It is with immense sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dr. Kimberley Calder after a month long battle with an aggressive brain tumour. Kim was calm and brave in her final days and passed away peacefully holding her mother’s hand.
An intelligent student, Kim received the Robert Tegler Scholarship in 1978 and the U of A Undergrad Scholarship in 1981. She then attended medical school and graduated with distinction from the University of Alberta in 1983. She was awarded both the Shragge Memorial Award in Medicine and the Mewbourne Memorial Medal in Surgery. Kim went on to provide compassionate and skilled care at the CastleDowns Medicentre, St. Michael’s Clinic, TJ Clinic and most recently, her own practice in St. Albert.
A proud mother, Kim was incredibly devoted to her four children, Chris, Karen, Andrea and Scott. She encouraged and celebrated their unique talents and interests, providing them with endless opportunities and valuable experiences. By acting as a doctor, teacher, provider, counsellor, chef, chauffeur and their biggest fan, she really was a “supermom”.
Kim was an instrumental founding member of the Dynamyx Gymnastics Club of St. Albert. She spent several years as treasurer and donated countless volunteer hours helping it grow into a successful non-profit organization that has brought physical fitness and enjoyment to thousands of children. As a talented piano player, she also volunteered with the children’s choir and taught Sunday school at Kirk United Church.
Kim was passionate about music, movies, reading and traveling. She loved going to U2 concerts around the world, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Kim also loved animals and adopted many rescues throughout her life.
Kim made the most of every moment and accomplished enough in her short time for many lifetimes. She will be lovingly remembered by her family, friends and patients. Her kind heart, selfless generosity and brilliant mind will never be forgotten by the many people she impacted positively throughout her life.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 16th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., at the St. Albert United Church, 20 Green Grove Drive.
In memory of Kim, donations may be made to Doctors without Borders, 402 – 720 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5S 2T9 or Alberta Cancer Foundation, 11560 University Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 9Z9.
Elaine Arthur says
Dear Calder family, I am so sorry for your loss & that I missed the funeral. Dr. Calder was a wonderful doctor to myself & my 2 daughters. When the girls attended Dynamyx Gymnastics we didn\’t know Dr. Calder was connected. She is irreplaceable in our hearts & the world at large.
\”Life is short; break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably & never regret anything that made you smile!\” Unknown author.
Kindest regards, Elaine, Madison & Eden Arthur. <3 <3 <3
Scarlet Fischer says
Dr. Calder was one amazing role model in my life. To me she was someone I went to for my answers on anything if it was medical or personal. She always took the time to listen to me and I loved hearing about her travels. She loved her children and was so proud. I feel like I have lost someone close to me. I have been her patient since medicentre days. I followed her and only trusted in what she had to say even when it came to bad times in my life she never had a bad thing to say but always felt she protected me. She gave me great advise. I will miss her dearly and pray for her family as they get past this time. No one will ever be able to replace such a talented woman.
mitzi mcginnis says
I knew Kim way back in grade school. while our mom\’s were playing Scrabble upstairs, we were in the basement playing with the steel drum, doing skits and singing, I love to go a wondering. May God watch over her family and they find comfort in knowing she is their Guarding Angel now.
Nora Yaghi says
I met Dr. Calder in my early 20s when I was searching for a new doctor. She was kind, nonjudgmental and most important, she listened. She was a godsend for my mother who has numerous health issues. Dr. Calder never made her feel stupid or wrong.
Your mother was a wonderful person who touched so many lives. As a nurse, I\’ve met a lot of doctors who just don\’t care but your mom was not one of them. She truly cared.
When your mom went off sick, my mom worried about having to go to a new doctor and explain her unique condition and have to go through all the testing dr. Calder had already done. My mom received a referral in the mail today, it was for an appointment with a surgeon that she really needs to see. Dr. Calder made the referral for my mom before she left her practice and didn\’t tell her. A true testament that dr. Calder did the best for her patients all the time.
God bless you all during this difficult time.
Tiffany Bandura says
I was deeply saddened to find out about your loss. She truly was an amazing, patient, and loving person and I will miss all the talks we would have about travelling, University, and even Coldplay concerts. I will miss her, and I urge you all to be strong in this as I know you all have been.
Lee McGillivray says
I was deeply saddened to hear of Kim\’s passing. We worked together for many years at Castledowns Medicentre and St Michael\’s. She was a compassionate and knowledgeable physician who will be missed by her many patients. I shall miss her deeply as will her many colleagues and friends across the profession. To her family please accept my deepest condolences on your great loss. You will be in my prayers.
Lee McGillivray, Physician
Shelagh Tropak says
I was so very saddened to initial learn Dr. Calder was shutting down her practice. Dr. Calder became my doctor shortly after relocating from Winnipeg to Edmonton in the summer of 2001. She treated my various health issues at St. Michael\’s Clinic, TJ Clinic and most recently, her own practice in St. Albert. Her respect and patience for her patients went above and beyond. Most of all, I will miss her gentle and thoughtful manner.
machado christina says
My condolences go out to Dr. Calder`s family. I am truly sorry for your loss. I know this must have been devastating for you guys. When I found out the passing of Dr. Calder, I was in shock. I burst into tears. She
truly was a remarkable woman. She made me laugh when I went to see her for my checkups. She is irreplaceable. I miss her dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. She has set the standard high for me to find a good quality doctor. She would talk about the trips to Portugal and was proud of the photography that were in frames in her office. I have been a patient of hers even before she relocated to summit centre. When she relocated, I relocated as well. I only wanted her as a doctor and no one else. There was one time when I was so stressed out about a situation that I burst into tears and she said it will be okay and for me not to give up.
maria machado says
My condolences go out to the family of Dr. Calder. When I first heard the news of Dr. Calder`s passing I was shocked and I cried and was in disbelief that she was gone. I have been a patient of hers for 25 years. She is irreplaceable and will be missed dearly. She was a wonderful lady, doctor and a wonderful human being. She will be greatly missed.
