Kari passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Remembered by her students and colleagues of SD61 as Mrs. Reid, Kari was a caring and committed middle school teacher who dedicated her 30-year career to providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment for all her “kids” at school. An avid hiker and adventurous traveller, Kari was known for exploring all corners of the globe with her husband and children on Reid family adventures. She held a deep appreciation for nature and all living things. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time at home with her family, cooking homemade meals, walking through Francis King Park and camping on Saturna Island. A role model for many, Kari led by example as an impactful teacher, fearless adventurer and deeply compassionate wife and mother. Kari is lovingly remembered for her enduring strength, unbreakable spirit and generous heart. She is survived by her parents Myrna and Bjorn, brothers Glenn and Kevin, her loving husband Kelly and three children, Connor, Molly and Wilson.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Shannon Weizel
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Tricia Orme Kelly, Connor, Molly and Wilson, Myrna and Bjorn
I am thinking of you all and sending my love. We have so many fond memories of times spent with you all.
I am sorry for your loss.
Tricia Orme
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Alex Bagley I met Kari in Gr 8 over 45 yrs ago. I still remember her bright smile, easy laugh, smart and fun to be around. Full circle she taught our oldest son in his Junior High. She was still that smart, fun, easy laugh. Setting an example living life to the fullest with her family, traveling the world. I know she was like a favourite sister to all the friends who knew her through her husband Kelly, and their family connection with the fishing lodge. I know all of us at the GEC are heartbroken, and extend sincerest sympathy to Kelly, their children, their families. I read somewhere if you keep them with you, they’re never gone.
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Mickey Webster I remember the day Kari walked up to me outside our son’s kindergarten class and said, “I think you work with my mom.” From that moment on we became instant friends. Our sons and daughters became the best of friends (and still are to this day) and Kari, Kelly and their family became a huge part of our lives.
Heidi and Kari used to go running together and later over a glass of wine (or two), talk about travelling, kids and life. Whenever the Reid family returned from one of their many adventures we couldn’t wait for them to come over for the evening and share the incredible videos they had put together. Kelly was in charge of production and Kari narrated. They were lessons in how to have epic family adventures that always inspired us.
Our families shared a property at Cowichan Lake for seventeen years. Kids’ birthdays, meals together, towing the kids around the lake behind our boats, family hikes, star gazing and late nights around the fire filled with conversation and laughter. Kari was such a strong bright and warm presence.
There are so many beautiful memories of the conversations, laughter, and adventures with Kari and our families that it’s difficult to know where to start and stop. There were years of fun at the lake, the times they took us to the fishing lodge, being so close while raising our families, the hikes, the countless meals together and even more late nights spent laughing and talking. Kari was a teacher that taught us so much, a role model when it came to the importance of family and an inspiration when it came to living a full meaningful life.
Our family is incredibly saddened by Kari leaving us so soon and our hearts are breaking at the loss being felt right now by Kelly, Connor, Molly and Wilson (Myrna, Bjorn, Glenn, Kevin and everyone who loved her)
Was just re-reading the texts you sent not that long ago and can’t believe you are gone. Miss you buddy, I sure wish I could have just one more hug.
Heidi, Carley, Cameron, Mickey
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Nikki Lineham I’m so incredibly sorry to hear of Kari’s passing – the world lost a really bright light. I had the privilege of working with Kari at Cedar Hill. Kari was not only an incredibly gifted and giving educator but also a great friend. I was always in awe of her dedication to her students, colleagues and especially her family. Her adventurous spirit inspired me. She was always supportive and kind, even when she had so much on her own plate, she would check in and make sure I was OK. I also love her sense of humour and ‘tell like it is’ way. She will be mourned and missed deeply by all those who were lucky enough to be in her orbit. I’m sending my love and healing energy to her family as they navigate this huge loss.
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Susan Shemilt I am so very sorry to hear of Kari’s passing. I would like to send my condolences to her family. I taught with Kari at Rockheights Middle School and remember her as a talented, dedicated teacher, as well as a proud and devoted mother.
Sending my deepest sympathy,
Susan Shemilt
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Pamela Wallace Kari – a beautiful soul and loved by so many . Fabulous cook ( made it look easy ) fabulous athlete ( couldn’t keep up) super talented at so many things ! Loved life to the fullest and made the most of whatever situation that was presented . My sincere condolences to her parents and the Reid family It was a pleasure to get to know you even just for the brief time we had together. Kari you will be missed and will always be loved
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Don & Brigitte ex neighbours at SCJV Our deepest condolences to Kelly & the Reid family. As you move through this very difficult time & mourne the loss of your lovely Kari, know that you are in our thoughts!!!
