Sadly, this is to inform of the passing of Helen Bain.
Helen was drawn to Chinese culture, and loved opera, poetry and art of China that she first encountered through the early works sourced by Dr Roger Duff at Canterbury museum. She saw NZCFS as an avenue to have contact with this, and was one of the early members of Christchurch Branch back in the 1950s.
She served for many years on the committee of Christchurch Branch, and branch president for three years. She was a National Executive member for a number of years as well as National Secretary for a period of five years in the 1990s. During this time, CPAFFC President Li Xiaolin stayed in her home in Christchurch.
In later years she was a passionate advocate of pengjing (bonsai) art, with an extensive collection of her own.
She suffered a brief period of illness with brain cancer, and passed away on March 18.
I will remember her as a warm, calm and competent person who was always smiling. Our sympathies to Ken and family.
