
City Victoria
Sent: 11.15 - mon 16 aug 2004
Tanis, you taught me so much - about courage and living life to it's fullest. You also challenged me to become a competent researcher and to embrace my dreams and just "go for it". It was a true privilege to know you and share the times we did together. I will always remember you fondly and with great admiration. I raise my snapple to you!
In friendship,
Anita
Name: Shahbar Dadvand
City Vancouver
Sent: 10.37 - mon 16 aug 2004
Dear Tanis, I was very fortunate to take one of your highly educational courses as a distance student, and I wish that we had met. You are admired, loved, and missed by many and your influence will carry with us.
To Dear Family and Friends: Tanis left us so many wisdoms to remember and carry forward in our lives and work that we will each carry a little of Tanis with us each day. After reading about Tanis, I learned how much she loved life and how strongly she stood for great quality of life for all, that in life is where I will remember Tanis.
Thank you for giving me this chance to write here. Shahbar
Name: Jennifer Allan
City Mississauga
Sent: 08.47 - mon 16 aug 2004
I had the pleasure of growing up a friend of Tanis and her family. It is only fitting that this incredible woman hails from a most incredible family. Their kindness, generosity and influence in our small community was appreciated by so many.
My thoughts are with her family at this time.
Sincerely
Jen Allan
Name: Marge Reitsma-Street
Homepage: http://www.uvic.ca/spp
City Victoria
Sent: 17.35 - sun 15 aug 2004
What a sudden and sad loss. My sympathies to her family and friends. My thanks to the people of DAWN for their prompt and thoughtful webpage on Tanis. I am very glad you uploaded selections of Tanis' scholarly work. Her ideas and words will live on and reach many, as will memories of her courage and joie de vivre.
Marge Reitsma-Street
Professor, Studies in Policy and Practice
University of Victoria
Name: JoAnne Stump-Nelson
City Montreal, Quebec
Sent: 08.45 - sun 15 aug 2004
I remember you, Tanis during the time I was President of CAD and you were a very young lady who came to tell CAD you wanted to work with Deaf youth. You became a leader of the Canada Deaf Youth leadership Project and the others remarked that you had so much energy and kept them working for hours. This project led on to many ohters relating to deaf youth.
Also remember when you went to Jamaica to work with the deaf there you noticed Anne Marie and wanted to bring her home and it took time to get the paperwork done. Then during CAD Congress you arrived with a sweet deaf little girl with many braids and color ribbons. How proud you were to have AnneMarie in your life.
It was always a pleasure to see you again with your sparkling eyes and warm heart!
You certainly was a great role model for everyone and Anne Marie!
May God Bless you and guide Anne Marie during this time.
JoAnne Stump-Nelson
Name: Brenda Hundley Pobol
Homepage: http://www.chronicpainoutreach.net
City Danville VA
Sent: 17.17 - sat 14 aug 2004
A real hero has been promoted to the nest step of life. Blessings and Peace
Name: Regina Scholte
Sent: 07.24 - sat 14 aug 2004
I will always remember Tanis Doe because of the way she treated me. She made me feel what I had to say was worthwhile and important and that made me want to listen to her more. She was a great communicator and loved her fellow human beings. Her course on Disability was my favorite and I will always remember her as making our encounter a lasting one through her teachings and caring.
Name: BJ Miller
City Burnaby, BC
Sent: 03.20 - sat 14 aug 2004
I am deeply sadened when I heard about Tanis' passing.
I have met her on numerous occosions, and had quite high respects and regards for her. I don't remember when the first time I was introduced to her, but I think it was during a conference in Toronto, in 1980 at the Canadian Hearing Society, while I worked there.
Then over the years we have 'bumped'into each other and caught upto date in each other's lives. She was always so happy-go-lucky to do anything new, within her grasp! She will be missed by those who lives have been touched by her, including mine.
My sincerest condolonces go out to her wife, and daughters and her family. Hugs and love to you.
Name: Debbie Page
City Victoria BC
Sent: 01.37 - sat 14 aug 2004
I am deeply saddened by Tanis' death.
I, too, have always loved sunflowers--bought some today--only now they're bought with memories of Tanis. Anytime I see them I will be reminded of her.
Tanis would come by my desk often to say "Hi" or just a quick "I'm coming right back with a few more papers I've marked"--smiling and we'd chat a little. My regret--that I never took time to stop by her office and bug her for just a little more of her time--time to get to know the unique person that she was.
Tanis I will miss you.
Name: Melissa Quicke
City Seattle, Washington
Sent: 01.20 - sat 14 aug 2004
I had the pleasure of meeting Tanis only once, as she gave a guest lecture in a graduate course at the University of Washington. I recall that, at that time, I thought she was an amazing woman with an enviable intellect. She will truly be missed!
Name: Gwen
City Victoria
Sent: 21.39 - fri 13 aug 2004
I first met Tanis at oyal Roads in 2001 and was introduced to her quirky humour, laughter and zest for life - including Snapple! As I grew to know her as a faculty member and friend, I was humbled by her experiences and breadth of knowledge. Throughout good times and not so good times, she laughed and smiled, and made me feel good. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing .. I feel so honoured to have known her during these past few years ... I will toast a snapple or two in her memory and always remember her smile, laughter and sparking eyes!
Name: Rev. Alan Edwards
City Ottawa
Sent: 18.22 - fri 13 aug 2004
I met Tanis Doe almost 20 years ago when we were both undergrads at Carleton University. Right away, I knew Tanis was a force to be reckoned with - her interests, talents, ambitions, passions and loves swept far and wide. I remember she snared me into acting in a local play that she was writing and directing. I recall thinking, "This will be a challenge" - but then I found out it was a deaf play with asl interpreters in the wings. "Wow!" I thought, that is very cool. Then, Tanis took it a step further, and told me that not only was it a deaf play, but it was a deaf MUSICAL! The play was called "Deaf Side Story" - based on the popular hearing play of similar title. Tanis pushed the limit and succeeded. She was also instrumental with me and others in establishing (in the late 1980's) the National Educational Association of Disabled Students. Tanis and I both shared a very radical vision for the organization as an advocacy group for disabled students and worked hard to push the organization in that direction. Interestingly, Tanis never took any credit for her hard, hard work behind the scenes. Tanis and I were lucky enough to meet up years later in Edmonton where we both worked - and I was also lucky enough to see Tanis as a mother. She would be busy planning her daughters outings to museums and the like. Her love for her daughter was very evident. Tanis was a driven, passionate and loving person - and she will be profoundly missed by many.
Name: Lea Klassen
City Calgary, AB T3B4V5
Sent: 17.25 - fri 13 aug 2004
As a new student, I feel privileged to be invited to share in the life of Tanis Doe. I send my condolences to the family. I too have lost a loved one and feel the pain of loss and my heart goes out to you. Sincere sympathy. Lea
Name: Robin Stephens
Sent: 17.04 - fri 13 aug 2004
News story about Tanis in Victoria Times Colonist
UVic educator overcame a lifetime of challenges
Sandra McCulloch
Times Colonist
Friday, August 13, 2004
Tanis Doe was as comfortable sharing her knowledge with a lecture hall full of students as she was twirling her wheelchair across the floor, doing her own form of ballroom dancing.
But the dance stopped suddenly Aug. 4, when the 38-year-old UVic senior instructor died in her Langford home of a heart blockage.
The Fulbright scholar in bioethics mixed academics with activism in a life rich with accomplishments. Yet she had much she still wanted to do, said her wife Corbett O'Toole.
