Professor Kim Clare, friend and colleague, dies
The following is a message Acting Dean Lyn Ferguson sent to faculty of staff in the Faculty of Social Work.
Professor Kim Clare
It is my very sad task to tell the University of Manitoba and the wider community of the passing on Feb. 18 of Professor Kim Clare, currently the Director of the Inner City Social Work Program at the William Norrie Centre.
Kim began her career as a Lecturer in 1983 in the Inner City Program and became Director and Associate Professor in 1993, holding that position for much of her career. She was also an Acting Associate Dean of Social Work (Undergraduate Programs) July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011.
In addition to teaching and advising thousands of undergraduate and graduate students in the Inner-city and MSW programs, Kim was an exceptionally skilled and beloved administrator, researcher and community activist in Winnipeg’s inner city community. She participated in the Academic Enhancement Fund UM Connecting to Kids Project, and most recently was participating with colleagues on a grant exploring the impact of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry Child Welfare Initiative on Child and Family Services in Northern Manitoba. She sat on many university-committees and community boards notably the Chairperson of the Makoonsag Intergenerational Child Care Centre, a founder and board member of the Legal Help Centre, and Member of Advisory/Steering Committee of the Aboriginal Visioning for the North end, Director of Developmental Services (Community Services) for the YWCA, and Chairperson of the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council from 2000 – 2003.
Reflecting those skills, Kim was awarded the University of Manitoba Outreach Award twice, once in 1988 and again in 2013 as well as winning the Canadian Association of Social Work Distinguished Social Work Award in 2001 and the Eira “Babs” Friesen Award for service to the advancement of women, sponsored by the YM-YWCA in 2010.
The loss for the profession of Social Work, the Faculty of Social Work at U of M, the wider university community, and particularly Winnipeg’s Aboriginal and North end communities is immeasurable. Kim was loved and respected by all who knew her.
We extend our sincere condolences to her partner Kathy Jones, their daughter Gina, Kim’s mother Mary, Richard Hill, Dennis Hill and family, and Kim and Kathy’s many close and dear friends.
A celebration of Kim’s life will be held February 27th at 1:30 p.m. at Meadowood United Church (1111 Dakota St, Winnipeg).
Sincerely,
Lyn Ferguson
Kim was such a beautiful person, her friendly smiles made me felt welcome and warm on my first day at WEC. She was an extremely supportive director, professor and counsellor to all students at WEC and me. Kim was an inspiration as a mother, as a social worker and as a professor. Thanks Kim, I will never forget you and how wonderful you were. Condolences to Kathy and the family.
Kim’s inspiration, commitment and vision continues on in all the projects and ideas she contributed in the University and the community. She will be missed by all those who knew her.
Kim was truly a beautiful individual who truly cared for our community, her compassion and caring will be missed
I have known Kim as my professor and my director. She was a woman with a big heart and passionate enough about her work from the start. She was good with her staff, students and community. Her quality of leadership created a legacy that inspires others to dream. Kim has contributed very well to the community and is a better place now. Kim will live always and forever in my heart. I will miss you!
My sincere condolences to Kim’s family. Kim leaves a very proud legacy of countless students and community people who’s lives are forever changed because they had honor of crossing Kim’s path. There is no word in the Ojibway language for goodbye because we believe we will always see each other again. It is my hope this brings comfort to everyone who will miss her dearly!
Kim was such a wonderful mentor and colleague to so many people over her lifetime, in her modest, quiet and loving way. We will miss Kim in so many ways. Thanks for sharing your life with us, Kim.
I recall making the decision at the age of 45, to pursue a degree in Social Work. I thought I was too old, but I always had a dream to work in an area I loved…with people. On my first day of class at the ICC, I had great trepidation. It was Kim who helped me to compartmentalize my feelings so I could inch forward. Kim had a quiet gentle demeanor, yet when she used carefully chosen words, she was able to empower students/community, like no one else I have ever known. I had the great fortune in having Kim as my academic adviser, confidante and friend. I was truly blessed to have had Kim at my graduation in May 2013. I will miss our emails, sharing of resources, and life. I am so grateful to have known you Kim. My deep condolences to Kathy, Gina and family.
I worked with Kim at the Ywca in Winnipeg..I was a Youth Program Officer at the time..We ran Camp Bonaventure, a YWCA Day Camp together…
Karen Smith-Black
I only recently was informed of the passing of Kim Clare and was sincerely saddened to hear of the loss of such a wonderful, dedicated and empowering person. I met Kim Clare in 2004 when I started the Inner City Social Work program and later she became my advisor. I will never forget the efforts she made to aid me in maintaining my tuition funding, and the positive perspective she had of my abilities and motivation despite my physical limitations. Nor her encouragement when I was having difficulties due to health issues interfering with my goals. I will never forget Kim. May your journey through the afterlife be beautiful and peaceful . My condolences to all her family and loved ones.