This award is presented to a student attending Forestry at Selkirk College. First preference to a student from Golden Secondary School with second preference to a student from the East Kootenays and third preference to any student in Renewable Resources demonstrating financial need.
Bleu Angelina Nemecek was born April 30th, 1976 in the beautiful mountain community of Squamish, BC. Her arrival precipitated the planned move, at the tender age of three weeks, to the family’s newly purchased property in the equally beautiful but much more remote Moberly area east of Golden, BC.
The pioneer aspect of the life her parents lived enriched Bleu’s early days. At the age of three, she was introduced to her sister Dusty - and from then on, always tried to be the best big sister. The lively community in which she spent her childhood further enhanced her life. Her parents’ large network of friends was a regular feature in Bleu’s life. It was a rich assortment of unique and fascinating individuals and a swarm of kids whose life experience was focused on fun and a love of the natural world, in all its aspects.
From the chickens and assorted pets of her early years, to her last canine companion Moka, Bleu’s love of animals was always evident. As a young girl, she was a proud member of her rural 4H club and was always a great friend to the many dogs and cats, which shared the beautiful and isolated property of her childhood.
After completing high school in Golden, it was not surprising that Bleu was inspired by her love of life close to nature to go into the Forestry field. She saw this, idealistically, as a chance to participate in the management of the highly valued lands and forests around Golden. In her years at Selkirk College, Bleu was well known by staff and students alike for her exceptional personality and her joyful approach to life.
Reflections on Bleu from one of her employers, Scott Mitchell - Precision Forestry - “In 1997, when I established my own company, I was simply honored to have Bleu work with me as my first employee. It was very challenging for us, but she “stuck it out” in the first year of my operations. I owe part of my reputation to her hard work and dedication. Thank you Bleu.”
Bleu’s full rich life was cut short on the afternoon of Sunday, Dec.19, 1999, in a tragic accident on the Trans Canada Highway near her home. Her happy spirit and cherished love deeply affected all that knew her. She is desperately missed by all, but her memory lives on in two ways that Bleu would have most appreciated: a memorial plaque at a remote lake being named in Bleu’s honor and this bursary established by donations from friends and family. It is our hope that through this annual bursary her tremendous love of nature will inspire others to follow in her footsteps.