Caitlin Melanie Ede Chalk

To Caitlin Melanie Ede Chalk, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Caitlin, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Caitlin really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

      Caitlin was born on September 28, 1993 at Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, BC. Her parents were Darryl and Beverly Chalk. Caitlin was raised in Victoria, Nanaimo and Courtenay, BC. Even as a child, Caitlin had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Caitlin was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Caitlin managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Caitlin was raised with two sisters. She had younger sisters Courtney and Cassidy.

      All of Caitlin's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Caitlin experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She took part in soccer and softball. She was a member of the Pioneer Club and musicals. In her spare time she liked Archie comics, and watching TV shows- her favorites were One Tree Hill, The O.C., The Office and Community to name a few.

      Ask anyone who knew her from school and they would tell you that Caitlin was a class “cut-up.” She didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Caitlin simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Caitlin, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. Since experience was Caitlin's best teacher. She enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Caitlin graduated from Mark R. Isfeld Secondary in 2011. She volunteered at many activities and earned bursaries for that reason.

      Caitlin reveled in her college years, where her imagination could run free. She was viewed by many of her classmates as being a creative, artistic person. Caitlin was usually found at the center of things, whether it was during class or in extracurricular activities. She was a jovial person who loved to share her passion for fun with others. But for Caitlin, life was not a case of all play and no work. Caitlin relished the task of putting her imagination to work in class. She was able to discover new and different ways of answering problems and creating unusual and different solutions. She was working on her Nursing degree.

      Caitlin never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate her audience. This quality allowed Caitlin to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Caitlin delighted in her role among all her acquaintances, because she viewed them all as potential spectators for her performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Caitlin was always right at home putting on a show among her friends. Caitlin utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. Her sisters were her first best friends. Caitlin had too many to name. She was best friends only minutes after meeting someone. Caitlin loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

      At work, as in life, Caitlin was a real “people person.” She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Caitlin liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Caitlin was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Caitlin's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see Caitlin as an excellent problem solver. This quality helped her as a student at North Island College. Caitlin's first job was at Thrifty Foods where she quickly rose to be a cashier supervisor.

      Caitlin enjoyed her leisure time. Her favorite pursuits were watching TV and gaming with her friends. Caitlin was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Caitlin felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if she wasn’t the best, Caitlin loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Caitlin relished the opportunities where she could make an impact, and she would often push herself to play above her abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Caitlin never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. In high school, Caitlin played soccer.

      A generous person who often wore her heart on her sleeve, Caitlin often found herself involved in activities she deemed important. She was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made her a natural volunteer. Outspoken in her beliefs, yet tactful in her dealings with others, Caitlin served on committees for the North Island Festival of Performing Arts.

      Naturally outgoing and generous, Caitlin was regularly doing things for others. For her, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Caitlin was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included bursaries for volunteering.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Caitlin just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included going to Hawaii, England, Spain and Texas.

      Caitlin was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Caitlin's favorites was Cookie, the family shih tzu. They were best friends for 13 years. Her family was rounded out by Brownie, her guinea pig.

      Caitlin passed away on July 9, 2017 at Royal Jubliee Hospital in Victoria, BC. She is lovingly remembered by her parents Darryl and Beverly; sisters Courtney and Cassidy as well as numerous relatives and friends. A Memorial Service was held at Piercy's-Mt. Washington Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life was held at Shipwreck Beach in Royston. Caitlin was laid to rest in the Courtenay Civic Cemetery.

      Caitlin brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Caitlin Melanie Ede Chalk lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.

This Poem was shared at the Beach with Friends

If ever you’ve lived on an island

If ever you’ve lived by the sea

You’ll never return to the mainland

Once your spirit has been set free

If ever you’ve smelled the ocean

Or tasted the salt in the air

You’ll know you’ve discovered a haven

That is uncommon precious and rare

If ever you’ve seen the whales play

Or watched the eagles in flight

You’ll remember again why you live here

And why it feels so right

If ever you’ve seen the sunset

As the ferry passed the shore

You’ve seen the beauty of the island

That will be with you forever more

If ever you’ve heard the seagulls

The waves, a foghorn, the winds

Then you’ve heard the song of the island

And the peaceful message it sends

Indeed if you live on an island

If you’re lucky to live by the sea

You’ll never return to the mainland

As your spirit has been set free

Caitlin loved to be at a lake, river or beach – alone or with friends. Bonfires at the Shipwreck Beach were a staple. But her absolute way to spend her time was cruising in her car – singing and rapping. She loved her music and every car she owned had a subwoofer in the trunk. She knew all the words to so many songs and we will all remember her love of music.

Caitlin’s Eulogy by Auntie Kiki

God gave Caitlin to us on September 28th, 1993 in Victoria, British Columbia.

Her arrival made me an aunt for the first time and allowed her parents to feel the joy of true love.

