Please share your thoughts and memories

Sharka Zarsky Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:30:24 GMT -8

We have been together for each other at 3Bridges for 15 long years adn yet it seems too short. We hugged, smiled adn leaned on each other in the time of need. It is hard for me, Catherine, to let you go as you journey on. You brightened my life and I thank you for it....

Shaira, words cannot express my pain...

Tami Starlight Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:55:39 GMT -8

Profoundly touched.

My condolences to the family and friends of Catherine. Shaira, I just read many of the postings and I am crying tears of joy and loss. You have my energy blessings.

I am rather still in shock myself.

Catherine touched me greatly over the few years I did know her professionally and personally. If I ever had a woman I would be proud to be like - it is Catherine.

Fully agree with much of the sentiments posted by others here.

She is with us all & her spirit is on it's next journey.

Thought I would end with this sharing of some of my favorite music that connects my soul/spirit to the now as well as the rest of humanity.
(look for it this spring)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33jBWlkY-A8

Fred Samorodin, RPT Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:14:41 GMT -8

"to us, who but age!"
Fred

Fred Samorodin, RPT Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:12:52 GMT -8

Shaira,
no rehearsals for this stage
to find your feet to stand
Ai, but life--'tis tough
but grand--maybe,
what Catherine's wish
to use who but age!
With you in thoughts!
Fred Samorodin,RPT
Your Singing & Dancing Physio!

Aaron Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:20:46 GMT -8

I've always had a very high and unwavering respect for Catherine. I've cared for her quietly but undoubtedly.

She's been modest and tastefully understated, looking at all that she's accomplished, and I hope she knows how many people she's touched and influenced.

My sincerest condolences to everyone who loves her.

missp Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:01:24 GMT -8

I haven't seen Catherine for years, but remember her kindness, quick wit, and fabulous smile and humour...
Shaira, I am so sorry for your loss..

Teri Elliott Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:34:52 GMT -8

Shaira
My heart breaks for you. I am so very sorry. I never had the pleasure of meeting Catherine, but I was so happy for you. You so deserved to be happy.

I know there is nothing I can do or say to make things better for you, but please know my thoughts are with you.

luna Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:15:08 GMT -8

Within the circles of the heart the white bird flies. From life to life she rides the winds, she's never born and never dies. Sweet soul, your journey's just begun. Sweet lover of the light your time has come... Catherine, I sang this song to you yesterday, in a ceremony to honour you, at a sweatlodge, in North Vancouver. We gathered together to speak to/of you, to share our stories of how your beauteous light touched our lives, to shed our tears, chuckle at some memories,offer prayers and songs and a spirit-plate of some of your favourite foods.A very moving ceremony on a cold and clear December day...a beautiful space to honour you, your beauty, your brilliance, your courage, your charisma, your caring and your hard/heart work that clearly has impacted the lives of many. Your light shone bright, Catherine, with your beautiful smile and your blue eyes often a-twinkle. I so very much appreciate your generosity with endearments..... being called "sweetness" and "lovely" surely warmed my heart, at a time when mine was aching and my spirits were sagging. Shaira, my heart is very much with you. May you feel the love of your friends & family enfolding and holding you, as you journey on.

Tina Tsobanis Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:43:50 GMT -8

Catherine was my colleague at Three Bridges and she worked her magic in the office next to mine. I would often hear her distinct laugh through the wall and marvel at her ability to share laughter with those who were suffering. I quickly realized that this was just one of her many gifts. Catherine was so compassionate, accepting, open, encouraging, and out spoken. These were just a few of her incredible attributes. Catherine generously shared her wisdom with all of us at Three Bridges and so, her legacy of compassion and acceptance lives on.

To Shaira - my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. You are in my thoughts.....

SheLa Nefertiti Morrison Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:19:50 GMT -8

I just met Catherine twice, briefly - but I certainly remember her. She had presence!! My friend Kathy Atkins has told me how beloved Catherine was in various communities and what a legacy of kindness , tolerance, good will, good humor, and love she left. I often wonder why such truly good persons are taken from this realm early...I guess they are needed "somewhere else" - that's the best answer I've come by. But, it doesn't make the news any less painful for those who loved and knew her well. To all of you, I send my deepest sympathy. Catherine lives on in the minds/eyes/hearts of all whom she crossed paths with!

SheLa, Nanaimo, B.C.

