Quentin is a geologist with a passion for history and heritage and a multicultural perspective earned from living and working for decades in various parts of the world, including North America, South America, S.E. Asia, Australia, and Europe. Quentin is very happy to have retired to Vancouver Island (a natural paradise) and to participate in and contribute to the community. His mandate is to increase awareness of our heritage (natural and cultural) within the community and to emphasize the relevance of the past to the present and future.

Rob Johnson, Vice President

Eighty-plus years ago, when Rob was born in the Ladysmith Hospital, the town of Ladysmith was both different and yet the same. Over these years, Rob has seen major landmarks like the Transfer Wharf, the Government, and the remains of the old Coal Wharf disappear. He witnesses the demolition of the old High School, where the intermediate school now stands.

He has seen many, many businesses come and go, leaving a lasting mark on the community.

Even though these physical things have disappeared, the sense of community pride and the can-do spirit remain.  This is why he has been so active in the community. From being a member of the Town Council for 10 years to serving on the boards of numerous community committees, especially as part of the Ladysmith and District Historical Society, he has been working to keep Ladysmith special.

Elaine Layman – Treasurer

Owner of Layman Financial Services and Board Chair of Ladysmith & District Credit Union. Passionate about history in Ladysmith and around the Province. Works closely with the Stz’uminus First Nation and has strongly supported the Ladysmith Museum, including the Ladysmith & District Credit Union’s sponsorship of the Museum for its initial five years of operation.

James A. (Alex) Stuart, Secretary

Alex is passionate about Ladysmith as a community and its history and seeking the opportunity to serve for a 4th year on the LDHS Board of Directors. Alex was Ladysmith’s youngest elected Mayor – serving two terms; a founding member of the Ladysmith Railway Historical Society; Ladysmith Tall Ships Society (now the Ladysmith Maritime Society) and a founding member of the Ladysmith Resources Centre. Alex served on the Ladysmith EDC Board and was a two-term President of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce. He is currently serving the 5th year of a 9-year term on the Nanaimo Airport Board of Directors.

Pat Brownfield, Director

Pat was born, raised, and educated in Ladysmith; her family history in the town dates back over 100 years. She enjoys the area’s history.  Pat worked locally in Healthcare. She retired back to Ladysmith with her husband 18 years ago.

Ed Nicholson,  Director

Ed Nicholson has been a Director of the Ladysmith Historical Society since shortly after his return to his hometown of Ladysmith in 2009. ED’s grandfather, Dan Nicholson, settled in Ladysmith in 1897 after returning from the Klondike Gold Fields. He had earned enough to purchase several pieces of property. Subsequently, he established a Construction business and Lumber Yard on the property on Dogwood Drive, now known as the Dalby’s Apartment Block.

Marina is a long-term LDHS member, dating back years before the society incorporated, when it would meet in members’ living rooms. Marina has a diploma in journalism and is the editor/publisher of TAKE 5 Print & Digital Media. Book publishing, video production, photography, and writing are among the experiences she brings to the board. When she isn’t home on her small farm in North Oyster, she’s travelling the coast.

John Sharp, Director

John is a key Archives volunteer along with his wife, Esther. Since the fall of 2017, they have volunteered a minimum of 10 hours per week each on Archives work.  John’s interest in local history stems from his family’s 110+ years in Ladysmith.  He has researched WW1 soldiers from Ladysmith, family histories based on requests to the Archives, and WW2 armed forces personnel on the cenotaph.  He has also researched other branches of his family history relating to the United Empire Loyalists, Scotland and Ireland.  John graduated from Ladysmith High School and has a degree in physics from UBC.  His work took him to Ontario, South Korea and China.  He returned to the Island when he retired.

Kim Stordy, Non-Executive Director

Kim has studied and applied Children’s/Adult’s Recreation & Leadership skills for over thirty years. Education in special needs and therapeutic education for all ages. Working with local Community Centers, Schools, Resorts, Modelling & Acting Agencies. Being a lover of all animals, they have always housed a menagerie of rescued and adopted pets.

Specializes in planning, designing and programming Festivals, Community Programs and Events.

Educated in Business Development, real estate, finance, strata, hotel and property management.

Administered and schooled a successful Children’s Daycare Program in Langley for 12 years.

Owned and operated a Musical Theatre Arts School for 10 years with four productions a year, a team of ten dedicated staff and 3,000 Families. Performing at Terry Fox, Orpheum, Queen Elizabeth and many other Theatres with treasured memories.

Now semi-retired and runs a successful B&B ‘Quails Nest’ in Saltair, Ladysmith.