Kay Cameron

Kay was a born actress, loved to dance and have fun, hostess extraordinary and a wonderful cook. Flowers were important to her – you only had to look at her garden and know how much she enjoyed her flowers. I was forever telling her – don’t lift those heavy pots. She would just smile and carry on.

We came from a large Ukrainian family – 7 girls – 2 boys. As a large family we had lots of fun and plenty of work. We lived 2 blocks from school, so there is no story about having to walk 3 miles in the snow. My one memory of living in Andrew – Mr & Mrs Striko took a liking to Kay and wanted to adopt her. Whenever they came to our house Kay would run and hide under the bed. I, on the other hand begged to go with them – I dreamed of the big house, my own bedroom, but my begging went on deaf ears.

When the family moved to Whonnock in 1945 we enjoyed an easier life. In 1949 Rose, Kay and I moved to a big apartment on East 10th Ave in Vancouver, and here is when Kay shines – she had so many dates, she would have lunch with one fellow and a different fellow for dinner and dancing. We used to go to the beach at English Bay, and one time Kay entered a beauty contest, and to my recollection came third although my sister Rose remembers she came second. On Kay’s days off from Spencer’s – she would do the weekly grocery shopping and prepare great dinners. Kay was always the life of the party – she wasn’t a flirt – just enjoyed a good time and was waiting for Hal to become her LOVE.

Kay and I were very competitive, rarely agreeing on what subject came up. I would raise my voice to make a point, Kay never did, she kept her cool. As siblings we would celebrate our birthdays at the casino. We also celebrated Ukrainian Christmas – January 7th.

At Expo in 1986 she met many world leaders. A highlight was having lunch with Princess Diana. Kay had a wonderful life – travelling all over the world with Hal and the children. One special tour was going to the Ukraine in 2000 to search for the Ukrainian family roots. She was true to family and friends and I will miss her. Rest in peace Kay – love Olga.

Gambier on the Sea_Whistler At The Mountain

Tribute to Kay – June 23, 2018

It was almost fifty years ago that we has the good fortune to meet the Cameron family. Air Canada had just re-organized – in effect creating six regions each with a Vice-president and later to be Regional Directors of the various disciplines such as Passenger Sales and Service, Finance and Public Affairs.

Now the western Region which stretched from Winnipeg west to the Far East and Australia had yet to find a capable candidate for the Public Affairs position. Western Canada was not exactly enamoured with Air Canada so hardly a day went by that the Winnipeg Free press or the Regina Leader Post or the Vancouver Sun didn’t have a few disparaging phrases to print about good old AC. And radio and TV were having their innings. To say the least, the job was to be formidable challenge.

At the time there was a man working in the President’s office who had already gained notice as a seasoned Public Relations professional because of his media savvy, and hands-on experience in Radio, Print, T.V. and Audio Visual production.

In truth, Hal could have probably had his choice of the Regional Public Affairs positions. But it was the family ties and of course the scope of the Western Region undertaking that tipped the scale. The Cameron family came back to Vancouver and it was the start of our lifelong friendship.

Right from the outset, it was obvious that Kay was a very special person. Contrary to conventional thinking the Public Affairs job is not just glad-handing. It’s more akin to working in a fire hall. Issues can range from minor complaints to catastrophic accidents.

In the early days with Hal on the road a great deal ad his having imbued the District Managers with the importance of “getting in front of the story” it fell to Kay to field the home calls – get the core of the issue and relay the info. And this was before the advent of the cell phone. Having a good mind and being virtually unflappable helped immeasurably.

Now Kay was the consummate hostess. An evening at the Cameron’s was truly a memorable experience. You were always warmly welcomes. Soft music would be playing in the background. The aroma of delicious food would greet your nostrils and a cocktail would be in your hand as you got ready to sit down. Kay must have had a team of elves working behind the scenes. Gleaming silver, sparkling crystal, gourmet food and an atmosphere of warm hospitality was always present when you entered the dining room.

On one occasion the group decided to dress appropriately for dinner at the House of Cameron. It was arranged the tuxedos and evening gowns would be de-rigor. In greeting us at the door, Kay calmly said: “Oh Hal.” – While Hal bounded up the stairs to don his formal attire. In reflecting back, what was conceived as a fun surprise was really an act of loving recognition of Kay’s excellence as a hostess.

