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7

A Tribute to Sarah Dodds: Social Business Champion and Much More

June 7, 2008 |

As a social business blog it seemed appropriate to offer a tribute to Sarah Dodds, a great Social Business Champion and remarkable individual, who recently passed away–this can be read below. Friends and colleagues of Sarah’s, anxious to communicate with each other, should click on the link in the section below in order to participate in a dedicated blog to Sarah organised by Nick Temple and Jessica Shortall. At the end of this post we have also added, at the request of Ben Metz, a note from the Dodds family detailing how you can make a donation in her honour. Over 30,000 extra hits have been registered on this site from friends, colleagues and loved ones, in just the last three days–a testament to Sarah’s memory. If there are other similar requests regarding posts onto this page, please contact me on rod@catfund.com.

PLEASE NOTE: WE’VE SET UP A DEDICATED BLOG FOR SARAH’s FRIENDs TO SHARE THOUGHTs AND PHOTOS. PLEASE VISIT www.sarahtribute.wordpress.com AND POST YOUR THOUGHTs THERE.

Tribute
In the past 24 hours (written Sunday 8 June) Sarah Dodds, the Director of Unltd Ventures (part of the UK social investment firm), died as a result of a cycling accident-?she had been travelling with friends in northern France. She had been in a coma for about a week but sadly, the recovery we had all been hoping for was not to be. We are all in shock at the suddenness of this loss-?people possessing Sarah”s energy, vitality, good humour and youth are simply not supposed to leave us so soon-?with so much left to do and so much she would have undoubtedly achieved. As a blogger on social business I find myself doing the only thing I can think of to reconcile myself to this grotesquely unfair act of fate-?writing about the wonderful things this woman has done and would do. I write also so that her spirit shall live on, as she had all the qualities we treasure in outstanding social entrepreneurs; passion, energy, commitment, and good humour.

Most people do their jobs in order to live their separate lives. For Sarah that would never suffice-?she was always looking for a challenge into which she could throw herself completely. I recall a social business she was involved with called Slivers of Time. She so believed in this business that it was not enough to fund it-?she also hauled in a number of experienced, senior professionals to advise the business as it navigated the early stages of development. Of course, being Sarah, all did so free of charge and with pleasure-?such was her drawing power and her passion-?one simply could not refuse.

But let me not create the idea that she was some single-minded workaholic. Sarah pursued all her endeavours with incredible passion and her interests were broad. Unlike many high-flyers (which she most definitely was) she was able to “turn the volume down” and focus her extraordinary passion on some of life”s simple pleasures. At one dinner she had me mesmerized with a detailed drawing (which she produced on the spot) and discussion of a home she used for holidays on an island off the coast of Vancouver (Sarah grew up in Canada). Sarah”s passion transcended subjects.

Her energy was breathtaking. In fact, taking breath is something she seemed hardly ever to do! At one meeting I sat down with her and for perhaps an hour she galloped through a circumstance which was troubling her with her characteristically inexhaustible energy-?I was exhausted just listening!

For commitment, few can rival Sarah. She seemed to never say no, always went that one step further to help a friend or colleague, and made the rest of us feel incredibly selfish by comparison. I will never forget how much I appreciated her joining me for a few days on my trip last summer to visit social entrepreneurs in the Balkans. Where at least ten others said they would come and visit, Sarah also said so-?and true to form, she did. I will treasure those wonderful days and her exceptionally good company. And she behaved like a trooper, whereas I wilted in the Belgrade heat. She wore all with incredibly good humour.

This good humour was perhaps her most outstanding feature. In an industry and sector where people take themselves terribly seriously-?Sarah Dodds was a breath of fresh air. If you could follow her rapid-fire wit she would keep you in stitches. She was a master of the double entendre, and her irreverence and sarcasm made it clear that this was a person who had no place in her life for self-important windbags. But she also had the ability to laugh at herself as much as at others-?the mark of her humility.

On top of all these characteristics, Sarah was extremely competent. Her training in the professional services industry served her well and she had a very sharp eye for detail and flawed logic. I asked her once to sit through a presentation we were about to do as “dry run”?. Although her pleasant smile softened the blow there was no doubt we had quite a bit more work ahead of us before something acceptable was achieved. She had cut right to all the core issues we were not addressing effectively-?but because it was Sarah and delivered with such intelligence and warmth it did not feel humiliating-?it felt like it was meant, as the helpful assistance of a frightfully clever and insightful but well-intentioned friend.

For the sector, her loss is tragic. There is so much she was destined to accomplish and in recent months seemed well on her way to achieving-?she had so much to give and gave so very much. I mourn a friend, colleague and a warm and compassionate human being-?Sarah Dodds.

