Kim Manton passed away at her home in Victoria, BC on June 26, 2020 at the age of 51 with family by her side. Her 2-year journey with Ovarian Clear cell carcinoma was met with strength and grace.
Kim grew up in Port Alberni BC. As a young woman, she spent a year in Zurich, Switzerland as a nanny before returning to Victoria, where she went on to graduate with a degree in Sociology at the University of Victoria. Kim’s innate need for social justice was met early in her professional career when she became a job steward for Cupe Local 1978 while working as a Park Attendant for the C.R.D., and later as coordinator for the “Keep it Public” campaign. Her union work was carried through as “ Labour Coordinator” for the United Way and then as “Development Officer” for the faculty of education at the University of Victoria. Her dream jobs, first as “EA to the Honourable Carole James, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier” and then as “Caucus Outreach Manager” for the NDP at the BC Legislature were the culmination of all her hard work. Her work as a well known and respected labour and political activist including Cupe Local 50, the Victoria Labour Council, the B.C. Federation of Labour and the NDP came from a passion for what she truly believed.
Kim also enjoyed some travel adventures and her garden where she could plant her flowers and enjoy a glass of wine and play with her beloved fur babies. The hundreds of messages and tributes that she received on social media in her final days filled her with many happy tears. She told us how pleased she was to be honoured for her work.
We would like to thank her friends, doctors and nurses that made this journey with her, with special mention to Dr Downs and Dr Michel.
Kim is survived by her parents Jim and Susan Manton, sister Cathie Houle (Glenn), nephew Ayden Houle, niece Hailee Houle, grandfather Virg Fossen (Trudy), her friend since the age of 5 Marion Coleman and her fur babies Franklin and Poppy, plus aunts, uncles and cousins.
As per her wishes, a donation to the blood bank or to Broken Promises Rescue in Victoria may be made in her memory and of course, a random act of kindness will have her sending you jazz hands and a WOOT WOOT. She will be missed!
A funeral will be held at a later date.
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Peter Papagiannis
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Ryan Painter What more can I say that hasn’t already been said. Kim was one of a kind, unlike any person I have ever met. She had a smile for everyone, a helping hand for anyone, and a love of all things fun and joyous. The world lost some of its luster with the loss of Kim. She will be missed but not soon forgotten. Love you Kim.
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robert McLeod When I was made aware of Kim’s passing I confess that my heart missed a few beats as I tried to gather my thoughts and feelings- I failed and am still at a loss for words.
I met Kim a number of years ago and a united Way / Labour Council / Kick off or Jump Start meeting. Kim was truly motivated and dedcated to the cause of Social Justice for all. Thru discussions with her I found out that she loved to travel and when she found out that myself and other “global vagabonds” had just returned from a 10 day adventure walking Hadrian’s Wall in the UK from the Irish to the North Sea, it was hinted very strongly that I meet her for coffee and show her all the photos of my adventure. apparently Hadrian’s Wall walk was on her bucket list.
Kim was a credit to to the Labour movement in Victoria, a credit to the CRD Parks as well as her job with the Government. I am hopeful that in time, perhaps some sort of tribute or plaque could be placed at Francis King Park where she just loved to work.
Last week I was out searching the evening sky for the Neowise comet- I failed but but as I headed home I decided that I would privately refer to this as “Kims’ comet” travelling beyond to an unknown destination.
Thanks Kim for what you have accomplished in your lifetime.
Bob McLeod CAW / Unifor 333 ( now retired)
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Kelli Dolan Cathie and family…I was so very saddened to hear of Kim’s passing. Thinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences.
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irene jacobson Memories of all the children who grew up on Beaufort Str. and the Manton family who lived across from us. How fast the years flew by, and all of a sudden they were all grown up! One particular memory of Kimmy comes to mind that I will never forget. I took about 16 kids up to Blair Park to play softball! I kept yelling–keep your eye on the ball! Well I was up to bat, Kim was on second base——I was still yelling –watch the ball!. I hit the ball, and it hit Kimmy right between the eyes! I was horrified and I had to deliver one little girl, with the biggest, two black shiners, I had ever seen, and deliver her to back to her mom and dad. So sorry Kimmy to this day. Such great memories to see us all through, memories we shall never forget. My sincere condolence to all Kimmy Family, we shall miss our rising star, who accomplished so much love and respect, and left us far too soon. God gave Kimmy her Wings, and I am sure, she is looking over all of us. God Bless, and Thank you.
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Dan Deringer Worked with Kim at the United Way of Victoria. A wonderful soul so bubbly and upbeat. Her infectious smile will always be a reminder to me how truly beautiful she was.