As you know, Kay had a dry sense of humour. On one occasion in particular I was the unsuspecting recipient of Kay’s well-hidden pixiness. The Regional team were hosting a series of receptions in the Far East out in Hong Kong. And since the functions included couples our ladies were enlisted in a support role.

On the day of the reception we were returning from Hong Kong Island to our hotel on the mainland to prepare for the evening duties. Now the expected mode for travel across Victoria Harbour is the iconic Star Ferry. To give you a little background this foot-passenger service is operated by twelve little double-decked vessels aptly named Morning Star, Evening Star, Twinkling Star, Rising Star – You get the picture-Note there I no Sinking Star although ironically one ferry did sink years ago but was re-floated and is back on the run. It is interesting to note that the Star Ferry service is considered to be one of the most efficient in the world. It departs every ten minutes, the trip takes ten minutes, it used to cost ten cents, they allow ten seconds to load (or offload) and it seems there are at least ten thousand passengers on every voyage. Boarding is effortless. When the bell rings you are literally swept along iin a torrent of bodies. On board you stand in place, hands tight at your sides, compressed like the middle date in an unopened package.

It is said that Momma sardines tell their children: “Don’t be complaining about being packed tight – think about the poor people on the Star Ferry!”

So as we were standing there at the gate steeling our nerves for the anticipated onslaught – Kay in her inimitable way pointed to a sign stating Beware of Pickpockets. Of course being a self-anointed World traveller I responded with something intelligent like “Ya Ya.”

Well, the trip was text-book – we disembarked like mechanical stick-figures and headed for the taxi-stand. I took the moment to transfer my obligatory Hong Kong watch purchase to my carry-on bag. Only I couldn’t seem to remember where I’d placed it. After repeatedly performing the equivalent of a do-it-yourself-strip-search Kay nonchalantly held up my watch and calmly said: “Looking for this?”

The scene now switches to Sunshine Coast. The Cameron family had a summer cottage on Gambier Island and we had what you might term as a rustic split-level on a side-hill in the forest above Secret Cove. On this particular occasion we had picked Hal and Kay from the ferry from Gambier and the plan was to spend the weekend together. That evening, if memory serves, we probably had some local sea-food accompanied by copious quantities of high-octane sarsaparilla to ward off the mosquitos.

There is something about the sea air and aviation-grade sarsaparilla that ensures a great night’s sleep. In fact there is nothing like being close to nature in the wild. In going to bed that night we just didn’t expect to be quite that close.

It was about three a.m. when I awoke to what sounded like the skirmish of feet, then hissing, growling and commands of “Get back, get back!” I pulled on my pants and proceeded up the three stairs to the upper bedroom. There was Hal striking a commanding presence in his gaunch, fending off what appeared to be all the raccoons in the world. They had no doubt sensed the lingering smell of last night’s dinner and wandered in the door when Hal was out in the biffy.

Not having access to conventional wild animal training and equipment like a whip and a chair, Hal was slowly coaxing them back outside with tools at hand, possibly a fly-swatter and/or a sponge-mop.

All the time Kay was sitting in bed completely unperturbed – I believe enjoying the adventure, calmly intoning: “Hal be careful with them – they’re probably just hungry.” There was little doubt that Kay instinctively wanted to feed them. In time, with Hal’s developed skill at thrust and lunge, the animals finally retreated out through the door. We went back to bed and once again peace and tranquillity was restored in the forest….if you don’t count snoring.

We are deeply thankful for the privilege of having Kay and Hal as our dearest friends. Kay was indeed a special lady – with all the fine qualities rarely found in one person: Smarter than the average bear, kid, generous, compassionate, a world class hostess, a true and loyal friend and someone with an incomparable sense of humour.

Rest in peace Dear Heart – We miss you.

The Kerrisdale Neighborhood

For Kay

I would like to thank my daughter Emily for reading my thoughts & memories of Kay. My husband Don & I are in Calgary for our niece’s wedding today so am not able to share in the celebration of Kay’s life.

