SSNAP mourns the recent passing of Loretta Golby-Davies, our dear colleague and friend. She was a Director and the Treasurer of our Society, a talented artist, a successful entrepreneur, and an involved and dedicated volunteer.

Loretta abstractLoretta and her partner Lewis moved to Salt Spring Island to pursue their interests in art. Loretta’s interests in the visual arts were wide ranging and included kilnformed glass, fabric design, painting with oils/acrylics/alcohol inks, and hand-made journals. As she wrote in her artist statement “I strive to interpret what I see, feel, and think not replicate it. I truly believe that colour creates a piece of art, and that is the beginning of imagination.” And colour was definitely a foundation of her art business called “Colour by Loretta.” Shortly after moving to Salt Spring, she built her dream studio, which was not only her creative centre but also a frequent and welcoming meeting place for the SSNAP team.
 
In addition to owning and operating a successful art business, Loretta partnered in an equally successful IT consulting business for twenty years. Her rare combination of business savvy and first-hand experience in the art world made Loretta an invaluable volunteer on SSNAP’s Steering Committee, where she served as Treasurer, website coordinator, and bookkeeper. In all of these capacities she brought not only her wide range of skills to her endeavours but also endless energy, creativity, persistence, and determination. When SSNAP became an independent not-for-profit society, Loretta was instrumental in the successful transition of the finances to the new society. She also became a Director and Treasurer of the newly formed society at that time.
 
On a more personal note, helping others was second nature to Loretta. Her door was always open for artists, jurors, and SSNAP staff and volunteers who were looking either for information, help, or a sympathetic ear. Loretta cheerfully stepped up to the plate to help with a myriad of last minute but essential tasks leading up to and during events. Her goal was always to achieve the best possible result for SSNAP and for its participants and volunteers — she did this with skill, sensitivity, a sense of humour, and a twinkle in her eye. She touched so many of us with her friendship, kindness, and generosity.
 
Loretta Reflections 
Loretta’s involvement, dedication, determination, and honest discussions helped shape SSNAP into the nationally recognized organization it is today. For this we give our heartfelt thanks.
 
Our thoughts are with Lewis, Loretta’s family, and her close friends.
 
Farewell Loretta. Your life was well lived but much too short. We miss you.