Remembering Andrea McEachern - President, CLRA National
Andrea McEachern, 59, of Calgary, passed away on September 17, 2021, after complications due to a heart attack. For those who were fortunate to know her, Andrea imprinted her joy and lust for life on each of us in a personalized way that was derived from a seemingly endless sense of compassion and understanding.
On August 2, 1962, Andrea was born to the late Ronald and Susan Fong in Vancouver, BC and grew up in Youbou, BC. Andrea moved to Calgary, where she dedicated her time to raising her two children and excelling in the environmental services industry.
In 2009, Andrea met her soulmate, and they married in 2015. Their combined spirits provided a platform for adventure; they started several businesses together, sailed the open ocean, climbed, skied, skydived, and explored North America, Europe, and Asia.
Andrea was a devoted wife, mother, Poh Poh (grandmother), and a cherished friend to many. Andrea stood out as a beautiful and bright soul with a special spark and sense of humour that brightened any room and any situation. She will always be remembered for her ability to welcome everyone with kindness, warmth, and generosity and for making everyone feel like family.
Andrea is survived by her husband, her children (Jennifer and Brandt), three stepchildren, and her grandchildren (Maia, Willow and Liv). Besides her husband and children, Andrea is also survived by her siblings, Alex, Janice, Tricia, Henry, and Gord and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
In her industry, she was a trailblazer in all ways, growing as a strong female leader. She broke barriers and became an incredible mentor to others throughout her career, many of whom credit some of their own success to her paving the way. Her leadership skills were evident in her role as President of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association (CLRA). She served on the CLRA Alberta Chapter starting in 2009, and in 2015, she became President of the National Board. Andrea was pivotal in injecting governance into the association, nationally sharing what the CLRA was about, and addressing matters critical to the association's health. Her contributions to the industry are endless; her peers greatly valued and respected her advocacy and leadership.
Her passion was the reclamation awards; she always felt there were so many deserving candidates in our Reclamation Community. In honour of Andrea's contribution to the CLRA as a director and President for over 12 years, an "Andrea McEachern Memorial Award" will be created. The award (scholarship) will be awarded annually to a candidate that exemplifies leadership and volunteerism in the reclamation industry. The details of the award and nomination process will be released once finalized. The family asks that in lieu of flowers to please contribute to the award. Click here to donate.
A tribute to Andrea's commitment to the association will be presented at the next CLRA Alberta Chapter Conference in February 2022 and the next in-person National CLRA Conference.