Obituary of Laura Jo King

On June 22, 2021, our beloved Laura Jo King passed away at Maple Ridge, BC not long after her 60^th birthday, leaving us all much too soon. Laura was pre-deceased by her loving parents Betty-Ann and Ron King.

Laura was born in Vancouver, spent much of her life in Burnaby, before moving to the Okanagan in her later years.

The eldest of three children, from an early age Laura proved to be a brilliant student who excelled at her studies and truly inspired her younger brother, Steven, and sister, Jo-Ann, whether teaching them to read, write, ice skate or swim.

Laura attended Sperling Elementary School in Burnaby and Kensington Junior Secondary School. After graduating from Burnaby North Senior Secondary, her educational pursuits led her to Simon Fraser University where she went on to complete both a Bachelor and then a Masters Degree.

Amid her post secondary education, Laura also began working at places such as Water St Sound and VanCity Credit Union. She valued her years working at VanCity, developing many wonderful relationships with colleagues and clients alike.   

From the time that she was just a young girl, Laura was a lover of books, music, classic movies, family and friends. Laura enjoyed traveling, whether to Europe with good friend Kathy, to Hawaii, her beloved Oregon Coast where Lincoln City always beckoned or the sunny Okanagan.

Laura was a truly gifted writer whose brilliance was both uncommon and often illuminating. It mattered not if it was a thesis she was meticulously preparing or a loving birthday card sent your way, her words written in her expert calligraphy spoke to you in a heartfelt way uniquely her own.  

Laura was a dog and nature lover who was so very fond of the west coast. Her affinity for the ocean, mountains, birds and flowers of many varieties was unmistakable. Literature and poetry were never ending joys for her.

She was an exceptionally bright, quick-witted woman with a gentle soul. She sought to be supportive and compassionate to others and felt deeply for those in her life who treated her similarly.

She held a tremendous amount of love and affection for her niece, Georgia, and nephews, Samuel, Austin, Carson and Parker.  She treasured countless fond memories of playing a host of fun, creative games with them, especially when they were little. Christmas and birthdays were joyous occasions filled with hugs and laughing out-loud. This love and affection indeed went both ways and enriched Laura’s life beyond words. 

A special thank you to the caring staff at Maple Ridge Seniors Village, where Laura lived her last two years.

Laura held in her heart a deep and sincere appreciation for friends and family who shared in her life in oh so many, many ways. You know who you are and your goodness to our dear Laura shall always be remembered.

Left to mourn are Laura’s many dear friends and family in the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland and Hope, among other places. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia would be appreciated. 

 

“When you think of Laura laugh don’t cry

I know she’d want it that way”

-Christopher Cross

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