Horsing around in Terrace

When not working as Managing Partner at Lindsey & Grueger in Terrace, Holly J. Grueger can be found riding a tempermental horse, or perhaps, chasing an ambulance on behalf of a friend. She has been known to do both. Holly, called to the Bar, in 1990 is described as a “ball of fire”, someone who puts her whole self into her interests. Those interests include: Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada; the Terrace 4-H Club; the K’San Society, the Women’s Resource Centre; and Nami, her horse.

Holly volunteers with the Women’s Resource Centre, giving seminars, even when on holiday. “She was on vacation, but did a full day workshop on separation agreements, and one for women just off the street,” says Karla Hennig, who met Holly in 1991. Karla thinks Holly gives more than her time to those who have suffered violence. “She seems to have her heart there, she is never just going through the motions,” says Karla. Marge Brown, of the K’San Society agrees, “Whatever she has shown interest in, it’s easy (for that group) to tap into her expertise, and her energy.” The K’San Society has benefitted from Holly’s generosity: She was a board member of the society, which manages sexual assault counselling, a women’s transition house, and an emergency shelter. Holly left the Board after three years to avoid conflict of interest issues, but still maintains her membership.

With her love of animals, the 4-H Club is a natural volunteering venue for Holly. Vicky Siddal remembers meeting Holly, “I liked her. She’s got a wonderful personality and sense of humour, and she has a great way of dealing with kids.” Terrace 4-H is about more than animals--it gives children the opportunity to practice public speaking and learn life skills. “Holly coaches kids on public speaking for annual public speaking competitions. She’ll talk to them about the competition, tell them about presentation and what the judges look for--she’ll sometimes judge too,” says Vicki.

“Take Back the Night”, organized by and for women, is another cause to which Holly gives her time. “Holly is interested in women’s issues, but her interest is not limited to women,” says Karla. “She’s a people person, any type of person.” Vicki agrees that Holly has broad interests, “Even if it’s something she’s unsure of, she’s always willing to help.”

Karla calls Holly a ‘renaissance person’. “She’s learning piano, three classes per week,” says Karla. “She also takes voice lessons, and is an active member of a book club. Although highly committed to (her job), it is not the be all and end all of her life.” Holly’s horse, it seems, is also very important to her. “Nami,” says Marge, “likes Holly, but likes to throw its riders now and then. (Nami) is spirited--they’re a good match.” When Holly was a member of Crown Counsel, Marge asked Holly if she was enjoying herself. Marge recalls Holly saying, “Yes. I’m a prosecutor. I get to pick fights with people all day long. I love it.” At the time, Marge wondered if Holly was from a big family. She is.

In between volunteering, whether it is collecting tickets at the door of a theatre, coaching children on presentation skills, or talking with people who have suffered violence, Holly finds time for her many friends. They describe her as ‘an extremely loyal friend’ with a great ‘sense of humour’ and ‘exuberance’.

Marge’s husband recently had a heart attack and had to be flown to a hospital outside of Terrace. Marge recalls the terrible stress of the day. Holly went with Marge to the Terrace hospital and then the two friends followed the ambulance to the airport. Marge crossed the tarmac to fearfully say goodbye to her husband, and then returned to the car where Holly sat waiting. Holly looked up, “Now I can say that I’ve really been an ambulance chaser once,” she said. Marge remembers that moment and, thinking of Holly, she smiles.

This article was published in the August 1998 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2006, all rights reserved.