Kim was welcomed to the world on September 1st, 1961 by her ecstatic Mom and Dad, Jim and Elaine May. This raven-haired beloved first grandchild delighted her young uncles and aunts as well as family friends and complete strangers with her large brown eyes and warm, welcoming smile. A loving little girl, Kim soon greeted brother Kirby and sister Krista with great enthusiasm.
Born in Brookdale, Manitoba, Kim started kindergarten in Neepawa and finished high school in 1979 in Selkirk where the family had moved in 1970. Kim spent two years studying at the University of Winnipeg before marrying Jack Hoban in 1984. Before starting her family, Kim worked locally as a museum interpreter, cruise ship attendant, monument engraver, and flight attendant. She ventured twice to Alberta-at eighteen to work at Waterton Lakes, and a few years later to Banff. Special friends and memories from these days remained with Kim for life.
Kim’s first daughter, Bridgid was born in Selkirk in 1986. The trio soon joined family who had moved to Salt Spring in 1988, where son Ryfawn was born in 1989 and baby Lind-E completed the family in 1992. With three children under six, Kim found herself left to raise them without the support of a spouse. She took on the challenge with a positive outlook, never feeling sorry for herself and her situation.
Before the reality of single parenthood set in, Kim was faced with an even greater challenge when she was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder for which there was no cure. Determined to raise her kids, Kim gradually worked her way into permanent BC Ferries employment, all the while bravely facing her illness.
Never one for enemies, Kim didn’t so much fight her illness as negotiate with it. For many years she managed to keep it fairly tame, trying every means she could find to keep it at bay. One of her greatest joys along the way was to share what she’d learned with others who were suffering. Generous and full of spirit, Kim always had time for those she saw hurting, even in her darkest days. She was never without that famous smile.
Kim’s determination kept her with us for nearly eighteen years after the first diagnosis. She managed to see all three kids finish high school, Lind-E graduating in June of 2010. They are three young adults she was justifiably proud of.
After eight years of extreme suffering, Kim left us on January 18th, , aged 49 years. She will always be loved by so many.
The family would like to thank everyone who was there for Kim along the way. There will be no service, but friends are planning a farewell. Instead of flowers, give an orange tree to someone you love, a helping hand to someone in need, or a donation to the Lady Minto Hospital for the excellent care they gave Kim.