SheLa Nefertiti Morrison Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:18:25 GMT -8

Anne-Marie Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:55:30 GMT -8

Although I did not know Catherine directly - our paths fleetingly crossed through mutual friends only one or two times - she did have a direct impact on my life. There are people in my world who would not be here - or would not be whole - had it not been for the warmth, compassion and insighfulness that she brought to her advocacy work.

Catherine, you are an inspiration - and I choose the present tense intentionally. My heart goes out to all those whom Catherine loved and who loved her in return. May you take good care of each other in this time of immeasurable sorrow.

Tyler Bell Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:22:30 GMT -8

I didn't know Catherine very well, but we'd been singing in a choir together for the past few months. I'm deeply saddened by her passing. She was full of positive energy, and she was rarely without a smile. A real tragedy.

Teresa Wood Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:21:44 GMT -8

5 days after the news hit my home, I sit here staring at this page. What is there to write? I wipe a tear away. One for Shaira, one for Catherine, one for me, one for Elaine, another for Shaira...

Then I feel warm again, and I know Catherine is still around: hot, powerful, loving, embracing, laughing, loving, present--ever so present-- always.

Catherine was the first person I met in the Vancouver community when moved here. I was looking for a way to volunteer in the queer community. I quickly realized I had come to the right person, for perhaps not all the right reasons. :) Catherine's warm, wonderful, welcoming and witty ways gave me FAR more opportunities than I could have anticipated. Her energy and smiles were contagious, and i'm so glad I was blessed with them, at work and at play.

That meeting was one of the few times I saw Catherine without you, Shaira. Ever after, I would find the two of you being the two of you: playing, laughing, creating, reveling in the intensity of life and love. Even when I was working beside her, years later, I would see you in her eyes, always present. Always present, as she is now--everywhere.

There are no right words for this, Shaira. I will hold you hard in my heart, and in my arms, when I see you. My favorite words were in the poem Josh shared by Thich Nhat Hahn: Catherine was ALWAYS life without boundaries. And I will always laugh with her!

Catherine ALSO happened to be one of the best social workers this city has seen. She was able to connect with people from all walks of life and give them hope, when nobody else could. She was SO instrumental in helping doctors, nurses and other health care worker learn how to be with people from the LGBTQI community! With her on the team, the usual barriers that might otherwise preclude proper access to care, would disintegrate. Catherine, you will be missed immensely!

Thank you for everything! And thanks for being EVERYWHERE now, hearing us out, remembering you, and laughing with us as you always do.

Much tenderness and love to family and friends,

Teresa

Kath Webster Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:47:57 GMT -8

My path crossed with Catherine in the dyke community but even more significantly through the Positive Women's Network, of which she was a long time supporter. It was always wonderful and reassuring to have her presence at events - she grounded us with her incredible warmth and wisdom. Personally, Catherine offered me a pure and solid acceptance that I am forever grateful for. She was an ally and helped me bridge the lesbian and HIV worlds, two vital communities to me. Catherine was a shining star and will be forever missed.

Joshua Mira Goldberg Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:39:18 GMT -8

It's seemingly impossible difficult to find words to express how lovely Catherine was and how sad her death is.

Shaira my heart has been breaking over and over for you, knowing that Catherine loved you so much and would have done anything she could have to spare you this pain.

Watching Catherine be with clients in deep distress I was often struck by how she understood very clearly when it was time to do something concrete and practical, and when it was time to acknowledge that there was nothing to be done other than offer companionship to walk through hell. She was somehow able to bear witness to deep suffering without being lost to it.

In the first couple days after Catherine's death people from the Buddhist community I practice with came to our house to sit. Before an altar with Catherine's picture and two chalices, one for each of you, I offered incense and lit candles to honour her and all the people who love her and to acknowledge how hard it is to suffer grief and loss of people who you love. My teacher, whose mother died when he was nine years old, offered this poem by Thich Nhat Hanh to try to help me remember that there is something larger than this pain that is there all the time and can be touched, just for a moment, even though right now it is too difficult to hold for very long.

CONTEMPLATION ON NO-COMING AND NO-GOING

This body is not me.
I am not limited by this body.
I am life without boundaries.
I have never been born,
and I have never died.

Look at the ocean and the sky filled with stars,
manifestations from my wondrous True Mind.

Since before time, I have been free.
Birth and death are only doors through which we pass,
sacred thresholds on our journey.
Birth and death are a game of hide-and-seek.

