Judith McFarlane (née Walker) passed away on September 7, 2022.
She was born in 1953, in Gainsborough Saskatchewan and raised in Melita Manitoba by Norman and Vivian Walker. After high school, she set off to attend the University of Lethbridge (1970-1974). From there Judith spent 1 year coaching volleyball at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick and then in 1975 she joined the RCMP. Her first posting out of depot was to the 1976 Olympics followed by her permanent, and only posting to Campbell River. She retired from service in 1981. It was in Campbell River that she met Rick McFarlane and they were married in 1983. They had one daughter, Kristin, in 1985.
After retirement from the RCMP Judith moved into the role of Victim Services Coordinator where she worked from 1988-2007. Ever the multi-tasker, she was also a Coroner with BC Coroner Services from 1990-2002. After her ‘last’ retirement, she and Rick started their camping adventures and travelled across Canada, down through the US and up through Alaska before Rick’s passing in 2014.
In 2015, she became a “Nana” to her grandson, Avery. The two of them were the best of friends and regardless of where they were, they were having more fun than anyone around them. They knew how to eek every ounce of joy out of their time together.
She was always busy and involved with one of her many hobbies. She has been a big part of the Campbell River theater scene and has played in countless musicals. She will forever be remembered for her starring role as Dolly in Hello, Dolly! She also spent countless hours on the Storey Creek golf course and at the curling rink; she served on the boards for both Story Creek and Campbell River Curling clubs. She travelled the world with the “No Whiners” travel group and her best friend (and cousin), Terri.
There will be a celebration of life for Judith on Saturday, October 15 th , 2:00pm at the Campbell River Curling Club (260 Cedar St., Campbell River). Please note this is the BC Municipal Election day. We encourage folks to plan to attend advance polls if traveling from out of town. We hope you can join us to share stories and memories of the time you’ve spent with Judith. It is hoped we will have the ability to film or stream the event for those that are unable to attend in person. Details pertaining to that will be posted on this website as we know more.
Please do not send flowers, as Judith would say “they’re just going to die in the vase, and they make me
sad”.
If you do feel the need to make a donation in her honour, please consider one of the following, or a charity of your choice that you think would suit her well.
Shoreline Musical Theatre – This is the theatre group where Judith played in many, many times. Some of her shows include Hello, Dolly!, Marry Poppins, Pirates of Penzance, Fiddler on the Roof and Mikado.
For donations, e-transfers can be sent to [email protected]
RainCoast School of Musical Theatre – This organization offers musical theatre classes for children and youth as well as repertoire classes for adults in Campbell River. Judith loved seeing kids get involved in musical theatre and participated in the repertoire classes with RainCoast. A bursary will be set up in Judith’s name. To donate to her memorial bursary, please indicate that it will be for the Judith McFarlane bursary and send to:
RainCoast School of Musical Theatre
4550 South Island hwy
Campbell River BC V9H 1E4
OR
e-transfer to [email protected]
BC Cancer Foundation – Judith had cancer in 2021 and again in 2022. The BC Cancer Foundation is the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Society. She was grateful for all of the resources and treatment available through the BC Cancer Society. She would be happy to see this organization supported in working towards helping others with cancer. Donate at https://bccancerfoundation.com/ways-to-
give/give-in-memory-honour-or-celebration/
14 Comments
Diane Lavoie
All you exchange family is joining me to send you our most sincere condolences. We are with you in thought Kristin for this difficult moment. I know oh how close you were. I kiss you my Twin 💖
Mark Fawcett
So sorry to see her pass. I didn’t see her too often but remember her very fondly for her upbeat attitude, sense of humour and kindness. She will be dearly missed.
Melissa Kean
Kristin, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. From the short amount of time I got to see you with your parents, your relationships with them seemed incredibly special. They seem to have lived wonderful and joy filled lives and I hope that brings you comfort.
They gave you the gift of helping you become an amazing and fun loving person and for that the world is a better place.
Sending you loving and healing thoughts, my friend.
