LIFE & DEATH MATTERS

https://www.lifeanddeathmatters.ca

Kath Murray was hired by Victoria Hospice in 1988, which coincided with the year Rain Man won Best Picture and Calgary, Alberta, Canada hosted the Winter Olympics. Shortly after her arrival, she was asked to assist in developing a palliative care course for the local community college’s Home Support Workers program. The informative course was taught at Camosun College for several years. After some time, the college decided to discontinue the course. Kath’s dear friend and colleague, Terry Downing, approached her with the idea of teaching the course privately, together, in an intensive 2 ½ day format. The course proved successful, and Kath and Terry began conducting palliative care workshops throughout British Columbia (BC).

A few years later, Terry decided to stop teaching, and Kath joined forces with Elizabeth Causton, a counselor and educator with exceptional skills. Together, they conducted workshops on palliative care for home support workers across the province of British Columbia. These workshops also attracted nurses, paramedics, and hospice volunteers. During this time, Kath recognized the need for improved handouts that participants could refer to in the future. However, it would be a few more years before she could realize these plans.