Obituary of Katherine Yorston

Katherine ‘Kath’ Yorston (nee Macalister) passed away peacefully at Quesnel’s Dunrovin Lodge on January 7, 2019.

Kath was born on a farm in Macalister, BC on November 12, 1913 and lived to be the phenomenal age of 105.  While growing up on the farm an appreciation for nature germinated and a fun-loving spirit blossomed.  Kath attended Macalister school before heading to Kamloops to complete high school and then to Victoria where she completed her teaching training.  Kath returned to the Cariboo in 1934 for her first teaching assignment at 10 Mile Lake, north of Quesnel, before taking positions at Menzinger Creek and Macalister.  Kath married Jack Yorston in 1939.  Kath continued to teach to contribute her support to build the core structure of their forever home on the Australian Ranch.  Kath left teaching to become a mom and a full-time farmer’s wife which included tending a large garden and preparing lots of meals for her family, Herman (life-long hired hand), an army of seasonal farm workers, nieces, nephews and guests at Australian Ranch. 

Kath was an active community member, she was a brave Kersley Cub Leader, a founding member of the Kersley Women’s Institute, and a canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society.  She co-hosted the annual Australian May picnics, she was an avid square dancer with Jack, and she was an accomplished cribbage player and champion even at the age of 101 (often teamed with Fred Magnuson). She travelled internationally which made her believe there is no place like home.  Kath was often seen hunting noxious weeds (knapweed) and burning piles with her co-pyros, Binkie and June.  Kath enjoyed brisk walks in nature everyday, she loved to swim (especially the ponds along the Fraser near Macalister and McLeese Lake), she was a prolific knitter of random wool colours, she treasured social visits with friends and family, she beamed as she told stories from her childhood,  she appreciated a cold beverage in a nice shady spot on a hot day, and she most importantly always made the most of every new day.

Kath lost both her eldest son, John, and her husband in 1990.  Kath’s sister, June, joined her at the farm.  Remaining on the farm until 2007, she then left to fully embrace a new chapter in life at Maeford Place in Quesnel.  Age and health concerns expedited a move to Dunrovin Lodge in 2015.

Kath was predeceased by her parents, James MacLagan & Charlotte (Sibbald) Macalister, husband Jack and son John Yorston, brothers Jim, Donald, Sandy, Jack, Joe, Bob, France Macalister, sisters June Sinclair, and Rene Horner.  Kath is survived by her sons Ken (Debra) and Bob (Lenore) Yorston, grandchildren Jodie Hinks(Scott), Ken Yorston Jr (Britt), Holley Yorston, Kelly Yorston (Kimball) and Kerri Yorston (Rock), great grandchildren Jaymie, Jessie, Sammy, Jack, Charlie, Cale, Lenz and Liliane, niece Linda Macham often referred to as daughter she never had and many deeply loved nieces and nephews.

Our deepest gratitude to the Medical staff, administration and wonderful caregivers at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital, Maeford Place, and Dunrovin Lodge. 

A Celebration of life to be held on the August long weekend.