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Katie Lamont Kippel (nee Hentschel) May 10, 1970-March 4, 2008


An unfinished life and still one of joy and happiness. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in 2002, Katie continued to do as much of everything she enjoyed as possible.


Her incredible voice could be heard singing in the Old Church, the Sid or at other venues around the Valley with the band she joined.

She spoke to every stranger as if they were friends and soon enough they were.

She could be found swimming in the river everyday from early May to mid Sept.


Katie enjoyed movies and “movie night with the girls”, local community theatre, and quiet nights at home with her husband Chris Kippel and her loyal dog Lucy (who was with her till the end).

By far her greatest passions were her girls, Sarah (11 yrs) and Emily (8 yrs) Lamont.


Despite a youth of exotic travels around the world, with her foreign service family including her father, Jim Hentschel, mother, Dianne Hentschel (both of Cortez Island) and her younger sister Sarah Hentschel of Vancouver. Katie always had a deep connection with the Comox Valley. Courtenay is the home of her beloved grandparents (Dr. Irv and Helen Theal) and at their home is where she spent many hot summers breaking records swimming for the Courtenay Blue Devils, sailing at the spit, and breaking hearts in her musical and theatrical pursuits. So there was little hesitation, after completing a degree at the University of Victoria, in her decision to return to the Valley and make it a permanent home for her and her beautiful girls.


Katie was a strong supporter of performing arts and sports (especially swimming) and she was an even greater supporter of Sarah and Emily. One way or another Katie made sure the girls got to their dance classes, theatre classes, music lessons, swim classes, meets, recitals, and performances. The only joy for Katie that surpassed watching her girls performing was to be on stage with them.


Since 2002 Katie has known it would probably take more than her hands to guide the girls into their adult lives and so she was infinitely grateful for the arrival of Terra Lamont, Sarah and Emily’s step mother to share this responsibility with the girls’ father Chris Lamont and step father Chris Kippel.


She will be missed by any and all that were lucky enough to know her.


Her song goes on in our hearts.


A service will be held on Friday March 14 at 3pm at the Filberg Centre in Courteny. Please wear bright blue or bring butterflies. In lieu of flowers please take the time to write on a card, back of a photo or letter some wonderful story about Katie for the girls to have (does not need to be ready for the service). Katie also requested a chance for everyone to get together and sing and celebrate all that she was and loved. Please look for this in the coming months.



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