Garnet Grosjean

Memories of Garnet Grosjean

Claudius Soodeen, EdD – 2012 Cohort, Class of 2018

Garnet was one of the first people I met when enquiring about the EdD program way back in 2011. I was in Vancouver on a business trip and took some time to meet with Kjell Rubenson who invited Garnet to the meeting because my area of research coincided with some initiatives Garnet was involved with. Both of them impressed me and Garnet’s encouragement and down-to-earth demeanor helped me make my decision to apply. I was accepted for the 2012 cohort, and I wonder how much he had to do with that decision.

Over the course of the next several years, Garnet was always a calming presence and provided me with lots of useful advice and guidance – especially when the going got a bit challenging!

I can still hear his gravelly voice in my head (not always of course! 😊).

His encouragement before and during my program and advice borne out of his deep experience and knowledge were invaluable. It’s unfortunate that our paths will not cross again and that future cohorts will not be able to benefit from his wisdom (even though he was retired).

My condolences to the family.

David Francis

Garnet was a good friend and fellow photographer at the Delta Photo Club.  He participated in many photowalks and was a valued and cherished member of our group. 

Dr. Nadine C. Fabbi

I am so so sorry to hear of Garnet’s passing. I still remember applying to the EdD program (2009) and Garnet’s warmth and positiveness that so helped my stress and concern about getting into the program and succeeding. He was a very giving man and will be very missed

Sophia Choi

Alliance, our former Head’s Assistant at EDST, is from Kenya, and Garnet emailed me to let me know he brought Alliance gifts from Kenya for her when he visited the country, and to please put them in her office. This reflects not only Garnet’s kindness but also his deep appreciation for the country. I’m sure Alliance would have deeply valued his shared love for Kenya and the thoughtful gifts he brought back for her. 

Although I didn’t have many in-person conversations with Garnet, my email exchanges with him made it clear that he was a genuinely kind person who truly appreciated the work we do for the department. I just wanted to share some of my memories of him with you. I miss seeing his bright smile too.

Staffan Larsson

It was a sad message. Garnet was such a tremendous gift to the programme, dedicated, constructive and gave a feeling that it was in safe hands. He was also a very kind man, easy to work with, but what I appreciated most was his sense of responsibility.

Alison Taylor

I met Garnet around the mid 1990s when I attended the Western Research Network on Education and Training meetings when I was a doctoral student. 20 years later when I joined UBC, he invited me to teach the Work and Learning course, which I’ve been doing ever since. Garnet was positive (don’t worry, be happy!), full of life, and passionate about the ALGC program (as well as his ‘big cats’). Garnet shared with me the 2022 book he wrote called “A Day in the Masai Mara.” Proceeds from it were directed towards “animal and habitat conservation in Kenya, and elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Thanks for all you did, Garnet.

Photo: Screenshot of Garnet’s original photo from his book – Sent by Alison Taylor

Carolina

I knew Garnet for decades. He taught a couple of classes I took as a graduate student and later we were colleagues at UBC in the Adult Learning and Education program. I also had the opportunity to work a little more closely with him when I taught the Work and Learning course in the ALGC program for a few years. More recently I saw Garnet at the EDST 30 Year celebration last year. We spent a lot of time chatting that day. I was happy to see him again towards the end of August at a gathering. My daughter, who enjoys photography, fondly remembers that Garnet shared a monograph of photos with her that he took of his beloved big cats and other African wildlife on his latest trip to Africa. We both marvelled at how spectacular they were.

Garnet was warm and full of joy. He was incredibly dedicated to the ALGC program and loved the students and his colleagues dearly. I will remember him for all this and for his passion for adult learning and education.

Gabriella

When I started in the ALGC program in 2009, I did not anticipate what an impact this online program but most of all Garnet would have on my teaching, learning and research path. He was a mentor in a moment of uncertainty, the calm in a moment of storm and a fellow lover of the Pacific Ocean. Without his guidance and support, my journey would have been a lot bumpier. I miss seeing him at events when he would say, don’t worry, sometimes the path is different from what we think it ought to be. 🦁

Kari Grain

I was fortunate enough to meet and learn from Garnet when he was approaching retirement, and handing the reigns of ALGC over to me in 2021/22. He loved that program and he cared deeply for the faculty and the students; He was incredibly proud of the wonderful relationships that had been nurtured through twenty years of this award winning program. Even after he was “done” at UBC, he was always willing to help me with problems I encountered that only he could know how to solve. Although we only overlapped in our work lives for a few short months, I continue to benefit from his hard work to make ALGC what it has become. This sudden loss is hard to process, and I send my condolences and care to the many who loved Garnet. 

