Friends and co-workers of Debbie Blais, who tragically drowned in a pond at Bootleg Gap Golf Course on Sunday, are trying to come to terms with the loss of a woman who was known, and loved, throughout Kimberley.
Blais, 55, was a familiar, smiling face at the Kimberley Medical Clinic, where she worked for many years.
Dr. Ilona Hale worked with Blais for years and admired her greatly.
"She was that amazing kind of person," Hale said. "I've been thinking of how she would talk about a bad situation and always find something good. But it's hard to find something good in this."
Hale says maybe one positive thing is that everyone who knew Blais can learn from the way she lived her life.
“She left us so much in that example. I was so privileged to be around her for so long.
“I wish I could have talked to her more about it, I wish I could have tapped into how you do it. How do you see the good in everything? How do you see good in chemotherapy?
“I want to just try to keep her alive that way, to be more like Deb.”
Blais battled breast cancer this past year with that same optimism.
Other friends are remembering her on Facebook as “a bright, kind, wonderful soul” and remember hearing her sing, and curling and golfing with her.
Blais was awarded as Employee of the Year by the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce at the business awards two years ago, a very popular win.
A funeral service for Debbie Blais will be held this Saturday, April 20 at McKim Theatre, at 2 p.m.
“I don’t think McKim Theatre will be big enough,” Hale said. “I don’t know a single person who didn’t love her. It’s just so hard.”