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Lilaine Kim just made the world a brighter place and will be so greatly missed – for her laugh, her positive attitude, her absolute kindness, and of course, that beautiful smile! Her capacity to ensure that people had the resources they needed and her generosity in giving her time, knowledge and energy to support the causes that mattered to her was inspiring. she used to have a poster on her door that said “I was always waiting for somebody to do something until I realized that I was somebody“ and she more than lived up to that. She put her heart and soul into making this community better for everyone, both human and feline, and she was the best somebody she could be. It was a privilege to learn from her, to work beside her, and to share in the sunshine she created. Woot, woot, my friend, you did good!
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Shelley Anderson (Massop) Kim – I remember you in Grade 1… I thought you were the prettiest girl I had ever seen ❤️ Moving back to Port 4 years ago – I have driven down Helen Street towards Lathom and thought of you so many times… though we lost touch you will always be remembered as the girl with the brightest smile and twinkliest eyes. Much love my friend ❤️ Condolences to all
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Joey Hartman Kim was a true dynamo. Her amazing capacity to draw people to an issue was rooted in her own enthusiasm and pure joy. Who wouldn’t want to roll up their sleeves for a cause when there was a chance Kim “woot woot” Manton would be part of the shared effort? Jazz hands forever friend.
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Deb Thiessen Oh Kim, you made the world a brighter place to be. Over the many years I worked at CRD Parks, I was always happy to see your smiling face. You brightened up the place. To your family, thank you for sending Kim out into the world where we got to have her energy and light. She will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
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Marian Postnikoff My sincere condolences to Kim’s family and close friends. I met Kim a few years ago when she moved into the office across the hall from mine at UVic. It didn’t take long to notice her generosity, kindness, humour, compassion, passion, energy, determination, and courage. Her beautiful, energetic light will be missed by so many.
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Judy Brownoff Kim was the light at so many things. All the years I knew her I never saw her get angry. Her bubbly smile always there. Her adventures with her cats, especially Walter and the special surprises he wd bring her. Her great campaigning against P3s with our sewage project. When I chaired the Sewage Committee she made me a poop pin! WOOT WOOT and Happy Hands. I know that her star will continue to shine. To her family she was too young to leave. She was loved by many. Remember the good times, the fishing times, and so much more, she will always be there for you.
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Leilani (Angela) Giuliano I had the privilege of meeting Kim through work (NDP Caucus). I was struck by a bright energy that she brought with her. As I got to see her more in a work setting it was obvious she was very special. For the short time I knew/worked with her – she was such an uplifting individual that made you feel like you were so important and special. She will be missed! My sincere condolences to her family and her NDP family.
Quote by Gildner Radner
“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next.”
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Jeannie Blaney Dear Kim’s Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am proud to say Kim was and is a friend of mine. She had a way of making everyone feel special and important. Kim kiss Walter for me and dance and Woot Woot in peace my friend. Love Jeannie
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Darlene Gallant Kim I will always remember you positive attitude, infectious laugh and the energy you brought because you just wanted to make the world a better place. Thank you to your family for sharing you with us . *jazz hands* Solidarity forever sister
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Michele Murphy You raised a hell of a girl Mantons. She was funny, joyful, generous, capable, able, helpful, smart, strong-willed, fierce, big-hearted and kind. Well done. I’ll miss her, lots. Sending so much love.
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Sussanne Rene Skidmore Sending love to all who need it. From the moment I met Kim Manton her enthusiasm and love for whatever it was she was working on was incredibly contagious. She will be missed by so many and we are so honoured to be able to co sponsor the BC Federation of Labour and the Victoria Labour Council a scholarship in her name for women in leadership and political organizing at the Canadian Labour Congress Pacific Region Winter school. Her legacy will live on in so many ways.
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Crystal Warner You made so many of my days that much brighter from a distance with our shared love of cats. Thank you for sharing even a small piece of your life with so many of us from a distance. Rest in power.
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Donalda Greenwell-Baker Thank you for sharing Kim with us – the amazing, wonderful person that she was! She brought joy to us all and her compassion and love filled every space that she entered. She will live on in our hearts.
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Pam Verley Dear Manton Family;
Please accept my sincere condolences.. as a former labour coordinator at the United Way I was so excited when Kim was hired because I knew she would be a great addition to the organization. Her passion, dedication and love for her family, friends, community, union and of course the NDP will be remembered for years to come. Her smile her happy hands and her woot woot will live on. Thank you for sharing Kim with all of us and may you find comfort in knowing she was an extraordinary woman..
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Richard Waterfield It was both an honour and a privilege to have known you Kim. Many great and funny memories from our time working together at Regional Parks. You are missed but not forgotten. ❤
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Orion Irvine I can’t find the words to express what a special person Kim was. She did so much for so many people. She was the best of us and I’ll miss her more than I can say. Thank you for all your work Kim, for all the people you helped, for all your caring and for your friendship. My most sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing Kim with the rest of us.
