One of the founding directors of Pacific Opera Victoria in 1979, Erika was passionate about music and the arts as a teacher, volunteer, philanthropist and community leader. A professional opera singer, Erika performed in Pacific Opera Victoria’s early productions. As board Vice-President, Erika convened three Opera Gala fundraisers jointly with the Victoria Symphony involving many business and individual donors. Erika served on the Pacific Opera Victoria Foundation (1999 – 2008) and through the Foundation, she founded a Chorus Scholarship fund for local singers. Through a three-year Leadership gift she founded Pacific Opera Victoria’s Young Artist Program, which continues to provide important opportunities to emerging Canadian artists and to bring live opera performance into regional schools. She was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Victoria in 1997.