— by Russel Barsh, Director, KWIAHT nonprofit conservation laboratory —
Indian Island in East Sound
All of you that have volunteered to help take care of Indian Island, and most of you that maintain an interest in stewardship of Indian Island, have spent some time there with Robyn Lowe. She was one of our “sea stars,” taking every opportunity to greet visitors to the island on low tides, and when she was not on the island itself, keeping an eye on the Oystercatcher family from her eyrie behind the Landmark Inn. Indian Island was a passion for her, and in return the island gave special meaning to the last few years of her life. We were fortunate to be able to share that with her.
Robyn passed away at her home in Eastsound on January 31. I find it very hard to imagine working at Indian Island in a couple of months without her. When I listened to Coast Salish cultural people many years ago — I was privileged to spend time with some who had been born in the 1870s and 1880s — they told me that nothing ever goes away forever. People simply slip away from the “visible world” into a parallel “invisible world” that coexists in the same space. I imagine Robyn sharing steamed clams with the old people from the village that once stood on Fishing Bay. Perhaps some day, working out at Indian Island, one of us might feel a light tap on our shoulder, reminding us that she’s still there.
Last Fall, I began raising money for a scholarship so that, each summer, a local college student could to spend a summer as a steward of Indian Island, helping our volunteers, and providing additional support for “meeting and greeting” all of our visitors. We have raised several thousand dollars so far, and I would like to dedicate this fund to Robyn’s memory, and keep it open as our priority for future private gifts for the care and protection of Indian Island.
Thank you, everyone, for being part of our Indian Island community, and please lift a glass or take a moment of silent reflection for Robyn tonight.
Robyn will be missed by so many. I will light a candle for her tonight.
Thank you Russell, for writing this lovely tribute to Robyn. It was always so pleasant to encounter her, and I regret I didn’t get to know her well. Robyn had been our neighbor with her husband Darryl. This is sad news, but dedicating your summer steward scholarship is a beautiful way to honor her.
We will indeed miss Robyn as another fine island character she was. This growing scholarship fund for Indian Island in honor of Robyn sustains her memory. She loved her time and work with Indian Island. And to raise a glass and/or take a moment of reflection about Robyn is very a good thing.
Robyn gave so much to this island; we owe her this lasting debt of gratitude. She will be missed.
Robyn was dedicated, knowledgeable, energetic for the cause and willing to go the extra mile for indian island. She was also a kind, honest, down-to-earth person, and a friend. During my time as Coordinator I was so thankful to have her on the Indian Island Team – I knew she’d get the job done, and well, whatever task she was focused on. She will be missed, but I like thinking of her sharing steams clams with ancestors in the old village, and perhaps flying above the island with the oystercatchers. Thanks Russel for the tribute, and scholarship is a wonderful idea. Tilly hats off to Robyn.