Catherine Shay – 1923 to 2001

Catherine Shay, Kay to her friends, was a quiet woman who truly loved the Shuswap. She was born in 1923 in Cologne, Germany to Anna Louise and William Tyson (her father was with the British Army of Occupation following World War I). Kay’s family immigrated to Canada in 1930, settling at Hershel, Saskatchewan. It was here that she met her husband, Joe.

Joe and Kay moved to Salmon Arm in the late l940s, settling on a small holding in the Ranchero area. Joe operated a painting and decorating business until 1969. Joe passed away in 1973, and Kay moved into an apartment in town. Kay did not travel much: she was content with life in the Shuswap.

Kay was also a big fan of the Shuswap Community Foundation. She made a contribution to the Founders Fund in memory of husband Joe, and when she died in September 2001, Kay left a very substantial testamentary gift. Generations to come will benefit from Kay Shay’s manifestation of her love for, and her support for, our community.