Her death came as Doe was preparing to leave UVic to help out with community organizations, said O'Toole.
"She really believed in helping communities to document their own experiences."
Doe was as open about her homosexuality as she was of her physical and mental challenges. She campaigned for the rights of the disabled on grand scales and on the personal level with those who sought her out.
Doe grew up in Ottawa and encountered her first major obstacle in life at 12, when she had an allergic reaction that made her deaf. Years later, more allergies prompted her to seek medical help. But she turned out to also be allergic to the drugs she was given for treatment, and she suffered a stroke.
One leg wouldn't work right and Doe thereafter relied on a crutch for short distances or a wheelchair for longer distances.
She was brilliant in school and earned a PhD in educational psychology at a very young age. She was an academic who could speak in a way that all could understand, said O'Toole.
And the sight of her buzzing around in mismatched socks was a common one. She didn't care about the socks. It was so much a part of her look that O'Toole said the clothes she delivered to the funeral home included two different socks.
Friends who marvelled at Doe's triumph over her medical conditions drew a standard response from the upbeat woman.
"She'd say, 'What's the alternative?'" said O'Toole. "She was somebody who just grabbed life every possible minute. Every interaction was alive. She'd say, 'Don't be a sissy -- just go for it.'"
Doe travelled the world and cursed airlines that broke her wheelchair. And her drink of choice was Snapple, which she guzzled by the gallon.
"She was a Snapple addict," said O'Toole, adding that a bottle would be tucked in her coffin.
Doe's spiritual side aligned with her Metis heritage. She preferred to live rather than give much thought to death.
"She didn't want us to look back," said O'Toole.
She remembered what Doe said to a woman who just found out her child had cerebral palsy. "She said, 'Now you can cut in at the front of the line and get really good parking spots.' Tanis was about living every day to the fullest and also about telling the truth.
"Even if it was uncomfortable, she was not one to leave anything unsaid."
Doe spread her wisdom and support to people around the world via the Internet. An online memorial page dedicated to Doe includes tributes from Joelle Brouner of Seattle, who said, "Lots of people wax eloquent about mentorship but do little. Tanis was a mentor. She had all the credentials that are appreciated by people who are impressed by credentials, but what she had more of was heart, curiosity and a willingness to push boundaries in her life and in her work."
Doe is survived by O'Toole, her daughter Ann Marie and stepdaughter Meecha.
There will be a memorial service today at 9 a.m. at UVic's Interfaith Chapel garden, located near the parking lot No. 6. A reception will follow.
Name: Janice "JJ" Jickels
City Ladner, BC V4K 1M9
Sent: 16.35 - fri 13 aug 2004
Tanis, I was so lucky that I met you. You were very genius and postive person. I cannot imagine that the complication disability didn't stop you doing anything. I learned alot from you about the positive attitude and postive feedback which was so easily accepted. I once worked with you at Douglas College on "Deaf Culture" course. You were amazed teacher I ever met. What is more? You were funny. Yes, we all miss you as a valuable person. You had a project as Deaf Women Conference few years ago. We will have Deaf Women Conferece 2006 in Vancouver so I will post you as well known woman! Miss you! Thank you so much for sharing with us. HUGS JJ
Name: Darko Brunac
City Surrey, BC
Sent: 15.55 - fri 13 aug 2004
I was lucky to have taken a course facilitated by Tanis. She was kind, gave great feedback, and always presented inspirational ways to look at life. Thank you Tanis for sharing your wonderful thoughts and ideas with me.
Darko
Name: Jen LeVecque
City Victoria, BC
Sent: 15.19 - fri 13 aug 2004
I was so lucky to have Tanis as a professor at Royal Roads University. She was always so open and giving of herself. I will always remember the time I spent talking with her in her office and the lunch we had together with Claire. I will miss you. Everytime I see a sunflower I will think of you. Love 'n' misses.
Name: Pam Moser
City Victoria BC
Sent: 14.34 - fri 13 aug 2004
Times Colonist Obituaries (08/12/04)
DOE Tanis Ph.D. A well-loved University of Victoria Senior Instructor died at home last Wednesday of a pulmonary embollism. Doe is survived by her loving wife, Corbett O'Toole, her daughter, Ann Marie, step-daughter, Meecha, and a loving community of family and friends. Dr. Doe was a world-renouned researcher and trainer. She did innovative work on participatory action research, disability, abuse, women, employment, assistive technology and advocacy. She taught at Royal Roads College, Ryerson University, and the University of Washington. She was a 2003 Fulbright Scholar in Bioethics. She conducted research for innumerable organizations in Canada and the U.S. and consulted with organizations around the world. As a MetisDeaf and disabled woman she provided leadership training and personal mentorship to untold numbers of scholars and advocates. She was well loved for her sense of humor, outrageous pranks, and zest for life. She will be missed. Viewing to be held Thursday, August 12, at 7:00 p.m., at Sands Funeral Chapel, 317 Goldstream Ave. Service to be held Friday August 13, 9:00 a.m., at the University of Victoria Interfaith Chapel Garden, located next to Parking Lot #6 on the outer Ring Road; reception to follow.
Victoria Times Colonist
Name: Frank Jonasen
City Victoria, BC, Canada
Sent: 14.20 - fri 13 aug 2004
I knew Tanis as a fellow advocate for many years and not once did she back down from any opportunity to press government leaders and society to allow people with disabilities to have the same opportunities achieve their highest possible potential in life. I could also count on Tanis to remind me that as a person with a disability who had managed to overcome many of those barriers, I had an obligation to be a strong and committed advocate for others as well.
I will miss the flamboyant, confident, outspoken, strong, happy, smiling and quiet, gentle, caring Tanis that always made any meeting or conference an event.
Name: Pam Moser
City Victoria BC
Sent: 14.19 - fri 13 aug 2004
I met Tanis when I worked for the Office for Disability Issues - I was very sad to hear of her passing. We had many lively & humerous TTY conversations. I admired her thirst for learning and her willingness to share that knowledge - Thank you Tanis.
Name: Jan Gilchrist
City Prince Rupert
Sent: 09.24 - fri 13 aug 2004
Dear Family and friends,
The world is missing a wonderful, compassionate teacher and human being. My condolences to family and friends. Jan
Name: Belinda Stewart
City Toledo
Sent: 07.39 - fri 13 aug 2004
Tanis, May God be with. I know that you will be missed by all who knew you. I've lost love ones this Spring and Summer, and I miss them all very much. I fell that God is telling me to get my life together, if I want to see them again. We all need God, because we can't do it own our. Please God be with us all when we lose love ones.
Belinda
Name: Michele Wates
City Oxford, England
Sent: 05.36 - fri 13 aug 2004
Driving round Oxford ring road today I saw a lone sunflower growing right at the edge of the road. No one grows sunflowers commercially in this area of England, so the seed must have blown there from someone's backyard, or been carried by a bird, or else sprung from a discarded snack thrown out of a car window. And so of course seeing that unlikely flower on the very day after I heard the desperately sad news that Tanis has died, I thought of that unique woman up there in Canada, her face turned resolutely towards the sun and her roots equally resolutely clutching the ground. And why should I have noticed that tenacious sunflower on that day of all days I do not know, except that as human beings we have an awesome capacity for seeing whatever is there to be seen, making meaning out of senseless things and weaving our lives together in ways that make it possible to make enough sense and draw enough inspiration to carry on. Though our contacts were fleeting, I know I shall go on thinking about Tanis and the sunflower that flashed past on the road for a very long time to come.
