Remembering Barbara Cruden
A dear friend, early environmentalist, and deeply engaged human being, Barbara Cruden, died on New Year’s Eve, 2003. She was a teacher, mother of four, grandmother, writer, mentor, gardener, birdwatcher, active defender of trees, animals and the land.Many will remember her five-minute radio program on the college station focused on her love of the Earth. Some say they stopped to listen just because of her passionate voice and her loving, sensitive way of articulating her values. She had faithfully committed herself to speaking on behalf of that which needs our protection.
She was a member of the Leelanau Planning Commission for a time, and brought a voice for the animals, plants and trees to that table. She taught school children in New Your State public schools, in an alternative community in East Jordan, and at the Blue Heron School in Empire. She often and passionately spoke of her regard for the one room school concept. She believed children learned best in a natural setting, all ages together as community helping and caring for each other. Animals, nature and life were included in the lessons.
Barbara’s dog, Winkie, was always with her, at school and at the meetings, quietly under the table or standing on the hill near her home waiting for her return. Winkie, too, died a year ago in February.
Barbara’s Well Lake land, purchased from her longtime friend, Joan Wason, was one of the first easements donated to the Leelanau Conservancy. The two women made this a part of their purchase agreement.
Barabara’s deep spiritual commitment to her Christian Science practice was the guiding light of her life. She taught Sunday school in Glen Arbor.
Empire beach sunsets were a favorite inspiration for Barbara, and she could often be found there, in meditation, watching the glory.