During our bereavement days here in Kamloops we have gained an amazing new vision of our daughter Kelly Patrick and immense pride in her impact on the whole Whitehorse

community.

We always knew that the vibrant spirit of the Yukon was a perfect fit for the life of our independent-minded, fun-loving daughter. She was so happy here.

We also knew her career needed to be focused on young children, enriching their lives through play. That much we knew.

But never could we have imagined the huge impact she had made or the outpouring of dismay and grief that enveloped Whitehorse after her sudden passing.

Kelly truly had fulfilled her destiny. Over her 20 years she taught 5,000 children, and adults, to swim with confidence and enjoyment.

We want to thank all of you for your expressions of gratitude to Kelly and for the uplifting, inspirational presentations we have experienced during our bereavement days here. We have saved every article and editorial, the notices and brochures, the memorial comments and guestbook, and the “post-it” scrapbook. All are tangible treasures – proof of Kelly’s personal achievements. All the sentiments will remain held tightly in our hearts.

Thank you for creating the incredible opportunity for every child and adult to leave a “post-it” message on the very window of the pool, with her photo included. Thank you for the unbelievably grief-filled tribute of the Canada Games Centre flags at half-mast, and the half-day closure of the pool itself in support of the staff.

Thank you for the “celebration of life” at Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre: so beautifully and creatively set – the decorated tables, the brochures, the remembrance ribbons – and the donations of food and beverages for the 500 attendees.

Thank you for the heartfelt ceremony and video presentation. We hope we have not omitted anyone.

We leave Whitehorse with grief in our hearts for a life ended too soon, but also with an amazing new vision of Kelly’s gifts to all of us. She greeted each of the swimmers by name with a cheery, “Hi! How’re you doing?!”

Shine on, sweetheart. Love forever,

Jerry and Wendy Patrick

Kamloops