Rodney Schwartz

Recent photos of Sarah as shared by her friend Darcia are available here

PLEASE NOTE: WE’VE SET UP A DEDICATED BLOG FOR SARAH’s FRIENDs TO SHARE THOUGHTs AND PHOTOS. PLEASE VISIT www.sarahtribute.wordpress.com AND POST YOUR THOUGHTs THERE.

Dear friends,

As we move forward in our lives, holding and remembering Sarah’s passion and zest for life is the best tribute each of us can pay her. We trust that you will remember Sarah in your own way. Please let the world know about Sarah when you act in her memory.

As you know Sarah was passionate and inspired - in life, in her commitment to make things happen and in her desire to create change.

We are establishing a memorial that will reflect how Sarah lived and will make a lasting impact to the lives of others. While words can never capture the spirit of a person, they can guide us in our choice of how to remember Sarah.

Empowerment, entrepreneurship and capacity building are words that will help inform our decision.

We asked that you did not bring flowers, instead that you make a donation in her honour. Many of you have independently expressed a desire to do exactly this. While we take stock and decide how to best take her memory forward we ask that you donate to CIVA (The Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action) who will hold all donations whilst a fund is being set up and will take no fee. We will inform you of the initiative via email for you and for others should they wish to contribute.

You can donate on-line at www.justgiving.com/rememberingsarahdodds

We suggest that all donations above £100 are paid directly to CIVA, by cheque. Please post donations to CIVA, 9 Mansfield Place, LondonNW3 1HS, with a covering letter specifying the donation is in memory of Sarah Dodds.

Together we can create something Sarah would have been proud to be associated with.

Thank you,

The Dodds Family.

Comments

17 Comments so far

Henry Warren on June 8, 2008 11:08 am
I only got to know Sarah well in the last few months, but she truly was amazing. It’s not often that you know you’re in the presence of greatness. When around Sarah, there was no doubt.

A first class brain, a wicked sense of humour and a wonderful woman. Sarah you will be truly missed.

Henry Warren
Nick Temple on June 9, 2008 9:37 am
Hugely sorry to read that news this morning, Rod. Have put up a brief post at SSE blog.

We have also inserted the post from Nick Temple below (Editor):

A sad way to start the week
I was full of optimism coming to the office this morning: a beautiful sunny day, after a great, relaxing weekend, and a relatively light schedule this week to plough through work. So I came in early and trawled through the blogs, and ran across this post from Rod Schwartz:

A Tribute to Sarah Dodds

Apparently, Sarah, who was UnLtd Ventures Director until very recently (she was set to move on to pastures new), was involved in a cycle accident last week. Sadly she died this weekend. I didn’t know Sarah as well as Rod or some others, but she started work at UnLtd around the time I joined SSE, so our paths have crossed a lot over the past few years. As Rod details in his post, she was an exuberant, larger-than-life presence with a healthy irreverence; combined with a sharp brain, this led to plenty of interesting (and entertaining) conversations at events and conferences. It is always shocking to lose someone of a young age with so much ahead of them; so am a bit stunned by that this morning.

SSE’s thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues.
admin on June 9, 2008 2:03 pm
This is a comment from Sarah’s friend Darcia–it also contains links to some photos of Sarah at her home on Valdez Island. We have taken the liberty of posting this from among the posts we have received to share the link and the photos (the editor)

Hello. My name is Darcia and I was a very very close friend of Sarah Dodds. I live in Vancouver, Canada and Sarah and I met almost 20 years ago in Vancouver. I came across your tribute on the internet and it was so lovely and touching and captured Sarah’s spirit perfectly. Thank you for that.

It’s so hard to believe this tragic accident has occurred and for those of us in Vancouver it all seems so far away - it seems it can’t be true and that someone has made a horrible mistake. I am wondering if you have any details of the accident as I am finding it so difficult to come to terms with Sarah’s death without understanding what actually happened. The only information I have (through a quick phone call from Sarah’s sister to a mutual friend in Vancouver) is that she was in a cycling accident, which lead to a comma which lead to her death. I do not know who she was with, if it was a “cycling trip” or if she just went for a bike ride while vacationing, if she was hit by a car or was somehow flown from her bike. If you have any information that you can share with me it would be greatly appreciated.

You mention the home Sarah used for holidays on an Island off of Vancouver….. Sarah absolutely loved her cabin on Valdez Island - we went together every summer when she came ‘home’. I have attached a few photos that I took of Sarah at her cabin on Valdez Island the summer before last below for you.

I appreciate you writing the Tribute to Sarah and can relate to each and every word you write about her. I will miss her very deeply. If you do have any information on what exactly occurred in France, I would be most grateful.

Thank you, from Sarah’s very dear friend,
Darcia
Liam on June 9, 2008 6:07 pm
Well said mate. Just before she went on her vacation I had been teasing her in emails about an event im creating and she wanted to come to. i was pulling her leg asking her to prove me to me she was inspirational enough.with typical great good humour and barbed wit she gave as always as good as she got.

how sobering to open emails from her this morning she’d sent a while ago and know that the sender is dead too soon, too early. Jesus, what a loss.

rest in peace Sarah.

Liam x
admin on June 9, 2008 6:19 pm
The following was emailed to a friend of Sarah’s by Ben Metz, and reprinted with his permission. For those who wish to have them, it provides details about the accident (the Editor)

I don”t think any of us have the words to convey this loss. I just came back from a walk with Jessica (another close friend of both Sarah and Rod”s) on hampstead heath (a wonderful park in London). We both could find the words for our memories, for logistics around the planned memorial and for day to day chat. But nothing came close to starting to describe the feelings associated with Sarah now.

I”ve just had a very good chat with Clare McGregor, one of the people on the cycling holiday in France with Sarah. Last Friday afternoon (30th May) she came off her bike on a sharp, muddy, corner. Completely independently of Sarah, Clare also came off her bike on this corner and sustained some serious injuries including 25 stitches and black eyes. A local resident confirmed later that week with other holiday party members that five people they knew from the area had all come off on that corner in the last year. There were no cars or other vehicles or cyclists involved.

Sarah was unconscious from the moment she landed on the road. As is the case with serious head injuries the hospital kept her unconscious from then on to reduce the risk of brain swelling and consequent damage. I understand that this past Friday Sarah”s heart failed and she passed away that afternoon or evening.

Clare told me a little about the holiday. They were having a wonderful time. They had visited a local cathedral that morning and stopped for what sounded like a classically excellent French lunch. Clare has forwarded me a picture from that lunch which I attach (we will endeavour to post the photo–Editor). It”s a little blurred but Sarah is in the heart of the group and pulling one of her trademark physical expressions -� chin thoughtfully in hand” During the ride after lunch and before the accident they were all in great spirits, laughing and joking together and appreciating what, until that point, sounded like an absolutely fantastic holiday.

News of the events has only just crystallized, thanks to Clare”s call, for me. And I appreciate the opportunity of writing to you to lay what I know out in a coherent manner.

There will be a memorial for Sarah in London on Saturday. Details are still being confirmed. Do let me know if you”d like me to forward them on to you. I have also been in touch with her Vancouver based friend Kaya Wiggens, who, if you don”t know, I can put you in touch with.

I hope this email helps you make sense of these events. Talking to Clare, and writing this email, have helped me.

Please don”t hesitate to get in touch if you”d like to chat more.

Yours in sadness,

Ben Metz
Mansukh Lakhani on June 10, 2008 1:59 am
Sarah Dodds,i will miss you.
Though we only knew each other just for few months last year,all those days were just wonderful.
Your presence and participating ay Jaimini’s wedding was the last time we saw each other.
Will miss you and may you be at a fabolous place,with the Lord.
Rest in Peace.
Mr.Lakhani.
Anwar & Nan Deen on June 10, 2008 5:40 am
We are going to miss Sarah Dodds. She was so full of life. Two years ago after years apart we met Sarah again in London. She took the time to show Nan & I the sights.She had this dry sense of humour that she got from her dad (my dear friend Brian). She was witty and full of charm. She had so many plans and was going to do so much more to help humanity. She has done much more in her short life to help humanity than most people will do in a lifetime. Nan & I will miss you Sarah.
Jamie Moore on June 10, 2008 11:34 am
I worked with Sarah many years ago when at Andersen Consulting. She was one of the few people I could turn to at networking and social events and be sure of a wry, witty and honest conversation; enough to make you feel like you actually belonged there. She was so friendly and such fun - I am stunned at the loss, what a tragedy. JM
Lydia Kan on June 10, 2008 7:43 pm
I’m another newish friend of Sarah’s — we were introduced by my friend Gillian in December who said something like — The two of you need to talk! We discovered many interests and friends in common and I’m absolutely gutted that she’s not here to explore all. Her friend Steve MacKenzie and another friend are coming from British Columbia and are dossing with me. I’ve offered to network around to make sure other friends coming for Saturday’s service from afar have a place to stay — the west coast of Canada is very far away. If you have some space or more importantly, need a place to stay in very expensive London, Please give me a call — 07825 386693, or email mslkan@gmail.com.
Jacquie Muhati on June 10, 2008 10:51 pm
I met Rachel through her sister Rachel who is a very good friend. Sarah was a beautiful, strong intelligent woman with a sense of humour that was amazed me. We went on holiday to Kenya together and visited hells gate in Naivasha and had a trully amazing time. I still have those memories. I mourn the loss of a friend and my thoughts are with the family, especially Rachel who has lost a loving sister. I was priviledged to have known and shared some great moments in Africa with you.

