Backgrounder: The Lynda & Murray Farmer Walk of Excellence

Biography

Lynda Farmer, born and raised in BC, has a deep sense of pride in our province and country, with a firmly entrenched sense of the importance of giving back. Her work in the not-for-profit sector with the Canadian Red Cross and the Arthritis Society laid a foundation for a 35-year commitment to community volunteer work. Over the years, Lynda has provided leadership to many organizations. She was the Chair of the Camosun College Board of Governors and has offered service to the BC Cancer Foundation, United Way of Canada, Camosun College Foundation Trademark of Excellence Campaign, Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Mary Winspear Community Cultural Centre Foundation and the Pacific Opera Society. Lynda is the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and was named, along with her husband, an Honorary Citizen of the City of Victoria. She was also given Honorary Alumna status by UVic — reflecting her active support and engagement with the university during her husband’s six-year tenure as Chancellor.

Murray Farmer, a UVic alumnus, has held various senior positions with the Farmer Industries Group, a family partnership established more than 65 years ago. Throughout his working life, Murray has been active in numerous industry and community associations, serving as Chair of both the Vancouver Island Construction Association and the BC Construction Association. Murray also served with distinction in the prestigious role of Chair of the Canadian Construction Association, representing one of Canada’s largest industry groups. Over the years, Murray has given generously of his time in volunteer leadership positions with organizations such as the Victoria Foundation, Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Royal BC Museum, BC Government House Foundation and the Camosun College Foundation Trademark of Excellence Campaign. Murray has been awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Generosity of Spirit Award and the UVic Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement. A long-time supporter of UVic, Murray was the Chair of the Board of Governors as well as serving two terms as Chancellor — a role he filled with honour, reflecting his deep respect and admiration for this university.

The Lynda & Murray Farmer Walk of Excellence

• Stories, photos and memorabilia across four themes
  o Walk through Time
  o With the Vikes
  o International Success
  o National Champions
• Victoria College rugby sweaters and jerseys dating back to 1941
• Swimsuit, podium attire and bronze medal from three-time Paralympian and former Vikes swimmer Stephanie Dixon
• Team Canada and UVic jerseys from men’s basketball stand-out Eli Pasquale
• Wheelchair wheel and jersey from two-time Paralympian and former Vikes women’s basketball player Janet McLachlan
• Whitecaps FC jersey from men’s soccer player Nico Craveiro
• 11 CIS/CIAU National Championship gold medals from women’s field hockey coach Lynne Beecroft
• 3200m track relay gold medal and racing bib from Tania Jones (the 4x800m track team set the national record in the 1980s and it was only broken in 2015)
• Score sheet from the 1983 Summer World University Games in which team Canada, including UVic team members, won gold in major upset over powerhouse USA and Yugoslavia teams
• Canadian University Women’s and Canadian University Men’s Rowing Championship trophies first awarded in late 1890s and donated by the James Bay Athletic Association to UVic in 2005
• Section of the original McKinnon Gym signed by alumni.

The Lynda & Murray Farmer Walk of Excellence is also the new home of the UVic Sports Hall of Fame that honours individuals who, through participation on varsity or community teams, have contributed significantly to sport or recreation at the university as athletes, coaches, a team or builders/administrators.