Tribute

A Lifetime of Loving and Caring

Kathleen was born into a loving Langley pioneering family. Her Grandfather J.W. (Jim) Lee left Eastern Canada along with his wife and first children to homestead in Southern Alberta.
They built a home in the Cypress Hills area near the Royal Northwest Mounted Police headquarters called Fort Walsh. After 2 HARSH years and one additional child, they moved on to Murrayville in 1910 and became very involved in the local community. They built a large home on their farm which was on the land now occupied by the R.C.M.P. station on Murrayville hill. Mr. Lee’s large embossed Bible is on display here in the old United Church building.  Having a business background, he and a partner opened the store across from the Church as the Lee – Andrews General store – now Porters Store.

The Lee’s were also very involved with the United Church and also led services in the very early days. They also produced a large family – 12 in all – Nursing – Farming -Teachers – Soldiers, were their future. One daughter (Dorothy Lee) married an Italian immigrant, Giuseppe (Joseph) Joe Barrichello. Joe was very prominent in the local Italian community, welcoming and helping new Canadians settle into the area. Joe came to Canada at 15 years of age, finding work where available – logging camps, silver mining, etc., eventually landing in Langley where he built his own home as well as homes for others. He would often buy an existing home, dismantle it and rebuild it on a different property. Joe made the large wooden cross that hangs in the old church. Joe and Dorothy worked hard raising their family and were proud of them all. Son Ralph, Jersey Farmer – Municipal Alderman – and Board Member at Fraser Valley Milk Producers;  Raymond – WW2 Pilot returning to Farming; Richard (Dick) Gold Miner, Welder and Heavy Machine Operator; daughter Kathleen became a member of the 4H club and in her teen years won a trip to Toronto and Ottawa as a representative of 4H;  she also served as Harvest Queen in Langley.

After her formal education Kay graduated from Langley Senior High and went into nursing as a student at Vancouver General Hospital. While there she met a patient, Alan Palmer, who had been in a major mining accident.  They kept in touch and eventually married and produced 3 wonderful children; Steven (Belinda), Glenda (deceased), Lee-Anne (Colin) and granddaughter Emma (Conor). After graduating as a Registered Nurse,  Kay worked for 2 years at VGH.   The couple then moved to Langley where she nursed for 35 years at Langley Memorial Hospital, mostly in Obstetrics.   Kay and Alan just celebrated their 65th Wedding anniversary in September.    Kay’s love for family and friends knew no bounds. She was a lifetime member of the Church and taught Sunday School.

“ Loved and was so loved by so many.”