Name: Denise Chow
City Victoria BC
Sent: 00.40 - fri 13 aug 2004
Tanis... you made the world a better place. .. taught me a lot about interpreting, teaching and just being. I thought of you laughing til you squeaked or was that squeaking til you laughed - your own trademark? It was you who also said, "It's my ice cream baby." .... enjoying taste treats without guilt. My thoughts to you and yours that hold you dear.
Name: Denise
Sent: 00.27 - fri 13 aug 2004
Name: Ruth Brady
City hazelton, BC
Sent: 23.16 - thu 12 aug 2004
I am the mother of one of Tanis' social work students, Sarah Brady. Tanis was an inspiration to Sarah and I am very grateful for that. Sarah is very sad but I am sure she feels blessed that she had an opportunity to spend time with Tanis.
Name: Cathy Bray
City Vancouver
Sent: 21.29 - thu 12 aug 2004
The Edmonton feminist community first came to know Tanis Doe when she burst upon the scene at the University of Alberta and at Common Woman bookstore in the early 80's. She showed us her power, her wisdom, her anger and her great humour, and quickly became part of our commmunity at dances, rallies and on a DAWN chapter organizing committee. I think it was 87 when we organized an Alberta-wide women with disabilities conference. During our conference organizing, and at the terrific conference itself, Tanis won many hearts and minds with her dogged and creative leadership style. She was a strong influence on me, and on many others I think.
I also had the opportunity to work with Tanis in the summer of 2001 at Royal Roads University. We feminists stuck together (!) and Tanis had the temerity and vision to arrange for Judy Rebick to be the guest speaker for the Masters of Leadership residency program that year:). There were mixed responses to the "feminist presence" at residency - few students were unaffected. The debates and discussions - and especially Tanis' challenging, forthright and distinctive presence - made an impact on learners and faculty alike.
I will miss Tanis. Tonight (August 11th) I am playing a favorite song of Tanis' - Tracy Chapman's "talking about a revolution". I will never forget the time that she and her daughter Anne-Marie signed and danced this song at our women's conference in Alberta.
"Finally the tables are starting to turn"
Cathy Bray, Vancouver
Name: bonnie lyn barker
City albuquerque
Sent: 20.57 - thu 12 aug 2004
Tanis and I were both young when we met, some 15+ years ago. She understood things that I did not. I was an interpreter who wanted to be political but didn't know how or why. She advocated for herself and for those around her in ways that informed my world view and continue to shape my framework today. Thank you Tanis.
Name: Joelle Brouner
City Seattle
Sent: 15.38 - thu 12 aug 2004
When I learned of Tanis' death it took several days for the news to settle. Tanis was always so full of life, ideas, and willingness to take risks, to have fun, to question her assumptions.
Tanis deserves every accolade she receives for her scholarship and commitment to advancing a disability positive feminist analysis. What I hope won't be underemphasized, is her equally important commitment to activism and her radical streak. Tanis made spaces for activists in her classroom. She gave me and many others a platform for sharing our ideas, analysis and concerns. Lots of people wax eloquent about mentorship but do little. Tanis was a mentor. She had all the credentials that are appreciated by people who are impressed by credentials, but what she had more of was heart, curiosity, and a willingness to push boundaries in her life and in her work.
Although I wish I had made better use of our limited time of knowing each other, I am profoundly grateful to have known Tanis. Her work and her spirit continue to move me. As I begin pursuing graduate studies in the fall I hope that I can balance activism and academia as well as Tanis did.
A toast to Tanis! May we celebrate her many kinds of brilliance...
Name: Robin Stephens
Sent: 15.22 - thu 12 aug 2004
Above is the link to Tanis Doe's obit in the Victoria Times Colonist today. Below are 2 attempts to post it. But, as Tanis would say, if it doesn't work one way, try another (she would say it more elequent--lol). Hope this one works.
Sent: 15.17 - thu 12 aug 2004
Name: Laura Hershey
City Denver, Colorado USA
Sent: 15.16 - thu 12 aug 2004
Here is a link to the obituary that appears in today's Victorian Times-Colonists --
Name: Laura Hershey
City Denver, Colorado USA
Sent: 15.13 - thu 12 aug 2004
Here is a link to the obituary that appears in today's Victoria Times-Colonist --
Name: robin Earth
Sent: 14.48 - thu 12 aug 2004
Although I didn't know Tanis very well, I too feel sad and a sense of loss by her passing. She was a remarkable woman whose warmth, wit and dedication to disabled women inspired many of us. We will miss her.
Name: Patty Holmes
City Vancouver
Sent: 12.55 - thu 12 aug 2004
I first came to know Tanis in 1986, when I interviewed and hired her as part of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Disabled Student's Program. I saw her brillance, passion and determination from the start. Our paths crossed many times over the years and we had alot of laughs together, especially around the challenges she had in reading my lips - CP will do that eh! The advent of email made things a whole lot easier for us to communicate.
The Fullbright Scholarship and other honours bestowed upon her gives me some faith in the world's ability to accept disability and diversity. Tanis left a legacy, and its up to us to make sure she is not forgotten. Its a sad day knowing she's no longer out there stirring the pot.
Think I'll go have a Snapple............
Name: Dan Kim
City Victoria
Sent: 12.44 - thu 12 aug 2004
Tanis, our social work practice class together was amazing. You were an inspiring and innovative teacher, facilitator, role model and comic. I was privileged again as we became friends over the summer. I will miss our times chatting and laughing about the economics of a donut, student vs. teacher debates, our obsession with Keanu Reeves, The Matrix and what is consciousness, and our love for Mac computers and deep fried foods. I always enjoyed our little moments together – lunch, bus rides home, ‘brief’ interruptions... I will always remember you and hope to honour the incredible and beautiful person you are through my life. Thank you so much for your friendship...I miss you.
Name: Karen Malcolm
City Vancouver
Sent: 11.50 - thu 12 aug 2004
I am deeply saddened to hear of Tanis' untimely death. I knew her as a friend and activist, and also as a dancer. She taught at Douglas College in the Dept. of Sign Language Interpretation where I was able to see her incredible gifts as an educator. We have lost a very special person.
Name: Lindsay Cooper
City Nanaimo
Sent: 11.26 - thu 12 aug 2004
You touched my life for only a short time, but the meaning you left was worth a life time of understanding. Thanks for letting me be a small part of your incredible life. You will be missed!
Name: Joseph E Fasciani
City Sidney, BC
Sent: 09.16 - thu 12 aug 2004
Were our lives half as accomplished as this most remarkable woman, our world could be a far better place for all. While she will be missed, she serves as an example of what we all can strive to attain in ourselves and give to others.
Name: Anita Gock
City Vancouver, BC
Sent: 00.19 - thu 12 aug 2004
It is a shock and very saddening for me to hear of Tanis' passing. I had the privelege of being Tanis' roomate while I did my sign language practicum in Seattle. She put me up and put up with me for a whole month! I'll always remember our nights of LA Law and our days of Snapple and sunflowers. A true loss for this world but I'm sure whereever she is, she is still bringing about laughter with her unforgettable sense of humour!
Name: Alice Van Kuren
City Vancouver
Sent: 00.06 - thu 12 aug 2004
As my instructor for HSD 464, Tanis was one of those rare teachers who really took the time to fully explain the course readings as she helped oversee the ensuing debates my group engaged in. Personally, I am deeply thankful to her understanding of my disability and the fact that I do indeed have one. Mine is an invisible disability and Tanis helped me see the strength I could gain by owning it and making it visible. In short, I came out of the 'disability closet' because of Tanis.
