Remembering Glenn Bridger

Last week Hillsdale said goodbye to one of it's staunchest defenders and community actvists, Glenn Bridger. Bridger was instrumental in the creation of the Hillsdale Farmers' Market back in the early 2000s. Bridger served on the board from the market's founding in 2002 until 2006, and continued to volunteer at the market after his tenure on the board ended.

Linda Rogers, current president of the board of directors at Hillsdale Farmers Market, remembers Glenn fondly. "I met Glenn in 2008 when I began volunteering for the Market. He was one of the strong supportive voices I counted on as I learned my role. He and Karen were always there at set-up or would stop by to shop and visit when they weren't volunteering. He began to volunteer less often as he continued his community support in other areas but was always available if there were questions to be answered. Whenever I ran into him at the market or in the community he always greeted me. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed."

Ted Coonfield, longtime community member and shopper, says, "Few to no one has had more constant and sustained involvement in our Hillsdale community, and more significant positive impact on it, than Glenn. Decades of neighborhood association work, celebrating so many accomplishments, and adroitly managing conflict, embezzlement, budget crisis and changing city support and values. He was our rock of reason, our pilar of problem-solving, our steady keel in the storms, our patient, but persistent ally."

"From day one he was there to lend a hand in starting the Hillsdale Farmers' Market.  Every Sunday he would show up early to set up the tents, place signs and traffic markers, [and was] willing to do what was needed with vigor and joy. He personified community spirit, and helped shape ours for generations to more fully enjoy. Sure we will miss him, but even more so, our community is just not really complete without him. He was a special gem of a gentleman."

A profile of Bridger ran in the Southwest Connection in 2014, covering his variety of community involvements. When reporter Linda Doyle asked him where his drive for activism came from he said, "People. As a volunteer I get to work with forward-looking people, on tasks that will help our community better serve people."

Glenn Bridger's mark on Hillsdale will not be forgotten. Our hearts are with his family as they grieve this loss.