WOHDA Founder
Janet Thomson MacLachlan
1928 – 2003
Janet (Jenny) T. MacLachlan
was an artist, historian and pillar of resource and knowledge in the Highland
and Scottish Country Dance communities in Canada, the United States, and in
Scotland.
She was extensively involved
in the foundation and establishment of many highland dance governing bodies and
performance institutions – USHDA (United States Highland Dance Association),
WOHDA (Western Ontario Highland Dance Association), BATD Western Ontario
District Stage and Highland Festivals, Founder and Organizer of Cambridge
Highland Games along with her late husband Duncan MacLachlan.
When Jenny first came to
Canada in 1954, she conducted a series of lectures on the new Scottish Official
Board technique, helping to create a solid platform for the aforementioned
institutions.
Jenny has also published
books on the histories of rare and lesser-known Scottish Dances collected
throughout North America and Scotland. She worked hard to enrich the Scottish
Dance heritage in North America, producing many exceptional highland dancers
that have gone on to teaching and judging careers.
Jenny was a Teacher,
Examiner, Judge, Mentor and Friend. She is sadly missed in the highland
dancing world.
A Beautiful Memorial Service
was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterdown Ontario July 7, 2003. Alison
MacLachlan read scripture readings, Anne Sutherland spoke on reflections of
Jenny’s life, a sword salute was performed by Honour Guard Stacy Dye Williamson
and Kerri Sutherland and Piper Ian Sutherland played Flowers of the Forest, Loch
Etiveside and Amazing Grace.
Jenny’s final resting place
will be the Kirk O’Shotts, Scotland. A Memorial Service is planned August 20th
at the Kirk O’Shotts, Scotland.
Submitted by Anne
Sutherland
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