Sudden passing of principal shocks community

Members of Willowlake Baptist Church were devastated to learn they had lost a hardworking member of their church Dec. 30 after parishioner Linda Strachan passed away from an unconfirmed massive heart attack.

“Linda was very giving of herself, and very kind and compassionate,” said Mark Doerksen, minister at the Southdale church.

The 51-year-old professional had attended Willowlake since 1997 when another church she was involved in closed down.

Strachan had no children of her own and devoted a large part of her life to the Baptist church.

“She was great. Even if there were conflicts between people in the congregation, she’d try to help find ways to problem solve,” said Doerksen.

Stachan, a Fort Garry resident, commuted daily to southern Manitoba where she was was principal of Rosenort School.

Teachers, staff and students were all shocked to hear that Strachan wouldn’t be returning from Christmas break.

The long time teacher-turned-principal was known for her quiet but caring ways, according to Colleen Kachur, a resource teacher at the school.

“It was a shock. She had so much to do, so many plans for the school. Fifty-one is so young...She was a very open, calm, and considerate person,” she said.

“She was a quiet person but open to people. She took time for people when they came to see her. She was forward thinking.”

Kachur said Strachan was meant to be a principal.

“Linda was committed to helping kids. She was very honest and was a professional mentor to many in the division...She was a great woman,” said Kachur.

The 220 Rosenort School students plus staff held a memorial service in the former principal’s honour on Jan. 12.

“She will be missed,” said Kachur.