In Memoriam

Fiercely independent, strong-willed, an insatiable curiosity, happiest when focussed on work, never one to sit for too long, loving and loyal towards her pack and family.

These attributes we all see in our Siberian Huskies, were embodied in the spirit of Elsie Chadwick.

Elsie Mae Watson was born and raised in Swansea, a part of the west end of Toronto, Ontario. She became a stenographer in the days when one had to know Pitman shorthand...something she never forgot and used to take notes wherever she went. Her position as a Secretary at Canadian National Railway, brought her to meet her husband, Allan Chadwick, an accountant in the company. They had no children but shared their zest for life with their beloved Siberian Huskies - Kamaluk, Davik, Charney, Koalle, Sarge, Velvet and Taz. The Chadwicks bought a bungalow in Etobicoke, in the 1950's, right across from Cloverdale Mall, and eventually acquired a small cottage on Little Whitefish Lake, near Humphrey, Ontario. Their huskies, throughout the years, took holidays with them...they canoed on the lake, hiked through their forest, and looked forward to much fun with resident chipmunks.

Elsie and Allan were among the earliest members of the SHCC (Siberian Husky Club of Canada). They took on key roles, such as Treasurer (Allan), Secretary and Newsletter Editor (Elsie), and with their determination and planning skills, helped to keep the club active and vital during those years. Throughout their years with the club they attended all events related to the breed where they offered their help, encouragement and praise. Later in years, she went to these shows/sledding events, to meet "some of the old crowd" or to mingle and make new friends.

After Allan died in July, 1993, Elsie began to travel to dogshows outside of Canada and eventually branched out to take pleasure trips and cruises. These events opened opportunities to "dress-up" for a party or a formal dinner. Elsie and her sister, Linda, often rode via limo to the opera in downtown Toronto. However, of all of her travels, her favourite, she said many times, was her trip to Alaska to watch the Iditarod, meet the mushers in the pit and hug the "stars" of the show, the huskies. During Elsie's final trip to Alaska she visited some of the front of the pack drivers in their homes and toured their kennels. Every time Elsie told her "Alaska stories", she beamed with joy.

From her early years with the SHCC Elsie collected and organized material about the breed and about the Arctic. For anyone who hadn't the opportunity to visit and browse the archives which filled an entire room in her basement, missed a wonderful, educational experience. Her kennel binders of Canadian, U.S. and International breedlines put into perspective the evolution of the Siberian Husky we see today.

The annual Seguin Mail Run, which just celebrated it's 26th year this past February, was the dream of Elsie Chadwick. In order to honour the dog teams which carried mail for the Postal Service in the far north during earlier times, Elsie, along with a friend in Humphrey, Ontario, came up with this event. She attended the 26th running of the Mail Run with her last Siberian Husky, Velvet. She died less than two weeks later.

A close friend to some, an acquaintence to many and a challenge to a few, Elsie was always ready to listen and support you if she saw you were doing the best you could for your dog(s) and for the breed. Very opinionated, she enjoyed a good discussion. All who encountered her, never forgot her.

Her death was sudden and a shock to many. Elsie's greatest wishes were that:

1) the SHCC would remain active with new "kids" joining to shake things up a bit

2) the Mail Run would continue without her

3) her life's work, her historical archives would be preserved, and, if not updated, at least protected and enjoyed by those eager to know about the ancestry of their Siberian Husky.

Rest in Peace, Elsie. We will honour your wishes.

Liz Antochin

(P.S. We met Elsie and Allan in the early '90's, therefore, there are likely many details that have been omitted.)