'If I never see you see you again, you will stay in my mind...'

Blackfoot Chief (c) Kristen Bailey 1983

Today I just want to pay my respects to Mary MacDonald Mallinson. Few of you will have ever heard of her, but those who knew her will never forget her. Mrs Mallinson was my teacher for less than a year, when I was eight. She died a few days ago, and my mum sent me the clipping from the newspaper.

She was one of those teachers who you were slightly scared of, but who treated an eight-year-old just as she would an adult. She was part Canadian Indian, and I still have this coloured pencil drawing of a Blackfoot chief I did in one of her classes - I remember doing the best I could, so she'd be pleased. She had a dry wit, a gift for storytelling, and I'm sure she had no idea about how admired she was, and what an impression she made on all her pupils. I'm just grateful our paths crossed.

* SONG OF THE DAY: Teenage Fanclub - If I Never See You Again *