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Krista Levasseur posted a condolence
Friday, May 10, 2019
Kay is an inspiration. I am honored to have known such a passionate woman. I am thankful that i have become a part of the world she created.
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Anne and Kevin Yagi and family posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
We all loved Kay very much and will miss her.
Kay was a mentor and a good friend of mine, one that I will never forget. We shared the love of wildlife and especially animal behaviour. Kay would sit for hours observing the owls under her care with her camera DVR system that was partly donated and supported by my husband's company. She enjoyed hearing about my recent research and the long hours watching snakes during hibernation. We would sip tea on the sun porch eat cookies and discuss her owls and her next book.
Thank you for caring and sharing your wisdom and stories of your life with me and my family.
Love Anne
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Sallie Delahoussaye posted a condolence
Saturday, April 20, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear of Kay's passing. I first met Kay at a NWRA symposium in the early 1980s. I admired her work and her speaking ability as well as her books. I learned quite a bit from Kay about the rehabilitation and care of wild owls. To this day I still appreciate all I learned from Kay. A friend to all who loved wild owls.
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Carol & Jim McCullough posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
So sorry to hear of Kay's passing. It must be over 40 years since we first visited Larry and Kay and met all their critters. They were lovely people and were gracious hosts in spite of how busy they were. I do hope they are together again.
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Rhita (Gilners) Van Ryn posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Dear Rod, I was sad to hear of your mother’s passing but also grateful that I had met her, she brings a smile to my face whenever I think about her. It was such a privilege for me to write her recollections which was easy thanks to her wonderful story-telling!! I learned so much history from her such as the farmerette programme and the RCAF (especially the women’s division) along with learning about fruit farming and of course owls !!! Your mother was smart, funny, spunky, had been full of adventure and was obviously a feminist long before the term was coined, I thoroughly enjoyed talking to her. Thank you Rod for being so generous in allowing me to learn about your family’s interesting history and giving me free reign to explore the beautiful property at the Owl Sanctuary. She made the world a little bit better and she will be missed.
J
Jeffrey Meshach posted a condolence
Monday, April 15, 2019
Hello,
I'm so sorry to hear of Kay's death. I never got to meet Kay, but heard plenty of stories about her from Walt Crawford, the founder of the Raptor Rehabilitation and Propagation Project, now World Bird Sanctuary. Walt died in 2015 from a stroke. I know Walt referred to Kay on many questions about raising young owls, both for education and for release to the wild. Walt always spoke with high regard for Kay. I worked with Walt, starting in May 1985, so I got to hear a lot about Kay. I remember Walt talking about how devastated she was when WNV came through earlier this century. From all Walt had told me about her and all I had already learned about owls, I remember feeling such pity for her.
To all her family and close friends, I wish you all the best. I hope the organization Kay started lives on to eternity, and one day she looks down from wherever she is and sees humans living in harmony with owls and all nature. Jeff
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Mary Anne Smith DVM posted a condolence
Sunday, April 14, 2019
I know Kay because of Sigred Ublacker and Trish Phillips. I only met her a couple times but she was such a radiant person. I so admire all that she did. She is irreplaceable. The old saying about "leaving where you are better than you found it" would certainly apply to Kay. I envision seeing Kay and Sigrid together surrounded by all the birds and creatures they helped. Now they are where there are not any injured birds, just glorious free ones. Thank you, Kay.
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Dennis Price lit a candle
Sunday, April 14, 2019
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An amazing person and an amazing life that can only be an inspiration to whoever reads her obituary.
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Trish A. Phillips posted a condolence
Friday, April 12, 2019
In 1984 Birds of Prey Foundation was created based upon Kay's principles of rehabilitation. I was honored to have known Kay McKeever. She was a friend, a mentor, an inspiration. On her last visit to Colorado in 2009, she read a few thoughts I had written years earlier regarding birds I cared for.
Tears fell from Kay's eyes for sometime before she asked permission to add my poem into one of her books. However, she left for home without the copy she asked for.
Here now, is that poem.....
For Kay.
FOR ALL THE FRIENDS
For all the friends
who have come and now are gone
whose magical gaze lit up my dreams
and winged my soul to other worlds
Whose right to freedom sadly stolen
still lived so noble with thoughts of flight
three decades in patient endurance
graciously content within man’s captive greed
For those from the North in regal beauty wrapped
and those bound to the Earth by wings of wax
with names more fixed in time than mine
whose spirits shall fly long past their years
For those whose call is born of thunder
to gossamer shadows that play tag throughout the night
not one too small for the counting of joys and tears
to each I bow in honor of their acquaintance
For those with broken bodies no miracle could ever mend
or dying hearts so few would ever see
I pray to them I gave my human best
to understand their misery
For all the friends
who have come and now are gone
I hold eternal memories
and love that never ends
T. A. Phillips (c)
Winter ‘89
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Elizabeth Church posted a condolence
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Kay’s Family: I met Kay at CIBC Heritage Village when I was employed there and what a down to earth person. I had no idea of all her accomplishments. Larry and Kay did so much for the owls and other wildlife. Rest In Peace ...a life well lived.
T
Takahiro Iida donated to THE OWL FOUNDATION
Thursday, April 11, 2019
My condolences go to the whole family.
Please wait
J
Jennifer Hart posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Kay was an incredible woman, not just to Vineland or the Owls but to conservation and a caring community in general. I did not know Kay personally. I only met her on my annual visit to the Foundation. She made a big impact and was an inspiration. She will be missed by us who only had fleeting encounters with her, I can only imagine the loss to her friends and family. My most sincere condolences to them.
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Penelope Williams lit a candle
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
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Liz nicholas posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
This wonderful lady paved the trail for so much related to wildlife and especially owls. We shared a lot of common " wild friends" but never got to meet in person but spoke on the phone. AMAZING gifts she offered the wildlife world. We have lost a true gem. I'm sure she conducting a seminar on the care of animals in her new dimension...surrounded by the feathered types and we will still call on her virtually to help. You will be missed!!
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Lesley Halinaty posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
My sympathy goes out to Kay’s friends and family. Kay was and is a great inspiration to those of us with a passion for the natural world, conservation and, particularly, raptors and birds of every kind. I was fortunate to be able to read the books and to meet Kay a few years ago while visiting the Foundation. She and Larry and their story helped to keep my love for wildlife alive and well as my family grew and discovered the wonders of the outdoors. I brought her children’s books into my classroom and we did owl units in my grade two and three classrooms for many years. In my retirement I now volunteer at the Toronto Wildlife Centre, The Toronto Zoo, and Windreach Farm where I can share my love and commitment to animals with others. We need our heroes and Kay was one of mine.
Kindest regards and condolences to friends and family left behind. I hope the wonderful work of The Owl Foundation will continue in her spirit.
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Bil Rivers posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
I had the privilege of working with Kay & Larry in the summer of 1975, building flight cages, working with & feeding resident owls. While there, I got to know Granny, her Brazilian spectacled owl, and a feisty screech owl that just didn't like Larry being around Kay. Kay was warm, welcoming and totally engaging as she spoke of her life experiences and her work in the study and rehabilitation of owls. May she rest in peace eternally.
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Kelly Bolton Martin posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
I met Kay in the Pittsburgh airport on my way to my first NWRA conference. We chatted away the layover. Little did I know who so graciously shared her company with me. She also generously came to some of our early NYSWRC seminars, even the rustic Camp DeBruce. Touring her facility and meeting Larry were highlights in my wildlife rehab life. Firm in her convictions, generous with her time and knowledge, humorous in her conversations, and forever dedicated to her owls, she leaves behind a legacy that should inspire us all to always do our best for wildlife.
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Jen Casu posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Kay was a special person. My deceased husband (Tony Casu) saw her as a mentor and friend. Wishing peace and comfort for all of those that loved Katherine including her feathered and furry friends. Rest In Peace.
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Tom Johnston posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Condolences to Kay’s family and friends.
When I was in high school, Kay and Larry moved into the beautiful, home she designed, near Peterborough. She kept owls inside their home!
When Kay and Larry went away for a weekend, I was recruited to care for her owls, feeding them a recipe of mice, chicken heads and dog hair, her recipe designed to resemble their natural diet.
One weekend a civet, an SPCA rescue animal, inhabited the den and snarled at me from under a chair as I refreshed it’s food and water. And there were injured Great Horned owls and Red-tailed hawks. Kay would be up day and night giving meds, caring for and comforting her precious wards that seemed quite at ease in her presence. It was a thrill to pet an owl but don’t try it with a hawk!
What a fascinating and remarkable woman. Charming, intelligent, grounded. Hers was a life best measured by deeds not years, It was a privilege to have known her, if only briefly.
With sadness,
Tom Johnston
Nelson, BC
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Dianne mertens posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
A truly wonderful dedicated lady will be sadly missed. Kay's legacy will live on in the lives of everyone she knew.
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Gail Lenters posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
My sincere condolences to Kays family and the amazing people at The Owl Fdn.
Kay has been such an inspiration to so many. She was "bigger than life"!!
May her legacy of conservation and hope for our wildlife forever burn in the hearts of many.
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Jazmine G posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Thank you for everything you have done. Kay, you are truly an inspiration. Rest in peace.
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Steven Price posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Kay called herself an amateur, but pioneer is more apt. She not only revolutionized raptor rehabilitation, but through solving the puzzle of breeding threatened Burrowing Owls in captivity, she made reintroductions to the wild possible.
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Nathalie Karvonen posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Kay was an important mentor to me when I was starting Toronto Wildlife Centre in the 90s. I was always impressed by her dedication, her unparalleled knowledge and understanding of owls, and the entertaining way she could present information.
What a wonderful, unique, impressive and inspirational woman!
I will never forget you...
Nathalie
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Lisa Priestley posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Thank you for inspiring so many with your passion for owls!!! We will always remember your enthusiasm!
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Eileen Hodson posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
What a wonderful woman who did so much for so many. She will be greatly missed.
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Chris MacNaughton donated to THE OWL FOUNDATION
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
My profound Sympathy to you who carry on Kay and Larry’s legacy.
Please wait
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Chris MacNaughton posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
To Kay’s family including the Owls, the staff and volunteers at TOF, and to Kay’s innumerable friends and admirers, my deepest sympathy. We all treasured Kay while she lived, one of a kind, outspoken and hilarious, dedicated and passionate, brilliant and compassionate, creative and fierce. We are all so lucky to have known her.
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Rosanne Haas posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
I met Kay in 2003 at the Owl Foundation. She invited me when I arranged with her, to have a Northern Hawk Owl fledgling be flown from Thunderbay Ontario to Vineland in 2002. What a beautiful lady!!! What an amazing Foundation! My deepest sympathy. May her legacy live on forever!
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James H Bandow posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
While working with the Hamilton SPCA during the 1970s I was a frequent visitor to Kay and Larry, dropping off injured owls that needed Kay's expertise to be rehabilitated. She was one of the most caring individuals I have ever met.
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Terry Doyle posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
I had the privilege to meet Katherine many many years ago. We were given the total tour of the grounds and had the good fortune to listen to Katherines stories and insight. We also met Larry as well. Very fond memories indeed. My condolences to the family. She was a remarkable woman. God Bless.
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Audrey Eddy posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
I never knew this lady but saw a post from a friend Rob Muller, who was fortunate to have met her. He wrote how he came to know Katherine and added this link to share her wonderful journey of life.
My condolences to anyone who's life she touched. May she rest in internal peace. God bless you all.
S
Susan Henley posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Kay McKeever's legacy, The Owl Foundation, will thrive as a tribute and reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done - all in the name of nature conservation. Sincere condolences to all of Kay and Larry's family and all the volunteers at the Foundation.
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Diane Cooper posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Such a wonderful lady. My class adopted an owl from her rehabilitation site and thoroughly enjoyed her book "Granny's Gang." Sorry to read of her passing. A life well lived for sure. Thank you Kay for all that you did.
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Gail Whiteside posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
I recently heard about the Owl Foundation and having just read Kay McKeever's tribute. I was very touched by her dedication to helping owls and other wildlife. May she rest in peace.
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Carlene McArthur lit a candle
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
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Karla Bloem posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Kay was one of the most amazing, capable, passionate, innovative and hilarious people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. The world is a better place for owls because of her.
C
Carlene McArthur posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Kay was an amazing women who I was honored to meet many years ago. I'll never forget how she welcomed me warmly into her home, introduced me to Big Bird and other resident owls, told me countless stories sharing her wealth of knowledge and even made me a delicious icecream orange float.
She will be greatly missed.
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Gloria Emery posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
A very special friend to me as to the way she & l contected, letting me know to put the toliet seats down, as not to let an Owl drown & do not look at Owls with large rim glasses on, as it stressed the birds. Will miss her so much, but many years of special memories. God had Blessed us all with her.❤️
K
Kim Ouellette posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Kay sitting at the bank of monitors, watching the birds, while also greeting visitors. RIP, you extraordinary woman!
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Guy Fitzgerald posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Kay McKeever inspired many people and will always live through them. She was a great gray lady of owls.
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Christine mason posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Knew Kay so well when I worked for the OSPCA in wildlife rehabilitation, visited. her wildlife sanctuary many times. Have one of her books still. Rest in peace Kay you were one of a kind there will never be another. Still have the pic of three young Sawhets being fed!
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Susan Winning donated to THE OWL FOUNDATION
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Thank you for doing th work you did and thank you for all the loving people that continue it forward
Please wait
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Carol McCorkle posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
I am so pleased to have heard Kay speak on a few occasions and of course have her book on owls, it's autographed too! She was a mentor to me like to so many others. She gave honor and respect to the field of raptor rehabilitation. Thank you Kay for all your contributions to our natural world.
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Sandra l Perry posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Kay was a wounderful lady and was so helpful with me always willing to give addvise for my small bird rehab in Tok Alaska, she will be missed by soooo many people but mostly will be missed by the owls.
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Louise Viersen donated to THE OWL FOUNDATION
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
My condolences to the families and all who knew Kay.
Please wait
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Doug Smith posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Once, I found a Rough-legged hawk hopping on the side of the road near Beamsville. As if it wasn't enough of an experience to have an injured hawk sitting on your friend's lap in the passenger seat of your car, well meeting Kay at her sanctuary on top of that, made the experience a very special memory for me. Unfortunately the poor bird could not be saved, and she ended it's suffering in the most gentle compassionate way. We both shed a little tear. I'll never forget the moment.
I'll always remember her spirit and the love she had for her birds. Before I left, Kay showed me around and then handed me the hawks primary feather, which I still have, and treasure today as a memory of that day.
My heartfelt condolences go to Mrs McKeever's family. She is an amazing lady, I am very grateful to know of her kindness first hand.
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Nathalie Lemieux posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
My condolences to her family, friends and all at The Owl Foundation. She was an inspiration and amazing person. She will be greatly missed.
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Kelly Herbert-McConnell posted a condolence
Monday, April 8, 2019
I live up the street from the Owl Foundation. I still remember Kay coming to speak to my class when I was in grade 6 at Rittenhouse Public School. She showed a short movie and spoke of the owls. Seeing how she interacted with them and how much passion she had has always stayed with me. My deepest condolences to all her family. Bless you Kay.
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Brenda Evers posted a condolence
Monday, April 8, 2019
A life well lived. Forever remembered in the hearts of owl lovers everywhere. Deepest sympathy on the loss of an extraordinary human being.
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Ellen Hedges posted a condolence
Monday, April 8, 2019
The field of wildlife rehabilitation has lost an icon. I had the pleasure of hearing Kay speak on several occasions, and the privilege of visiting her facility in Vineland. She will be missed by many.
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Art & Janice Haines lit a candle
Monday, April 8, 2019
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Art & Janice Haines posted a condolence
Monday, April 8, 2019
Kay was a very special lady & we both were privileged to have known her & will treasure our visits with her at the owl foundation ❤️
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