When I first saw her, she had a mop of black hair, twinkling eyes, her little lips and big old cheeks…I fell in love.

She was dedicated at the Salvation Army in Victoria on Boxing day by Uncle Jack Cameron.

Her eagerness to make others happy started at a young age. She would pull a piggie face on demand or without even prompting just to see people laugh.

Her parents moved to Nanaimo in December 1994. They were immediately welcomed into their new church family at the Nanaimo Salvation Army.

Caitlin’s love of music began early. She loved singing in Sunday school, especially when the songs had theatrics. She would sing proudly, memorising all the moves needed to animate the song. As she grew older, her music spanned from Rap, Pop and even Country! Wherever she was, her bedroom, her car, the beach, she surrounded herself with it.

Her sister Courtney came along when she was 2 and a half. Unlike most toddlers, Caitlin clung to her role of being big sister. She loved to make her laugh and giggle. Her caring and kind nature was a core trait. She had a best friend in her little sister and that made her happy.

When Cassidy was born on Good Friday - Friday, April 13th, Caitlin’s comment was “Well this IS a Good Friday Mummy”. Reminding us all, that God was with her and in her heart. With Cassidy, Caitlin continued to embrace the big sister role. The ultimate caregiver, Caitlin once helped her Mum by rocking Cassidy to sleep, only to fall asleep herself.

Caitlin started school at Rutherford Elementary in Nanaimo. She took to reading at a young age. She also loved Pioneer Club and Musicals at Christmas every year. One year she was a dog in the Nativity (how did we know that there wasn’t a dog at the Nativity), and sports…primarily Softball and Soccer.

She LOVED soccer! Although her initial attempt at Defence was to sit on a ball in the Goal and swat the ball in play away, she improved and continued throughout her school years.

When Bev and Darryl bought Budget Brake and Muffler in 2003, the family made the move up Island to Courtenay where Caitlin started at ValleyView Elementary. She was a member of the Active Leadership team and, of course, Choir (glad to see I rubbed off on her a bit).

They settled into the Comox Church family at Central E Free Church Caitlin especially enjoyed her time with the youth group under the mentorship of Sam and Naomi Satorius.

Caitlin always found friends easily. Friends were central to her life. She loved nothing better than to be surrounded by her friends.

When she attended Courtenay Middle School, she decided to join the band…the Baritone. She would lug that thing to and from school, proud of her choice, albeit a bit impractical 😊

It was at Mark R Isfield that Caitlin began volunteering and became interested in the Nursing field. Her volunteer work at the hospital and at Festival with her Mom was so extensive, she earned several scholarships and bursaries.

Caitlin enjoyed working with her Dad at the shop. She was well liked by customers and “the Guys”.

Caitlin also enjoyed going out with her Dad on the quads, spending time with him and Nature.

Before Caitlin returned to God, she was determined to be a Nurse. She may have had some detours to the beach with her friends, but she was determined to get there.

As we have been reminiscing over the last couple of weeks, there are underlying principles that show us who Caitlin was. Words like Kind, Caring, Friend, Generous, Love….

Kind/Caring – When you watched Caitlin with children, her Grandparents, her sisters, her friends she was kind and caring.

Friend – Caitlin could make friends with anyone. She loved her diverse group of friends. She was happiest driving in her car, music on, with friends.

Generous - Caitlin would give the shirt off her back, her last dollar or as a last gesture, her organs to save four people’s lives.

Love – I would like to finish with Love. Caitlin loved so much with her heart. As her Mom said to her, she gave so much of her heart to others, she didn’t keep enough for herself.

Caitlin – These characteristics – Caring, Kind, Friend, Generous and Love. These are characteristics that would have made one heck of a nurse! We love you and will take comfort knowing that we have an angel now to look after us. CiCi…You Got this!

My Dear Sweet Caitlin,

You have brought a lot of wonderful memories into mine and Papa’s lives. A special one to me that brings a smile to my face, was your unique way of moving across a room with your “scoot” on your bottom rather than crawling. It got the job done and looking back was many of the first ways you did things “Caitlin style”.

We remember your kind, sweet and generous spirit.

All our visits throughout the years and the many fun activities we have done.

All our fun times at Point Roberts and playing at the beach.

The last few summers you have spent time with us and we will miss your visits.

We miss you sweetie and love you forever!

Love,

Nana & Papa

XOXOX

I never thought I’d be saying goodbye to my sister when we haven’t started our lives yet. I feel it isn’t fair.

Caitlin was a great big sister. Annoying at times, but we always had each other’s back.

I loved that Caitlin wasn’t afraid to live the life SHE wanted. It was brave.

I will miss her and be strong knowing she is still with me. I will miss her and love her forever.

Love,

Courtney

It is with a broken heart when I say that my oldest sister, Caitlin, passed away on Sunday, July 9th.

