Fonds AR372 - Derrick and Gwen Mallard fonds

Derrick Mallard was born in 1921 in England. In 1953, he emigrated to B.C. and worked in the Engineering Dept. of the B.C. Power Commission and B.C. Hydro. After leaving B.C. Hydro he taught at S.F.U in the Department of Psychology, lecturing on human acoustics and electronic physiological measurements. Throughout his life, Derrick was involved in many projects relating to a broad spectrum of environmental concerns, including waste management, preservation of significant ecosystems, climate change and energy conservation.

Derrick and his wife Gwen started S.P.E.C. (Society for Promoting Environmental Conservation), the first citizens environmental organization in western Canada, with Bernard Hagell, Dr. Robin Harger, John Haywood, Ralph Lundahl, Larry McConnell, John Stigant, Dr. A. Turnbull and others in Vancouver, January 1969. In 1972, the Mallards severed ties with S.P.E.C., moved to Victoria and started C.A.S.E. (Citizens Association to Save the Environment), which they directed until their deaths. The Mallards were among the first in B.C. to speak on behalf of the environment and to enlist widespread public support. In 1992, they were awarded the Joint Environmental Award from the B.C. Minister of the Environment, Lands and Parks; in 1993, they were awarded the Lifetime Environmental Achievement Award by the Canadian Minister of the Environment. Derrick died in 2001.

Gwen Mallard was born ca. 1917 in Fernie, B.C. Gwen and her husband Derrick started S.P.E.C. (Society for Promoting Environmental Conservation), the first citizens environmental organization in western Canada, with Bernard Hagell, Dr. Robin Harger, John Haywood, Ralph Lundahl, Larry McConnell, John Stigant, Dr. A. Turnbull and others in Vancouver Janauary 1969. In 1972, the Mallards severed ties with S.P.E.C., moved to Victoria and started C.A.S.E. (Citizens Association to Save the Environment), which they directed until their deaths.

Gwen was particularly interested in food and nutrition, biotechnology and bovine growth hormone. In the early years of C.A.S.E., she served as the Chairperson of the Foods and Nutrition Committee. From 1982 on, Gwen owned and operated Gwen’s Vegetarian Diner.

The Mallards were among the first in B.C. to speak on behalf of the environment and to enlist widespread public support. In 1992, they were awarded the Joint Environmental Award from the B.C. Minister of the Environment, Lands and Parks; in 1993, they were awarded the Lifetime Environmental Achievement Award by the Canadian Minister of the Environment. Gwen died in 1999.