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
My heartfelt condolences goes out to Kim’s family and her many, many friends! From the first time a met her as a small child, seeing her smile and twinkle in her eye, I could see she was special. We will all remember her smile and zest always and know we are all better people for having been part of her life that ended way to soon!
I had no knowledge of the struggle through to heartache you’ve all had to cope with as a loving family. My most heartfelt and sincere condolence to you all. I’m a rather random friend from from England, who loved and admires your beautiful garden posts on Facebook. May you all find strength to cope and console each other throughout the time to grieve. Sending warmth of HUD’s. Jane
Great sadness to hear of such a beautiful soul leaving this world far too soon. She accomplished many things in her lifetime and have left a legacy that her friends and family can be very proud about. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jim, Sue and family at this time.
Dear Susan, Jim and family. My sincere condolences to you at this time. What an incredible life she led and wonderful memories she left for you. I can personally share that we never really ‘get over’ the loss of a child but with time we learn to live again with memories of them in our heart. My thoughts are with you now.
To Kim’s family we want to send our deepest condolences on the loss of Kim. Although we have never met we do feel your sorrow It isn’t easy to lose a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Cathie.Im so sorry to hear about your sister.My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
I am truly sorry for your loss for your entire family. I only met Kim once but knew she was a fighter and I know she will be missed by many.
Kim was a wonderful human being and will be missed. I have an appointment scheduled for this Friday to give blood and will happily do so in her honor. Condolences to her family and friends!
Will miss Kim forever, she was a much loved and admired lady. My deepest condolences to the Manton family.
Rest in power, Kim. I will forever treasure our time together and the lessons you taught me <3