On Saturday when my mom told me Caitlin wasn’t breathing, I was scared, but there was something telling me that everything was going to be okay. I’ve come to learn that the thing telling me everything was going to be okay, was denial. Which is something I’ve been living in pretty much ever since this whole thing started. The truth was in the end that everything in fact was not okay. But if there’s anything I can take away from this experience, it’s that it’s “okay not to be okay”. This will be extremely painful, but hopefully, with time, the pain will subside and the clouds will clear just enough so we all can breathe deep breaths. Caitlin made life seem so appealing and exhilarating, and encouraged me on numerous accounts to try new things and see new places. She had a beautiful soul and cared probably too much for every single person in her life, that’s why she would have been an excellent nurse.

One thing that has calmed me down during this time was to go outside at night and look up at the stars. This quote that my mom showed me really spoke to me and this is what I like to think about when I look up at those stars. “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy”.

And from looking upon photo after photo after photo, I can firmly believe that Caitlin’s short life was full of happiness and love.

Caitlin,

I have always LOVED being your Dad. You have blessed me in more ways than you could ever know.

It is the simple things that stand out in my memory the strongest.

Reading books to you as a baby until you were reading them on your own. You learned the stories so quickly – never tiring of hearing the same stories over and over and over – memorizing them to the point that we could never hurray the bedtime ritual by “skipping” a page or two.

Walking you to school and picking you up at the end of the day having you chatter away about all that had happened.

Teaching you to ride a bike, taking you to soccer and softball games. Teaching you to drive and proudly watching as you graduated from High School.

I have watched you blossom into a beautiful, caring and compassionate young woman and I am so proud of you.

Although our time together was short, I treasure every minute.

Thank you for being my daughter.

Rest well Caitlin, you will never be forgotten and I hold you close to my heart.

Daddy loves you!

When my girls were born I felt immediate and distinct emotions for each one that I continue to identify with them and always will. Unconditional Love was something I had only experienced as the tremendous love and support always given to me by my parents. The moment Caitlin was born, the overwhelming love that I felt for her left me with the defining emotion for her called “Love”. This may seem an obvious statement but to me unconditional love is always present with your children this word meant something more to me it was “Caitlin”. Courtney represents “Joy” in my heart and Cassidy is my “Laughter” along with the love I have always felt for them both. These are not the only emotions I feel for them, of course, but they are words I believe God gave me and this has been continually reinforced by them as they’ve grown.

When I received the call that I never imagined ever receiving, my world changed. Life has become “before” and “after”. It will never be worse nor will it ever get easier. The agony of being separated from my girl is drowning me but the strength and love for and from God, Darryl, Courtney and Cassidy keep my head above water. Even as I cried out “Why” – I prayed to God for a sense of her presence. I begged for a moment more of her spirit to comfort and surround me. How does this feel – how do we know – will any of it help. Nothing brings you to your knees faster than losing one that you were blessed to bring into the world.

Last Sunday, we had a comforting day sharing stories about Caitlin with dear family friends and this happened. Caitlin was given a book from my sister on birds and she spent hours with her dad looking for them (this was not a passion she inherited from either of us). Grandma Chalk had a bush in her backyard in Victoria that was so amazing at attracting hummingbirds and Caitlin adored them. Despite some attempts to plant things in our gardens in Nanaimo and here – we haven’t seen one in years. Yet, as we were talking about Caitlin’s obsession with birdwatching as a youngster – out the front window we were stunned to see a hummingbird hovering over a hanging basket. I was overcome with such peace and happiness – it is very hard to put into words. This was not a one-time event we have had another visit this week while the same family was at our home helping to prepare for this weekend.

I share this with you so may know that while the ache will never go away, while we miss her every moment since she has left us. We have faith that she is with God, she is with us, she will be our angel and look after us from above. Her nurturing love will comfort us and God will find ways to allow her to share her presence in our lives in the little day-to-day moments that we can all treasure.

Today we remember you Caitlin, today we honor you. Forever we will love you, forever you will be young.

Caitlin, love, don’t you cry,

Caitlin, love, close your eyes,

Rest your head, close to my heart, never to part.

Caiti my love

* * * * * * * * * *

It is with deep sadness that the family of Caitlin Chalk announces her sudden passing on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at the age of 23 years. Caitlin will be greatly missed by her parents Beverly and Darryl; sisters Courtney and Cassidy; grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. A Memorial Service for Caitlin will be held at Piercy’s-Mt. Washington Funeral Home (440 England Ave. Courtenay, BC) on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. and also a Celebration of Life will be held at Shipwreck Beach (Royston, BC) on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

If you wish, donations can be made in Caitlin’s memory to the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, where it will be directed to hospital staff education. In this way her memory will live on to improve and enhance patient care for friends and family which was close to her heart. Donations can be made online at cvhealthcarefoundation.com, mailed to Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, 2137 Comox Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 1P2, or simply call 250-890-3736.