Cindy Player

With profound admiration for her courage and resolve, we are deeply saddened to share that our beloved Cindy Player decided to pass peacefully through Medical Assistance in Dying on Monday the 28th of August 2023. Cindy was surrounded by loving family and friends.

Cindy first shared her special light on June 5, 1955, born to Frank and Sylvia Player. She was a west coast girl at heart, while growing up in Goose Bay, Ottawa, Trenton and finally Comox before heading to UVic as an undergrad. Her generous heart touched so many that her passing leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of our lives--even though she was a master crafter. Cindy is irreplaceable, unmatched in her kindness and quirky humour. She will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew her.  Her loss is felt immeasurably by her life partner Lorna McRae, son Jack Player, brother Tim Player, his wife Donna, nephew David and niece Nicole, Uncle Dick Player, dear friends Cassie Doyle, David Murchie, Bette Cameron, Michael Horgan, Little Sister Sandra Renaud, and a village of close friends, in-laws, outlaws, and extended family.

Cindy was a lifelong champion of fairness and human rights. She had an impactful career that included roles as a defence scientist with DND, a transition house worker at the Ottawa Interval House, and positions where she advanced a culture of human rights at Carleton and McMaster Universities before returning to UVic in 2004 where she served as the Director of Equity and Human Rights until 2016.

Cindy was a volunteer with Dying with Dignity Canada and a strong proponent of their campaign for an advanced request for assisted dying. She was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2016 and chose not to live through its ruthless late-stage indignities. A tribute and celebration with Cindy was held on August 26th.

To honour Cindy, please be kind to yourselves and each other and consider a donation to the UVic Scholarship established in her name: https://extrweb.uvic.ca/landing-cindyplayer .