July 1, 2024
In Loving Memory (1950-2024)~
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Louise Beverly Kilby, who left us with grace and courage on July 1st after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Louise is survived by her children: son Anthony Price and his children, Charlotte and Sam; step-daughter Cynthia (Cindy) Sayre and her children, Keira and Matthew; and son Franklin Sayre.
She is also survived by her sisters, Loraine Hartley and Melody Quinn; her brother David Kilby; and her step-mother Victoria Kilby.
Born in 1950 in Mount Sheer, a mining community near Squamish, Louise's life was marked by optimism, energy, and a remarkable ability to embrace change. After growing up in Squamish, her adventurous spirit took her to many places, including Vancouver, Kitimat, homesteading in a geodesic dome in the Telkwa Pass, Telkwa, Quick, Smithers, Dease Lake, Cape Dorset, Iqaluit, Regina, and finally back to Vancouver and Squamish, where she spent her final days.
Louise was involved in community organizing, activism, journalism, politics, social work, farming, and economic development. Among many other adventures, she raised an orphaned moose, twice had to kill a bear in self-defence, and ran for the BC NDP in the 1986 provincial election.
At 71, despite arthritis and two knee replacement surgeries, she started dragon boat racing. Wherever she went, she made friends and got involved in local activities, touching many lives along the way.
Louise had a profound love for nature, enjoyed walking, murder mysteries, and a good glass of wine. After retiring, she spent much of her time with her grandchildren, often making art with them. She also discovered a passion for watercolour painting, which, along with her time with the grandchildren, brought her immense joy.
Louise touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Squamish Hospice Society.