It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Colette Switzer, long-time office manager and director of programming at AMPIA.
“It was a privilege to have worked with Colette over the past twelve years. She will always hold a place in my heart. Special thanks to Colette’s family for their support during this difficult time.” — Bill Evans, Executive Director.
AMPIA Board Chair David Benson commented on Colette’s passing:
“When someone we love passes, our hearts are cracked wide open. Grief, if allowed to flow, will heal us. Colette was the most honest, caring, humble and compassionate person I have had to the pleasure of working with ever. She had a genuine concern for the well-being of those around them and the industry. She had a strong sense of right and wrong and always tried make sure AMPIA was following that path. She has devoted many years of hard work to AMPIA and her departure will leave a huge hole in the organization and with myself. Colette was the heart and soul of her family, as she is with our AMPIA family. She will be truly missed, and she will always be in our heart and memories. My heartfelt condolences go out to Colette’s family and I wish them well during this difficult time.” — David Benson
Former AMPIA Board President Tom Cox also remembered Colette in a statement:
“Colette Switzer was the rock of AMPIA, a tiny person with a huge and positive impact on this organization and the broader industry it serves. Colette was selfless, generous and stalwart. She was as quiet as she was small, but her tireless efforts supported many, many member programs and award shows that gave voice to thousands of screen-based artists and craftspeople whose work entertains and enlightens viewers around the world. Colette was also a great friend and will be missed by all of us who knew her. May her inspiring work continue to resonate throughout our industry for decades to come, and may her unique contribution and spirit be recognised and celebrated for as long as AMPIA exists. My heartfelt condolences to Colette’s family, and my profound thanks to them for sharing such a remarkable colleague with us.” — Tom Cox
AMPIA has set up a ‘Colette Fund’ at ATB to assist her family with funeral and other expenses. Funds collected will be distributed directly to Colette’s family. If you would like to donate to the fund you can do so by e-transferring your contribution to the following e-mail address: action@ampia.org You can also make a donation to the ‘Colette Fund’ in person at the ATB Branches for Arts + Culture n Edmonton and Calgary.
