Katherine (Kay) Daum (née Martinuk) was born on January 5, 1935 in Saltcoats, SK to Thomas and Dora Martinuk. She grew up on the family farm with her older brothers, John and Nick and sister, Wendy. After high school graduation Kay worked at the Bank of Montreal in Saltcoats until her marriage to John Daum in 1958. John and Kay began their married life in Victoria and then Vancouver. Kay continued working for the bank after having her first child, Carla. The second child, Thomas passed away as a baby marking a very sad time for the family. Later four more children were born, David and Kathryn (Kathy) while the family was still in British Columbia, and Philip and Patti on the farm, after the family relocated to a quarter section next to the Martinuks. Once back in Saskatchewan, Kay rediscovered her farming roots, becoming a noted gardener. Her flower arrangements won awards both locally and provincially. She was involved with the Yorkton Horticultural Society where she served terms as Treasurer and President. For years she was known at the Yorkton farmers market as the Flower Lady selling everything from beautiful dried flower arrangements to bunches of her colorful lilies, dahlias and gladioli. In the winter Kay enjoyed curling and playing bridge. She and John attended many tournaments - resulting in both of them becoming Life Masters. Kay hooked rugs, made quilts for all her grandchildren, was a wonderful cook and baker. On those rare moments where she was sitting still, you could be sure to find her with a book in hand. A loving mother and proud grandmother, Kay was there to help each of her daughters when their children were born. She never came to visit without bring a load of garden vegetables with her. In their later years Kay and John enjoyed spending their winters in Yuma, AZ. If ever a family member or friend needed a hand - Kay was there. Later, when her own health turned grave and it was she who needed help, her life partner, John, was there for her - offering patience, love and personal care so she could remain at home for as long as humanly possible. Her children will always be grateful to their Dad, as well as caregiver, Judith Donaldson for making the most of these difficult last years. Kay leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory, her husband, John; five children: Carla (Mike Fitzpatrick), David, Kathy (Peter Eliuk), Philip (Gloria Fourier), Patti (Gordon Bird); six grandchildren: Lorelle, Tessa, Cameron, Bronwyn, Joel and Erica; her brother, Nick; and many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. In accordance with Kay's wishes a private family cremation committal will take place at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
