Tribute

Kay was born in Burnaby on March 16, 1921 and died peacefully on April 10, 2015 at the South Okanagan General Hospital after a short illness.  Kay had been residing at McKinney Place in Oliver.  She lived for over 35 years in Burnaby and moved to the Okanagan in 2009 to be closer to family. Kay was predeceased by her husband the Rev. Bernard Knipe, of the United Church of Canada and partnered with him wherever they served: Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay-Koksilah, Creston-Wyndell-Canyon, Duncan, Port Moody-IOCO and East Burnaby. Kay was a highly skilled Secretary-Stenographer who worked in Vancouver for Fleck Brothers and the United Church and later as an Elementary School Secretary in Coquitlam. After their retirement, Kay and Bernard enjoyed traveling to various parts of Canada and the US, Britain, Europe, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. Kay was a life-long member of the United Church Women’s group. At each church she influenced the lives of many young people through her leadership skills in Sunday School, C.G.I.T. and camp. She also was an active volunteer in many other church and community activities and charities. Kay was a wonderful baker which her children and grandchildren will remember her for as well as an excellent cook. Kay loved to make jams and Christmas puddings annually that she generously donated to charities and shared with friends and family. Kay was famous for her exceptional knitting skills. She gifted many beautiful pieces to friends, family and the community. She was an extremely loving, caring, supportive, and selfless wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She touched so many lives with her kindness and generosity and was an inspiration to her family and friends. Kay is lovingly remembered by her children: Cathie Baskett of Osoyoos, Peggy Gish of Qualicum Beach, Paul (Cheryl) of Cranbrook, Ian (Cindy) of Nanaimo. Grandchildren: Jacob Gish, Jennifer (Gerald) Scott; Allison (Ryan), Deanna, Carli Baskett; Taylor (Tim), James (Jesse) Knipe. Great Grandchildren: Lily, Annie, Emilia Gish; Madison, Connor Scott and many nieces and nephews. Kay was predeceased by her parents, James and Catherine and her two brothers, James and David. The family would like to thank Dr. Tarr and the staff at McKinney Place for their gentle, loving care of Mum for the last five years. The Memorial Service will take place at 1:00 at Queen’s Ave. United Church in New Westminster on May 16th. Donations for the Mission and Service Fund may made online at www.united-church.ca/ or sent c/o Osoyoos United church.