Kawano (nee: Nairn)
Cathy (Catherine)
“Blue Gramma”
Jan. 5, 1942 ~ Sept. 14, 2006
Predeceased by her father William Nairn, and her sons BobÂby Mckim & Kevin Kawano.
Survived by her loving husband of 45 years Gene Kawano; Mother Joan Nairn (Bill); sisters: Phylis (Don) Whitehead, Andrea (Joe) Patenaude, Sherry (Larry) Grant, Lori (Bob) Van Humbeck; children: Candice (Lorne) Lanes, Randy (Mary) Mckim, Mandy Kawano (Paul), Calvin (Sharon) Kawano; grandchildren: Ashley & Cole Lanes, Corey Kawano, Crystal, Kameron & Dylan Mckim, Kyle Bohati, Melissa & Samantha Kawano; last but not least her faithful dog and companion Kuma.
We lost a beautiful angel today, the Matriarch of the famÂiÂly and our “Rock”. She was a very unique lady with many qualities and class. She brought out the best in all of us and inspired us to overÂcome life’s challenges. This was her way of teaching and making everyone she touched a better person. Her intentions and heart always came from a place of love.
Cathy had so many endearing qualities that touched us all. Here’s just a few that came to mind from her family and friends: “Cathy was a mentor/role model of inÂcredible strength and courage”, “she was a straight shooter (and told you like it was)”. She had the greatest sense of dark humor that everyone loved and enjoyed. You could always be yourself and not be afraid to express your thoughts or feelings (although she might disagree). Cathy was also a great confidante and her laugh was contagious.
If one of these or another specific quality stands out when you remember our dear Cathy, we ask that you adopt that quality into your heart and share with all of those that you come in contact with; so that a part of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend can live on forever as her legacy to us all. Just imagine what a beautiful gift that would be to the world.
Cathy also loved to explore, travel, camp, hunt, drive, fish, gamble (casino’s/lottery/scratches), and spend time with family and friends for any occasion. She alÂways had a hot pot of coffee on and an open door to her home. Sometimes even a baked pie however lots of food and goodies. Many a fond memory was created in her home and company.
Cathy and Gene were inÂseparable, “ Two hearts that beat as one”. There was nothing that they didn’t do together, through good times and bad.
The family would like to thank Dr. Woods, Dr. Proctor, Dr. Savage (Vancouver Cancer Clinic), the Palliative Care Nurses from C.K. and Nanaimo Hospital (where Cathy lost her courageous battle to cancer surrounded by her family and friends).
Cathy’s family and friends had the privilege to share a “Live CelebraÂtion of Life” party in early July. Cathy spoke of this experience ofÂten with so much happiness, love, joy and gratitude (right up to the last days of her life). She stated that this was the greatest gift she could have ever received. Thank you again everyÂone that made that happen for her.
So at Cathy’s request there will be no funeral or service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. In closing here’s a small quote from a poem called “ A Mother’s Journey”. Author unknown:
She’s your first love,
your first friend,
even your first enemy,
but nothing on earth can separate you.
Not time, not space....not even death.
You were a legend in your time,
and you will be forever loved and deepÂly missed.
UnÂtil we meet again,
Your loving husband, children,
family and friends.
XoxÂoxÂoxÂoxÂoxo