Name: Henry Vlug
City Vancouver
Sent: 22.28 - wed 11 aug 2004
Damn! Hate to lose good people like Tanis. We go back a long way and I always liked her and hope it was mutual. She amazed a lot of people with what she did. While it ain't that important, one of my first memories of her is when she was Secretary of CAD - I was President - and she produced very detailed minutes of an executive committee meeting while it was going on and provided draft copies to all participants just minutes after it was over. That was back when she was about 20 years old! She did much more good work of much more importance after that!
I miss her! But what she did will continue to enrich us all for a long time!
Henry Vlug
Name: Ann Auld
Sent: 22.13 - wed 11 aug 2004
My thoughts go out to Tanis's daughter and extended family, who I've only met through photos and the lovely, but sorrowful gathering held today at UVic. As I begin to read of Tanis's astounding body of research, I sense her presence and know her efforts towards social justice and loving empowerment will live on. How amazing that she chose to leave this earth when the sunflowers are in their prime!
With love and admiration, Ann
Sent: 22.04 - wed 11 aug 2004
Im saddened to hear of Tanis's passing. I met Tanis years ago at a DAWN event in BC. We were both presenting on a panel. Tanis spoke first - she was dynamic, witty, down to earth, tells it as it is and at the same time eloquent. I had to speak after her, it was a hard act to follow!
Its a great loss for the disability community. We'll miss you Tanis!
On behalf of the members of ERDCO (Ethno Racial People with Disabilities Coalition of Ontario), we will miss you! Thank you for the legacy you left behind.
To her daughter Anne Marie, family and friends, our sincere condolences. Let's celebrate her life.
Name: Andrea Hill
City Chilliwack, BC
Sent: 20.41 - wed 11 aug 2004
I will always remember Tanis as my dance partner for the Gay Games in Amsterdaam. We met at a Ballroom Dance class, where I was won over by her determination as I watched her get out of her chair and tackle a flight of stairs every week to come join in. When she asked if I would be her partner at the Games, I had no idea how I would manage it . Finances were a challenge, Tanis & I barely knew each other, and neither one of us knew how to dance Latin or Ballroom. For 8 months we danced in church halls, schoolyards and wherever else we could find the time & space. We came back with plenty of memories, as well as a couple of bronze medals. Thanks Tanis - it would have never happened without your vision. May you cha-cha and rhumba your way into eternity.
Name: Rita M. LeDrew (nee
Sent: 19.31 - wed 11 aug 2004
I remember meeting Tanis in August 1985, when she hosted the Canadian Deaf Youth Project, a conference hosted by CAD. It was incredible to see for someone so young, fresh out of her teens, host a well publicized event. Her vast knowledge of disability and Deaf issues, politics, human rights, legislation and much more and it all took me by surprise. Tanis was just a marvelous inspiration and an example to set your sights higher and go overboard. And at the same time, have fun and live your life.
There were times when I wondered if she was nothing more than a sharp-witted wise old owl or just someone who was my age.
Our friendship was a short encounter, a touch and go, but the inspiration will last me a lifetime.
….Reach for the sky….if you happen to miss, you’ll be among the stars….
Thanks for being you, Tanis.
Name: Christine Palmer
City Victoria
Sent: 19.20 - wed 11 aug 2004
I was shocked to hear about Tanis. I had her for a distance ed course and she was absolutely wonderful. My heart goes out to her daughter, family, and close friends.
: (
Name: Maddalena Hannon
Sent: 19.06 - wed 11 aug 2004
I'm saddened and deeply shocked at the loss of Tanis. I was looking forward to her influencing the lives of many other students (as she has touched mine)for many more years to come. As a professor, she not only knew what it was to speak from the margins but she extended a vision of how life can be lived to the fullest inspite of any disability.
She will be greatly missed (I can't believe she's really gone). Her work will live on in her writing and in the symbol of the sunflower.
Bye Bye Tanis
Maddalena Hannon
Name: bob conlon
Sent: 18.43 - wed 11 aug 2004
We met briefly in cyberspace and she was instantly likeable. My prayers to those who grieve.
Name: April Vance
City Victoria,BC
Sent: 17.58 - wed 11 aug 2004
I did not know Tanis well at all, but I do know her daughter. When I first met AnneMarie, I thought about what a special relationship she must have with her Mom and I did see how proud Tanis was of Annemarie. I feel sadness at her passing and send much love and prayers to Annemarie and her family.
Name: Joan Gillie
Sent: 15.20 - wed 11 aug 2004
I had the great privilege of being taught by Tanis in HSD 464 Disability Studies. Tanis shared her tremendous insight and caring with me in this course and we really connected. I will always remember her incredible encouragement and constructive approach to life. Thank you, Tanis, for all you have done for so many people. Joan
Name: Myisha Reed
City Sacramento, CA
Sent: 15.02 - wed 11 aug 2004
Wednesday afternoon, Tanis was telling me to go home and take care of myself and my baby. She wasn't just "Boss Lady," but also a friend, confidant and Mom-away-from-home. I truly cherished her, all the things she taught me and all the support she's given me these past 3 years...talks about graduate school, helping me with sign language, and helping me through my various life rough spots.
I will miss my CF travel buddy...secret sign language conversations, talking to the TV while watching shows and all the crash course telephone interpreting!
Thank you Tanis for EVERYTHING! Little Niara will not only know how important you are to me, but how important she was to you. Thank you.
Name: Wendy Dobbie (nee Bruce)
City Victoria, BC
Sent: 13.50 - wed 11 aug 2004
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear Tanis' unexpectedly passing... I've seen her evolved from a young teen at high school in Ottawa, Ontario to an exceptionally intelligent & influential woman of her own. I'll never forget the moment she met me in the gym with her contiguous smile and a friendly question "Are you W-E-N-D-Y (fingerspelling)"... I was so happy. She was the first person to teach me sign language. As a deaf oral teen (I was 15), she led me to the Deaf world. She inspired me. I participated in her plays "Goldilocks" and "Hansel and Gretal" with deaf awareness to kids and in her "Youth" Conference she hosted in 1985 at London, Ontario. I was the one who nominated her as "Ottawa Teen of the Year". Never seen anyone like her with so much energy and devotion. After moving to BC in 1987, I lost touch with her. To my astonishment, she moved to Victoria in 1990 or 1991 like myself. She gave me a homemade quilt for my newborn son which was very special. I lost touch again after she moved to California but I occasionally met her daughter, Anne Marie. Finally, I met her at the Deaf Women United conference in Seattle. It was a sweetly short meeting between us. Again, lost in touch until she became my teacher at Douglas College in 2000. She was happy to re-connect with me as we knew each other way ago in 1980. I've known the "old" and "new" Tanis. Strangely, we lost in touch again. I'm sorry for not being in touch with her recently. I highly respected her for who she is and her incredible gift of research and advocacy and she'll be in my heart always because she changed my life around. Thank you so much, Tanis.
Name: Fawzia Ahmad
City Vancouver
Sent: 13.49 - wed 11 aug 2004
I met Tanis in 1990. I was an eager hearing woman with a TTY in my hand and determined to make the rape crisis centre that I was working at accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing women. I, of course, kept my TTY in my desk drawer just in case it got stolen and proudly announced to a training group where it was . . . and yes, Tanis was by my side! I don't have to tell you all what Tanis did with that juicy bit of news :) Her wonderful and wicked sense of humour made my learning fun. That is something that Tanis never let me forget over the years. I have come a long way from that first introduction to Deaf Culture. I gained knowledge and I also made a new friend. Tanis, I will miss you. I celebrate your life.