Aven Preston
Many fond memories of your kind hearted mum Kristin in the cul de sac growing up. Beautiful to read about a bit more about her life and what an accomplished woman she was. Big hugs and love to you Kristin take care 💙
Geri
I’m so sorry for your families loss Kristin. I’m certainly going to miss her awesome wit and sense of humour. I spent many a Saturday on the golf course with your mom and we really enjoyed our Saturday puzzles that you would send us. Although you and I haven’t met often I feel like I know both you and Avery through your mom’s stories. Some of her stories I’ll never forget and shouldn’t be mentioned here 😂😂. You and Avery put the twinkle in your mother’s eye. ♥️♥️♥️
Donna (Nee Patterson) Anderson
So very sorry Judith lost her battle. She and I, Patricia Ann Anderson and Fran Coutts raised quite a bit of hell at Melita Collegiate! I will never forget her friendship, her fabulous laugh and smile. She was so much fun to be around . Sincere sympathy to her family, you will miss her terribly but you will remember her with love. Hugs to you all. Donna (Patterson) Anderson, Tilston, Manitoba
Sian Thomson
We used to sit in her or my car some lunchtimes at the Foreshore and share stories about our RCMP service, or just life in general. We laughed a lot. It was always easier to go back to work for the afternoon on these days. She was a very special person. Our gift from God.
Lori Gooldrup
I have so many fond memories of dear Judith having shared the stage with her through many musicals but my best memories of her were when we did Nunsense. Just 5 ladies in the cast and we had so much fun. She was a treasured friend . Godspeed my beautiful friend.
Terry oconnor
We had coffee with Judith at Fuddrukkers this past July and watched the Ocean together(Lynda, Terry and Judith)
It was peaceful . Judith took us to have an ice cream And to sit on Ricks bench.
Wonderful memories .
Terrry 0’Connor, Calgary
Lee Dolmage
Kristin, I was so sorry to hear about your mom. I have fond memories of her as part of the group of parents at Pinecrest and I got to know her even better as a member of her volunteer group at the BC Winter Games. It was a delight to see her in so many of the Rivercity Players productions. She will be missed by many.
Carol Yushchyshyn
Dear Kristin, you do not know me but I am a cousin of your Mother’s cousin Lynda; as young girls we spent summer vacation with all the Walkers in Melita, and they became my extended family aunts and uncles…and in fact, my family (parents Jack and Ivy Beamish) moved to Melita, and I babysat Judith (and her brothers) from the time she was born until she was about 3 years old and we moved away….the next time I saw her was when you were a toddler, and you and your Mother were visiting Vivian and Bob down in Thousand Palms, and my husband and I were visiting my parents…we(me, my husband, Jack, Ivy Judith) had a memorable laugh filled day in Tijuana, Mexico, ending with a lovely supper in the Boat House restaurant on Coronado Island, San Diego…Judith always was full of life, loved her laugh, and smile; it is so unfair when those we love leave us too soon, i offer you my sincere condolences as you begin this journey of loss and grieving…know that there are many of out here, who remember her in our hearts, and will never forget our memories of her, I send my love and support to you all, take care of yourself, love Carol (Beamish) YUSHCHYSHYN💕🤗
Julie Ball (nee Hedderson)
Kristin, I am sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember your mom’s comanding presence on stage at countless Shoreline musicals while growing up. It was hard to not focus just on her! She was incredibly kind to my father, often giving him rides home from Shoreline.
She has left an impact on many and will be missed in the Campbell River community.
Sheila Williams
Condolences to all the families and friends of Judith as she obviously had an amazing presence where ever she was and whatever she was involved in a life well lived and beautiful memories left to all she loved. Celebrate her beautiful life always.
Louise Otteson
Kristen, Please know my thoughts are with you and your family. I did not know your mom but after reading about her she was a remarkable woman who lived her life well.
It is clear that you were very close and shared a deep bond that was very special. I can only imagine how very proud she was of you and your family and how much she loved you all and was loved in return. So very sorry my friend !