By: Samantha Rypstra, WMEAC Lakeshore Fellow
On September 18, former West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) board member and long-time supporter Gwen Hibbard passed away at the age of 88. Gwen was a member of the WMEAC Board of Directors in the early 1970s – shortly after WMEAC was founded. Alongside her husband John, she continued to support WMEAC through the decades including up to the present day.
Gwen’s commitment to WMEAC and other organizations was inspired by her aspirations to leave the world a better place for future generations including her four children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Gwen was a teacher and also a committed humanitarian, founding and co-directing the Grand Rapids Area Council for the Humanities (GRACH). She was also the Vice President of the Bicentennial/Sesquicentennial Committee of Grand Rapids and a supporter of Planned Parenthood of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Foundation, and Grand Valley State University, in addition to WMEAC.
Gwen’s substantial volunteer work in the humanities was recognized when she received the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Council for the Humanities in 1984, and recognition from the GRACH in 1995, and the Grand Valley State University’s Humanities Award in 2000.
In addition to her commitments to education, the environment, and humanities, Gwen was also an active member of her church, serving on the governing board and church foundation for the Fountain Street Church in West Michigan, which she joined in 1956. A four-time cancer survivor who had been cancer free for over 20 years, Gwen was well supported by a circle of family and friends.
Gwen enjoyed spending summers in Castle Park, Michigan, visiting family in California, and going on many trips out of the country both with her twin sister Gail and her husband John. And she committed much of her time to her goal of leaving the world a better place.
WMEAC offers our condolences to Gwen’s family and friends, and is deeply thankful for her service as a member of the Board of Directors, and for her ever-present generosity and support.
