Condolences
Judith, you have been in my thoughts all day today as I wish I could be sharing birthday greetings with you and hearing your infectious laugh and gentle humorous perspectives on the world at large. Thank you for always being so easy to talk to and for your generous acceptance of diverse outlooks and pursuits. You brought a brightness to so many people's lives and a positive possibility to me personally. Your inquisitive personality and genuine interest in others was an inspiration to me and I have always felt very lucky to have connected with you and the Watt -Hardisty family. The regard, respect, and love, your "little" brother, Blair, had for you was especially touching, as was Geoff's. You carried on the gentle,kind loving nature of your Mom, Yvonne, along with your own sharp wit and humor. Thank you for all you brought to my life and our world. Your birthday will always be special, as are you. You will always be loved and appreciated.
My heart broke with the news of Judy’s passing! Oh how I loved her.We met at SFU in the spring of 66, and we instantly connected. Two practicums later (one in New west,, the other in Smithers) we’d requested Kelowna, but oh well, we were ready for a new adventure. When I told her I was heading to Montreal to see my then guy, she said...I’m coming, and so we boarded the train with little idea of what was ahead.It was a year filled with challenges and laughter. We were soul-sisters! Had it not been for a change in Quebec’s politics ,I’m sure we would have stayed, but our students had minimal English and we were very, very limited in French. The next year we would be required to teach 60% in French. Nope, not us. Several shared apartments later back home, Judy was one of my bridesmaids, and soon after she was off to Calgary to start her own life and family.Judy was so proud of her children, she loved them with all her heart! Judy had a certain energy and light about her, and I am sure her family will carry it forward no matter where they are in time and space. I shall treasure the 15 years we shared...she was one of a kind and I am richer for it! Lynne Grender
I just want to extend my condolences for both the loss of your wonderful Mom and your Dad.
I had quite a few great laughs with Judith while working at the library. She was a strong independent woman and I will miss her.
Dear Megan and Sam,
Judith was a special friend to all, and if I thought we had a special friendship, yes we did, but she gave that friendship to all who knew her. Judith loved the rocks in our small rock garden in Sundre. and there was the running commentary from Ken and Judith about her stealing rocks from our garden. She stole my heart from the day I met her, and then met Rick, and then met Megan and Sam through Judith's stories. Ken and Annie Barnes
Dear Megan and Sam,
Judith was a special friend to all, and if I thought we had a special friendship, yes we did, but she gave that friendship to all who knew her. Judith loved the rocks in our small rock garden in Sundre. and there was the running commentary from Ken and Judith about her stealing rocks from our garden. She stole my heart from the day I met her, and then met Rick, and then met Megan and Sam through Judith's stories. Ken and Annie Barnes
Some Memories of Our Friendship
Many walks, many talks, lots of laugher and some tears,
Hundreds of books (some that shook!) during our friendship of 40 years,
Searching for stones, and giant cones, for the garden you loved so much,
Then. Quiet times on the deck, just enjoying the sun’s gentle touch.
Fate took you from us too soon, dear Jude, but you live on in our memories.
Love,
Pat
My deepest sympathy to Rick and family of their loving wife and mother. I lived for a time in Saudi Arabia in the same compound and had the pleasure of knowing Judith and Rick. Judith was a sparkling point in daily life there and I know she will be greatly missed.
Lucille Elwell
It was the budding friendship of our two beautiful daughters, little girls at the time, that brought Judith and me together so many years ago. From that beginning, a deep abiding bond formed between us over the ensuing years.
We enjoyed many strolls along the ridge of the river valley, poking our noses into peoples yards checking out gardens and interesting flower beds, dreaming and scheming about how we could create beauty in our own gardens.
Coffee dates were frequently partnered up with our walks. At Lina's that generally included a croissant, Edelweiss for lunch or some luscious pastry, Scarpones in the mornings for a warm and sugary doughnut.
Our ultimate annual Christmas outing included a trip to 17th Avenue for coffee and a huge, sticky cinnamon bun, followed by several of hours gazing at the Christmas treasures displayed in The Rubaiyat Christmas gallery.
And of course, Judith never met a stranger. She unfailingly had something kind or interesting to ask or impart to all who crossed our path. It was a very endearing quality of her persona.
My dear, sweet friend...I miss you and our walks but you’ll be in my heart always. Ingrid
Please accept my most sincere condolences on Judith’s passing.
Rick and Judith were neighbours in Saudi Arabia. I remember very well how Judith loved the early morning desert air doing laps around the compound, while I was exercising my Spring Spaniel. Their lovely hospitality led to my wife, Pauline, being invited to the regular weekend Canadian Breakfast at the compound restaurant.
I am so sad that this lovely, kind, compassionate, intelligent couple are no longer with us.
May they Rest in Peace.
To Megan and Sam Hardisty,
I have not met you, but I enjoyed the company of your Mom every month at our book club. She had a keen mind and a sharp wit, contributing many interesting opinions and ideas about the books we read.
Judith has been greatly missed at book club these past few years and I offer sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Judith and I met over 30 years ago at the Calgary Council of Home and School meetings. Judith went on to be president and no educational issue or detail was overlooked by her keen mind. Her enthusiasm for excellent education never wavered. There was also fun and laughter driving to meetings and staying in hotels in Red Deer and Edmonton.
In the years after Judith returned from Riyadh there were more good times. We visited over lunch, teas, coffee or dinner. I have great memories’ sharing High Tea at the Palliser or on the Famous Five verandah. There was always chocolate at some point, I still make her chocolate mousse torte.
We started volunteering together at Ujamaa Grandmas. Judith gave passionate talks to groups about the Grandmothers in Africa and made many friends. While she enjoyed great discussions about books and world affair above all Judith’s passion was for her family.
Judith, your warmth, laughter, caring and friendship will be missed.
Joyce
Meeting Judith in the fall of 1992 was the start of a wonderful friendship which eventually encompassed Rick, Megan and Sam. This friendship has been a very important part of the last three decades.
Stories and laughter shared over coffee, lunches and dinners here in Calgary, in Riyadh and in Saudi Arabia. Judith speaking to a protest against education cuts in the 1990s. Judith, tears in her eyes, motivating us before the first Ujamaa Grandmas' Unused Fabric Sale of which she had been one of the organizers. Judith giving me a lesson in how to use an electric mower safely. Judith accompanying me to French movies, swapping book suggestions over coffee.
Thank you, Judith.
Sally, Calgary
So many memories of life with my wonderful sister. ChanTV Dance Party, first day debacle at Massey/Pearson, the 16th birthday party, Smithers - then Montreal, Rick Lee, August 30, 1972, "Stop picking on your sister", Cornwall Street, Ari, Judith Byrne, Ruby - "Who's Ruby?", ceramic wine coolers, Blair, our last visit. Your acceptance of life and all of its ups and downs. Your smile, your laugh, you. These and so many other memories defined the relationship of our brotherly and sisterly love, our own unique relationship. The millions of tears of this week will fade from memory, but Judith you will forever be in my heart and thoughts and I already miss you more than words can say.
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