JOAN B. TOWNSEND

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JOAN B. TOWNSEND It is with deep sadness that we announce that Dr. Joan Broom Townsend (Anderson), aged 72, passed away May 23, 2006 after a long fight with mesothelioma. Dr. Townsend was predeceased by her husband, fellow anthropologist, Edwin O. Anderson. She is survived by her daughter Dr. Paula L Townsend, her son Joe Wayne Townsend and two much loved cats. Joan was born and grew up in Dallas, Texas. She received her A.A. degree (with honours) in 1952 from Christian College (now Columbia College). She was awarded her B.A. in 1959 (with highest honours) and her Ph.D. in 1965, both in Anthropology, from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Townsend came to the University of Manitoba in 1964 where she met her husband Ed. She gained the rank of Professor in 1981. She was a founding member of the Department of Anthropology and one of the initial creators of its graduate program. She subsequently served as advisor or advisory committee member for 48 graduate students. She was a dedicated and effective teacher at all levels and received the Outstanding Students Honouring Outstanding Teachers Teacher Recognition Award in 1999. She loved her research and published numerous articles and book chapters. She served on numerous university committees. Dr. Townsend retired from the university in 1999 and was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus that spring. Although officially retired she remained active in both research and in advising graduate students. Joan loved animals; many shared her home over the years and all were spoiled. Her cats were a very important part of her life. She enjoyed hiking in the Sierra mountains with her daughter and a german shepard, Tasha. She was passionate about travel and getting to know people in far away places. Her passport was well used and she made many friends around the world. She could get your life history within the first half hour. She was as comfortable in the Alaskan bush where she did significant research as in a five star Hotel. Joan enjoyed art, theatre, ballet, collecting antiques, and a host of other activities. She was involved in her church and was actively studying theology. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 130 Nassau N. near Stradbrook on Friday, September 29 at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan's memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society (982-2041) or to St. Luke's Anglican Church.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2006