SEPTEMBER 21, 1972 - MAY 5, 2023

Remembering Emily:

 

Emily Grace Rawbon, a long-time director of Steamboat Mountain Music Society, died of a heart attack on May 5th, 2023. Emily worked as a graphic designer for the Columbia Valley Pioneer for sixteen years, and was an accomplished local musician - a member of the Chisel Peak Blues Band, and other groups. Over the years, Emily appeared several times on the Steamboat Festival Tweener and Main Stages with various groups, and as a solo performer. She also designed many of the posters, programs, and promotional materials for the festival. She is fondly remembered for leading the famous open mic and jam nights at Safta's Restaurant. Emily was also a dancer, and performed in the chorus of the 2015 production of The Visionary and the Ghost of Pynelogs.

 

A Celebration of the Life of Emily Rawbon was held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. At this well-attended event, the songs and stories people shared reflected the depth and breadth of Emily's character. Her neighbours, business associates, musical friends, and her beloved uncle Bill, recounted memories about her French connection, her famous cooking skills, her dog and cats, her shoes, her guitars, her kindness, her humour, and her talents as a graphic artist, and as a performer. Thanks to all who planned and helped present the evening, thanks to Pynelogs Cultural Centre, and to all those who came from near and far to be part of it! In the hearts of this community, Emily stands tall.