March 2, 1954 – August 20, 2022
With broken hearts, we are sad to announce that Cathy Inskip of Kamloops, B.C. passed away at the age of 68, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was a loving mother to her children, Carrie, Ken, (Brittney) and Micheal Inskip, all of Kamloops, B.C. She was a proud grandma to her grandchildren Reid & Evan Inskip (Ken) and Quinn Kalverla (Carrie) and loved them with all her heart. She will be sadly missed by her siblings, Mary Anne Cook (Howard), Brenda Herbert (Rod), Brian Vink (Lianne), sister-in-law Helen Vink (Gary Vanniere), and brother-in-law, John Eve (Shauna) all of Ontario. Also her sister-in-law Kathy Hill of Prince George, B.C., and brothers-in-law, Bruce Inskip (Gerry) & Allan Inskip (Dodi) of Salmon Arm, B.C. Fondly remembered by aunts & an uncle, many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews & cousins on both sides of the family from B.C., Ontario & Holland. Cathy was predeceased by her husband Gordon, her parents, Cor & Betty Vink, her sister, Margaret Eve, brother Tom Vink, nephew Gregory Cook & brother-in-law Jim Hill. We should also mention, she was predeceased by her beloved and faithful little dog, Bella, who was her dearest companion and protector for many years. Cathy was born on March 2, 1954 in St. Marys, ON and grew up on a dairy farm near Stratford, ON. She loved helping with the chores – milking the cows and working on her tan during the summer months helping drive the tractor and machines or hefting the endless hay bales onto the wagon. If we couldn’t find Cathy, we found her playing with her favourite cats and kittens. Cathy was never afraid of a challenge and in 1973, she put her name in to run for Perth County Dairy Princess and won. The following year, she ran for Ontario Dairy Princess, and was one of the four runners up. She was an avid 4-H member & leader and a member of the Perth County Junior Farmers. In 1974, Cathy moved out, on her own, to Prince George, B.C. to work for her Uncle Ben as his personal assistant at his construction company. Cathy met her husband Gordon at an evening of square-dancing and they travelled back to St. Marys, ON to get married on July 23, 1977. They were married for almost 31 years. They lived and raised their family at 209 Royal Avenue, Kamloops. Cathy loved this one acre property on the Thompson River and took great pride looking after her gardens and tending to her fruit trees. She was so proud to share a bountiful crop of cherries and plums and made countless jars of jam! In the winter, her Christmas display of lighted figures on the front lawn grew bigger and bigger every year. Cathy’s door was always open and friends and family alike knew they were always welcome and that there would be a piece of freshly baked pie or cake and a cup of tea, a home cooked meal, or their favourite beverage would always be available. In 2019, she finally sold her property and moved to the other side of the river which was a little less work for her. Cathy worked at Weyerhaeuser for many years and then moved on to be a delivery driver for DHL and she loved working part time for the KXA – organizing the horse races & winter fairs. Cathy was involved with the Kamloops Girl Guides for 18 years and was proud to be Grey Owl and Commissioner and help to guide many young girls who still remember her fondly. She was always creative in thinking of different ways to make the activities and trips a fun experience for leaders and girl guides alike. She was a member of the Overlander Women’s Institute for over 40 years and was president for the last several years. Again, she was always thinking of ways to keep her “ladies” active and productive raising money with craft and bake sales and other similar projects. She was also a member of the Kamloops C.W.L for many years and was involved there as well with numerous activities including the Christmas bazaars & making baptismal quilts for all the babies baptized at O.L.P.H. Cathy loved to travel and in her later years, travelled to visit family in Holland and went on tours to Greece, Italy, Australia and Peru with family and friends. Cathy was an avid seamstress, and she loved sewing clothes for her children and nieces too. A few still fondly talk about a certain favourite outfit that Cathy had sewed for them. Later on, she started a new hobby – quilting – and this became her new favourite thing to do. She created many beautiful quilts and even had an online presence on Etsy called Grandma’s Quilts Studio and she sold several quilts to places as far as Ontario, Quebec, the U.S. and Australia. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, and knitting and created many beautiful afghans for her family. In May, 2022, when she received the devastating news, that the cancer had progressed and her days were numbered, she took on the dauntless task of creating 21 beautiful quilts for her family which she proudly presented as legacy quilts. The last 8 weeks of her life was a steady stream of family from Ontario and B.C. who wanted one last game of cards with her. Cathy was a loyal, strong, passionate, independent, and fearless woman and life became challenging for her when she realized she could no longer be in charge. It was not easy for her. We take comfort in knowing that she is at peace now. Donations can be made to a Women’s Institute project that is near and dear to Cathy’s heart – the B.C.W.I. Forensic Nursing Bursary. Full information on this worthwhile project can be found at https://www.bcwi.ca/ Cheques can be made payable to B.C. Women’s Institute and mailed to B.C. Women’s Institute, Box 36, Barriere, B.C. V0E 1E0. Donations will also be accepted to B.C. Cancer Clinic. Also, because Cathy benefited from so many blood transfusions, it would be awesome if you could donate the greatest gift of all and donate blood at your local Blood Donor Clinic in Cathy’s memory. Go to https://www.blood.ca/ to book your appointment. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Hope Church, Kamloops. Full details can be found on the Kamloops Funeral Home Website when the Service date is finalized. A private family ceremony will be held at the Hillside Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577
19 Tributes
Our condolences to the family. Cathy was a thoughtful cousin. She was faithful in sending a letter every Christmas. Murray and I enjoyed picking cherries in her backyard and eating them too. Her friendly nature will be missed. Her melody will always live on.
