In Memory of Linda Pharis

By David Perry

I’m pretty sure I came to know Linda Pharis through her husband, John, who played mandolin in the band at our Conservation Celebrations for many years. She would go on to volunteer in the office, join our board, serve as president, and in 2022, receive our first George Kegley Award for Volunteerism.

Linda’s term as board president was eventful. Reading back through old board meeting minutes, I can see where we were struggling with reaccreditation (it was successful), and how we were trying to find our role in the early days of the Mountain Valley Pipeline project, threading the needle between activism and advocacy. I remember that Linda, as always, was thoughtful and professional, interspersing wit and humor with wisdom and insight, and always adding a large dash of concern and appreciation for the staff.

MEMBER OF:

I’m glad we were able to honor Linda’s service with the George Kegley Award in the fall—kudos to BRLC Advisory Committee member Bill Hunley for nominating her, and to the rest of the committee for having the good sense to agree unanimously. Linda’s graceful spirit will be missed, but she will never be far from us.