Kathy Van Drie
Kathy Van Drie        1955 - 2008                            
  
It’s never easy to say goodbye. On Wednesday May 28th, we
did justthat to a long time member of the Barrie Art Club. Kathy
Van Drie passed away on the 21st of May, 2008. Some of us knew
Kathy well and some just in passing. She left the same effect on
everyone though, one of a caring, committed and very talented
artist.
Over the last 10 years or so, many of us watched Kathy’s
evolution from a painter knowing where she wanted to go and then
getting there. Kathy was a working artist in demand for her fine
paintings of architectural sites in Barrie and much farther afield.
She had achieved every artists’ dream of being instantly
recognizable in her work.
There are many fine paintings done by Kathy throughout
the Barrie area, Muskoka and even further afield.
It was never enough to work tirelessly at her own art she
was constantly working for others. She called me not too long ago
to see if any of the Barrie Art Club artists would donate to the
Canadian Cancer Society, Silent Auction. Kathy was involved in
asking artists to donate their work to the Out of the Cold
programme auction as well. Other interest included the Innisfil
Historical Society.
Personally, my husband John and I got to know Kathy
when her daughter came to John for piano lessons some years ago.
Kathy was always smiling, her bright blue eyes sparkling, she was
interested in whatever you were doing. She loved my garden and
always wanted to know what I was planting or doing in my yard.
After I retired I met Kathy again at the Barrie Art Club. Her art
was in high gear and in demand but she hadn’t changed a bit.
Kathy had many friends in and out of the art world. It is
these friends that knew her who appreciated her skill, talent and
determination to succeed in a field that very few achieve.
If you look at a picture and get something back there is no
doubt that the artist who created that picture will live on in their
art.
We miss you Kathy. We won’t forget you. Thanks for being
our friend and fellow traveller on this journey called life.
Shaaron Hayman-Howard

Kathy Van Drie
We were shocked and saddened in May, to learn that our fellow member
Kathy Van Drie had passed away.
Kathy’s smiling face and contagious laugh were a welcomed addition to
art club activities. Her detailed, colourful paintings of Victorian homes and
scenes were popular and in demand from purchasers. She had recently spoken of
the commissions she was working on.
Our library includes a copy of the publication Farms of Innisfil for
which Kathy did pen & ink illustrations. She was an active member of two local
historical societies.
Kathy’s interest in a variety of areas led her to be part of several groups
and organizations. She generously shared her talents and sense of humour with
each of them and will be missed by many friends.
Our condolences are extended to Kathy’s daughter Jennifer, her son
Ryan as well as her sister and two brothers.
      I went to high school with Kathy and also lived in Barrie for many years but sadly lost contact with Kathy about 12 years ago.  Just like most of her friends that lost touch along the way I so wish I had stayed in contact with her.  I am so sorry I was not aware she was not coping well with life and should have been a better friend.  I was not aware of her artistic talents either and would love to own one of her paintings if it was at all possible.  Sadly I should have been asking her for one while she was still on this earth.  I did attend her memorial service and it does not surprise me how many people she touched.   Several years ago, when Kathy and Rudy were purchasing their second home in Barrie, Kathy was trying to come up with a plan for me to own her first one.  She wanted to just give it to me since someone had given them a break she thought that I deserved a break too.  That was the type of person Kathy always was.  It was not a feasible plan but the thoughtfulness was always there.  I will miss her smiling face and hope she is at peace.
Sincerely,
Charlene Robson

   

It is with deep regret of the loss of, but also with fond memories of this wonderful, kind, loving woman, that this website will be maintained for Kathy's friends, fellow artists and family. Kathy will be truly missed by us all.

                                                                   ~Barb Armstrong - Webmaster
                                                                  barbara.armstrong@rogers.com