Helena Colliander

My first meeting in the ALGC program management committee was Garnet’s last, since he was retiring. From that meeting, I remember Garnet’s “gift” to see and include everyone in the conversation, and I know that his warmth and engagement has been vital for the students and colleagues during so many years.

Song-ee Ahn

I met Garnet in 2003 when I was ph D student. He has been a mentor, colleague and family friend throughout my career. He was, of course, the one who could answer all my questions about ALGC (and always ended with “don’t worry, be happy”). I do not think I would have accepted the position of ALGC International Coordinator if Garnet had not said that I could do it and that he would be there for me.

He was also one of the first people to see my boy and his strength. I remember when we had the ALGC meeting in Linköping, I took my Gabriel to dinner. Garnet gave him his camera (Gabriel was just five years old), was delighted with his photos and had a conversation with him. Now I have such wonderful memories and stories. I will miss him.

Photo: Sent by Song-ee Ahn

Vicheth Sen

Although I first became acquainted with Garnet in 2017 when I was being considered as a tutor for the EDST 575 Work and Learning course in the ALGC program, I did not truly get to know him until 2021, when I began tutoring for the course. In my first meeting with Garnet, I felt as if I had known him my entire life. He was incredibly friendly and supportive, and his warm soul uplifted me. Thank you for your kindness and support, Garnet. May you rest in peace.

Shirley

Garnet, you are a big-hearted colleague, with a warm hug! Nothing seemed too much trouble. Your quiet, considerate and capable presence made students and colleagues feel at home. Thank you for your care, your guidance, your comradeship.  It has been a pleasure knowing and working with you. Sending you a warm hug. Rest in your power!

Kapil

Tribute to a wonderful mentor and colleague!

I have several moments of meetings and memories, so I do not know where to start and what to share here. When I joined the Department of Educational Studies in 2011, I was curious to learn about almost everything that the department has to offer. I was amazed and inspired by the questions and discussions that an attendee brought to a presentation on, I think, lifelong learning or knowledge-based economy. Later on I came to know that that attendee was our wonderful mentor and colleague, our lion king!

When I was offered an opportunity to teach EDST 575: Work and Learning, I think in 2017, I met Garnet in his office in the EDST. In the meeting of about an hour, he shared his passion of photography in the nature and mainly about animals. Through demonstration he showed me how to navigate the learning management system for teaching EDST 575.

I met him numerous times not only in the programs organized by the department and the university but also in the hallway, in the elevator, and sometimes while walking outside of the department. When I was worried about my studies and other matters, he patted on my back and said, “don’t worry, you will do good”. I have missed many of my teachers, mentors and colleagues because of various reasons including retirement. The drops rolling on my face, while writing these lines, tell my heart that I will be missing the lion king the most! Rest in Peace, the great and kind soul!

Condolences to Janet and all the family members!

Colette

Thank you so much, Garnet, for your collegiality and your many kindnesses.

I will treasure the monograph, rest in peace.

4 Oct 2022

Hi Colette,

Garnet Grosjean (garnetg@whidbey.com) invited you to view the file “A Day in the Masai Mara – A First Photos Monograph – Garnet Grosjean.pdf” on Dropbox.

Garnet said:

“Dear Colette, I hope this message finds you healthy and well. I am attaching a link to a DropBox file of a photo monograph to let you see what I have been up to recently ;-). NOTE: please open on a computer, rather than a smartphone, for the full effect of the images. I would appreciate feedback when you have time. Please note that I am using my home address for my photography emails, rather than my gmail address. Let me know which one is your favourite! Cheers, Garnet “

Photo: Sent by Colette

Debbi & Ralph Templeton

My husband and I had the pleasure of participating in multiple ALGC gatherings, in Sweden, South Africa and Vancouver. He was always an integral part of each experience. We appreciated his wisdom, warmth and friendship as we joined others in these travel/learning experiences.  We would have a beer in a local restaurant and exchange stories, his love of Africa was always evident. We also met Jan and could see how much he loved and appreciated her.  We wish to thank Jan and his family for sharing him for these adventures in learning. I was in the ALGC 09 cohort and first met Garnet when I graduated in 2011.  My husband and I both enjoyed spending time with him and developing a deeper understanding of “adult learning” through these experiences.