So laugh with me,
hold my hand,
let us say good-bye,
say good-bye, to meet again soon.
We meet today.
We will meet again tomorrow.
We will meet at the source every moment.
We meet each other in all forms of life.

Della Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:51:57 GMT -8

Catherine

I just can�t believe
in the loss of you yet.

I keep seeing you�

relaxing under the umbrella
out on our back deck,

hanging out in the kitchen,
talking and laughing,
ready to take up arms in an instant
if anyone even thinks
of crossing over to �my side�
while I�m cooking!

or snuggled up reading on the couch
in the living room.

I keep hearing you,
vibrant, happy, brave,
in the face of everything
the world had to throw at us.

Hornby Island always looked
so beautiful on you�

Oh, Shaira�
how to begin to say anything �

If it�s all you can do,
just hear me railing also
against this outrage,
thru this insupportable loss,

until your grief
ebbs far enough away,
relinquished
to a kinder measure of time,
where only Catherine�s joy
flows back and through you.

heartfelt love, Della

Heidemarie Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:26:46 GMT -8

My darling Shaira,

How lucky have we all been to have been touched with the gentle kindness of wonderful Catharine. She is indeed an angel who enriched so many many lives.

She loved you dearly and was genuinely radiant everytime I saw you together. Her spirit will continue in all of us who have been so very lucky to have met her.

My heart goes out to you Shaira, sending you my best wishes,

Love Heidemarie

nicky Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:06:26 GMT -8

catherine was fierce.
fierce as in warm, strong and caring. this we all know to be true from the first time we met her.

Doreen McConachie Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:06:00 GMT -8

I had the honour of meeting Catherine a very few times through work in Vancouver, but she left a very great impression with me. Very sad to hear that she passed away. Condolences to Shaira and all those who were fortunate enough to be close to this amazing woman.

Trevor Corneil Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:36:21 GMT -8

I know, from our recent conversations, that you felt you had probably achieved much of what you were placed on this earth to do for others. Working tirelessly for the marginalized and vulnerable, while teaching newcomers to do the same. A 25 year legacy of giving is something to crow about!

Now was a time to finally think about what you might do for yourself and for Shaira. How to enjoy the next 25 years. So I am left with such mixed feelings of pride, accomplishment, kinship, ... loss, sorrow, and disappointment.

All I can really offer you and others is a wish that you dream well dear Catherine.

Barry Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:10:15 GMT -8

No words can adequately express the horror of lossing Catherine.

No words can adequately provide comfort to your tortured soul.

Shaira, I lend my voice to the multitude of love and support that flows forth to you.

Cherlyn Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:02:50 GMT -8

I still remember a very genuine and warm "Welcome" greeting from Catherine when I started working at Three Bridges 2 years ago. Although I did not know her well, she never missed a moment, if we passed each other in the hallway, to look me in the eyes and say hello, and ask how I was. The fact that she valued even small, brief, everyday connections shows what a terrific woman she must have been to the friends and loved ones close to her in her life. A very cool, funky and positive lady I wished I could have known better. We will miss you greatly, Catherine.

Marria Townsend Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:18:27 GMT -8

I first met Catherine as a medical student. Myself and a few others were doing a project on LGBT health and she agreed to an interview. We were blown away by her willingness to spend time with us, her passion for the topic, her sensitivity and her sense of humour. I went on to have the pleasure and honour of working with Catherine at Three Bridges, first as a trainee and eventually as regular team member. Catherine's spirit is a huge part of what made our clinic the special place it is for those of us who work there and those who access our services.

Catherine taught me a lot about how to really help other people, how to listen, how to advocate. It was such a comfort to have her big heart and expertise on our team - whenever I had a patient in my room facing issues so heavy that I felt like weeping, I always felt strengthened by the knowledge that Catherine was just down the hall and would open her door and her arms wide both to the client to me.

This week I have sat with many clients and witnessed their sadness and grief at the unexpected loss of Catherine. They spoke of the countless ways that Catherine had touched their lives. One elderly man very sweetly referred to Catherine as a "people expert". That she was.

Oh Catherine, your family here at 3B will miss you dearly. We will do our very best to carry your spirit forward. We will remember what you taught us about serving marginalized communities, and also your important lessons about taking time for ourselves and our loved ones. About how romping, playing and loving are absolutely essential to our ability to carry on this important work.

Shaira, my thoughts are with you.

