Carol Hiemstra (Kinakin) passed away suddenly at home, at the age of 70, leaving her loving family to cherish her memory.
Carol was born to Anne and John Kinakin on March 9, 1945, in Nelson, BC. She was the youngest of four, Pauline (George), Annie (Harold), and Nellie (Pete). Carol attended South Nelson Elementary School and completed grade 10 at Trafalgar Secondary. She met then married Gordon Hiemstra on December 30, 1961. Carol and Gordon’s parents lived on Observatory Street in Nelson.
While living on Baker Street, Carol and Gordon had their daughter, Karen, and son Donnie. In 1966 they moved to Hall Siding, where they built their home and business, Speedway Salvage, while raising their family. In 1970 the family was forced to move due to the highway development that expropriated their property.
Carol resided in Salmo from 1970 to 2000 where she raised her family and took pleasure in gardening, cooking, and entertaining friends and family. No one ever went away from the Hiemstra residence hungry, even if they were casual acquaintances or clients. When she was not running for parts for the business Carol enjoyed looking after, and raising, poultry. She had a variety of exotic poultry breeds and was commonly referred to as the “egg lady”.
Carol loved to have people over and thrived on planning events where everyone could come together and create memories. One of Carol’s many gifts was making people feel welcome and comfortable. Carol was always the first person to step up and help. She was incredibly charitable and gave freely of herself.
Following the separation from husband Gordon, Carol relocated back to her roots in Nelson, where she held several retail positions. In 2004 Carol moved to Cedar Grove, where she became entrenched in her new community. Carol thrived off the people, energy, and environment that Cedar Grove provided. Carol felt that she had found where she belonged and spoke fondly of the relationships she formed.
Carol will be sadly missed by those she left behind.
A memorial service will be held Saturday April 18th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Best Western Conference room in Cranbrook BC.
Arrangements are under the direction of
Thompson Funeral Service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca