It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Karen on May 8th, 2021 at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. She was born January 16, 1958 in Montreal, (Côte Saint-Luc). At 13 years old she and her family moved to Vancouver (Tsawwassen).
Predeceased by her father Ian and her brother Kevin; she is survived by her partner Brian Besco, mother Valerie, sister Lynn, brother Mark, niece Erin and nephews Trevor and Josh, aunties Sheila and Audrey, many cousins and her many friends including: Eileen, Linda and Suzie.
Karen went to school for Fashion Design at Sheridan College in Ontario and then built her career in Real Estate where she worked for 36 years. Karen loved animals, especially horses and her dog Bailey. Karen and Brian happily retired to Victoria in recent years and her sudden passing from complications due to diabetes was most unexpected.
She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends who loved her very much!
If desired, contributions can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation: www.diabetes.ca
Those wishing to offer condolences are encouraged to post a fond memory of a past experience with Karen below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lucilla Costa
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Tim Ivens Deeply shocked to read of Karen`s Passing. Condolences to her partner and Family. Karen always had a smile and kind words for
others. From the first time we met to the old days of Tsawwassen Yacht Club or at High School Karen was fun to be around. She
will be greatly missed. Love to all Tim Ivens
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Vicky Trueman I am sad to hear the news of the passing of an old friend and roommate. I lived with Karen and Avril right out of high school, we rented a house on 14th ave in Tsawwassen. I have fond memories of those fun days and Karen always had a smile and a fabulous laugh. She was a great roommate and always happy to help whenever we needed her. I still can’t believe it has been such along time since we were sitting on the back deck having a cocktail and laughing our heads off. Karen was a fine upstanding young lady, filled with love and kindness. My dearest condolences to her partner and family.
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Kathryn Swift I was saddened to read of Karen’s passing. We worked in Real Estate way back and golfed together. What I remember and enjoyed most about Karen was her sense of humour. We sure enjoyed a good laugh together, and of course good clothes. May her family and especially Brain find comfort in your memories of having this special woman in your lives.
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Dave Watt Once again, a very nice person has gone ahead, far too soon. I got to know Karen in the early days of my career as a Realtor, but more so, during my introduction to the world of the Organized Real Estate Profession. Sat on the Government Relations Committee together in I suppose, the 1990s, where Karen was first and foremost, a true advocate for the Real Estate consumer. A hard worker, genuine professional who seemed to possess a quiet inner strength. Karen was good for the industry. I am happy to read the numerous comments above, to learn that Karen had plenty of people close to her and she had much fun along the way. That is good.
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Vesna Golac For years I have been opening the North Shore News from the back, and for a while it seemed I was loosing way too many friends and co-workers; but because for quite a while I didn’t see anyone I knew in the obituaries, it was a double shock to see a)someone I did know, and b)someone so much younger than me – couldn’t believe what I was reading. We worked together in real estate.
So sad for her family and friends; Karen left us way too early…will definitely add her to my ‘gallery of inspirations” on my fridge door …love the way she enjoyed her life.
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Janet Cunningham I met Karen in the 80’s when we both were selling real estate and having a wonderful time. She and I served on the government relations committee and travelled to Ottawa and Victoria many time to lobby the federal and provincial governments on the industry’s behalf. I could always count on her and we shared a commitment to our professions and a love of the people we got to meet. I remember one day I came into a meeting wearing a taupe suede jacket with a cream blouse and she leaned over to me and said “ if you ever get rid of that jacket, I want it”. I got rid of it only a few weeks ago. Maybe it has gone to be with her.
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Trevor Hamer My deepest sympathies Brian, Grandma and Uncle Mark.
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Avril Tatham I was very sad to hear of Karen’s passing, far to soon. I lived with Karen right out of high school, we rented a house that had 3 scottie dogs that was part of the ‘deal’ and each one of us had to care for a dog… Karen took the white one of course 🙂 We had too much fun, 3 young women, Karen, Vicky & Avril starting out on life, navigating work, relationships and a bit of partying! She was gorgeous & the clothes matched her beauty. I recall her being a rep for Susan VanHusen, the blouses were devine! We lost touch over the years, but I always look fondly on those days. Her laugh was so recognizable and after all these years I can still hear it.
