Tribute

Kate passed away after a journey filled with love and laughter on September 23 2015 in Mill Bay. Of course, she wrote her own obituary as she will definitely have the last word.  The first of many chapters in the life of Katherine Richardson began in Glasgow Scotland on June 14, 1944. The Clan moved to Canada in 1952, with mother, Sarah (nee Quin), father, James (known to many in Victoria as Jimmy, the Scottish Butcher), sister Mary Camlin Dool (Vernon), sister Janette McIntyre Woodford (Skip) and twin brother James MacGregor (Barbara). After moving to Victoria with her family, Kathy grew up and worked in Victoria for many years.  Kathy, her first husband Jim and their daughter Laura moved to Chilliwack in 1973.  After retirement, Kate returned to her island roots to add joy to many peoples’ lives, share in their blessings and to be close to her daughter Lauralee Ann Richardson (Dan Norman) and her grandchildren Jacob and Quin. Kate reconnected with her first child, Lorraine Pogadl, during this time. It was also on Vancouver Island that Kate met Ab Paquette and his family. They enjoyed 10 years of loving time together travelling, making music and sharing good times with family and friends.  In her final months, Kate spent time reflecting and recalling the many people who blessed her life. She spoke of great appreciation for all of the family and friends who lent their support, blessings, prayers and help as she completed her wonderful, happy life and adventurous journey.  Her many nieces and nephews Lyle, Cindy, Adele, Lisa, Richard, Shauna, Alita, Andrea, Lynn, Steven and Amy and too many great nieces and nephews to name; wonderful coworkers from her years working at the Chilliwack Health Unit; friends in the Fraser Valley; musical friends at the Chemainus Senior Center, the Duncan Seniors Center and the Cowichan Folk Guild. Never one to sit still, Kate remained grateful to the friends she made while clogging, dragon boating, helping with the arts council, the Maple Bay Painters, Spiritualist Church and all of Kate and Ab’s circle of friends and family who provided music and laughter.  Special love and acknowledgment to Laura, Dan, Jacob, Quin, Ab, Merelyn, Lois and Linda who spent many hours caring and sharing their love. Finally to Dr. Valorie, Kim, Sharon, Beckie and staff at the Duncan Hospital, Drs. Lisa and Jean-Marie Wilson and to the palliative care nurses, Linda, Kayla and Deb, who provided support and guidance during our families’ journey with Kate. Thank You and Bless You All. Kate truly enjoyed her final farewell Ceilidh with so many loved ones around her. Thank you for being part of Kate’s community. No funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.