Staff, faculty, students and other members of the College community gathered together in the NC Greenhouse on October 23 to honour Basil, NC’s beloved greenhouse cat and chief of natural pest control, who passed away earlier this year
At a special ceremony, Saundra Patterson, along with NC Greenhouse employees Theresa Sherwood and Jennifer Laverty and retiree Marcie Newell, shared their favourite stories and observations from Basil’s time at NC.
Patterson, who for many years provided care for Basil – including taking him to the vet – shared some of her favourite encounters with NC’s chief mousier, and noted the incredible love and care given to Basil by staff at the NC Greenhouse and the College’s Campus Safety staff. “He as taken care of so well by the team of people here,” she said. “They fed him, gave him his medicine when he needed it, protected him, and nurtured him.”
Saundra Patterson spoke about her encounters with Basil, NC’s Greenhouse cat, over the years.
Patterson also recognized a group of first-year Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film students, spearheaded by Adam Moreau and joined by Tabi Highley, Lucas Claxton, Bryan Kuhn, Sarah Cedeño and Josh Sabourin, who created a short documentary as a tribute to Basil. Watch A Tail to Remember here.
NC Greenhouse retiree Marcie Newell also shared how working at the College with Basil had instilled in her a love for animals that was absent before she had met Basil. “I really now love pets more, thanks to Basil,” said Newell, who also graciously donated a large mounted photo of Basil that will live at the College in his memory.
The group then moved outside to unveil a new plaque in Basil’s honour outside the Greenhouse, just across from Benchmark Restaurant. Guests also enjoyed delicious refreshments from Benchmark.