Tammy Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:49:00 GMT -8

Catherine saw into your soul and reflected the best parts back at you. You only had to meet her once to see this. Her loss is a tragedy for the world at large. I'll miss her.

Heather Grant Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:39:13 GMT -8

I didn't know Catherine, but my heart has been with her all week. Her flight departed from in front of my home on Pender Island 5 minutes before it's arrival on Saturna. I think of her when I look out my window and know she's had safe passage now.

Peter Toppings Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:35:38 GMT -8

The last time I saw Catherine was during the summer. We ran into each other while walking at Trout Lake. She walked towards me with her usual warm and welcoming smile, and as always when interacting with Catherine, I felt good about life in the moment. I had the privilege of working with Catherine on various committees and projects through the years. She brought passion, intelligence, warmth, calmness and humour. I can still hear her rich and disarming laugh.

Eliza Steinbock Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:15:26 GMT -8

in one short afternoon, you gave me the confidence to pursue my passion and consider nothing a mistake -- eyes wide open. thank you for touching so many of us in your all-too-short life.

Sue Pearson Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:41:27 GMT -8

Your pain is the breaking of the shell
that encloses your understanding.

Even as the stone of the fruit must break,that its
heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.

And could you keep your heart in wonder
at the daily miracles of your life, your pain
would not seem less wondrous than your joy;

And you would accept the seasons of your
heart, even as you have always accepted
the seasons that pass over your fields.

And you would watch with serenity
through the winters of your grief.

Much of your pain is self-chosen.

It is the bitter potion by which the
physician within you heals your sick self.

Therefore trust the physician, and drink
his remedy in silence and tranquillity:

For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided
by the tender hand of the Unseen,
And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips,
has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter
has moistened with His own sacred tears.

- Kahlil Gibran

Sue Pearson Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:41:06 GMT -8

Sending warm thoughts and condolences to Shaira and all whose lives were touched by the magic of Catherine's warmth and compassion. I remember Catherine with fondness. I share this poem with the hope that it bring solace... to the aching hearts.

Amanda & Nathan Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:31:55 GMT -8

Our thoguhts are with you Shaira, we are sending warmth and love to see you through.

RG Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:20:22 GMT -8

"When It Don't Come Easy"

Red lights are flashing on the highway
I wonder if we're gonna ever get home
I wonder if we're gonna ever get home tonight
Everywhere the waters getting rough
Your best intentions may not be enough
I wonder if we're gonna ever get home tonight

But if you break down
I'll drive out and find you
If you forget my love
I'll try to remind you
And stay by you when it don't come easy

I don't know nothing except change will come
Year after year what we do is undone
Time keeps moving from a crawl to a run
I wonder if we're gonna ever get home

You're out there walking down a highway
And all of the signs got blown away
Sometimes you wonder if you're walking in the wrong direction

But if you break down
I'll drive out and find you
If you forget my love
I'll try to remind you
And stay by you when it don't come easy

So many things that I had before
That don't matter to me now
Tonight I cry for the love that I've lost
And the love I've never found
When the last bird falls
And the last siren sounds
Someone will say what's been said before
Some love we were looking for

But if you break down
I'll drive out and find you
If you forget my love
I'll try to remind you
And stay by you when it don't come easy
-Patti Griffin

Laura Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:33:36 GMT -8

My heart is saddened by the loss of Catherine. I met her many times through the years. This is a small community and even smaller within the social services agencies. I remember her as a warm and caring person. The community has lost a warrior and her clients have lost a tireless advocate.
Shaira: Remember the love; it will keep you warm during this sad time.
To Catherine's friends and family I am sending love and light.
Words are lost in the sadness.
Laura

Dr. Evil Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:53:48 GMT -8

My heart goes out to you and yours. Yes I have one and even Catherine noticed. She was lovely and silly and full of life. She reincarnates anytime anyone thinks of her or is reminded of her, she is everywhere now.

Lee Harrington Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:09:17 GMT -8

In her simple act of living Catherine shook my world up in the most delightful ways, and will likely do so for many years to come. My heart goes out to those who loved her as well, and to those who never had a chance to love all the beauty, grace and power she held. Love love love.

Phoenix Wisebone Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:07:11 GMT -8

Shaira,
I knew Catherine in her role as a Community Counsellor at Three Bridges.

I'm very sorry for your loss, and for the loss of her leadership to the community.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Romi Chandra Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:46:53 GMT -8

Much love to all affected by Catherine's passing, especially Shaira.

