Isabelle Stubbs was the Comox Valley’s resident folk historian and an enthusiastic supporter of many community organizations.

Often described as the “voice, mind and hands of the community,” she was an expert on local history and the people who settled and developed the Comox Valley. Her book “All About Us” is a history widely used as a reference when historical information is being sought. If anyone was looking for information on a person, where a certain building used to be located, or who lived there, Isabelle Stubbs was one of the first people contacted and was seldom without an answer. She offered her pearls of knowledge with a sparkling and ready wit that would be the envy of people half her age.

For 53 years, our recipient wrote a local newspaper column called “Coffee Cup Chatter”. This widely-read column incorporated historical information and amusing anecdotes as well as current information on local issues, people, places and activities. It is said that in all those years, Mrs. Stubbs never once missed the weekly deadline for submitting her column.

In 1993, Isabelle Stubbs was given the City of Courtenay’s highest honour, Freeman of the City. She showed outstanding caring and dedication to the community.