Mrs. Kathryn Anne Strike

Kathryn Ann Strike, 85, passed away at her home in West Vancouver on June 9, 2015. A remarkable woman, Kathryn was born in Victoria, B.C. on June 9, 1930 to Norma and Bert Murphy. Kathryn graduated from Oak Bay High School, and attended U.B.C., where she met Philip Brodie Strike. After graduation, Kathryn and Philip married and moved to Port Mellon where they started their careers and family.

Upon moving to West Vancouver in 1961, Kathryn became a high school commerce teacher and was named B.C.’s first female high school principal in 1980. She served in that capacity until she retired as principal of Vancouver Tech in 1995. Kathryn’s years as an administrator were both fulfilling and pioneering, as she paved the way for other women administrators who followed.

In her retirement years, Kathryn became a world traveler, visiting over 100 countries with her dear friend Isobel. She was passionate about learning and traveled to educate herself about the world. Kathryn was also an avid reader, gardener and award winning quilter. For over forty years, she enjoyed the scenery and inspiration on daily walks on the seawall. A devoted mother and grandmother, Kathryn took great delight in the lives of her extended family.

Kathryn is survived by her children Leslie Strike (Gerry Austin), Sheila Smith (Gene), Kathy Glenn, Frances Strike (Vic Brownjohn), and Bill Strike (Andrea Hickman); her grandchildren Matt Young (Chantal), Rick Glenn, Bryan Glenn, Meghan Cook, Brittany Cook, Cameron Strike, and Dayle Strike; her step-grandchildren Brett Austin (Hannah), Kim Smith (Bruce), Nicole Dziuban (Joseph), Summer Smith, Lindsey Smith, Kim Brownjohn (David), Robert Hickman, Russell Hickman, and Erin Hickman; her great-grandchildren Marshall Young, Steele Young; and her step-great-grandchildren Hannah Austin, Carson Smith, Garret Smith, Reagan Smith, Tyson Smith, Grayson Smith and Addison Smith. Kathryn is also survived by her brothers Harold Murphy (Gloria); Dennis Murphy (Gloria); Terry Murphy (Susan); and D’Arcy Murphy (Pat).

Kathryn was predeceased by her husband, Philip, in 1997 and her brother, Maurice, in 2004.

Kathryn’s family will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, June 13.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. in Kathryn’s name. (200 -1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3V2 phone 778-372-8000)