Jacqueline Stone

As one of Jackie's two Australian nephews, I didn't have the pleasure of too much time with my Aunt. But she still had quite an effect on my upbringing, as every year she took out an annual subscription to the World Wildlife Fund's nature photography magazine, which was sent to me every single month of my childhood. I would pour through the amazing photos of wilderness and animals, always eager for the latest edition. She'd also send me additional presents each year, always science-based activities, which further fed my love of the natural world. It was from afar, but it had a huge impact on my development, more than she probably ever knew. I had the pleasure of spending face to face time with her on two occasions - once when I was a little boy and she came with Uncle Dick to visit us in Australia, and again later in my twenties when I spent a week with her and Dick in their Richmond home. I was struck with the boundless energy and enthusiasm she had, the cutting wit, the intelligence of the conversations. I also loved her for the mischief she was prepared to get up to - one such outing had us running from security in the Edgar Allen Poe museum so we could take illegal photos of the room dedicated to the Raven (a favourite poem of mine)! She was such an inspiration to me, it was an experience I have never forgotten, so it was with much sadness to hear of her passing. My father Paul, Jackie's elder brother, was also very, very fond of her, so it is a very sad moment for him also. She will be missed, but we'll always be better for her involvement in our lives. RIP xxxx