Kim Keulen (1982-2021)
Kim passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2021 with her husband George by her side. Kim is survived by her parents, Brian and Florence Rietkerk, brothers Paul (Sonja) and Tim (Heidi), her in-laws, Art and Wilma Keulen, Lynette (Bryan) Brandsma, and eight nieces and nephews.
First diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer back in 2016, Kim underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy. She went into remission but was diagnosed with a reoccurrence of cancer in 2018, once again undergoing six months of chemo and very aggressive abdominal surgery. Kim was again cancer-free for fifteen months until it again showed up on a routine CT scan in July 2020. At this point, it had spread to numerous areas in her body. With a very poor prognosis, we decided to forgo any further treatment.
Kim spent her childhood surrounded by a loving family and many close friends. Possessing incredible attention to detail, an innate gift for multitasking, and an ability to see more efficient ways of doing things, Kim got her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and spent her career in the non-profit sector, working for Elim Housing Society, where she served as both an executive assistant and then on the finance team as Staff Accountant.
Kim and George were married just shy of thirteen-years. They both loved the outdoors, going for daily walks, and camping, cycling and kayaking together in the summer. Over the years they supported each other through their respective health challenges. Kim loved her family, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. She also cared for her wider community, often found serving in the background outside the spotlight, and enjoying the company of those around her. Kim had a strong sense of compassion and generosity towards those in need.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Palliative Care Home-Health team who made it possible for Kim to remain at home in her final weeks, and to the Palliative Care staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
First diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer back in 2016, Kim underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy. She went into remission but was diagnosed with a reoccurrence of cancer in 2018, once again undergoing six months of chemo and very aggressive abdominal surgery. Kim was again cancer-free for fifteen months until it again showed up on a routine CT scan in July 2020. At this point, it had spread to numerous areas in her body. With a very poor prognosis, we decided to forgo any further treatment.
Kim spent her childhood surrounded by a loving family and many close friends. Possessing incredible attention to detail, an innate gift for multitasking, and an ability to see more efficient ways of doing things, Kim got her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and spent her career in the non-profit sector, working for Elim Housing Society, where she served as both an executive assistant and then on the finance team as Staff Accountant.
Kim and George were married just shy of thirteen-years. They both loved the outdoors, going for daily walks, and camping, cycling and kayaking together in the summer. Over the years they supported each other through their respective health challenges. Kim loved her family, and she especially enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. She also cared for her wider community, often found serving in the background outside the spotlight, and enjoying the company of those around her. Kim had a strong sense of compassion and generosity towards those in need.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Palliative Care Home-Health team who made it possible for Kim to remain at home in her final weeks, and to the Palliative Care staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
GearUp4CF Fundraiser, 2015.
Photo by Matt Smart
Memorial Service for Kim Keulen. Sept. 10, 2021