Cathy with a “C”
I first met Cathy many years ago when she was dating my brother Gordon. I invited them over for supper, and my brother said “Cathy has an ulcer, please do not cook anything with spice”. OK, so I decided on a really cheesy potato soup – I thought it was delicious. We had a lovely evening. Cathy was the proper lady, she smiled, she thanked me very nicely for the supper and I thought “Oh, this is great!! After many years married to my brother, i found out Cathy hated potato soup! We had a good laugh together.
When our kids were young, Cathy and I used to make presents for the kids. Cathy would sew for my kids, I can’t remember what I did. But my girls absolutely loved the dresses that Auntie Cathy made.
One thing that Cathy did when you were her company and in town (like myself and my kids) she would always make a big turkey dinner, whether it was the hottest day of the year, spring, or Christmas. The turkey was a feast, with all the trimmings and was enjoyed by all. Of course, we had one or two glasses of wine, which really added to the feast. It’s a memory I will always treasure.
Ready for a game of cards? That always came up when you went to visit Cathy. Course, we played for money money money!! This was fun, and she would win half the games and I would win half, but I am sure if she was doing the telling it would be her beating me, lol! We sure had lots of enjoyment playing cards with nickels, dimes and quarters. We played before eating breakfast, did what work we had to do and we’re back playing cards again. Cards playing went into the night sitting on the deck looking at the lights of Kamloops.
Cathy and I made jam together at her place on Royal Avenue and then again at her new home. I had the job of stirring the hot, hot boiling jam. Cathy looked after the bottles screw tops etc., and I kept stirring. It was one day of hard, hard work but we felt so good after. I remember we tried to make marmalade on our own, but the concoction never did set, lol! Then we got into all her leftover liquors and wine. Have you ever tasted our cherry amaretto jam? It’s delicious. I opened three bottles of jam on the day she died because I had company for breakfast, we all toasted Cathy and I told them the many stories about making jam with Cathy.
I took Cathy to a quilt show in Kamloops one time when I was visiting, and she got hooked on quilting and never looked back! Cathy and I just had lots of fun. We would go out to different quilting shops, and of course, we spent way more money than we planned, but we made lots of great memories. We came back to Cathy‘s place and showed Carrie all the beautiful material, and Carrie looked at her mom and said “Mom, what are you going to do with all the material you already have?” Cathy and I just looked at each other and smiled. I have an 18 & 16 year old grandsons that I bought duvets for. Cathy help me design duvet covers for each of them, we picked out colours together, and it was excellent. I was so proud of the quilts when I gave them at Christmas.
Cathy was like a sister to me, as I grew up with brothers. We enjoyed each other‘s company, we had our lives, we had our laughter and disagreements, but I’ll always have a special place in my heart for her with lots of memories of the good times we spent together. I’m so sad that she had to leave us way too soon.
All my love to the Family
Kathy with a K ❤️
Cathy with a “C”
I first met Cathy many years ago when she was dating my brother Gordon. I invited them over for supper, and my brother said “Cathy has an ulcer, please do not cook anything with spice”. OK, so I decided on a really cheesy potato soup – I thought it was delicious. We had a lovely evening. Cathy was the proper lady, she smiled, she thanked me very nicely for the supper and I thought “Oh, this is great!! After many years married to my brother, i found out Cathy hated potato soup! We had a good laugh together.
When our kids were young, Cathy and I used to make presents for the kids. Cathy would sew for my kids, I can’t remember what I did. But my girls absolutely loved the dresses that Auntie Cathy made.
One thing that Cathy did when you were her company and in town (like myself and my kids) she would always make a big turkey dinner, whether it was the hottest day of the year, spring, or Christmas. The turkey was a feast, with all the trimmings and was enjoyed by all. Of course, we had one or two glasses of wine, which really added to the feast. It’s a memory I will always treasure.
Ready for a game of cards? That always came up when you went to visit Cathy. Course, we played for money money money!! This was fun, and she would win half the games and I would win half, but I am sure if she was doing the telling it would be her beating me, lol! We sure had lots of enjoyment playing cards with nickels, dimes and quarters. We played before eating breakfast, did what work we had to do and we’re back playing cards again. Cards playing went into the night sitting on the deck looking at the lights of Kamloops.
