Last Sunday (March 24) I was shocked and saddened to read the death of Raymond Cohen. He was the founder and CEO of the Canadian Abilities Foundation (CAF), the Abilities Arts Festival, and the publisher of Abilities magazine. He died of a sudden, undisclosed illness at the age of 64.
Cohen provided me with some of my earliest experiences writing and editing in a professional setting. I first met him during the summer of 1994, when I did a volunteer internship with Abilities magazine. It was while volunteering that summer that he published a short travel piece for the issue I helped prepare. I also assisted with updating the database and editing other submissions for the magazine. This led to other articles and volunteer opportunities with Abilities.
Cohen was also a regular presence at People in Motion, an annual exhibition showcasing products and services for people with disabilities held every June in Toronto. We usually spotted each other and say hi. In fact, he made a point of saying hello to every person he met.
It is through these experiences that I gained professional writing experience, and hands-on knowledge about the publishing industry. We even had at least one conversation on how to develop professionally, which I found extremely beneficial.
Another thing we had in common is that we both received the Diamond Jubilee Medal last February. Unfortunately we didn't cross paths during the gala. It would have been good to celebrate and share some of the evening with him.
Cohen was always friendly and hospitable, and deeply passionate about affirming the needs and rights of people with disabilities. This is what I will remember most about him. His support and admiration for the disability community is greatly remembered and missed.
Thank you Ray. You will never be forgotten.
Cohen provided me with some of my earliest experiences writing and editing in a professional setting. I first met him during the summer of 1994, when I did a volunteer internship with Abilities magazine. It was while volunteering that summer that he published a short travel piece for the issue I helped prepare. I also assisted with updating the database and editing other submissions for the magazine. This led to other articles and volunteer opportunities with Abilities.
Cohen was also a regular presence at People in Motion, an annual exhibition showcasing products and services for people with disabilities held every June in Toronto. We usually spotted each other and say hi. In fact, he made a point of saying hello to every person he met.
It is through these experiences that I gained professional writing experience, and hands-on knowledge about the publishing industry. We even had at least one conversation on how to develop professionally, which I found extremely beneficial.
Another thing we had in common is that we both received the Diamond Jubilee Medal last February. Unfortunately we didn't cross paths during the gala. It would have been good to celebrate and share some of the evening with him.
Cohen was always friendly and hospitable, and deeply passionate about affirming the needs and rights of people with disabilities. This is what I will remember most about him. His support and admiration for the disability community is greatly remembered and missed.
Thank you Ray. You will never be forgotten.
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