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
I had the privilege of meeting Kim through work (NDP Caucus). I was struck by a bright energy that she brought with her. As I got to see her more in a work setting it was obvious she was very special. For the short time I knew/worked with her – she was such an uplifting individual that made you feel like you were so important and special. She will be missed! My sincere condolences to her family and her NDP family.
Quote by Gildner Radner
“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.”
Dear Kim’s Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am proud to say Kim was and is a friend of mine. She had a way of making everyone feel special and important. Kim kiss Walter for me and dance and Woot Woot in peace my friend. Love Jeannie
Kim I will always remember you positive attitude, infectious laugh and the energy you brought because you just wanted to make the world a better place. Thank you to your family for sharing you with us . *jazz hands* Solidarity forever sister
You raised a hell of a girl Mantons. She was funny, joyful, generous, capable, able, helpful, smart, strong-willed, fierce, big-hearted and kind. Well done. I’ll miss her, lots. Sending so much love.
Sending love to all who need it. From the moment I met Kim Manton her enthusiasm and love for whatever it was she was working on was incredibly contagious. She will be missed by so many and we are so honoured to be able to co sponsor the BC Federation of Labour and the Victoria Labour Council a scholarship in her name for women in leadership and political organizing at the Canadian Labour Congress Pacific Region Winter school. Her legacy will live on in so many ways.
You made so many of my days that much brighter from a distance with our shared love of cats. Thank you for sharing even a small piece of your life with so many of us from a distance. Rest in power.
Thank you for sharing Kim with us – the amazing, wonderful person that she was! She brought joy to us all and her compassion and love filled every space that she entered. She will live on in our hearts.
Dear Manton Family;
Please accept my sincere condolences.. as a former labour coordinator at the United Way I was so excited when Kim was hired because I knew she would be a great addition to the organization. Her passion, dedication and love for her family, friends, community, union and of course the NDP will be remembered for years to come. Her smile her happy hands and her woot woot will live on. Thank you for sharing Kim with all of us and may you find comfort in knowing she was an extraordinary woman..
It was both an honour and a privilege to have known you Kim. Many great and funny memories from our time working together at Regional Parks. You are missed but not forgotten. ❤
I can’t find the words to express what a special person Kim was. She did so much for so many people. She was the best of us and I’ll miss her more than I can say. Thank you for all your work Kim, for all the people you helped, for all your caring and for your friendship. My most sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing Kim with the rest of us.