Name: Betsy Bayha
City San Francisco
Sent: 13.11 - wed 11 aug 2004
Tanis and I worked together five years ago at the World Institute on Disability. The highlight of that time was presenting together at a conference in Los Angeles. The night before the conference, Tanis and I were in her hotel room putting together a Power Point for our talk. I had never used Power Point before and she was showing me all these cool things you could do like creating dissolves and special effects. Our presentation went really well, and we had a lot of fun. After that I always put together a Power Point for my many different talks and presentations, saying a little "thank you" to Tanis for teaching me about this cool technology.
For someone who was so smart and so educated who was such a complex thinker, Tanis had a wonderful ability to make things understandable and meaningful to everyone. It is a real gift to be able to do that.
I can't believe she is gone. Though I have not seen her or worked with her for years, I feel the loss acutely, knowing that a bright light has left us.
Betsy
Name: Patricia Yeager
City Sacramento
Sent: 13.06 - wed 11 aug 2004
Oh Tanis, you have too much to do to leave us like this! Your friends and colleagues at CFILC miss you terribly and are wondering how we will carry on this big research project you dreamed up for us. But we are determined to carry on your work which has become ours over the past 3 years. Who but you could get a whole group of advocate ILC staff to do research?! You taught me about the value of evaluation at the beginning of a project, rather than at the end, and that was just the start! Hearing Tanis teach basic research concepts using vegetables was not to be missed!
Late night conversations in Iowa, in February, while awaiting our project review, presenting at academic conferences as a non-academic with Tanis, going with her to get a new ear pierce to commemorate being in a new place, talks about leadership, romance and disability, cold stone creamery ice cream in Hawaii-life will be a little less interesting without you, Tanis.
Some day, my friend, I dream that we will have a Disability Research office in your name to honor the the path you started us on. In the words of that old Doc Watson tune, "Some day we will all be reunited, in that land beyond the sky."
Name: Jan Humphrey
City Seattle, WA
Sent: 12.39 - wed 11 aug 2004
My heart is sad at the news that we have lost this beautiful sunflower in our world! Tanis taught at Douglas College while I was the coordinator of the interpreting program there. She stayed at my home often and we shared many long discussions and belly aching laughs. She challenged my at many levels -- and I will miss her!
Name: Patty Overland
City Berkeley, CA
Sent: 11.36 - wed 11 aug 2004
Thank you for what you gave to the lesbian community of physically and mentally disabled women. Thank you for your work at the big conferences in Oakland and San Francisco. You will be truly missed.
Name: Tammy Lawley
City Delta
Sent: 11.35 - wed 11 aug 2004
I have never met Tanis; however, I have heard of many good things about Tanis from others. I just finished reading her website and her writings - her thinking and emotions to her ideas of different issues did touch home.
Name: Jackie Matthews
City Seattle, University of Washington
Sent: 10.57 - wed 11 aug 2004
What a great loss to our world!! Tanis, you were more than a woman!!! I will forever be blessed that our lives crossed paths. Your zest for living, learning, and laughing will forever live on in me. I loved the fact that out of the same mind & mouth came silly, sick, twisted wonderful humorous thoughts & then some of the most articulate, brilliant, innovative words of wisdom. Tanis you do leave behind a better world, your humor, your work, your passion touched us all. I won't say goodbye: see ya later alligator xo, Jackie
Sent: 10.30 - wed 11 aug 2004 Private Entry
Name: Barbara Altman
City Maryland
Sent: 08.47 - wed 11 aug 2004
It has been a shock to learn that we have lost Tanis. She was a vibrant, loving, brilliant woman who made both intellectual and leadership contributions to the movement and to the field of Disability Studies. Her mentees must carry on her work and her spirit. My sincere sympathy to her family and close friends. We will always remember her when we dance.
Name: Elize Hartley
City Hamilton, On.
Sent: 08.09 - wed 11 aug 2004
The gates of memory will never close. One more warrior gone to the Spirit world.
Name: Elize Hartley
City Hamilton, On.
Sent: 08.09 - wed 11 aug 2004
The gates of memory will never close. One more warrior gone to the Spirit world.
Name: Elize Hartley
City Hamilton, On.
Sent: 08.09 - wed 11 aug 2004
The gates of memory will never close. One more warrior gone to the Spirit world.
Name: Sharon-dale Stone
Sent: 05.58 - wed 11 aug 2004
I just read my email to find the notice about Tanis. I am stunned and not sure what to say about this loss. I met Tanis in the 90s, I forget exactly when and over the years we've talked about collaborating on some writing but never got around to it. So now we never will. Like others who've written a message here, I was always delighted with Tanis's wit and insight. I know she'd been facing some unwelcome challenges the past few years; I'm not sure if she found any answers for herself before she went but I hope so.
I celebrate her too-short existence with us. We are all blessed for having known her and learned from her.
Sharon
Name: Kevin Ettinger
City Vancouver, BC
Sent: 01.06 - wed 11 aug 2004
It is with great sadness and in beyond disbelief that I learned recently of her passing. Looking back during the early 1990's when we first met at the time of GVAD -"Deaf Youth Program" where her daughter, Anne Marie was a kid and was involved in Deaf Youth Program as a camper all through the summer months. We first met in Victoria at a campsite where we stayed for a week program while that Tanis was there and she had inspired me of her greatness to aid DYP insight of Deaf children's activities. Since then I had lost contact with her and most importantly recently in May 2004, we were finally connected where I am currently working at the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Tanis was seeking assistance for her client's employment crisis matter. I gave her several tips of equipment to adapt for her client's workplace. She send me a heartfelt thank you card. I had kept in touch with her from time to time afterwards until I was away on vacation recently. My sympathy goes to Tanis family and Anne Marie. I believe this was her way of pursuing the better lives of all Deaf children and adults including disabilities to serve rights and equality in Canada. Let us carry on her work!
Name: Maggie Kovach
City Sidney, BC
Sent: 00.04 - wed 11 aug 2004
I am going to miss seeing you in the photocopy room at work, sharing laughs with you, swapping articles and ideas. For your warmth, and kindness Tanis - megweetch - I will miss you.
Name: Pat MacKenzie
Sent: 23.35 - tue 10 aug 2004
Hi everyone - I miss Tanis and will always be profoundly grateful that I had the opportunity to spend just a little bit of time and space with her on this planet. Her life enriched mine in hundreds of ways, BIG and small.
Name: Bruce Wallace
City Victoria, BC
Sent: 23.19 - tue 10 aug 2004
Tanis and I were both teaching social work research at the University of Victoria. When she died we were sharing ideas on how to collaborate on each other’s lesson plans for the upcoming school year. Tanis seemed to always be teaching; at least I always seemed to be learning when I was around her. My favorite lesson was when she used the well known children’s’ rhyme to illustrate how we teach intolerance to our children. The rhyme is from Sesame Street; “One of these things is not like the other, one of these things does not belong.” I will miss Tanis, her lessons and her laughter.
Name: Kristina R. Knoll
City Seattle, WA/Sacramento, CA
Sent: 16.12 - tue 10 aug 2004
I met Tanis when she came and taught as a Fulbright Faculty/Scholar at the University of Washington a couple of years back. I have never signed-up for a class so fast and eagerly as I did for her Introduction to Disability Studies course. She was always willing to find time to mentor me in my graduate studies, and we had-a-many-a-session at IHOP in the University District! I loved that she could deeply challenge me and get me to laugh all with-in the same meeting time. Probably the most pertinent learning moment she gave me was when she pointed out various stigmas related to pyschiatric disabilities. She has been a key mentor, therefore, in my analyses for my doctoral work on trauma and stigma.
