Kim Manton passed away at her home in Victoria, BC on June 26, 2020 at the age of 51 with family by her side. Her 2-year journey with Ovarian Clear cell carcinoma was met with strength and grace.
Kim grew up in Port Alberni BC. As a young woman, she spent a year in Zurich, Switzerland as a nanny before returning to Victoria, where she went on to graduate with a degree in Sociology at the University of Victoria. Kim’s innate need for social justice was met early in her professional career when she became a job steward for Cupe Local 1978 while working as a Park Attendant for the C.R.D., and later as coordinator for the “Keep it Public” campaign. Her union work was carried through as “ Labour Coordinator” for the United Way and then as “Development Officer” for the faculty of education at the University of Victoria. Her dream jobs, first as “EA to the Honourable Carole James, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier” and then as “Caucus Outreach Manager” for the NDP at the BC Legislature were the culmination of all her hard work. Her work as a well known and respected labour and political activist including Cupe Local 50, the Victoria Labour Council, the B.C. Federation of Labour and the NDP came from a passion for what she truly believed.
Kim also enjoyed some travel adventures and her garden where she could plant her flowers and enjoy a glass of wine and play with her beloved fur babies. The hundreds of messages and tributes that she received on social media in her final days filled her with many happy tears. She told us how pleased she was to be honoured for her work.
We would like to thank her friends, doctors and nurses that made this journey with her, with special mention to Dr Downs and Dr Michel.
Kim is survived by her parents Jim and Susan Manton, sister Cathie Houle (Glenn), nephew Ayden Houle, niece Hailee Houle, grandfather Virg Fossen (Trudy), her friend since the age of 5 Marion Coleman and her fur babies Franklin and Poppy, plus aunts, uncles and cousins.
As per her wishes, a donation to the blood bank or to Broken Promises Rescue in Victoria may be made in her memory and of course, a random act of kindness will have her sending you jazz hands and a WOOT WOOT. She will be missed!
A funeral will be held at a later date.
42 Responses
Jim, Susan and Cathie. We are so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. We find ourselves smiling as we remember her sweet smile and disposition whenever we saw her as she cheered on Jim during horseshoe tournaments. She truly was the best cheerleader. Our heart’s ❤️ go out to all your family and friends. With love and sympathy from Brenda and Dave Arnold, Victoria BC
Sincere condolences to all of Kim’s family – Kim was kindness and cheerfulness personified! Whenever I feel cranky or impatient I’m going to channel Kim’s sunshiny ways and be kind.
Your beloved Kim left this world a better place for having her beautiful soul here ❤️❤️
I am so grateful for the gift of Kim’s friendship and I miss her each day. She was such a ray of sunshine, so kind, so caring, so giving. She brought immeasurable joy to the lives of all she knew. Driving down the Pat Bay Highway will never be the same because Kim won’t be dashing out with her woot woot sign when I text her to say I’m on my way in from the ferry. Love you forever Kim
Beautiful Kim, you shined through the darkness… Thank you for your energy, “Woot Woot”, and your infectious smile while wielding Jazz Hands. Wishing peace.. see you when I ascend ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy to your family. ❤️
Kim was in our Book Club. She (to this day) threw THE BEST Book Club Dinners. Her most famous was her book choice ‘The Life of Bees’. The whole dinner was themed. Honey dressing on the salad, honey marinade for the pork, honey drizzle on the cake and finally honey toffees wrapped in bee ribbon for us each to take home. She did everything with her whole heart. We loved her so and will miss her forever. Sending our love out to her and to you all. Xox Danielle.
So sorry to hear of the passing of this lovely girl! I always remember her bubbly personality and quick smile! So very sorry to hear of your loss!
So sorry for your loss. She was a great and kind human with a smile that lit the room. She definitely left her mark here but she will be missed❤️
I will miss you on the daily Kim. Each time i had had a joyous moment my first thought has always been to share it with you. And it still is. ❤
Our deepest sympathy for Kim’s family and close friends. She will be missed by so many. Our next random act of kindness will be dedicated in her memory.