In the film, Rose is first introduced in the form of an elderly woman – spunky but well-advanced in her years – accompanying a group of modern-day . . . → Read More: YEEC Co-Founder Cynthia Raymond 1913-2011]]> When I first met Cynthia Raymond in 2005, she immediately reminded me of Rose – the plucky, fictional heroine of James Cameron’s classic 1997 film, “Titanic”.

In the film, Rose is first introduced in the form of an elderly woman – spunky but well-advanced in her years – accompanying a group of modern-day treasure hunters in search of a famed jewel rumored to be on Titanic.  We don’t meet this version of Rose very much as the movie progresses but she reappears dramatically in the unforgettable conclusion.  When Rose quietly passes in her sleep in the final moments, a series of photographs flash by chronicling the long accomplished life she lived after surviving the Titanic and losing her true love.

While the character of Rose was fictional, Cynthia was not.  Born a year after the sinking of the Titanic, she had already accomplished so much in her life by the time I met her.  You could feel it in her presence, in her voice, in her passionate enthusiasm for the things she cared deeply for.  I wasn’t just impressed by what she had done – but what she was still doing at age 92 when I first met her.

Throughout her long life, she was a passionate advocate for protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and celebrating the beauty of nature. A prolific writer of letters-to-the-editor, her written voice was always articulate, vibrant, and classy.  When energy and environmental policy was being discussed at town meetings, Cynthia was often there in the audience – quietly speaking with her presence.  I’ll never forget the time I saw then state senator, Peter Bowman come to one of our meetings at the library.  Surprised, I asked him why he was there given his busy schedule.  His response, “when Cynthia Raymond asks me to come to a meeting, – I come to the meeting!”   She was just that kind of person.

I’m honored to have known and worked with her, and for my daughter to have met her.  She will be missed.

York Energy Efficiency Committee

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Walter Woods of Graystone Builders talks about LEED construction

Cynthia Raymond, Eric Hopkins and Sarah Onion working the registration table

Sarah Brown working . . . → Read More: York Energy and Climate Fair – PICTURES!]]> Here are some great photos from the fair – taken by our estimable vice-chair, Wayne Boardman.

For the rest of the series, you can check them out here

Walter Woods of Graystone Builders talks about LEED construction

Cynthia Raymond, Eric Hopkins and Sarah Onion working the registration table

Sarah Brown working the Green Alliance table