Rest In Peace, much love Avril
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Linda Lou Price I’ve been trying to find the words that put into perspective just how much love, laughter and tears Karen and I shared. I met her around 1986 in Whistler and looked forward to her visits from North Vancouver. She was very stylish, never met anyone that could make beige and white look so fine. From her ski clothes to our nights out dining and dancing. Her love of the outdoors, music and fine food, and a great glass of wine. She had a wicked sense oh humour and would call me up just to share a joke and a laugh. She helped me when I was struggling as a single mom, to come hang with my boys when I had to work, or just keep me company. She introduced me to Eileen and we became 3. Chicks on sticks, fast friends of fun and adventure. She met her spouse Brian at Whistler I remember the night. They built a life together and in these last years as Karen’s health and mobility were limited Brian looked after her and cared for her and I am very grateful. Even though she was struggling more and more our conversation’s were filled with her hopes and dreams and of course a joke a laugh. She will be missed by many, especially Valerie, Mark and Brian who she loved so much! Karen I know that your will be happy seeing Bailey and Kevin and other friends and family we’ve lost along the way. I picture you trying out for the job of the dream whip Angel so you can forever remain stylish in white. You will be missed my friend Xo Linda
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Brian Lee Karen and I were Great friends unfortunately I did not stay in touch with Karen and Bran for far too long. Karen made me laugh uncontrollably so many times, especially when it was serious like when we were knocking on doors together to drum up business because we were both flat broke. I asked her if she wanted to do a partnership in real estate for a bit and give it a go. She had nothing to lose and was a professional door knocker from her past religious background with a Jehovah‘s witness religion. Our 1st Street was Lyons Avenue in Canyon Heights north Vancouver where we did both sides of the street and got no business at all. She said let’s pack it in and go to the bar which made sense. The next day we try to different street and our very first home we knocked on she started giggling And by the time the person open the door up we were both crying with laughter. This was our first listing by the way and our doorknocking career took off the more we laughed the more money we made. I will miss Karen this is for sure but she will always be my friend.
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Val & Al We are from Saskatchewan and met Karen and Brian while in Mexico renting as neighbours and spending lots of time by the pool and dining out occasionally. We quickly got to love Karen’s great sense of humour and enjoyed all our time together. We will miss her because it isn’t often that you meet someone that you genuinely want to share part of your day with. Karen was that person. May she Rest In Peace. Take care Brian. Till we meet again.
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Tim Slater . There are few I know like Karen. A career long mate. A savant of real estate knowledge. A true student of her trade. I was always an artist of my trade and oh how she helped me, taught me, and kept me out of trouble. We were jealous of each other’s skill set however we were happy to share our strengths. Both served us well.
Thank you dear friend. I learned from you.
Rest well Karen. I’m so sorry you are gone.
Be well Brian, take care.
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Kathleen Cormier I was thinking about the first time I met Karen. It was in Vancouver many years ago. Michelle Pinard had moved here and introduced me to Brian and subsequently to Karen after they got together.
I remember the first time we met when Karen swept into the restaurant, impeccably dressed in winter white from head to toe with a beautiful overcoat (also white). She owned the room ! She sat down at the table and introduced herself with a huge smile and a conspiratorial wink and I knew I liked her instantly!
Many meals later, and some good times by the pool at Brian and Karens in North Van – I liked her even more. Quick to share a joke, always cutting to the chase, she was one of a kind. She will be missed and never forgotten ♥️ My condolences to you Brian.
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Sharon Besco Brian, my daughter and I are so sad to hear about Karen. We fondly remember hanging out with you, Karen and Bailey when you were still in Vancouver. We send you big hugs. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Take care, Sharon, Kyla and Brianna Besco
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Eileen Doole My sincere condolences to Brian, Val, Mark, Lynn and other family and friends who are certainly missing Karen. She was special.
Karen was my good friend for 40 years and the memories of our adventures are vivid. Spending the summer of ’86 at Expo. Skiing at Whistler and Lake Tahoe. Wine tasting in Australia. Horseback riding, flying trapeze and dancing the Electric Slide in Mexico. Driving around France and crying tears of joy when a spectacular and iconic site came to view. There were many, many long walks and long talks. What was always consistent was the laughter. Lots of laughter.
Mugwump, I will miss you but will always remember you with love and a smile.
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Angie and Bill Walters Brian, we are so sorry for your loss. Carry your memories of Karen in your heart and she will always be with you!
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suzie It’s so difficult to absorb the fact that Karen is no longer with us. I can’t pick up the phone and call her and hear her joking “What do you want!” I met Karen in 1977 when one evening while Dennis and I were nodding off on the couch at our Whistler cabin, Karen and others, having had a few drinks, burst in, came over to me and said, “Hi! I’m Karen and I’ll be your new friend whether you like it or not!” Ya, that was Karen…off the wall humour. Well we did become fast friends and I enjoyed her humour, intelligence and caring personality. Karen was always upbeat, never allowing friends to see the pain and discomfort that she must have endured for so many years due to her illness. She was loved and cared for exceedingly well by her partner Brian and we can take comfort in that Karen was supported both physically and emotionally by Brian. She’ll be missed terribly.
Dear Karen, many memories came to my mind that can describe our relationship and it is thanks to you and Brian that I got to love Canada so much. You opened your house and so much more. You welcomed me as your daughter and taught me all about the country, the Canadian people, and Canadian life. I will forever cherish our moments together. The simplicity of sharing movies, to talk about a book, or simply chatting about our day. These are memories I won’t forget. It was difficult to say goodbye the first time when I left our home and is now even more difficult to say bye. I love you so much. Baci Lucilla