Catherine healed so many. I first met her when I was a teen working at the Monday Health Project/Pride Health where she transformed people in countless ways. My heart grew fonder of her every time I witnessed how much love and care she gave to those who needed it. Those who didn't need it, got it anyway because she gave it away so freely. Selfless, giving and beautiful. Then I found out she was a dyke on a bike...she went instantly to, what else but fabulous!

She will be missed.

Katt Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:24:54 GMT -8

My deepest condolences to friends and family grieving such a sudden and unexpected loss.

Catherine, was a woman I wished I had known. I know from the company that she's kept, that she must have been a very special person.

My heart goes out to all that will be touched by her passing.

Debbie Brideaux (nee Turner) Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:16:54 GMT -8

Shaira, please accept my condolences during this difficult time.

When I heard of Catherine's departure, from this world, I was absolutely saddened and shocked beyond words. The news still is unbelievable.

I remember very clearly, the days when you used to come to Three Bridges Clinic with a big smile and a armful of the most beautiful roses I had ever seen, and I had always thought "Gee Catherine is so lucky to have such a wonderful partner in her life", and then you two would leave and go out for lunch.

Now since leaving Three Bridges, in 2007, I used to come and visit the staff and Catherine would always be there with a big smile on her face.

I will miss her terribly.

Pamela Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:11:31 GMT -8

Catherine was my best friend. There's a big Catherine-shaped hole in my heart - no - not in my heart, my heart is FULL of Catherine, but in the world. She was such a force! Such a loving, down-to-earth, warrior of a woman. I met many wonderful people through Catherine. She centered me. She held me close in her heart and I am strengthened by that. I miss her laugh, her voice and her pretty little hands in mine.
Shaira, I love you and I'm proud to be your friend.

CJ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:01:53 GMT -8

Catherine, while our paths had really just started to cross you touched my life in a way I will always remember. Your kindness, warmth and consideration was felt and appreciated. My heart goes out to you Shaira and everyone who is touched by Catherine�s passing.

Maria Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:30:32 GMT -8

I met Catherine doing advocacy work in the DTES in the mid 90s. She was a fierce teller of truth, a committed change-maker and a compassionate teacher and helper to many. While we saw each other infrequently, she always made me feel like a close friend. She was wise, generous, fiesty, proud and full of caring for those around her. I'll miss her...

Shaira, please know that you're held in the hearts of many and that Catherine's spirit will continue to burn brightly.

Sherry Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:24:27 GMT -8

I am so sorry to hear the tragic passing of Catherine.
My deepest condolences goes out the the friends and family.

Brant Amos Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:51:03 GMT -8

Catherine - I still can't believe you are gone. You've touched all of our lives in so many ways. I loved your spirit and your guidance. Your family at Three Bridges misses you.

Debby Altow Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:44:49 GMT -8

The shocking news in Silva�a call from New Mexico resonates still. Catherine was a colleague of mine in UBC�s med faculty program, a generous, sweet �spirited and gifted tutor. We were lucky to have her in our lives. Our hearts go out to her family and all thoses whose lives she so magnificently touched.

Silva Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:42:59 GMT -8

The world was a better place when you were an active part of it, Catherine. I hope you knew, when you were still among us, how loved you are - and always will be.

isis Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:40:03 GMT -8

I was just thinking about Catherine last week, out in the valley near where Johanna lived and it reminded me of a party we went to together... I am so sorry, my condolences to family and friends. Catherine was a great person, outspoken, funny, bright.... the world is a little less without her...

Raphael st-amour Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:16:13 GMT -8

I worked with Catherine 11 yrs plus.
for all those years..Catherine: day in day out..would make a point of patting me on the back..and say good work Raph ! A real trooper a most unforgettable person for sure and certainly Remarkable.
Thank You Catherine and i send my condolences to All who new and Loved
our Catherine the Geat.

Kathy Atkins Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:48:08 GMT -8

Shaira, The unconditional support and love that you and Catherine have extended to your family and friends will now, and will continue to be, reflected in the support and love available to you through your painful journey of grieving your loss of Catherine.

Catherine was and will continue to be a role model and an inspiration to me. Every time that I interacted with her, she gifted me - and even now, when I think of those moments I continue to be gifted - my significance and importance was/is affirmed and I felt/feel unconditionally loved. She inspires me to strive to be the kind of person who can gift others in this way, too.

Please share your thoughts and memories

Catherine and Shaira's friends and family wrote: