Langley Heritage Society extends condolences to the family and friends of Beverly Sommer who died on February 4th. Born in Vancouver, she contributed much to the heritage and cultural communities in B.C. and often attended Langley Heritage Society events with her husband, former LHS board member Warren. Bev’s obituary reads in part:
“After graduating from high school she studied history at the University of Guelph where she was awarded her Bachelor’s degree. She subsequently completed her Master’s degree at Carleton University in Ottawa. Ever in search of new adventures, Bev moved back to British Columbia where she embarked on a distinguished career in the province’s cultural sector, working as an educator at the Burnaby Village Museum (where Bev and Warren met), the Vancouver Museum, and the Vancouver Art Gallery. In 1987 she accepted the directorship of the Surrey Museum where she secured the support and resources required to bring the facility into the modern age. Bev subsequently oversaw the restoration of the Historic Stewart Farm and the launch of its public services. She had a remarkable ability to bring community members, elected officials, staff and volunteers together in developing shared visions and the will to turn ideas into reality. As Manager of Heritage Services for the City of Surrey she fostered the formation of the Friends of the Surrey Museum and Archives Society and helped secure the resources required for the development, under her leadership, of new facilities for what are now the Museum of Surrey and the Surrey Archives.”
Read the full obituary HERE.
