Being in at the start of TEAM (the Electors' Action Movement) in 1968 – along with future mayors Jack Volrich and Art Phillips – May Brown wanted to help create a party for all.
In fact, Brown said, "The basis of TEAM was to be as inclusive as possible. It was no [single] political party. We had COPE, NDP, Liberal, Conservative [members]."
Having been a women's field hockey coach at the University of British Columbia for many years, Brown knew something about the playing fields and facilities of Vancouver. So her election to the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board (which she led for two years) was a natural.
Elected in 1972 to the park board, Brown discovered she had a taste for municipal politics. In 1976 she ran for Vancouver city council and was elected. She served for 10 years.
"TEAM was an interesting experiment," said Brown. "We need a party like TEAM today. It would be well received."
Brown's success in politics followed a career as a coach and teacher at UBC. A staunch advocate of women's field hockey and synchronized swimming, Brown was a faculty member at UBC's School of Physical Education and Recreation – today called human kinetics.
Though her primary function at UBC was as a teacher, Brown excelled as a coach of the field hockey team and her teams twice won city league titles, as well as consistent wins at the U.S. Pacific Northwest tournaments.
A former member of the UBC women's field hockey team remembered Brown fondly: "We all responded to her. You can't say enough about her."
Brown has modestly said her own strength as a coach was "building a great team spirit and loyalty to the group.
"I loved the coaching at UBC. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even all these years later I love to meet former students."
She taught until 1955, just before the birth of her second child, returning in 1961 to complete work on her master's degree in physical education.
At this same time, she and husband Lorne Brown wanted to find a way to combine their interests in education and the great outdoors. In 1961 — a busy year for Brown — they founded Deka Wilderness Camp in B.C.'s Interior. The pair would own and direct the camp for 15 years. (Today the camp is owned and operated by the YMCA.)
Her views on politics might seem idealistic in today's cynical world, but her record in office bears out her beliefs – at least for her own time as a city councillor.
"I always regret seeing any opportunity where people aren't treated fairly," she told Business in Vancouver. "The key thing about TEAM was it was people-conscious. We thought things through and took a long-range view.
"Today, city politics is about dealing with so much in the short term. Vancouver could benefit from a dose of long-term thinking."
Brown has always been a good example for other women – in sports, business and politics.
"Women have to have the opportunities," said Brown. "Certainly, the glass ceiling is still there. But that means women just have to work harder to find or make the opportunities they need."
Asked if the role of women in politics has changed, Brown replied, "Very much. Women were in the political scene when I first became involved, but more so today. Any governance is better if there are both men and women working together. Both are important; you need balance."
Much honoured by her city, province and country, Brown has been acknowledged for her contributions by the UBC Alumni Association, the BC Federation of Naturalists, the Canadian Association of Physical Education and Recreation and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. She has also received the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada.
Brown said that at the age of 93, she's had to make a few concessions on her activities.
"When I hit 90, I thought maybe I shouldn't be on the ski slopes – not with all the snowboarders around," she said. Instead, she prefers gentler pastimes, such as treating herself to a half-hour of relaxation, taking in the view from her picture window, a glass of sherry in hand.
Asked what the most enjoyable aspect of her professional life has been, Brown paused thoughtfully.
"The most enjoyable aspect was getting the job done," she finally replied. "It doesn't matter which job we're talking about. Just getting it done."
May Brown
May Brown falls into the category of national treasure. She has had tremendous influence on the communities she has served, the organizations she has contributed to and on individuals like myself.
I can't count the number of times I have said I want to be just like May when I am 80 or 85 or 90 or 93. She continually reminds us all about what is important, how to look at thinks through the eyes of others and our responsibility to both the communities in which we live and work and ourselves.
May has been a trusted adviser, a confidant, a critic (in a good way) and an advocate for so many of us, and this Lifetime Achievement Award is an honour that she overwhelmingly deserves. Congratulations, May, and thank you for all you have done.
Five Questions
What are your proudest accomplishments?
Establishing Deka Wilderness Camp for boys in the Cariboo region of B.C. And I loved coaching at the University of BC. It was a thoroughly enjoyable time and, even all these years later, I love to meet former students of mine.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
I wanted to get my degree and I had to make that opportunity. I had already received my undergraduate degree at McGill (BSc in physical education). I moved back to Vancouver and taught and coached at UBC for about eight years. I did finish my master's degree in physical education, though it was difficult at times because I was at home with two young children.
Would you make different career decisions if you were starting out today?
I'm happy with the decisions I made then. I don't think I would change anything.
What's one business lesson you'd like to pass on to others?
Know your facts. It is important to understand every situation in which you find yourself.
Is it still relevant to focus on the success and role of women in business?
I have seen the evolution of women moving outside the home to be more active, in both business and politics. Given the opportunity, women are equally fit as men, but women have to be more active and they have to have the opportunities.
