Larkin, Kathleen Marigold (nee Walker). As a young girl Kathleen remembers throwing herself down in the prairie grass on a sunny day. Laying on her back surrounded by prairie grasses and meadowlarks singing, she thought if there was a heaven, this is what it must be like. On Saturday, August 14, 2004, in Chilliwack, BC, Kay passed away peacefully at the age of 83 years. Kay was predeceased by her husband, Lloyd, in 1995 and by her parents, and brothers, Andy and Bill.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Robin Anderson, grandchildren: Duncan (Laurie), Heather (Glen Mayhew), Gia and Chris; great-grandchildren: Denver and Caileen; daughter, Claire (John Simons); grandchildren: Kelly and Jennifer (Mark Reimer); daughter, Wendy Don; son Bill (Janice); grandchildren: Kristen and Andrew; daughter Peggy Shayan; grandson, Casey (Natalie); great-grandchildren: Makayla and Karissa; daughter, Lee (Denis Knopp); grandchildren: Angela, Wyatt and Deanna; her sister, Anne MacAuley and brother, Jock Walker (Leila). She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Kathleen was born on May 8, 1921 in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. As a young lady of Scottish decent, she loved bagpipes, ice skating, sports, math and dances. She was shaped by her love of the prairie and developed a hard work ethic. In 1942 she married Lloyd, the love of her life and moved to Teulon, Manitoba, then to Winnipeg where she and Lloyd raised their family. Mom was employed with Great West Life and Manitoba Public Insurance and often spoke of the many good friends she made at work. Kay retired with Lloyd to Edmonton in 1974 and later joined some of her children in Chilliwack in 1982. Mom will always be remembered for her generosity, her zest for life and her ability to see the humour in every situation. Life’s hardships were never an obstacle to Mom. Kay took great pride in her children and her garden and flowers. Kay loved to read and never met a crossword puzzle she couldn’t master. Mom’s life revolved around her unfaltering support and unconditional love that she gave to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mom’s cat, Pepper, provided her special companionship in her later years and through her illness, in addition to the joy given to her by a flock of mallard ducklings she visited, when her strength allowed, during her stay at the Chilliwack General Hospital .
The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Ho for his exceptional care, and to the Fraser Valley Home Care Support staff and finally the nursing staff at the Chilliwack Hospital for treating Mom with compassion, respect and dignity during her illness with cancer.
In accordance with Mom’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A reception to celebrate Mom’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 18th, (call 605-858-5141 for details). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.