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
When I was made aware of Kim’s passing I confess that my heart missed a few beats as I tried to gather my thoughts and feelings- I failed and am still at a loss for words.
I met Kim a number of years ago and a united Way / Labour Council / Kick off or Jump Start meeting. Kim was truly motivated and dedcated to the cause of Social Justice for all. Thru discussions with her I found out that she loved to travel and when she found out that myself and other “global vagabonds” had just returned from a 10 day adventure walking Hadrian’s Wall in the UK from the Irish to the North Sea, it was hinted very strongly that I meet her for coffee and show her all the photos of my adventure. apparently Hadrian’s Wall walk was on her bucket list.
Kim was a credit to to the Labour movement in Victoria, a credit to the CRD Parks as well as her job with the Government. I am hopeful that in time, perhaps some sort of tribute or plaque could be placed at Francis King Park where she just loved to work.
Last week I was out searching the evening sky for the Neowise comet- I failed but but as I headed home I decided that I would privately refer to this as “Kims’ comet” travelling beyond to an unknown destination.
Thanks Kim for what you have accomplished in your lifetime.
Bob McLeod CAW / Unifor 333 ( now retired)
Cathie and family…I was so very saddened to hear of Kim’s passing. Thinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences.
Memories of all the children who grew up on Beaufort Str. and the Manton family who lived across from us. How fast the years flew by, and all of a sudden they were all grown up! One particular memory of Kimmy comes to mind that I will never forget. I took about 16 kids up to Blair Park to play softball! I kept yelling–keep your eye on the ball! Well I was up to bat, Kim was on second base——I was still yelling –watch the ball!. I hit the ball, and it hit Kimmy right between the eyes! I was horrified and I had to deliver one little girl, with the biggest, two black shiners, I had ever seen, and deliver her to back to her mom and dad. So sorry Kimmy to this day. Such great memories to see us all through, memories we shall never forget. My sincere condolence to all Kimmy Family, we shall miss our rising star, who accomplished so much love and respect, and left us far too soon. God gave Kimmy her Wings, and I am sure, she is looking over all of us. God Bless, and Thank you.
Worked with Kim at the United Way of Victoria. A wonderful soul so bubbly and upbeat. Her infectious smile will always be a reminder to me how truly beautiful she was.
Kim just made the world a brighter place and will be so greatly missed – for her laugh, her positive attitude, her absolute kindness, and of course, that beautiful smile! Her capacity to ensure that people had the resources they needed and her generosity in giving her time, knowledge and energy to support the causes that mattered to her was inspiring. she used to have a poster on her door that said “I was always waiting for somebody to do something until I realized that I was somebody“ and she more than lived up to that. She put her heart and soul into making this community better for everyone, both human and feline, and she was the best somebody she could be. It was a privilege to learn from her, to work beside her, and to share in the sunshine she created. Woot, woot, my friend, you did good!
Kim – I remember you in Grade 1… I thought you were the prettiest girl I had ever seen ❤️ Moving back to Port 4 years ago – I have driven down Helen Street towards Lathom and thought of you so many times… though we lost touch you will always be remembered as the girl with the brightest smile and twinkliest eyes. Much love my friend ❤️ Condolences to all
Kim was a true dynamo. Her amazing capacity to draw people to an issue was rooted in her own enthusiasm and pure joy. Who wouldn’t want to roll up their sleeves for a cause when there was a chance Kim “woot woot” Manton would be part of the shared effort? Jazz hands forever friend.
Oh Kim, you made the world a brighter place to be. Over the many years I worked at CRD Parks, I was always happy to see your smiling face. You brightened up the place. To your family, thank you for sending Kim out into the world where we got to have her energy and light. She will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
My sincere condolences to Kim’s family and close friends. I met Kim a few years ago when she moved into the office across the hall from mine at UVic. It didn’t take long to notice her generosity, kindness, humour, compassion, passion, energy, determination, and courage. Her beautiful, energetic light will be missed by so many.
Kim was the light at so many things. All the years I knew her I never saw her get angry. Her bubbly smile always there. Her adventures with her cats, especially Walter and the special surprises he wd bring her. Her great campaigning against P3s with our sewage project. When I chaired the Sewage Committee she made me a poop pin! WOOT WOOT and Happy Hands. I know that her star will continue to shine. To her family she was too young to leave. She was loved by many. Remember the good times, the fishing times, and so much more, she will always be there for you.