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Terrance Wagstaff My heartfelt condolences goes out to Kim’s family and her many, many friends! From the first time a met her as a small child, seeing her smile and twinkle in her eye, I could see she was special. We will all remember her smile and zest always and know we are all better people for having been part of her life that ended way to soon!
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Jane Farthing I had no knowledge of the struggle through to heartache you’ve all had to cope with as a loving family. My most heartfelt and sincere condolence to you all. I’m a rather random friend from from England, who loved and admires your beautiful garden posts on Facebook. May you all find strength to cope and console each other throughout the time to grieve. Sending warmth of HUD’s. Jane
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Myrna & Rick Driscoll Great sadness to hear of such a beautiful soul leaving this world far too soon. She accomplished many things in her lifetime and have left a legacy that her friends and family can be very proud about. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jim, Sue and family at this time.
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Lynn (Haut) Green Dear Susan, Jim and family. My sincere condolences to you at this time. What an incredible life she led and wonderful memories she left for you. I can personally share that we never really ‘get over’ the loss of a child but with time we learn to live again with memories of them in our heart. My thoughts are with you now.
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Gordon & Doris Francis To Kim’s family we want to send our deepest condolences on the loss of Kim. Although we have never met we do feel your sorrow It isn’t easy to lose a loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
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Rhonda Cathie.Im so sorry to hear about your sister.My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
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Jamie Fretz I am truly sorry for your loss for your entire family. I only met Kim once but knew she was a fighter and I know she will be missed by many.
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Glenn Pollock Kim was a wonderful human being and will be missed. I have an appointment scheduled for this Friday to give blood and will happily do so in her honor. Condolences to her family and friends!
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Maggie Coleman Will miss Kim forever, she was a much loved and admired lady. My deepest condolences to the Manton family.
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Kaylee Szakacs Rest in power, Kim. I will forever treasure our time together and the lessons you taught me <3
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Brenda and Dave Arnold Jim, Susan and Cathie. We are so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. We find ourselves smiling as we remember her sweet smile and disposition whenever we saw her as she cheered on Jim during horseshoe tournaments. She truly was the best cheerleader. Our heart’s ❤️ go out to all your family and friends. With love and sympathy from Brenda and Dave Arnold, Victoria BC
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Shirley Ackland Sincere condolences to all of Kim’s family – Kim was kindness and cheerfulness personified! Whenever I feel cranky or impatient I’m going to channel Kim’s sunshiny ways and be kind.
Your beloved Kim left this world a better place for having her beautiful soul here ❤️❤️
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Cate Jones I am so grateful for the gift of Kim’s friendship and I miss her each day. She was such a ray of sunshine, so kind, so caring, so giving. She brought immeasurable joy to the lives of all she knew. Driving down the Pat Bay Highway will never be the same because Kim won’t be dashing out with her woot woot sign when I text her to say I’m on my way in from the ferry. Love you forever Kim
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Sue Cook Beautiful Kim, you shined through the darkness… Thank you for your energy, “Woot Woot”, and your infectious smile while wielding Jazz Hands. Wishing peace.. see you when I ascend ❤️
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Leah N. Wrigley I’m so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy to your family. ❤️
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Danielle St. Jacques Kim was in our Book Club. She (to this day) threw THE BEST Book Club Dinners. Her most famous was her book choice ‘The Life of Bees’. The whole dinner was themed. Honey dressing on the salad, honey marinade for the pork, honey drizzle on the cake and finally honey toffees wrapped in bee ribbon for us each to take home. She did everything with her whole heart. We loved her so and will miss her forever. Sending our love out to her and to you all. Xox Danielle.
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Sue and Bill Freethy So sorry to hear of the passing of this lovely girl! I always remember her bubbly personality and quick smile! So very sorry to hear of your loss!
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Deb Roberts So sorry for your loss. She was a great and kind human with a smile that lit the room. She definitely left her mark here but she will be missed❤️
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Rita Chand I will miss you on the daily Kim. Each time i had had a joyous moment my first thought has always been to share it with you. And it still is. ❤
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Brent and Darlene Dillon Our deepest sympathy for Kim’s family and close friends. She will be missed by so many. Our next random act of kindness will be dedicated in her memory.
I was truly saddened to hear about Kim’s passing, she was easily the most positive person I have ever met. We worked closely together for one year at UVic and I will never forget her enthusiasm and glass half-full outlook on life. She taught me a lot about provincial politics and how to run a giving campaign, for this I am grateful. We stayed in touch after we went our separate ways and I was so happy to hear she landed her dream job. I will miss having chats with her and seeing her social media posts, full of energy and funny anecdotes about her house and cats. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.