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Colin Savage Sharon and I offer our deepest condolences for the loss of Kari. While working as a substitute teacher at Cedar Hill School, Kari and I occasionally had conversations about our travelling experiences. I found her to be a warm, compassionate person, highly respected by her students and colleagues. Kelly, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kari.
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Darlene Ross I share this with love and deepest condolences to Kari’s family. I am holding them in my thoughts.
I am saddened that Kari did not get the time after retirement that we had talked about — time to simply not “do,” but to enjoy the moment.
Kari and I shared space together in the CH family for over 20 years. Between us, there was a quiet but profound understanding through our teaching moments, our mum moments, and the glances that said more than words ever could.
Kari’s work with Grade 6 students and preparing them for middle school was such an important role. By the time they came to me in Grade 8, so much of the foundation had already been created through her care, structure, and quiet leadership. There was a team within the building, and Kari held a steady and valued place within it.
I could go on about her work and all of her contributions, but my favourite memories are simply of her — the quiet exchanges, the mum moments, the supportive check-ins, “Did you ride your bike today?” and those hallway glances where nothing needed to be said. We just got each other.
Her family was her life, and her husband was truly her lifeline.
I will miss you, my friend, and I will always admire the strength, authenticity, and passion you brought to everything you did.
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Rod Finch Very sad to read of Kari’s passing.
Most sincere condolences to Kelly and family. Kari was a most valued colleague and friend at Rockheights
Middle School. Rest in Peace Kari.
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Alexander de Medeiros Dear Reid family
I was deeply saddened to hear of Kari’s passing and wanted to reach out to share how much she meant to me as a colleague and a friend.
I feel so fortunate to have worked alongside Kari during those early years when Rockheights Middle School first transitioned in our district. It was a time of great change, but Kari’s leadership and care provided the steady foundation we all needed. The way she connected with her students and handled every situation with such deep empathy became a benchmark for all of us, especially for new teachers finding their way.
Kari carried herself with a grace and a level of class that were truly one of a kind. Her work was more than just a job; it was inspirational. I know firsthand that she touched many hearts and changed countless lives for the better.
She will be profoundly missed, and my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.With deepest sympathy,
Alex de Medeiros
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Hazel Meredith My deepest condolences to Kelly and family for their loss.
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Steve Heisler I was deeply saddened to hear of Kari’s passing. Words feel so small at a time like this. Kari’s strength, kindness, and dedication as both a friend and colleague have touched so many lives.
Kari arrived at Cedar Hill in 2006. It quickly became apparent that she was going to make a significant contribution to the Cedar Hill community. Whether it be through her masterful teaching or through her extra curricular contributions by coaching/sponsoring the cross country running team and the swim team, as well as participating in events such as the Family BBQ and Operation Snowball.
I have many fond memories of Kari. I recall looking down the bench to see her smiling ear to ear after battling a former student during the Celtic Clash ice hockey game between the grade 8 students and the teachers.
Kari always arrived early each morning to Cedar Hill. She taught just down the hall from me. On many mornings our paths would cross and we would become immersed in a conversation regarding education or more likely around “places I must visit during my holidays”. I promise I will get to Sedona one day Kari!
Rest in peace my friend.
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Susan Close Kari was an extraordinary teacher. She built classroom cultures where everyone felt included, valued, respected, and accountable for learning. I felt so fortunate to interact with her on many occasions. Her work with SmartLearning touched me deeply. I loved knowing how much she valued adventuring with her family. We shared stories of family escapades! Kari touched so many with her vibrance, commitment, and strength. She was a role model and an inspiration to so many. I want her family to know how appreciated she was for her positive, life-embracing spirit. To me she was a Fay of sunshine. When you see sunlight streaming through gardens or places in nature, know that Kari is with you. I hold a forever place for her in my heart.
Susan Close
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Giulia I am so saddened to hear of Kari’s passing. Kari was a wonderful person who always spoke so lovingly and passionately about her family and about her adventures abroad. Kari touched the lives of so many students and colleagues. She was a warm, compassionate teacher and a great listener when one needed support.
My heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends. Wishing all of you comfort and strength as you keep her memory alive.
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Mary Morrison I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. Thinking of you all and sending love and strength.
