Kay Valerie (Barrett) BLACKWELL

Taken from us suddenly on Friday, Kay leaves behind a lifetime of memories and stories gathered from roads well travelled and friendships warmly made.

Born in Nottingham, England, Kay was the first daughter of Leslie and Audrey Barrett. In the years following the war, the family immigrated to Canada when Kay was six years old. She adapted to Canadian life in true Kay fashion—without hesitation and only looking forward.

Kay grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, where she began her career at Bell Canada as a telephone operator. She soon met and married Roy Ireland, and together they welcomed two children, Ron and Susan. Following their parting, Kay returned to work as a switchboard operator, a role well suited to her friendly nature and gift for conversation.

In the 1980s, Kay met John Blackwell, her partner in life and in travel. The two shared a love of adventure, taking their RV across North America—escaping winters in the southern United States and returning to Canada when the weather turned kind. When their nomadic lifestyle was stopped due to John’s health concerns, Kay and John landed in Freelton, Ontario where they settled in with a like-minded group of people that quickly became friends. John predeceased Kay in 2016, and her passion for travel was reignited. With her dear friend, Brigette or alongside her daughter Susan, Kay continued to tick destinations off her bucket list, exploring many countries throughout Europe.

Never one to slow down, Kay made the bold decision in her 80s to move to Nanaimo, British Columbia, driving nearly 4,000 kilometres from Ontario with Susan accompanying her as alternate driver. True to form, she quickly made dear friends soon after she arrived. 

When she wasn’t travelling, Kay found camaraderie playing cards or bingo, and found joy in creating handmade greeting cards for family, friends, and the Canadian Armed Forces. She was especially proud of the Christmas and Poppy cards she made for active members and veterans.

Kay will be lovingly remembered by her son, Ron (Deb); daughter, Susan (Simon); grandchildren, Jade, Malcolm and Rory; sister, Christine and her family; dear friends, Brigette, Eileen, Bob and Virginia, and by the many other friends whose lives she touched along the way.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place, with arrangements entrusted to Evergreen Cremation Centre. A celebration of Kay’s well-travelled life will be held first in Nanaimo in the coming weeks, then later in Ontario.

Kay lived boldly, without hesitation and never stopped exploring. She will be dearly missed.

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