Eight bells – karin larson

Mar 22, 2018

KARIN LARSON

Passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in Mississauga at the age of 95. Survived by sisters Bernice Molter and Mickey Lightfoot, plus many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Karin was a graduate of the Ryerson Institute of Technology School of Journalism and in 1957 founded “Gam on Yachting”. She was recognized for her many contributions to various causes such as the Tall Ships Programs, shipments of materials and supplies to hospitals and schools in Cuba, support of the Spring Thaw Luncheon by the International Boat Show (1999) and was inaugurated into the Boat Show Hall of Fame. In 2002 she received the Ryerson University Award for Distinguished Achievement and inaugurated into the Ryerson Wall of Fame. In 2005 she was named Yachtsman of the Year. A special thanks to the staff at Mississauga Long Term Care for the wonderful care she received during her stay.

A funeral service will be held at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Thursday, March 22 at 11:00 a.m. Karin has been cremated and her remains will be spread on the Toronto Island that she so dearly loved. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.

A tribute from Toronto Brigantine

karin * was a great supporter of STV Pathfinder and the Toronto Brigantine program. She especially was keen that the less fortunate youth in Toronto got an opportunity to participate in the program and find their, (often buried or disguised) talents and character.

She was founding and life member of the TBI Board and her influence was with the program for all the years that I was actively engaged (1972 – 1994).

As publisher of GAM magazine, she helped time and again build the awareness of the program with photos, art, stories, and promotions. Because of her influence, GAM generously donated advertising space for the seasonal programs, fundraising events, and special anniversary milestones.

I’m confident that this exposure reached a much broader audience across Canada than TBI could have otherwise achieved on its own; in the boating audience and beyond. To cottages and homes where, GAM could be picked up and a yarn or article read for its content or perspective with interest that sparked action, and fed the enrollment aboard all 3 Brigantines; St. Lawrence II in Kingston, and STV Pathfinder with TS Playfair in Toronto.

The magazine was also instrumental in maintaining connections with the Yacht Clubs and their Junior programs, and the to the parents and grandparents of “Brig Kids”.
Yet another reminder that its People that make the difference in others lives.

Thanks Karin, you’ll be missed and long remembered.

• *It was a curious eccentricity that I understand that karin preferred to use lowercase letters for her name…. I’m not sure why…

– Richard Birchall

Sailor

Life Member Toronto Brigantine

former skipper STV Pathfinder, and former Executive Director Toronto Brigantine