In November of 1981, we moved into our house on West 42nd Ave next door to Hal & Kay. We had no idea who our neighbours were or how they would become such an integral part of our family’s life. Our eldest daughter was only 8 months old when we settled into our house & we had two other children in the years that followed. So, Katie, Andrew & Emily have known “the Camerons” their entire lives. There were many shared dinners & celebrations as they grew up. My girls tell me they would often visit Mrs. Cameron for ice cream cones. Sometimes I think it was their little secret! Even our cat Mooby would go over to visit Kay on a daily basis. They had an understanding - he would sit on their deck outside the kitchen door waiting for Kay to notice him. She would open the door, pat his head & share a moment. Then he would go off to visit our other neighbours - most often Margaret & Don McGregor.

As many of you know, Kay was an amazing gardener. Every spring she would bring out the geraniums & begonias that she had saved from the summer before & cared for over the winter. She would buy a minimum of new bedding plants, add them to what she had, wave her very green thumb over it all & before long would have an incredible display that rivalled anything else on our block. Meanwhile, I was buying many more plants to try to keep up to the standards that Kay had set but I failed miserably to do so. Eventually, I would try to hide the fact that I had visited the nursery yet again! However, Kay was very generous with sharing the plants from her garden. She would often bring me flowers to plant - or I would just find them in my flower beds! - and the ones I loved the best were the ones that - as Kay would say “would seed themselves “! One of the most prolific plants is a perennial primula that shows up every spring & I think of Kay as I see the pretty purple blossoms appear when the weather warms. It regenerates so well that I have transplanted some in Emily’s garden on the Island so she has a reminder of Kay in her flower beds.

Kay was the ultimate hostess. She was relaxed, gracious & made you feel welcome from the moment you walked in the door. As our kids grew & left home, I would often get a call from Hal & Kay on a sunny Friday evening to come over for a glass of wine on their deck. As soon as Don arrived home from the office, he would be called over to join us. We always had a great visit & were never at a loss for conversation. Those evenings were special especially those when Kay would insist we stay for dinner - always said she could “stretch what she had planned to serve”! A dinner cooked by Kay was not one to miss!

For many years Don & I would host a Christmas Open House. Hal & Kay would almost always be there - unless they were away visiting Carey or Chris & his family. It usually was a large crowd & I would often be caught up talking to someone while thinking that I really should be getting something out of the oven or checking that the food was being circulated. I can’t tell you how many times I would get to the kitchen to find that Kay was in charge! She would have everything under control while carrying on a lively conversation with guests. I loved that!

I remember the day Hal & Kay told me that they were going to move to Walnut Grove. It was one of those lovely summer late afternoons on their deck. I cried when I heard they would be leaving although I knew it was the right thing for them. Selfishly I would have loved for life to continue as it was. We would visit them in their new home on our way home from our cabin at Cultus Lake & they would drop in for lunch or dinner if they were in the city. While not quite the same as living next door to each other, we were able to maintain that ease of friendship which is not often found.

I will miss Kay’s joy for life, her love of adventure & new experiences, the way she would grab onto both of your hands & look you straight in the eye when she wanted to tell you something important. I will miss her ready smile & the twinkle in her eyes as we shared a laugh. I will miss Kay as I know all of you will too.

Shelly and Don Mintz

Garden Song

Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie

Inch by inch, row by row

Gonna make this garden grow

Gonna mulch it deep and low

Gonna make it fertile ground

Inch by inch, row by row

Please bless these seeds I sow

Please keep them safe below

'Til the rain comes tumbling down

Pullin' weeds and pickin' stones

We are made of dreams and bones

Need a place to call my own

'Cause the time is close at hand

Grain for grain, sun and rain

Find my way in nature's chain

Till my body and my brain

Tell the music of the land

Inch by inch, row by row

Gonna make this garden grow

Gonna mulch it deep and low

Gonna make it fertile ground

Plant your rows straight and long

Season with a prayer and song

Mother Earth will make you strong

If you give her loving care

Inch by inch, row by row

Gonna make this garden grow

Gonna mulch…

Inch by inch, row by row

Gonna make this garden grow

Gonna mulch it deep and low

Gonna make it fertile ground

Slug by slug, weed by weed

Boy this garden's got me t'd

All the insects come to feed

On my tomato plants

Sunburt face, skined up knees

The kitchen's chocked with zucchinis

I'm shopping at the A&P's

Next time I get the chance

Old crow watching from a tree

He's got his hungry eye on me

In my garden I'm as free

As that feathered thief up there

Inch by inch, row by row

Gonna make this garden grow

Gonna mulch it deep and low

Gonna make it fertile ground

Songwriters: David Mallett

Garden Song lyrics © Reservoir One Music, Reservoir Media Management Inc, BMG Rights Management US, LLC

