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Eagle release done in the memory of Linda Easdown who lost her battle with cancer in late March

MARK BOOTH mbooth@delta-optimist com

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) used one of the highlighted events at its annual open house last weekend to pay tribute to a popular former employee.

It was back on March 27 when Linda Easdown lost her battle with cancer peacefully at her South Delta home at the age of 74.

“Linda worked in our office helping with finance and inquiries

She was a very fun, outgoing personality and got along with everyone she worked with or came across, ” said OWL general manager Rob Hope.

When it came time for Saturday’s (May 6) raptor release, it was done in honour of Easdown. Her “spirit” was released, along with a Bald Eagle that had arrived at OWL a week earlier with a puncture on its leg and heavy bruising after fighting with another eagle. Easdown’s husband Phil and her son Slate Swain were invited to watch the special tribute.

“We got up on a berm and watched as they released the eagle It went about 60 feet and back down to the ground and turned around and looked at us It went another 60 feet and then back down again I said to my son she doesn’t want to leave,” recalled Phil “The eagle then went up again and took off I thought it was perfect. Not many get a send off like that when they pass ” Linda and Phil were also the long-time coordinators of the local Meals on Wheels Program for seniors, run out of KinVillage in Tsawwassen When the kitchen workers learned of her passing, they collected $235 and gave it to Phil to donate to OWL since they knew the organization meant so much to her.

Phil made the trip to the 72nd Street facility in East Ladner where he presented the donation and adopted an owl too. A carving was also donated by a friend of his That’s when Hope came up with the idea of the special release tribute during the open house weekend

“We both have volunteered there in the past, including the open houses “That’s why I thought when they did the tribute it was perfect because she has been to many of those releases in the past,” added Phil.