The Prairie agricultural community is reflecting on the loss of Rosalie Tennison. The storyteller, author and farm journalist made a career promoting the voices of farmers.
Tennison, 67, died tragically last Friday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in Winnipeg. Tennison had been crossing at the intersection of Osborne Street and Roslyn Road, according to a report from the Winnipeg Police Service Traffic Division. She had been transported to hospital, but later died from her injuries.
WHY IT MATTERS: Rosalie Tennison, a Manitoba agricultural journalist and author, has died after being struck by a vehicle in Winnipeg Nov. 21.
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Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) was deeply saddened to hear of Tennison’s passing, president Jill Verwey said.
“Her dedication to amplifying the voices of farmers made a meaningful and lasting impact on our industry,” Verwey said.
“Her loss is felt across the agricultural community and we honour her many contributions.”
Verwey’s thoughts are with Tennison’s loved ones during this difficult time, the KAP president added.
The Manitoba Farm Writers and Broadcasters Association (MFWBA) likewise called Tennison “a gifted author, award-winning farm writer, and a bright light in our association” in a statement released Nov. 25.
“The MFWBA board extends its sincere condolences to Rosalie’s family and friends. She will be missed,” the association’s statement also said.
Roots in Prairie storytelling
Tennison’s career in agricultural journalism spanned decades and various media. She worked at rural weekly newspapers, a small-town radio station and agricultural trade magazines before joining the communications department at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
Her work earned national recognition. She received a gold citation from the Canadian Farm Writers Federation and won a gold medal at the 2022 Canadian Online Publishing Awards.
In May, Tennison released her first book, Naomi’s Houses: A Memoir, published by Heritage House Publishing. The memoir recounts her childhood in rural Manitoba during the post-war era and her mother’s effort to improve her family’s circumstances.
Farm journalist remembers
Fellow Canadian farm writer Evelyn Strong worked with Tennison writing for Grainews, another Glacier FarmMedia publication, in the early 1980s. They made an effort to stay in touch over the decades, especially after Tennison moved back to Winnipeg.
“Although we didn’t realize it at the time, we ended up bidding on the same condo. It was a running joke over the past seven years with me asking her when she was moving out of ‘my’ condo,” Strong said.
Strong and Tennison met for dinner several times a month, trying new restaurants and going to craft sales and concerts. Tennison was involved with many organizations, including St. Luke’s Parish Church, the Tiffany Circle with the Red Cross, the Dugald Costume Museum and more.
“She loved to talk, but she also knew how to listen, which is such a rare thing these days,” Strong said. “She was curious about almost everything and always showed an interest in other people. I will miss her so much.”
