Vancouver Writers Fest founder Alma Lee dead at 84

Alma Lee, the visionary behind the Vancouver Writers Fest, passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of championing writers and the written word. Lee was instrumental in launching the first Vancouver International Writers Festival in 1988 and played a key role in founding the Writers’ Union of Canada and the Writers’ Trust of Canada.

The Vancouver Writers Fest, which attracts 30,000 attendees annually, has been a platform for established authors like Margaret Atwood, as well as a springboard for emerging writers. Atwood, a close friend of Lee, praised her for her dedication and networking skills, highlighting her role in forming the Writers’ Union of Canada in the 1970s.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1940, Lee immigrated to Canada in 1967. Atwood fondly described her as a “little Scottish hippie” full of enthusiasm and motivation for promoting Canadian literature. Lee’s passion led her to serve as the first executive director of the writers’ guild, where she provided essential support to authors navigating the industry.

In addition to her work with the writers’ union, Lee also served as the executive director of the Writers’ Trust of Canada, a charitable organization supporting Canadian writers. Her dedication to the literary community extended to the formation of the Vancouver International Writers Festival, which aimed to bring writers and readers together in live interactions.

Leslie Hurtig, the current artistic director of the festival, reflected on Lee’s impact, noting her commitment to showcasing both established and emerging writers on the same stage. Lee’s organizational skills and drive for quality events set the foundation for the festival’s success and reputation for fostering literary talent.

Recognized for her contributions, Lee was invested into the Order of Canada in 2005. She is survived by her sons, Kenny and Alan. While the exact cause of her passing was not disclosed, Hurtig shared that Lee spent her final moments at home surrounded by loved ones.

Alma Lee leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Canadian literary landscape, remembered for her passion, dedication, and unwavering support for writers and literature. Her impact on the Vancouver Writers Fest and the broader literary community will continue to inspire and shape the future of Canadian literature.