Suzanne Sawyer – Chair and Founding Director
Suzanne was born in a small Texas town on the Gulf of Mexico. She attended university and received 2 Bachelor of Science degrees in Earth Sciences and Education. In 1974 she immigrated to Canada with her Canadian husband, John. After teaching in Kitimat where she taught school and John worked for Crown Zellerbach they moved to the Comox Valley where, in 1977, they bought and built on a Macaulay Road acreage which is still Suzanne’s home. She enjoys “Taming the dragon” or caring for the 30 odd varieties of bamboo she cultivates.
Family, traveling, walking, gardening, knitting, and pretending to play the tenor recorder are some of her pastimes these days. The Macaulay Road and Area Neighbourhood Association has become a new and exciting part of her life.
Catherine Davidson – Treasurer and Founding Director
MRANA Treasurer, Catherine Davidson, and her husband retired 10 years ago to a property on Macaulay Road after a career with the provincial government. She’s enjoyed connecting with others who value our rural neighbourhood.
Catherine has also volunteered with other community groups and organizations including the Gonzales Neighbourhood Planning Committee, the Back Country Horsemen of BC, and Horse Council BC (Governance Committee).
Catherine and Gerry enjoy riding all the beautiful local trails, their garden, and all this lovely area has to offer.
Kim Stubblefield – Secretary and Founding Director
Kim and her husband James moved to their Black Creek property in 1992, moving up the Island from Victoria seeking a quiet and relaxed place to live.
After many years working in the media and some years as owner/manager of a local music store, Kim began working for and volunteering with various not-for-profit organizations in the Comox Valley, including the Comox Valley Horticultural Society, the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association, Comox Valley Exhibition, the Comox Valley Council of Canadians and others.
Kim enjoys gardening, hiking, and occasionally playing the piano and video games when the weather keeps her inside.
Richard Skrzyzala – Director
Richard Skryzyzala was born in Coleman, a small town on the Alberta BC border. At the age of 18 and just finishing high school he decided to join the Canadian Armed Forces for a 5-year term. After 35 years of service, he retired as the Squadron Chief Warrant Officer of 442 Search and Rescue Squadron in the Comox Valley.
Richard’s career took him across Canada as well as overseas with postings to Cold Lake Alta, Baden Germany, Halifax, Victoria, as well as headquarters postings to Ottawa and Winnipeg. Upon retirement, he ran a program for the Alzheimer Society and became a board member of the RLPO Association and the Royal Canadian Airforce Association. This included numerous positions on these boards including the president.
Richard is an avid outdoorsman, with his hobbies including hiking, fishing, hunting, and sailing.
Rachel Fredbeck – Director
Rachel Fredbeck was born in Alberta and raised in the Comox Valley BC. She has 3 children and has raised them all in Black Creek on Macaulay Road since 2010 with her husband who was raised right here in Black Creek.
Rachel worked in health care for 13 years and now owns and operates a home-licensed daycare on her hobby farm here in Black Creek on Macaulay Road, teaching all the children about animal husbandry, gardening and farming. Hobbies include horseback riding in our beautiful Black Creek trails, yoga, dance, hiking, and family outdoor activities.