Catherine Kay Pritchard

Catherine Pritchard, of Mankota, SK, passed away peacefully December 22, 2017 at 87. Kay was born on April 30, 1930 in Whitewood, SK to Annie and Matthew Barber. She grew up on the family farm with six younger siblings: Win, Bill, Alex, Gladys, Florence and Eileen, often taking on a mothering role caring for them. Kay walked two miles daily to attend Bains School until grade eleven. She enjoyed attending dances and playing ball. After completing school, Kay worked various jobs, which included the hotel and grocery store in Whitewood. She met Thomas Pritchard in 1947 at a sports day dance and they were married on December 4, 1950. Her sons all describe Kay as a very encouraging, easy going, loving, caring, kind and resourceful mother. After several moves, Tom and Kay made their home in McCord for 19 years then moved to Mankota in 1987. Kay enjoyed watching curling, reading, bowling, and liked to go camping as well as spending hours in her garden where she grew everything. Kay was actively involved in the community and enjoyed volunteering, organizing reunions, attending jamborees at Thomson Lake and Besant and also volunteered as treasurer on the board of the Children’s Fund. Kay loved music, took part in many jam sessions, playing the keyboard and Tom would play the violin or banjo. She loved to spend a lot of time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren such as playing cards, connect four and tile rummy. She really enjoyed taking cruises in the country, and venturing to the OK Ranch. Grandma Kay was determined, strong willed, maybe even a little bit stubborn, but always genuine and caring. She would do anything for anyone. She often said “I don’t mind doing nice things for people ‘cause I know nice things will come back”. Kay remained very independent and active and up until the month before she passed she was living on her own and very proud of this. She said her secret was “I just keep going and never stop moving”. Kay’s life left a lasting impression to all who knew her and she will be missed by everyone.

Catherine was predeceased by her husband Tom (2008), father Matthew Barber and mother Annie (Cronyn/Davidson) Barber, special uncle Dave Barber, brother Bill Barber, sister Gladys Barber, in-laws Alf and Florence Pritchard, Phyllis Pritchard, Gertie Pritchard, Eileen Barber and daughter in law Lori Pritchard.

Catherine leaves to mourn her sons Ken (Alice), Kelvin (Ruth), Glenn (Shannon) and Kelly; her grandchildren: Scott (Shayna), Riley (Sharisse), Sheena (Lane), Conner, Shelby, Shelaine, Dana, Lacey and Lane; great-granchildren: Rhianna, Brynn, Heidi, Elliott, Deklen, Austin, Celina, Payson, Chase and Shayda, as well as sisters Win Kozak (John dec’d), Florence Dolinshaw (Bob), Eileen Tkachuk (Dave), brother Alex (Kim), brother-in-law Herb Markwart (Thersa dec’d), sisters-in-law Muriel Parker (Tom dec’d), and Bernice Pritchard (Len dec’d) numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Kay’s Funeral service was held December 30, 2017 at the Mankota Agricultural Hall with Reverend Eunkyu Ji officiating. Tribute was delivered by granddaughter Dana Pritchard. Urn Bearer was Riley Pritchard. Interment took place in McCord Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Kay may be made to the Mankota & District Health Auxiliary for the Prairie View Health Centre or the McCord Cemetery. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK