It was a cloudy Saturday afternoon at the Prairie Wind Festival, where a profoundly moving tribute was held for this truly remarkable woman, cherished by all who knew her.
Though the skies were overcast, the large crowd found solace and warmth in the treasured memories of Vera Bjornson, whose music, kindness and love profoundly impacted so many lives.
Jennie Parsonage delivered an eloquent speech, beautifully crafted by Donalee Jones, with added heartfelt anecdotes from Jennie. The words shared served to honour Vera’s legacy and remind everyone of the lasting light she brought into the world.
We have shared the speech below:
“Music is a powerful force in all our lives. It’s community, it’s connection, it’s emotional regulation, it’s joy, it’s comfort. It’s collective effervescence, an emotional state of shared togetherness and belonging.This festival is a testament to that, and we’re glad to see so many of you out this weekend to celebrate it.
“The Prairie Wind Music Festival board believes strongly that all youth should have access to music education, and we want to recognize the leaders in our rural communities who do the tireless work to make that happen. Music leadership and advocacy can take many different forms. With music programs disappearing from many public schools, the people who are providing this essential, and often life changing, creative outlet to youth are often private music teachers, local entertainers and volunteers.
“This past year, our local community lost one of our musical leaders.
“Her life’s work resonates still in so many of us. Vera Bjornson was a performer, singer, pianist, recording artist, music teacher, choir director and so much more.
“Vera grew up in the very musical Drummond family. Both of her parents were naturally talented, and she was also greatly inspired by her Auntie Vera, who also taught music lessons. Vera took piano and voice lessons and sang in the Holland United Church Choir under the direction of Mrs. Young. As a young person, Vera had the opportunity to sing on TV for the CKY Talent night, with her older brother Lloyd accompanying her as she sang the gospel song entitled “He”. She was also thrilled to be one of the wives in the musical “The King & I” at Rainbow Stage during the summer of 1969. She and friends, Val Ford and Cathy Horbas recorded an album in 1986 aptly entitled “Friends”.
“After marrying Steve, her husband of 53 years, and having her 4 children, Loren, Corey, Karyn and Daryl, Vera settled into her role as a highly respected music teacher for Glenboro and area. She taught up to 60 students per year for many years. She also founded the Tri-Town Singers choir. I count myself lucky to have been Mrs. B’s student for about ten years. I recall spending many happy evenings in her living room at the piano or at choir practice, making music, friends and memories, and once in awhile even being offered a ponnukokur from the kitchen!
“Vera generously shared her musical talents with churches and personal care homes in the area and she encouraged her students to do the same.
“As her niece Angie Gudnason shared in her eulogy, “Vera wasn’t just someone who performed music. She was the personification of music.”
“I’d like members of the audience, volunteers and attendees to stand up (if you’re able) if Vera touched your life in any way: as a music teacher, choir director, friend, community supporter, or if her music touched you at an important time in your life like a wedding or a funeral.”
(Note: Everyone in the crowd who was able to stand, stood tall)
“This is the impact music can make.
“In Vera’s honour, we are proud to establish the Vera Bjornson Music Leadership Award, which will be given out annually at our Festival in recognition of the important, and sometimes thankless, work of people who bring music into our lives. We hope that this small gesture will help Vera’s legacy live on for many years to come.
“Before I ask the family to come up and accept a token of our gratitude, I’d like to invite Vera’s former student, Krysten Godard, and friend Meagan McGill to perform for us.” (Krysten and Meagan delivered a deeply felt rendition of ‘So Long My Friend’, by Due West, touching the hearts of everyone in the crowd.)
“I’ll now ask Vera’s husband Steve, children Loren & Sheldon Gurr, Corey & Larissa Bjornson, Karyn Bjornson, Daryl & Yvonne Bjornson; and grandchildren Mason, Nash, Ella, Julianna, Naomi, Theo, Mykenna, Breelyn, and Prestley to come up to accept the inaugural Vera Bjornson Music Leadership Award!”
As Vera’s family took to the stage, a hush fell over the audience.
After being presented with the inaugural Vera Bjornson Music Leadership Award, Steve held it close as their daughter Loren shared the following beautiful and deeply heartfelt tribute to her mom:
“Thank you for sharing your music and love for Mom today. It’s been six months since Mom joined Heaven’s choir.
“It comforts us that even though she isn’t with us, she will long be remembered.
“Mom always praised her influences that shaped her musical journey…
“She was inspired by her Auntie Vera, a very confident, adventurous music teacher who taught into her 90s.
“Mom couldn’t say enough about Mrs. Myrtle Young who invested in her musical growth and instilled a love and appreciation for choirs, festivals, and performing for an audience.
“To hear that Mom is now “that person” for you and holds that treasured spot in so many hearts is a true honour.
“Mom thought of all her students as her extended family. She was so proud.
“We are blown away by all the stories we have heard of how Mom impacted lives, the places your music has taken you, and how it continues to inspire the next generation.
“Today, she sends big, strong hugs to each one of you. This day has been “practic-ally perfect in every way”. Thank you”
Vera’s husband, Steve, spoke next, sharing his emotions in a way that resonated deeply with everyone present, leaving a lasting impact on everyone.
“We were very surprised when the Committee phoned and asked if they could do this in honour of Vera, and of course, we were all in favour of it.
“She meant so much to so many. She was very good to her students and helped them in any way she could so they could become the best they could be.
“For many, she was like a second mother, especially to one family, where the children, who all took music lessons from Vera, sadly lost their mother. They always thought very highly of Vera for filling in and helping out as a second mother.
“We appreciate the Festival doing this, and hope it will carry on for a long while.
“We are very proud of what Vera has done; between this award and the yearly scholarship we will be giving out through the Glenboro and Area Foundation, her memory will carry on.
“We hope there are some fine people who follow in her footsteps and take over teaching music, whether it is piano, singing or theory.
“We are very proud of what she did in and around Glenboro, with some students travelling a great distance to take lessons.
“She enjoyed all her students and worked very hard to turn them into very good musicians.
“Thank you to the Committee and to everyone who came out in support.”
Jennie then took the stage again, sharing the following:
“Vera’s family have set up a fund under the Glenboro and Area Foundation, which will be used to award a new Vera Bjornson Music Scholarship. We have taken up a collection to contribute to this fund, and the proceeds will be passed on to her family at the end of the weekend. If you’d like to make a donation to the fund, please do so at the merch tent.
“And with that, we will get on with the show – because that’s what Vera would have wanted. I know if she were here, she would be encouraging everyone to get up on the dance floor, and she’d be up there too, doing her signature moves and smiling all the while. We sure do miss you, Mrs. B.”
After the Festival, I was able to sit down with Steve, Daryl, Loren and Karyn to talk more about the Vera Bjornson Music Scholarship, the Vera Bjornson Music Leadership Award, and listen to many memories with laughter and a few tears.
Donations to the Vera Bjornson Music Scholarship Fund can be made at the RM of Glenboro – South Cypress office, located at 618 Railway Ave. in Glenboro.