Hello, my name is Karen Smith, and my mother, Rose Finlayson, was Kay’s older sister. My mom wrote a few words she wanted me to share with you today:

For My Dear Kay,

I’ll remember Kay as Kay was, full of life, happy and always on the go. Ready to help anyone that was needy in any way that she could and be there for them. We had a great and wonderful upbringing. In the early working days we shared an apartment with our friend Ann Fry. Everyone knew and had their duties. Our apartment had two bedrooms and a pull-out couch in the living room. We all took our turn on the sofa bed every third week, which was a fair arrangement! Kay’s days off were on Wednesday, and when we came home she would have a gourmet dinner waiting for us. We loved and appreciated that! On summer weekends we usually went to English Bay and lay in the sun to get a tan. By today’s standards, we would be pretty dark by the time summer was over. One time, we convinced Kay to enter a beauty pageant, “Miss English Bay” or something - and she came in second! I’ll always remember the song they played as Kay and the other girls walked the stage: Sentimental Journey. In later years, when we visited Vancouver, we would always stay with the Cameron’s. It really was an open house for us. We also loved having them visit and stay with us in California. Kay loved shopping, and I would go with her to all the stores in our area - especially Macy’s. I know that within our hearts and in our memories, those we love remain with us always. Our hearts are broken and we grieve with all of you. Rest well my dear sister.

Love, Rose

Growing up in California, we saw Auntie Kay and Uncle Hal more than any of our other Northern relations. Since Hal was an executive with Air Canada, they would visit us quite frequently. Flying up here on Air Canada this week was very bittersweet - I so strongly associate the airline with Kay and Hal. Kay loved to travel, and she embraced and appreciated the opportunities Hal’s career afforded her. I loved how she decorated her house with beautiful mementos from all over the world. She had a classic sense of style that I always admired, and so I was very pleased when she visited my own home and really liked a trio of wooden ducks on my mantle. That was a serious “stamp of approval” for me! When I was young, it was always exciting when the Cameron’s would come to visit - especially on those occasions when the Canadian dollar was up and we’d go shopping! Kay was very stylish, and I remember one time in particular when she was on the hunt for a black “cocktail” dress. I think I must have been about 10 years old, and I dreamed for years afterwards of one day needing a black cocktail dress of my own. We may not have ever shared a black cocktail dress, but one special dress that certainly does connect us is my mom’s own wedding gown. Kay wore my mom’s gorgeous high-collared, pearl-buttoned gown when she was wed to Hal, and of course she looked stunning in it! When I wore the gown for my own wedding, of course I felt a close connection to my mom and dad, but I also felt as though I was wearing a tribute to another beautiful couple who also meant so much to me. I thought my Auntie Kay was so glamorous! The one thing I’ll always think of when I remember her is her bright lipstick. I wore bright lipstick today as a tribute to her, but I have to be honest - I am NOT comfortable with it they way Kay was! She was an adventurous, bold force - and the world will be a little less colorful without her (and not just because her gardens were always so beautiful). My family and I have so many fond memories of her, and we will miss her fun-loving personality and generous spirit. Kay always opened her home and her heart to us, and we in turn tried to provide the same warmth and hospitality when she visited California. During my high school and college years, I spent several extended summer vacations in Vancouver, mostly with the Camerons. I can assure you that Kay kept a very close eye on me, and I was thought of as a member of the family more than a guest. She got mad at me a few times, but I deserved it and I’m grateful for the high standard she set for me. We had lots of fun times too… Her Christmas morning mimosas and Christmas Fruitcake were outstanding. If my mom made the best cabbage rolls, and Auntie Ann the best piddo heya, Auntie Kay hands-down owned Christmas Fruitcake. She would bake it in coffee cans, pour rum over them (the not-so-secret ingredient), and then stash them in the basement or somewhere for months, turning the cans over every so often. Those fruitcakes were NEVER dry, and somehow you would always feel better after having a piece. But more than anything, Kay loved her gardens. I thought nothing could equal her beautiful landscaping at their Vancouver house, but when we visited her last year in Langley, I was stunned once again by her green thumb. I know I’ll continue to see Kay in all the beauty that surrounds us, especially in the brilliant blooms that were the result of her exceptional care. Beauty truly did blossom all around her, and she certainly brought more than her share of color to the world. I love you and will miss you, Auntie Kay.