Tanis was supposed to come to my Feminism and Disability Studies course this Thursday and speak on pre-natal testing and bioethics. Instead, the Disability Studies scholars at the University of Washington, whom she has all mentored, are coming to talk about how Tanis impacted their learning and lives. Afterwards, we are going to gather for a dinner in her honor.
Tanis, you are missed & you are celebrated!
Name: Roberta Goldberg
City Danbury, CT, USA
Sent: 23.03 - tue 10 aug 2004
Tanis and I met several years ago at a women and disabilities conference here in Connecticut. The conference organizers had not planned accordingly, only scheduling two interpreters for the entire conference, and I offered to interpret. From then on, I spent most of the conference with Tanis, interpreting as needed, and we became good friends. We even worked as a team, with her interpreting for a DeafBlind woman during an awards presentation. I was completely blown away by her enthusaism, generous spirit and abundant love.
The last time we saw each other was at the Queer Disabilities Conference in CA two years ago, and it was vintage Tanis. Her biting sarcasm, incredible wit and ability to bring people together never failed.
We have lost a unique, beautiful, amazing spirit. As much as I feel an emptiness, I'm glad she's out there watching over us, giving us a needed kick in the pants every once in a while.
I kissed a sunflower today for my dear friend.
Roberta
Name: Caitlin Fisher
Homepage: http://www.yorku.ca/caitlin
City Toronto
Sent: 22.44 - tue 10 aug 2004
I’ve known Tanis since we were in grade school and I loved her and miss her. She stayed at my house a lot in junior high and my whole family is so so sad. Those of you who’ve known only the adult Tanis might be surprised! Or maybe not… Tanis was always funny, brilliant, irreverent. I think she was 11 when I met her. She was thin and wanting, tall, odd and elegant. .. an amazing co- conspirator and we plotted all through grade 8, had a crush on the same music teacher, did community theatre together. She always volunteered her time – even at 11 or 12 she was working with community organizations...the Gloucester Association for Children with special needs I remember especially well and Tanis worked one-on-one with kids there every week. Secrets: she was on our high school water polo team and played the baritone. Somewhere there exists a video of us kissing … it wasn’t romantic… we filmed it because Tanis needed footage for an activist film festival. Tanis was the kind of girl who could talk you into kissing on screen.
I thought I’d have decades and decades to enjoy her visionary and passionate intellect, to share sorrow, to talk kids and politics and love. There was a lot of sadness, but great joy, too. This is way too soon. I will miss her terribly.
Name: Robin Stephens
Sent: 22.16 - tue 10 aug 2004
Information about Tanis' service:
Service to be held Friday August 13, 2004, 9:00 a.m., at the University of Victoria Interfaith Chapel Garden, located next to Parking Lot #6 on the outer Ring Road.
Name: Sonya Moyer
City Edmonton, Alberta
Sent: 20.07 - tue 10 aug 2004
Tanis was my soul sister. WE met for the first time when her daughter Ann Marie and my son were 9 years old. They were born in the same month, same year. Tanis and I become best friend since then. She was my roommate when they lived in Edmonton before moved to Victoria BC. Later they moved to California for a couple of years.
No matter where she go, we kept in touch via email/chat room. Even I visited her in Oakland, Californa and Victoria, BC.
When Tanis come to Edmonton, she let me know so we can see each other.
The last time I talked with her about two weeks before her death. We were discussing about my roommate who have a brain cancer and dying. I never dream that it would be happen to Tanis in the different way.
I pray she is in Goddess's hand. I was grateful for her accept who I am and become friend with me. She will always be in my heart with lots of memories.
Name: Marshall Wick
City Washington DC
Sent: 19.31 - tue 10 aug 2004
I am saddened by the untimely passing of Tanis Doe. As then Executive Director of the Canadian Association of the Deaf, I was pleased to mentor and work with Tanis (then a very young lady) on a leadership project, among other contacts over the years. As others have already pointed out, her impact has been great and she has left a legacy which i hope others will follow. My sympathy to her family and many friends who will miss her.
Name: Laura Langstaff
City Nanaimo, BC
Sent: 19.13 - tue 10 aug 2004
I am saddened that we have lost a woman of great consciousness.
In the Spirit of our Grandmothers
Laura Langstaff
Name: Wanda Berrette
City Sudbury, Ontario
Sent: 18.32 - tue 10 aug 2004
I knew Tanis many years ago. She was a wonderful person. My condolences to her family and friends.
Name: Penny Wolfsohn
City Santa Rosa
Sent: 17.56 - tue 10 aug 2004
I will always remember the exhilarating experience of participating in one of Tanis's inservices. She was so funny, yet serious about her/our work. I wish I had gotten to know her better, but I do feel richer for just knowing her at all. She will truly be missed by everyone who's life she touched, and that is hard to even figure out. Her work was thorough and thoughtful. I miss her already, Penny
Name: Alana Theriault
Homepage: http://home.earthlink.net/~alrt
City Berkeley, CA
Sent: 16.53 - tue 10 aug 2004
I met Tanis in the mid- to late-90's when she worked at the World Institute on Disability. She and Anne Marie stayed in my home briefly while between places; then I got a glimpse at a just-do-it woman who had confidence in herself and encouraged me to reach for my potential. My thoughts are with her daughter, friends and extended family.
Name: LaFrance family
City Whistler
Sent: 16.02 - tue 10 aug 2004
Condolences from the LaFrance family.
Name: LaFranceF
Sent: 16.01 - tue 10 aug 2004
Name: LaFranceF
Sent: 16.00 - tue 10 aug 2004
Name: Susan Masters
City Vancouver
Sent: 14.24 - tue 10 aug 2004
All of us at the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing mourn the passing of Tanis Doe. Tanis taught us all a lot about breaking down barriers through self awarness, empowerment and joy in the people and wide, wide world around her. We will miss you tanis
Susan Masters
Executive Director
WIDHH
Name: Charity Ranger
City Seattle, WA
Sent: 14.13 - tue 10 aug 2004
Tanis was my mentor and friend. She called me an "emerging disability studies scholar." :)
Name: Charity Ranger
City Seattle, WA
Sent: 14.11 - tue 10 aug 2004
:) I first met her in an intro disability studies class at the University of Washington and then ran into her again while she was teaching a class here at UW. I invited her to stay at my apartment instead of staying at a hostel. I was so psyched when she came—a real disability studies guru staying with ME three days a week for an entire quarter! I didn’t realize how lucky I was because not only was she smart, Tanis was awesome!
Since then whenever she was in Seattle, she stayed with my roommate and I in our little college apartment. I am always amazed when I think about her because even though she was so educated, articulate and experienced, she was till so down-to-earth and fun and loved dorky stuff just like me. I’m an undergrad and don’t have much money, but she didn’t care. We watched endless hours of Buffy the Vampire Slayer together, sometimes analyzing it from a disability studies or feminist lens and sometimes just cheering for Buffy, and we drank milkshakes and ate take-out Chinese food. She helped my roommate, Sarah, study for her microbiology final and counseled me through so many of my personal and academic challenges.
Almost every time she would come stay with me, she would say that hanging out with us made her feel young. She would laugh and say, “You’re the same age as my daughter!” The times that I spent with Tanis were always awesome and I loved to hear all her stories about Ann Marie and all her friends.
It’s really hard to come to grips with this… Tanis passed away. It’s so strange and unreal and I don’t know what to say. I feel damn lucky that I got to meet Tanis and spend time with her. I really wish she was here right now.
