Saturday, December 31, 2016
Thinking about Kay lately, I googled her name today, up came the endorsement for Christine Elliott in 2009 and this notice.
Kay was the "Mother of our Party" becoming the first female president was just icing on the cake!
I fondly recall meeting her in Toronto at the 1981 OPCA convention and seeing her hand-cut Irish shamrocks as convention signs for the first time. The shamrocks were her brand, a unique trademark. She didn't need to impress anyone, she didn't have the budget and it didn't matter... her tireless effort serving the party was renown. I was grateful for her support as I ran against an incumbent.
Serving on the OPCA Executive from 1981-1985 with Kay, i noted her passion and tirless efforts. I recall her wisdom and trying to educated us about rural canvassing was why it fundamentally different, and we needed separate break out sessions. I recall an executive meeting with the Premier where she spoke her mind directly to him which had "not be done before"; everyone understood her role was to advocate for rural Ontario and challenge conventional thinking when required.
At a special executive meeting shortly before Premier Bill resigned, he looked directly at her and Ron "from the Ottawa Valley" saying there would be announcement that would be difficult for some to support but it was important for party unity to remember we are one family. After he left there was a buzz of what it could be. Everyone said I was "crazy" that he would extend Catholic school funding. But that was the only issue that divided our right wing views, (there were few who were on the right side in those days), I believed this as the Premier nodded to Denzil Minnan-Wong, Senior and I, the only Catholics on the executive. The following day, the extension for separate school funding was announced. She took her hard, but was loyal to our party.
In the 1984 provincial leadership campaign,she was honoured yet again being named as Co-chair of the convention. She couldn't be neutral and moved to a leadership role for Frank Miller which spoke to her integrity.
I'll always remember her effort to drive in the evening to speak at our 1989 Scarborough Agincourt AGM, She traversed the province boosting morale and spreading the "good news". Her commitment, time and kindness to help others without any reward or need for acknowledgment was a shining example of her old-fashioned values to serve.
I remember her quick humour, engaging smile and above all, her delightful, big warm smile and Irish brogue.
May the Wetherall family be comforted by the many friends who respected and admired Kay, and mourn her loss as well. She's probably speaking to God telling him about the PC Party, advocating for rural needs!
With affection,
Maureen
