Dr. Jean Moore was a lifetime advocate, educator and community volunteer leader who passed away on June 6, 2022. Since 1967 she gave over 50 years of service with the Canadian Mental Health Association in BC, Alberta and nationally. Dr. Moore also lent her skills to First Call: BC’s Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, to the Community Legal Assistance Society and to Theatre Terrific.
Dr. Moore made an immense contribution to mental health. She raised policy issues with local, provincial and national politicians, provided leadership in child and youth mental health, educated employers on workplace mental health issues, and coordinated provincial and national conferences.
Former CEO Bev Gutray led CMHA for 26 years, working closely with Jean Moore. “Dr. Jean Moore was the Board Chair when I first started. Jean is the advocate that made us realize how important it was to concentrate our efforts on children, youth and families,” she said in 2019.
Jonny Morris, current CEO, also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Moore. “Dr. Jean Moore dedicated her career to improving the mental health and wellbeing of others, particularly young people. I will always remember her steadfast compassion, expert advice, and clear vision for how systems need to change for the better. Her leadership on the CMHA BC Division Board, with the former BC Alliance for Mental Health and Addictions, and in community leaves a profound legacy.”
Dr. Moore received her Ed.D in 1977 from Brigham Young University. She began her career as an educator in Alberta in 1950 and held the position of Director of Student Services with the Vancouver School Board for 12 years.
CMHA BC Division is truly fortunate to have benefitted from the wisdom, commitment, leadership and dedication of one of the most outstanding community leaders in Canada.
Donations in memory of Dr. Jean Moore can be made to the Dr. Jean Moore Endowment Fund in Child and Youth Mental Health through CMHA’s Impact Funds. You can view a short video made for her Lifetime Achievement Award given by BC’s Representative for Children & Youth in 2012.