Cathy and I made jam together at her place on Royal Avenue and then again at her new home. I had the job of stirring the hot, hot boiling jam. Cathy looked after the bottles screw tops etc., and I kept stirring. It was one day of hard, hard work but we felt so good after. I remember we tried to make marmalade on our own, but the concoction never did set, lol! Then we got into all her leftover liquors and wine. Have you ever tasted our cherry amaretto jam? It’s delicious. I opened three bottles of jam on the day she died because I had company for breakfast, we all toasted Cathy and I told them the many stories about making jam with Cathy.
I took Cathy to a quilt show in Kamloops one time when I was visiting, and she got hooked on quilting and never looked back! Cathy and I just had lots of fun. We would go out to different quilting shops, and of course, we spent way more money than we planned, but we made lots of great memories. We came back to Cathy‘s place and showed Carrie all the beautiful material, and Carrie looked at her mom and said “Mom, what are you going to do with all the material you already have?” Cathy and I just looked at each other and smiled. I have an 18 & 16 year old grandsons that I bought duvets for. Cathy help me design duvet covers for each of them, we picked out colours together, and it was excellent. I was so proud of the quilts when I gave them at Christmas.
Cathy was like a sister to me, as I grew up with brothers. We enjoyed each other‘s company, we had our lives, we had our laughter and disagreements, but I’ll always have a special place in my heart for her with lots of memories of the good times we spent together. I’m so sad that she had to leave us way too soon.
All my love to the Family
Kathy with a K ❤️
Dear MaryAnne and the rest of the family giving my condoleances to you all.
I remember Cathy as a lovely bride when we whore in Canada for there wedding and driving with Them to Niagara for there honeymoon .To jong to leave her loved ones.i wish everyone love and strengh in these sad Times .
My deepest sympathy to all the families. I remember some fun times we had back in Stratford and when Cathy joined Mary Anne and I at one of the conventions we were at out west. I will always remember her smiling face! May she Rest In Peace!
Our condolences to MaryAnne and the family.
Rest in peace aunt Cathy.
Wong family
My sincerest condolences to Cathy’s family. She was a great WI member and the best at organizing. She was so generous in opening her home for BCWI Board meetings and serving the most awesome meals. She will be greatly missed by all her knew her.; her kind generous spirit.
My sincere condolences to Carrie, Kenny and Michael. My thoughts are with you at this time. I will always remember her lovely smile, how she always gave to others and how much she loved the three of you.
Sorry I will be out of town for the celebration of life.
I will make a contribution to the Women ‘s institute project.
With love and prayers,
Mrs. Susan Eason
The Vink family,
I am so sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. Your hearts will be broken. She was such a big part of your family and such a special person. I feel very blessed that she kept in touch with me after all these years of living so far away. It was amazing to speak to her just a couple of weeks before her passing and hear her being so positive and organized about everything. She very much carried on so many of the things that were important to your Mom (Betty). Her life revolved around family along with being so willing to step up and make a positive difference in the community. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time.
Louise was very sad to hear the news as well and sends her condolences to your family.
Sincerely,
Roberta Dundas
Condolences to the family. I was saddened to hear of your loss.
Cathy is well remembered for her contribution to Kamloops Girl Guides. As “Grey Owl” of the 6th Arrowana Brownies, she touched the lives of many.
I remember the day when the Brownie challenge was to light a fire. Cathy had little piles of tinder spaced out on her curving driveway. At each pile stood a very nervous Brownie who had been repeatedly warned never to play with matches. Now the expectation was to strike a match and actually start a fire. With Cathy’s encouragement, each of the girls had a smoky little campfire lighted in front of them. Another challenge successfully completed, another badge earned.
I wonder how many little fabric bags Cathy made so each of the Brownies had a special place to keep her Brownie things. Another small thing Cathy did which adds up to be so many.
Cathy will be remembered as a friend to all and a sister to every other Guide.
Geraldine Nelson
I would like to send a card from Thompson Nicola Area Girl Guides. Please send me a mailing address to
tnaggsecretary@gmail.com Thank you.
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Cathy. She will be missed by so many as she made such an impact in the lives she touched. Our thoughts and prayers to the family from Vicky, Mike, Trevor, Keith and Jeremy.
We are very sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. We, the Hill family, were next door neighbours in her days on her parents’ farm in Downie Township as well as attending the same one-room public school, SS #7 Downie. My wife, Kathy (Smith) was in her home room class in high school at Northwestern Secondary in Stratford. Our condolences to all of her family. Sincerely, Stewart and Kathy Hill, and dad, Bill Hill
So sorry to read the passing of such a lovely lady. My sincerest condolences. Ken Smale
Thank you Dominique for your kind words. With love the Inskip and Vink families
Dear Patrick and Florence. Thank you for condolences. Cathy will be missed with Love the Inskip and Vink Families
Thank you Mary. That was the convention in Kelowna I think . With Love the Inskip and Vink families
Thank you for your kind words Roberta She always enjoyed her telephone chats with you. with Love the Inskip and Vink families
Mike, David and I are so sad to read the passing of your Mom.
Please keep her memory bright.
Sincere condolences Kelly and David Southgate
Cathy will always be loved and will truly be missed. She will live on in her beautiful Family. A true Friend forever.