It was a drizzly Saturday afternoon when folks dressed or accessorized in red began lining up to enter Room 5 of the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre for Erin Wanvig's Celebration of Life. At times, the line stretched down the hall as friends and loved ones from near and far entered and stopped to sign a small book on the table lined with mementos of Erin's life.
Long-time friend and Erin's co-conspirator of many events in Tumbler Ridge, Rose Snyder was our guide for Erin's last directorial project. She regaled us with stories of Erin's arrival to Tumbler Ridge in 2001, and of her character, and finally, of the last few weeks before her passing in October 2025.
Highlights of the afternoon included a performance by the Tumbler Ridge Community Choir and her many beloved friends sharing quintessential Erin memories. A notable, recurring theme was Erin's ability to gather the misfits and the weirdos, the talented and gifted, the funny and like-minded folks together. And somehow, she convinced most of us to volunteer with the Tumbler Ridge Community Arts Council at one point or another.
We took solace in our happy memories of this beloved community member, friend, and sister, this Champion of the Arts. Our laughter rang down the hall at times, as tears streamed down our faces.
And in conclusion of the celebration, current, former, and honorary members of the Grizzly Valley Players performed the Time Warp, from the Rocky Horror Picture Show — a few even in costume!
Erin has left an indelible mark on the community of Tumbler Ridge and the many folks who used to call this place home, and we can only hope that our celebration did a small justice in honouring her.
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