Catherine Louise Veale

July 29, 2024

1943 - 2024

Catherine ("Kip") Veale, aged 80, passed away peacefully in Whitehorse, Yukon on July 29, 2024. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Ron, who was by her side until the end; her two sons, David (Mary Ellen) and Jonathan (Roberta); and her five wonderful grandchildren of whom she was so proud, Liam, Finn, Brynne, Isaac and Elyse. She was a sister to Edward (deceased) and Britt, and a loyal friend to many.

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, Kip completed a B.A. and M.S.W. at the University of Toronto, followed by studies in Gerontology at Simon Fraser University later in life. She started her career as a child protection social worker with CAS in Toronto. After raising her two boys in the Yukon, Kip returned to work as a social worker for seniors and elders, which was her true love and passion. She was also an Adjunct Faculty member at Yukon College in the Social Work Program where she taught courses in social work and ageing.

While at Expo '67, Kip met her lifelong partner, Ron. Together, they left the comforts of Ontario and moved to the Yukon following a romantic and adventurous summer in '71 at 40 Mile, downriver from Dawson City. They shared a love of the Yukon and its many splendours. Indeed, it was in the Yukon where Kip was happiest.

Throughout her life, Kip travelled the world and instilled in her sons a passion for adventure. A fond memory includes a family trip to Tibet and Mount Everest in 2002.

Kip had a passion for life. She loved to laugh and never missed an opportunity to celebrate an event. She was incredibly well read and was a patron of the arts. She was a trailblazer on many fronts and made an impact on social justice issues.

Among her many contributions, Kip was the Founding President of the Yukon Child Care Association, a Founding Chair of Hospice Yukon and the Founding Chair of Planned Parenthood. She was also an active member of many other community organizations, including the Yukon Arts Centre and the Yukon Council on Aging. Kip received the Premier's Award of Excellence for her work on the legislative team that produced the Guardianship Act, the Adult Protection and Decision Act and the Care Consent Act.

Kip made a difference.

Many thanks to her Yukon families and staff at Whistlebend Place.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 7th at the Whitehorse United Church.

In lieu of flowers, and if desired, donations may be made to Hospice Yukon: hospiceyukon.net/en/donate/