Kim Wilkes says
My heart goes out to you in this moment of sadness. Dr. Calder was truly a gifted individual. I will always remember our conversations about travel and my concerns about her being a U2 \”groupie.\” My thoughts are with you but know that Dr.Calfer will always have a place in my heart for everything she did for me.
G. Callander says
My heart reaches out to you at this very difficult time.
Dr. Calder will never be forgotten, as she was a very caring and compassionate person and excellent doctor. She left a beautiful legacy.
I miss her very much…
Sarah-Jane Green says
My husband and I were deeply saddened to hear of Kim passing. She was a warm, gracious and kind person. I met Kim as my physician, and quickly discovered we both had a passion for travel and U2. We had great conversations about travel, U2 music and shows. Her warmth and caring always shone through when she talked about her kids.
I sat with Kim at the Edmonton U2 show in line and at the show. We had a great visit, talking about other shows and laughing at my jealousy that she had been to so many more than I had!
I will miss Kim, her open and friendly personality. My most sincere condolences to her family. Know that we all have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Specht says
My two girls and I knew Dr. Calder for over ten years. She was the best by far. I am saddened to hear of her loss. My condolences to the family.
Barry Lycka and Lucie Bernier-Lycka Lycka says
Our condolences to Kim\’s family, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Cathy and Kent Burt says
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Calders Family. She will be missed by many people.
Darryl LaBuick says
Our most sincere condolences to all family and friends of Dr. Calder. She was a great contributor to medical care in our community and her sudden passing is a tremendous loss to us all. She will be greatly missed by her patients and physician colleagues.
Darryl LaBuick MD
Grandin Medical Clinic
President – St. Albert Primary Care Network
Jeff and Lori Harmon says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Calder\’s family. Dr. Calder was a wonderful, caring physician and we will miss her dearly. She was a rare balance of thoroughness, thougtfulness and professionalism.
Liza Sheloff says
So sorry to hear of your mom,she was a very special dr. to me and had a heart of gold.
No words can take away the pain,just know she is in a place where she will be at peace.I know there will be no other dr.i will ajust to,i felt very lucky to have someone
who was easy to talk to and laugh with,please all take care,always remember the good days and holidays,every time i seen her it seems she was coming back from holidays or going,very lucky family you were.She will always watch over you.
Jessie Kelly says
To the Calder Family: i am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Calder was an amazing person and physician who always made me feel welcome and would listen to any concerns without making me feel like I was being rushed. She was a very kind person and I will miss her and remember her fondly.
Debbie Binfet says
Today is March 20th and I just found out the news of Dr. Calder passing away!! I was out of the country for three weeks and missed the obituary and therefore, the funeral. I am so sorry to hear this news and very sadden by it. She was such a good Doctor for me and always helped me when I needed it. I did consider her my \”friend\” even though I did not know very much about her personal life. I am amazed reading her obituary that she found time to do all those things with her busy practise!! We shared a love for travel. May she rest in peace!!
Randy and Rita Yeo says
We are so sorry to hear of Kim\’s passing! We spent time with Kim at Kirk – her passion for kids programs and music was so valuable, for both her own family and the Kirk family. We will be out of country, but will be thinking of you all on the 16th.
Vesna & Bill Ferenac says
We are so very sad to have lost such a great doctor ,as a doctor to us she can never be replaced.our thoughts and prayers are with the family.May God help you through this difficult time.Vesna &Bill Ferenac
Barry Lynn,:Laura, Gregory Gilmour Gilmour says
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Calder\’s passing. She has been our family physician since we moved to Edmonton from Antigonish Nova Scotia in 2001.. She always found somehow to find as much time as our family members needed to give us her kindness , care and attention. In 2009 I lost my mother Esther Gilmour to Cancer. Dr. Calder was kind enough to make house calls to help us keep and care for mom at home. I had to retire early as a health professional from the University of Alberta Hospital.due to a chronic illness ,Dr. Calder always made sure I saw the proper specialists and had the care and documentation.I needed. She was an excellent person and physician and gave all of herself to her patients, Our son Gregory is a physician and a resident in internal medicine. He was in grade 10 when he first visited Dr. Calder. as a patient. If he is half as caring and and selfless with his patients as Dr. Calder was with hers,we as parents will be very proud.Dr. Calder was a shining example of what a Dr. should be and also had the personal qualities that can only be admired by most. I did not know her well , other than as our family doctor. During my many appointments over the years, we did however get the chance to talk a little about our respective families. She was so proud of her children and spoke of them often. Our family feels like we have lost a good friend as well as a great family physician.It makes no sense why terrible things happen to the individuals who give and contribute the most to this world.Our prayers are with you all . May she rest in peace.
Rick and Nancy Davidson says
We were so very sorry to hear of Kim\’s passing. We have joyful memories of sharing time and wine with Kim on numerous New Year\’s Eves many years ago. She was a smart, caring woman who will be sadly missed.