This photo was from our ALGC gathering in South Africa in 2018, Garnet was such an integral part of the whole experience. I’ve had the pleasure of being on multiple ALGC gathering trips with Garnet, my husband and I always looked forward to our conversations with him. His wisdom, warmth and humor were so appreciated. Our experiences in Sweden, Vancouver and South Africa are some of our favorite travel/learning experiences. I was part of the ALGC 09 cohort and met Garnet for the first time when I traveled to BC to graduate in 2011. Although we had corresponded from time to time as a student/professeur, getting to know him and meeting his wife Jan was such a pleasure. We were saddened to hear of his passing, he left a legacy in many places of the world. His love of Africa was so evident from our first conversation.  Please know he left a mark on our lives and we wish his family our appreciation for sharing him over the years.

We’ve posted a message about the impact Garet had on our lives and I thought I’d add one more photo, he is in the center, with a big smile and a warmth that radiated to everyone. Thank you again Garnet.

Photo 1: Garnet and ALGC friends on Table Mountain, Cape Town South Africa – December 2018

Photo 2: District 6 Museum in Cape Town – 2018

Lynne Tapper – ALGC 2022 graduate

I was very sad to hear of Garnet’s passing. He was instrumental in helping me when I applied for my MA in Adult Learning and Global Change. He always had time to answer my questions and was very supportive of my application. His enthusiasm for the program was evident and it was one of the reasons I decided the program was right for me. He cared deeply about the program and students.

Even when he had retired, he was happy to answer my emails. I remember him as the consummate gentlemen with a sense of humour and a kind soul. May his memory be a blessing to his family and friends and all those who lives he touched.

Bernie Mason AlGC 2012- 2014

Garnet helped transform my life, and enter a world of teaching. He was always enthusiastic and willing to share his depth of knowledge. When I first met Garnet in Sydney, I knew he was a person I would love to be like.

We have many photos pf institute and social events on our ALGC site.

Forever in my heart. Rest with your wild animals Garnet.

Diane Cocks, South Australia

I’m very saddened to hear of Dr Grosjean’s passing. I completed the Master in Adult Learning and Global Change in 2012 and met Dr Grosjean in Cape Town that same year and again in Vancouver in 2014. The opportunities and learnings I have gained through the ALGC have been tremendous and in many ways life changing. A great man indeed. Fondly remembered.

Nancy Ng

I am saddened to hear about Garnet’s passing. I graduated in his last cohort before he started his retirement. I will always remember his kindness and warmth. Nothing was too small for him to answer or generously give his time. He was always responsive to my emails and questions. When I attended orientation, one of his pieces of advice stuck with me. He said something along the lines of, “just start writing, it doesn’t need to be perfect, just start.” I used his advice all through my Master’s program and in my work and it has never failed me. Such simple but profound advice that stuck with me. That was who Garnet was: genuine, kind and profound. Thank you, Garnet. My prayers and thoughts are with Garnet’s family, friends and colleagues.

Kjell Rubenson

Garnet, who was larger than life will be so deeply missed, but for very selfish reasons probably by no one more than me. From the day when Garnet knocked on my door and came to tell me in no uncertain terms that he had decided that I was the best suited to supervise his doctorate and without saying he let me know that I ought to be happy – and was I ever happy. I quickly learned that there was not much I could do for him but there was no end to what he could do for me. He was that special person who could fix absolutely anything, big or small. Already while a doctoral student, it was Garnet I asked to deal with UBC administration what ever the issue was, and there were many. As he became the coordinator for the UBC ALGC program he was a master at handling constant requests from the central administration to get their hands on our hard-earned money. They never stood a chance. That the ALGC program could continue to evolve was to a large extent thanks to Garnet’s energy, administrative skills, diplomacy and warm heart. He always looked out for students and faculty alike. Nothing could be more pleasing than coming to work in the morning and being met with his bright smile and a cup of coffee. Garnet will always be remembered as the saint in our life, a true mensch.