MY BROTHER GREG JOHNSONS' MEMORY of AUNTIE KAY as told by MARK JOHNSON :

He had the good fortune to stay with Auntie Kay and Uncle Hal one summer in the late 1970's while he took a summer History course at UBC. He came home very late one evening to find the patio door off the deck was locked. Not having a key to the house, Greg decided to climb up over the front door to get access to roof and enter the house through an open window upstairs. After grappling his way to get above the front door, he then jumped onto the roof. He did not notice there was large metal flashings he was about to land on. However, in doing so he created "one hell of a lot of noise!" All of a sudden lights went on in the house, dogs started barking, and lights went on next door Fearing the worst, Greg was prepared to face the wrath of Auntie Kay. To his great surprise, there were no fireworks like he might have expected had he been at his own house! Auntie Kay was calm and cool handling the whole event. It was then matter of factly decided Greg should be given a key to the house from that point on!

MY MEMORY of AUNTIE KAY by MARK JOHNSON

My Auntie Kay was always very interested in what was going on in my life. She would often look me in the eye sometimes grabbing me by both hands and start a conversation by saying "well you know Mark." She would offer her opinions on any matter of Family observations. But don't ask me for any secrets because my lips are sealed!

One memory I have was from a late summer visit to Gambier Island. I notice some young boys had bright orange/red berries on the end of a fish hook down at the Government dock. I asked Auntie Kay what they were. She said they were Huckleberries. She also added, "well you know Mark, you can use Huckleberries for more than just fishing. You can use them to make a pie ! "I tried to convince my cousins to help me pick some, but I ended up having to persevere on my own. I got enough picked and Auntie Kay produced a delicious Huckleberry pie! Still one of my most favourite pies to this day!

If I can think of one word to describe my Auntie Kay it would be " Regal " She always had that quality to her; indeed, she was Majestic, Elegant, and Sophisticated. Furthermore, there were 7 sisters in the Yakoweshen house and it was Kay who had the guts to take on being The Queen ! It was a Royal treat for me to have Kay as my Aunt all these years and I will miss her very much. Goodbye Auntie Kay. With Love, Mark Johnson

Always A Beautiful Smile

You‘ve all just seen the presentation

And have observed Kay’s engaging smile

Reflecting happiness, love and frolic

And spirited playfulness once in a while.

Kay’s smile was like a crystal

Very beautiful and clear

Now scattered along life’s pathway

Each fragment a star made from a tear.

This next account is from my mother

Who is in the hospital this day

She wants to tell an amusing story

When she, Rose and Kay went out to play.

The three girls were in the hayloft

Of their grandma’s horse’s barn

Then they threw the great door open

And viewed the prolific field of corn.

With the sparkle of naughty nature

Their innocence went soft

They challenged each other’s ability

To pee the farthest out the loft.

Please find comfort in your memories

Each thought of Kay is such a pleasure

Choose a blooming flower or crystal

And her smile that is a treasure.

Sandy Moreno

What A Wonderful World

I see trees of green, red roses too

I see them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces of people going by

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll never know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world

Songwriters: George Douglas / George David Weiss / Bob Thiele

What a Wonderful World lyrics © Carlin America Inc, BMG Rights Management US, LLC, Imagem Music Inc

* * * * * * * * * *

Kay (Katherina) CAMERON, 20 September 1928 - 29 May 2018 at 89, surrounded by loving family, Kay passed away peacefully in Langley Memorial Hospital after a short illness. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband Hal of 63 years, daughter Carey Cameron, son Chris Cameron (Lynne), grandchildren Nick and Alexandra Cameron, sisters and brother, many extended family and dear friends.

Kay had a varied career, retiring from Vancouver General Hospital as Payroll Supervisor in 1988. She will be fondly remembered for her smile, 'energetic' love of life, and gardening passion, always a lively neighbourhood topic of conversation.

Celebration of life: 23rd June at 1 pm, Henderson's Langley Funeral Home, 20786 Fraser Hwy, Langley, B.C. V3A 4G6. Donations would be appreciated in Kay's name to Langley Hospice Society (www.langleyhospice.com).

Condolences may be sent to www.dignitymemorial.com.