Name: Fairn
City Victoria
Sent: 13.40 - tue 10 aug 2004
I was in a hurry on Thursday and forgot to pick you a Sunflower from my garden. “No worries, tomorrow I will remember”. I miss you Tanis. I miss our chats filled with laughter, queer banter, stunning sarcasm and hope. Thank you Tanis for all the insight, love and kindness you offered me all the time, but especially when I struggled with loss and death. Thank you Tanis for your honesty. Thank you Tanis for all those “secret” conversations and moments. Thank you Tanis for your desire when I wore a tie. Today arrive to work feeling both the silence and fullness of your presence. Dance-dance, Shine-shine my friend of sunflowers, Snapple and juice. I miss you and dear friend Thank You!
Name: Nicci Cohnstaedt
City Toronto, ON
Sent: 12.07 - tue 10 aug 2004
Like many others, I met Tanis through community activism. Over the last 13 years I have bumped into her all over North America. I am grateful for the sincere and silly discussions I have shared with her and my warmest wishes are extended to Ann Marie.
August 19, 2004 - 4:30 pm EST
The entries that follow were recovered from printed copy. They have been reprinted UNEDITED. These guestbook entries were dropped and replaced with new entries once the 100 entry point had been reached by the free service.
~ barbara anello
Name: Mary Collins
Homepage: http://www.angelfire.com/folk/simn
City: Victoria, BC, V9A 4G3
Sent: Tue Aug 10 12:04:52 2004We wish to offer our deepest condolences to the Loved Ones of Tanis and especially to her daughter, Ann Marie.
Tanis's accomplishments are numerous and she has blazed a trail for many of us to follow. May we always
support her accomplishments and work in the areas of
Disability and Women's Issues.We Lift a Snapple and Smell a Sunflower for an Amazing Woman, a Treasure to Humanity, and a Proud Metis.
Blessings:
Mary
Name: Tracy Kennedy
Homepage: www.netwomen.ca/Blog
City: St. Catharines
Sent: Tue Aug 10 11:35:07 2004I am truly saddened by the loss of Tanis Doe's passing. I first met Tanis online when I was conducting research for my undergraduate thesis in 1999 regarding women and the Internet. Tanis offered many insightful comments about my methodological process, as well as what the Internet means to women who are at a physical disadvantage. I finally met Tanis at various conferences over the years. I will always remember her kindness and her insight on my academic research. I will miss her.
Name: Deb Russell
City: Calgary
Sent: Tue Aug 10 11:33:51 2004I was so sorry to learn of Tanis's passing. I first met Tanis when she came to the U of A to study - in many ways she shaped how services came to be provided to Deaf students on campus. I learned so much from her and appreciated every opportunity over the years to work with her as an interpreter. She was one of the first people I know to make sure her doctoral study could be truly accessible to Deaf community members by providing an ASL version of it. She contributed so much to many communities and I will miss her sharp mind, her ability to speak her piece, and her zany sense of humour.
Name: Dick Sobsey
City: Edmonton
Sent: Tue Aug 10 11:00:44 2004I was saddened to hear to the untimely passing of my good friend and colleague Tanis Doe. I had the good fortune to know Tanis since she was a doctoral student here at the University of Alberta in the 1980s. Since then we collaborated on a number of articles and often presented together at various conferences in Canada and the US. More importantly, my meetings with Tanis were always opportunities for sharing and learning. Several years ago another good friend of mine, Barbara Waxman-Fiduccia e-mailed me to tell me of the remarkable woman she had met who was full of insight and great ideas. Before I even read the name, I knew she must be talking about Tanis. Barbara and Tanis had the unique bond of keen minds and brave hearts. Sadly, it was Tanis let me know me of Barabara's untimely death, and now they are both gone.
Tanis and I were working together on a study of women with developmental disabilities who became victims of homicide. I know she would want me to complete the project; it meant a lot to her. I will try to finish it in a way that will be worthy of her memory.
Name: M. Kathleen Williams
E-mail: LoyalRock@sympatico.ca
City: Georgetown, Ontario
Sent: Tue Aug 10 10:23:47 2004I did not know Tanis Doe, having only been involved in DAWN for the last two years, however, after reading about her accomplishments and pursuits in the area of disAbility and gender equity as well as so many other research areas, Ms. Doe was a genuine humanitarian and for that she has my eternal gratitude for all her hard work!
I know that she is still Ballroom dancing somewhere and my guess is that the wheelchair is an assistive device she no longer requires! Blessings on both her and her family who grieve the loss of mother, daughter, sister and friend!
Name: AL Souma
City: Issaquah
Sent: Tue Aug 10 10:22:14 2004I enjoyed your humor Tanis. God speed on your new journey.
Sent: Tue Aug 10 10:21:20 2004
** This is a private entry **
Name: Pamela Witcher
City: Montreal, Quebec
Sent: Tue Aug 10 10:04:40 200If it was not for her, I would not have attended the International Youth Conference at Pearson College, Victoria, BC. An experience I always kept with me 10 years now.
Upon meeting Tanis for the first time at a leadership training workshop in Ottawa with CAD, like everyone else, she left an eternal stamp on my memory. As a deaf woman, she is a wonderful role model..., she teaches us to stand up for ourselves. Being with her, we have no choice but to deal with honesty and openness.
Tanis, I gave you a piece of my heart. You will always be remembered.
Hugs, Pamela
Name: Katherine Arnup
City: Ottawa
Sent: Tue Aug 10 09:37:03 2004I heard about Tanis' death late last night - I am so saddened at the loss we all experienced with her passing. I met Tanis over a decade ago at a conference on custody organized by the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Tanis completely blew me away - I had never met anyone with her capacity to integrate issues so fully, and to speak so passionately and with such deep commitment. When Tanis was speaking, everyone stopped and took notice. Then for the rest of the meeting, people would refer to her interventions - she literally turned things around. It was at that time that we talked about her writing an article for a book I was editing. We would talk often, on email, and via the telephone relay system - Tanis always inspired me to push myself, to overcome whatever issues were dragging me down. She was a truly inspirational person and I am having trouble imagining our world without her.
I join with the people in all her diverse communities and worlds in wishing her family my deepest sympathy.
Katherine
Name: Laureen Summers
City: Silver Spring
Sent: Tue Aug 10 09:04:49 2004A highlight, in any conference I attended, was always running (sometimes literally!) into Tanis. She always remembered who I was and always had time to talk. I was stimulated and energized by knowing how determined she was to live a full and exciting life. And she really did!!
I'm sad that I didn't have more of her. We chose different lives and different communities, but we were "sisters" in the broadest sense. I will miss you, Tanis. Thank you for the sparkle in your eyes, the pride with which you carried yourself, the wonder of your brillant mind, and the huge difference you made for women like me.
Name: Corene Kennedy
City: Mississauga
Sent: Tue Aug 10 09:02:05 2004Tanis left an indelible mark on those of us that were fortunate to have known her.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Name: Karen Higginson
City: Thunder Bay
Sent: Tue Aug 10 08:48:13 2004I never forget her as a wonderful role model to Deaf women.
Name: Jennifer Jackson
Homepage: www.deafontario.ca
City: Toronto
Sent: Tue Aug 10 08:47:41 2004Although I met her only two times, I remember her. She left a lasting impression on me; she was such a strong person and unafraid to share her perspectives on numerous controversial issues. I remember thinking we need more people like her - if there were more people like her, we would see a whole lot more ground shaking!
I see that I am not the only one with that impression. She was true to herself, and for that reason, she is a role model, not only for Deaf Ontarians but also for people from all walks of life across Canada and all over the world.
