The most luminous among us is gone. It is hard to imagine that such a vital energy force has left this earth and in truth, I know she will live on in her lovely daughters and the many young people she inspired. Sharyn Thomas Counce died this morning.  Loving mother, gracious wife to Dan, devoted daughter and friend to us all – and add to this, she was quite simply the very best pr professional the industry has ever produced.

A year ago we danced together beneath the canopy of the Pride of Canada Carousel and I chose this picture of our team, with Sharyn surrounded by the young interns who adored her. This is how she was, talented beyond measure but modest too – always one to self-efface and share credit for a job inevitably done with flare and outstanding results.

She brought the best insights and creative thinking and combined them with an attention to detail and a dedication to endless hours of hard work. She set a lasting example to all of us but especially the young. Sharyn had that rare ability to break down tasks and teach, helping less experienced team members to come into their own.  A lot of us can do, but very few have this special quality and the patience to bring others along.

She and her dear friend Nicola Blazier, spent countless hours in the corner office booting around ideas and searching for the best solutions to a challenge – and then they would go off together for dinner and a glass of wine. They were inseparable, meeting up on weekends to walk sweet Toby, Sharyn’s beloved bichon, who became our office mascot.

We were young women when we first met. She had preceded me at Four Seasons Hotels where she was already a legend.  It was a bit daunting to have her pointed to always as the benchmark in absolutely everything.  But as I came to know her, I could only love her as everyone did.

It is small wonder that she drew the attentions of the very best of husbands. She sparkled with life. The devotion Dan Counce showed right through these last cruel weeks speaks volumes for the kind of wife she was to him.

After their daughters Lauren and Jessica were grown, I learned that Sharyn was ready to come back to work and I jumped. It was the best call I ever made.  Darling girl you will be sadly missed by all but most especially by the three amigos, your dear friend Joyce Rosenblatt, Nic and of course, me.  We will always remember you.