Jacquie
Cathy Clay on June 11, 2008 1:06 am
My name is Cathy Clay (formerly Lyle) and I have been great friends with Sarah since Grade 9. She is one of my oldest friends. I live in Calgary, Canada and it is very hard being over here and so far away from everything happening in the UK.

I wanted to thank Rodney for his amazing tribute. I forwarded this link to many of Sarah’s old friends in Calgary and it means so much to hear of her recent endeavours from those who know her now.

I agree with Darcia about this loss being very hard to understand being so far away. The post about the accident was also very comforting to read. I am thankful that Sarah was doing something she loved and with good friends when she passed away.

Sarah has always been a compassionate and supportive friend. I feel that I have lost one of those rare friends that would do anything for you if you ever needed it. We had so much fun together over the years and she was always up for anything. I have been very busy raising three small children for the last 7 years and I regret that I didn’t get to see more of her life in London. I would love to meet some of her close friends, see her flat and just get a sense of her everyday life in England.

Sarah’s reach went around the globe and there are so many people saddened by her loss. I will miss you dearly old friend.

Cathy Clay, Calgary
Tasha on June 11, 2008 5:22 am
Thank you all for sharing on this blog. My name is Tasha Komery and I am an old friend of Sarah’s. I live in Calgary and met her when we were just kids. Despite the fact that she has not lived in Calgary since High School, we have kept in touch and remained very close friends. You have all spoken such beautiful words about our dear friend and I want to thank you all for that. I know how wonderful she was, but it’s wonderful to hear how she touched so many others.

Like Darcia said about Vancouver, we here in Calgary are so far away that it is hard to grasp the reality of it all. To gain some closure and celebrate her life, we will be holding a memorial here for her on Thursday, June 19th, for anyone who wants to attend. Since Sarah always enjoyed a good party and would frown if we got too formal about it, we are holding it upstairs at the Rose and Crown pub, from 7 - 9 pm, for anyone that wants to attend.

It’s been raining in Calgary non stop. I can only assume that the sky is weeping for such a loss. Sarah, we miss you and will never forget you.
Diego GUIDI on June 11, 2008 11:29 am
When I got Rachel”s text yesterday just coming back from France myself, I couldn”t quite believe it. Discovering all your comments today is putting all this in the perspective of this terrible sad reality.
I met Sarah on my arrival in London, in May last year during a Third Sector conference on leadership where she amazed me with her sharp, snappy and humoristic comments on conventions and conservatism in this sector I was only discovering. We then shared dinners, meetings on social entrepreneurship topics, enjoying good wine, singing sometimes”always ending up laughing.
I was so looking forward to seeing her again, coming back from an amazing social venture or a great trip around the world and be inspired once more by her faith in life and unbelievable energy.
Thinking about her family, about all of you, her friends, makes me feel closer to you Sarah.
You are in my prayers.
Like Lydia Kan kindly suggested please feel free to contact me for a place to stay not far from the memorial on saturday: Diego: 00447894570993- dguidi@actionplanning.co.uk
Claire Eeles on June 11, 2008 3:30 pm
I worked with Sarah at Andersen Consulting and although we have both long since left we always kept in touch with the odd lunch and exchange of cards and emails. Sarah was at our engagement party which is the last time we saw one another and on hearing this news I looked back at the photographs. They reflect everything that you are saying - fun, laughter and beauty. This is a tragic loss and Sarah will be truly missed. I sadly won’t be able to attend the memorial service as I am living abroad at the moment but my thoughts and prayers will be with you all as you celebrate a special life, albeit one cut far too short.
Jay Patel on June 11, 2008 11:44 pm
A number of Sarah’s friends from business school who are based in London have spare rooms for those coming to the memorial so please get in touch if you require a place to stay. My mobile is +447747621408 or email me on jay@sparkventures.com.

I can’t express the sadness we all feel, all I know is that Sarah will be remembered with great affection and respect for what she was trying to do. It’a terrible loss.
Jessica Shortall on June 12, 2008 12:05 am
Dear all

We’ve set up a dedicated site for tributes like these to Sarah. Please post them at http://sarahtribute.wordpress.com/

Best wishes, and thank you Rod for your wonderful post.
Jessica.
Andrew Robinson on June 12, 2008 12:28 pm
I’m sitting at my desk literally shaking as this news sinks in. We had only recently spent a long time talking about the West Coat of Canada (I grew-up in Vancouver), about making the most of the time we’ve got and her moving-on to the next thing. A chapter that will now never been written.

Thanks for the photographs, Darcia.

Andrew Robinson

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