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Kelsey Sims I will remember Kari as a strong educator, supportive colleague, and great friend. But I will moreso remember Kari as a dedicated and loving mother to her children. As I was growing my family throughout the time I worked with her at Cedar Hill, she often shared her wisdom and advice about parenting with me. It was clear she was a mom first, and loved her children and husband more than anything. I will always remember our chats fondly and use them as a guiding light as a new mom. Thank you, Kari.
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Brad Carlson I’m so sorry to hear the news of Kari’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Kari at CHMS; she was a mentor and a friend who offered wonderful advice whenever I asked.
For Kari it was always family first.
From my family to hers; our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you, Kari…
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Jennifer Reeson-Ho I am heartbroken to hear of Kari’s passing. She was a guiding light at Cedar Hill and over the years both my daughter and I learned so much from Kari about the art of teaching. I fondly remember all the hallway chats where we would debrief about our day and she would always be able to make me laugh and make me feel like I was not alone in my experiences. She always looked forward to her next adventure with her family and it was evident how much love surrounded her, her husband and her children. Kari touched so many lives and will be so missed.
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Melissa Mawhinney This is such a devastating loss for so many people. My heart breaks for Kari’s family and for the retirement life that she so deserved.
I was privileged enough to work with Kari for many years at Cedar Hill. She was such a hardworking and passionate educator who positively impacted so many students. Kari was the type of colleague that took the time to ask about your personal life or send an email of appreciation after a long day. I hope she knew how loved she was by our school community.
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Randi Hanuse-Horst Kari was an amazing role model and strong woman figure to have in the time i got to know her.
Kari was always a treat to chat with and i loved how she was always doing something she loved whether it was knitting, going for a run, taking care of the house, family or pets.my condolences to the family on the loss of Kari.
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Dom Butcher Having taught with Kari for four years at CHMS and knowing the person she was, this is a great loss. We feel it.
She is loved, appreciated, and will be missed. My condolences to her family and friends.
You’ll never walk alone,
Dominic
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Lori Blouin Sending love and condolences to Connor, Molly, Wilson, and Kelly. Kari’s vibrant spirit always lit up whenever she spoke about family. I loved listening to her updates for each of you kids, her travel adventures with Kelly, and stories of the family dog. She loved you all so deeply.
I have lovely memories of working on school wide projects together with Kari. She was dedicated to her students and to providing them the best learning opportunities. It was an honour to share retirement celebrations with her.
May your hearts be filled with beautiful memories of your mom and may you all find peace during this sad, difficult time.
My sincere sympathies,
Lori Blouin (former teacher of Connor, Molly, and Wilson – Cedar Hill colleague of Kari’s)
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Darinka Popovic Kari was an amazing colleague when we worked together at Rockheights and when we touched based at various events throughout the years following. So lovely, kind, and an amazing teacher. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
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Julia Christianson I am so saddened to hear about Kari’s passing. I feel so lucky to have known her throughout our many years at Cedar Hill together; she was a wonderful colleague and a truly dedicated teacher. In our final years working together, I often stopped by Kari’s room for a morning chat and the occasional pep talk—I appreciated those moments more than she knew. Kari was always honest and to the point, and I truly wish I had told her how much I learned from her. She made a difference to so many of us, and she will be deeply missed. Sending you my deepest sympathy and holding your family in my thoughts.
Julia
Colleague and Friend from Cedar Hill
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Monica Flexhaug Such a strong, beautiful soul! I am so sorry and wish you Kelly, the kids and the family much love and memories on this next journey. Kari had a way of connecting and touching people’s hearts.
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Leslie Davis I enjoyed being a colleague of Kari’s at Cedar Hill Middle School. I admired her patience and dedication to educating such a special age. My heart goes out to all her family and friends.
Sadly, I didn’t get to know Kari as an adult. But having her as my childhood best friend has impacted my life for the good. After surviving a childhood loss it was Kari who was my constant. We lived the ideal country life a few doors from each other, surrounded with trees, and hills and fields to roam. Looking back we did so much together, swimming, biking, brownies and girl guides, baton twirling and roller skates, baby sitting ,gymnastics, sleepovers , hours and hours in the pool. Shucking peas, playing games, playing school( yes Kari was always the teacher). We were inseparable, until we weren’t. But life is this way, people touch us for a moment and when we’re lucky, the impact lasts a lifetime. Thank you Myrna and Bjorn for this amazing childhood gift of your daughter! I’m so very sorry for your loss and you are all in my heart.