I speak on behalf of the Ontario Association of the Deaf in extending our deepest sympathy to her family, community and friends.
May she rest in peace.
Jennifer Jackson, B.A. (Hons), LL.B
Executive Director, Ontario Association of the Deaf
Name: Yerker Andersson
City: Frederick, MD USA
Sent: Tue Aug 10 08:06:45 2004I've met Tanis Doe in person only 3 or 4 times - the last time at a scientific meeting in Washingvton DC last April this year. As a deaf sociologist, I, as expected, was interested in her views on sociology and disability. She was able to turn new pages on sociological or disability issues which were quickly appreciated by her colleagues. She could always offer new insights at scientific meetings. So her powerful thinking was a great asset for both deaf people and disability scholars. Tanis Doe has left a rich legacy in the academic history of scholars with disabilities.
Name: Chris Kenopic
Homepage: www.cad.ca
City: Georgetown, Ontario
Sent: Tue Aug 10 07:47:25 2004It is with great saddness that we lose a friend and advocator for Deaf rights. I have known Tanis for nearly 10 years and first met her when she was involved in a project with the Canadian Association of the Deaf. She was very honest and open to discussing issues in general. I learned a great deal from her which sometimes led me to determine what direction to lead in our struggle for better equality for Deaf Canadians.
We should now reflect back and thank Tanis for her contributions. Let her now look down at us with pride knowing we continue in her steps to advocating for rights of Deaf people and people with disabilities.Chris Kenopic
President - Canadian Association of the Deaf
Name: Angela Stratiy
Homepage: www.deafutopia.com
City: Edmonton
Sent: Tue Aug 10 07:37:27 2004I have just learned with deepest sorrow and regret of the death of Tanis Doe. I had the priviledge of knowing her some years ago in Edmonton and also at Deaf Women Conference in San Diego. I am honoured to have her in our book, Deaf Women of Canada. Please convey my sympathy and warm personal regards to all your family.
Name: Louise Ford
City: Ottawa
Sent: Tue Aug 10 07:19:03 2004Tanis will be missed by many friends in the Ottawa Deaf Community. Even as a teenager, she played an important role in the development of the Ottawa Deaf Centre (formerly Capital Region Centre for the Hearing Impaired). We remember her energy and boundless optimism
Name: Marianne M. Park
City: Woodstock Ont.
Sent: Tue Aug 10 07:06:56 2004What a great loss, but what a wonderful legacy to the community
Name: Derek Coates
City: Berkeley
Sent: Tue Aug 10 02:56:19 2004After listening to Tanis speak at a conference a few years ago, I had to meet her. Our endless talk was punctuated by the fact that I am blind and she is deaf. We were both immediately pulled into our collective lived experience with disability. She soon became a mentor to me. Someone who I could contact that would be there to counsel me on the craft. But who was she to me? As I walked through the halls at another conference, invisible to those in attendance, alone, unknown, it was Tanis who pulled on my shirt and greeted me with a big smile... a smile that not only changed my experience, but represented a pledge of unconditional love and support no matter the circumstance or setting. No status comparison, no power plays, no arrogance, just unconditional support. That was what Tanis was to me. To you, her family, I wish for you the healing that only God can provide.
God Bless, Derek
Name: Maryanne Anderson
City: Vancouver, BC
Sent: Tue Aug 10 02:04:55 2004I am glad that I've met her at once time at "The Bright Place for Deaf Women of BC when Tanis taught the value things about Deaf Culturals and Women's Issues.
My deeply sympathy for Tanis' family and friends.
** This is a private entry **
Name: XXX
Sent: Mon Aug 9 23:43:59 2004
Name: Leanor Vlug
City: Vancouver, BC
Sent: Mon Aug 9 23:09:46 2004I first met Tanis when she was involved with the Canadian Association of the Deaf. My husband Henry was President at the time, and Tanis was Secretary. From that time onward, I had numerous contacts with her, in different contexts.... and was always amazed at her level of energy, enthusiasm and intellectual abilities. She and I were involved in Deaf women's issues...the most recent as members of "the kitchen 8" - 8 Deaf women who became the founding members of the non-profit organization The Bright Place for Deaf Women of BC, begun in 1998. Although I lost direct touch with Tanis, I followed her progress in academic areas, knowing that she was continuing her enthusiasm and energy in her chosen field. Her health sometimes slowed her down a bit, but as Henry said, "Even when Tanis was sick, lying in bed, she was still more effective than many able-bodied people...she never gave up."
Name: Esme Farb
City: Arlington
Sent: Mon Aug 9 20:40:26 2004I cannot find the right words to express how I feel. Thank you for settng an example. I had wanted to share my delightful experiences with you because I knew we would cuddle up and laugh.
I cherish you forever.
Name: Kristine Muhorn
City: Flint, MI
Sent: Mon Aug 9 20:09:24 2004I just met you and learned so much in a short time. Thank you for giving so much to some of us who will teach disability studies. Please know that some of us will continue the struggle, even if it's only a small strand of what you had to offer.
Name: Kate seelman
City: Pittsburgh
Sent: Mon Aug 9 19:07:32 2004I was so excited when I first met you and then knowing you as a sister, a friend, an activist and a scholar. You were a next generation leader. I felt a little less pressure knowing you were around. How ironic to write this because I anticipated that you would write some memories in my guestbook.
Name: Maria Barile
City: Montreal
Sent: Mon Aug 9 16:27:32 2004I begin by thanking you for the cherished advice, your input on ideas on issues of common interest. But mostly thank you for helping our communities toward emancipation.
I shall miss your construction of our common history. I know your input will not be forgotten. So long comrade
Name: Heidi Grether
City: Sacramento, CA
Sent: Mon Aug 9 15:12:42 2004I always looked forward to the days when Tanis would be working in our office. It was see what color her hair would be and what crazy stories she'd have to share. I will miss her zany, wonderful, smiling, friendly way!
Name: Reva Hutkin
City: Victoria, B.C., Canada
Sent: Mon Aug 9 05:32:20 2004Goodbye dear Tanis. I never thought I would be losing you so soon. Your brilliant mind, your sense of humour and your warmth will be sorely missed. We shared many life adventures together, I never knew when we would have to transcend a major crisis and come out victorious. I guess you fought your last battle alone. So sorry we couldn't win this last one together. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Reva
Name: Barbara Anello
Homepage: http://dawn.thot.net
City: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Sent: Sat Aug 7 20:39:34 2004
Oh Tanis, I never imagined that the next memorial website I'd be building on the DAWN Ontario site would be for you. I was so excited to learn from Maria that you were interested in joining the DAWN national board and had seriously considered rejoining too just to have an opportunity to hang with you.
Your bright light went out far before its time, as it did for Joan Meister whom we lost just 7 months ago.
Tonight we can look up at the stars and see light from stars that burned out long ago. But their light is still arriving here and will continue to long after all of us are dust. So many lives are touched in some way, no matter how briefly, and most never know whom they have touched and encouraged along during their low spots, the turning points, the support when we stumble. And memories are like starlight - they go on forever.
May you rest in eternal peace surrounded by fields of sunflowers that you loved so much! You shall be sadly missed but never forgotten.
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My condolences to her daughter Ann-Marie, to her mother and sisters, and to her partner, Corbett O'Toole and Meecha.
Barbara Anello
| Obituary | Pictures | About Tanis |
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Sign Tanis' Memorial Guestbook
guestbook location changed Nov. 26, 2004 as former location hijacked by porn site
