Lynn LaForge-Tieman
Lynn LaForge-Tieman, a woman of boundless compassion, love, intelligence and wit, left us Sunday, October 21, 2007. With her passing, those of us who knew and loved her, lost an important, bright light in our lives. Lynn faced this chapter of her life with the same courage, wisdom and good humour that she had all of life's challenges. Her dignity and ability to find comedy in every situation were cherished gifts to those who supported her through her illness.
Born February 14, 1955 in Sudbury, ON, Lynn was working as a journalist in Bracebridge in the '70s when she met Hans Tieman, an Alberta boy who was a match for her sharp intellect and spirit. Hans brought her to Calgary in 1976; they married in Millarville in 1977 and moved again, to Saudi Arabia, in 1985. They returned to Calgary in 1994. After completing high school in Sudbury, Lynn studied journalism at the Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology and honed her skills working for the Bracebridge Gazette. In 1977 she took on the challenge of editing and writing for the Calgary Women's Newspaper. Under her leadership the paper was redesigned and its fresh approach to women's issues won many new readers and influenced a cohort of women who went on to achieve in all areas of Canadian society. Her questing intelligence led her back to studies at the University of Calgary where she completed a Bachelors of Arts Degree, Honours in History.
Lynn wrote and produced annual reports for major energy companies in Canada and overseas, including Saudi Aramco, the largest energy exploration and production company in the world and TransCanada PipeLines. In 1999, Lynn established TSI Communications and as a consultant, Lynn assisted such companies as EnCana, Enbridge, PrimeWest Energy Trust, Canadian Hunter, Ensign Resource Service Group, Summit Resources, CE Franklin, Koch PipeLines LP, AltaGas and Alberta Treasury Branch. Over the years these reports have won numerous awards, including those issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and National Post, Financial Post, Oilweek and MERCOM ARC Awards (New York). In 1997, the Financial Post named the annual report Lynn wrote for TransCanada as one of the top ten "best reads" in North America.
Lynn will be greatly missed by Hans, their daughter Alison Tieman (Jonathan Doyle), and son James, as well as her parents Art and Fran Laforge of London, ON, and brother Mike (Susan) of Waterloo-Kitchener. "Sisters" vacations will not be the same; she leaves Merina (Bill) Ireland of Guelph, ON, and Jane Laforge (Gerry Stemler) of London, ON. She is also in the hearts of Hans' parents Harry and Alice Tieman of Calgary, and brothers Peter (Ellen) of Medicine Hat, Mike (Tessie) of Calgary, mark (Alison) of Kelowna, Tim (Reina) of Pueblo, Mexico, and sister Anna (James) Darke of Victoria, BC. Lynn is predeceased by brother-in-law Paul Tieman. Her many nieces and nephews were a constant source of pride and joy. In particular, nephew Andrew Tieman was her pillar of strength and a constant support to Lynn and her family. Her other constant companion was her cat, Mr. Tiggs, who joined Lynn hours after her passing.
A celebration of Lynn's journey took place at the Calgary Zoo at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 26, acknowledging her love of animals and long time desire to go on an African safari. Lynn had a gift with words that is part of her legacy, both as an award-winning writer and communications professional, and as a passionate advocate for the disabled. She worked tirelessly to increase understanding of autism and poured her soul into ensuring the disabled have the voice, respect and funding that is their right.
In her honour, The Lynn Laforge-Tieman Autism Foundation is being established. If you wish to make a contribution, please contact LLTAF@shaw.ca and information will be forwarded when the foundation is set up.