Here we’ve included excerpts about Kay from some letters, cards, emails, and other memories that have been shared in writing. Please feel free to add more in the comment section at the bottom of this page.

 

Comments written about Kay from January to July 2016

Kay, my dearest friend after forty years, you’re still the most sweetest, happiest, feistiest, ball of joy that I’ve ever met. From the first time that I met you… you were confident, courageous and committed to your work and everything you put your mind to. I was intimidated by someone so cute and little who could lift food trays… that if they were placed on their side would stand taller than you were… but at the same time who had the aplomb to diffuse any situation. And… those big arm muscles! Kay your courage has never waivered. The selflessness that you’ve displayed and your ability to make each person feel loved and important were never too heavy… just like those trays. I love you my dear friend… and our love will last forever.      Sara

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A quote from Winnie the Pooh. There are mementos all over my house of Kay – ornaments, trinkets from travel. All evidence of how wonderful Kay has been to me since I was born. Perhaps my favorite thing about Kay is her beauty. It radiates to the people she is around. Playing on the floor with my kids, how she smiles and encourages. Kay, you have been on of the brightest “lights” in my life. My mom, Sara, couldn’t have chosen a better person to be my GODmother. Su Ling (goddaughter)

We will definitely carry Kay’s beautiful heart and smile for eternity. Tina

Kay was such a kind and gracious woman. Linda

I LOVED Kay’s laugh. She was half a floor away, but I would hear it and it would break my concentration into a smile! Her gentle coaxing of co-workers to overcome their hesitations and embrace their own strengths – this is a mark of a genuine mentor. Thank you, dear Kay. Emily

Kay was an inspiration with her kindness and strength of spirit. She is missed. Lyn

I often thought about the great love and respect you, Bill and Kay, shared with one another and then let overflow onto others. Vickie

She was an amazing person and led such a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know her. Trina

Although short in stature, Kay was a giant in the Senior community. She was well respected for her knowledge, passion and advocacy on behalf of Alaska Native elders. Alaska Commission on Aging

Bill, I have always held you and Kay up individually as sort of “Super People,” people of immense character and talent, people who did a lot of good in this world of ours! When I found out that you guys were a couple I was super jazzed! Two “Super People” hooking up! Eric

Kay has been such a treasure to the State of Alaska and so many of its residents. We know how blessed we were to know Kay, and will always remember her caring, sincere, loving nature.        Aging & Disability Resource Center

The world is a better place because of Kay! Dawina & Ray

May the kindness and enthusiasm of Kay ALWAYS be remembered and treasured. I looked up to her not only because she was always so positive, but because of her strength and genuine kindness. Annie

She’s gone from us but not gone. Kay’s big, loving spirit lives on in you Bill, and all of us who knew her, plus who knows how many ripples in elder care, friends, family, etc.  Jan

Kay has been such a special light in our lives. John

We will always remember the loving and caring person Kay was. Beverly

“We take care of our people from cradle to grave.” That’s a quote from Dan Karmun, Sr. “And the “we” in this instance includes family, community, and our tribal health care system.” The last sentence was added by Kay Branch. Mellisa

Kay will always be alive for me – she has a home in my soul and I’m ever so grateful. Bruce

Kay, I want to say thank you for being that person that is always a phone call away. I think of you so often and wished many times that we lived closer. Debbie

I’d love to stop by and visit when you are having a good day – just to say hello and hear your wonderful laugh! I miss it so! Much love, Enie

I hope you are doing well. I miss your kind and loving spirit! Annie

Please know how much we love you, cherish you, hold you, wish you free of pain and discomfort. Warm and tender hugs to you both, Sarah, Keith, Bethany, Emma, Daniel

You are a lovely, dear spirit and I think of you often. Holding you in my heart. Love, Deb

I wanted to express how much I love you and thank the Lord for you. It’s hard to express though. I keep thinking how you and Bill have stuck out your neck and put on the Caring Bridge what is happening. You both are very brave to do this and generous to your loved ones. I’m praying for a miracle healing. Love, love, love. Sara

We love you Kay! Wishing you all the love, laughter, and goodwill in the world. You are a light in spirit and you shine so brightly to all who have the pleasure of knowing you. Love, Adrienne

Happy Anniversary to you, dear Kay and Bill, you are the embodiment of love. Jan & Mike

Please know how much love and support is out there for you from ANTHC and my family; we all love you! Stacy

The image on this card speaks to me of the enduring beauty and strength of your spirit, of all the light of yourself that you have so generously shared with all of us, that continues to reflect in the waves of all that happens. You have done such good and given so much love. I can’t think of you without seeing your brilliant, joyous smile. I am smiling in return. Love, Patti

Kay, I am so incredibly lucky to have you in my life. You are so positive and energetic, and loving! Any conversation with you is a good one. I am so fortunate to have someone like you to look up to. Naomi

Dear Kay, your strength, compassion and kindness have always been a positive and influential force in my life. Regardless of how I feel on any given day, your smile and laughter never fails to boost my mood. Love, your fellow short friend, Mollie.

Kay. You are such a special person to me. You are one of the best people I know and have taught me not only the importance of kindness and generosity but the difference a smile can make. Whenever I think of you, your smile is the first thing I think of and how it would always brighten my day. In addition to this one-of-a-kind smile, I think of your laugh which is infectious and makes anyone in your presence laugh too. I just want to let you know how much of a joy you are in my life and the impact you have had on me and who I am/hope to be. Sending you an immeasurable amount of love, Sylvia.

I will hold such fond memories of your beautiful soul and pass along those memories of Peter Rabbit, that you shared with me, to my son Parker as he gets older, so he will know that joy too. Thank you for being “my friend Kay” and I’m so honored to know you. Sending you love and hugs, Rachael

Even though our paths have not crossed often – Anchorage and Alaska is too small for me not to notice all of the positive things you have done for our community. Please know your influence spreads far and wide – and continues always to bring joy and good things. Thank you for your gifts and showing me the path. Hugs and Peace, Julia

Kay was an advocate for many and will be missed. Pat and Gordon

I so enjoyed working with Kay. Her commitment and devotion to the elders she served was inspiring, and she brought such a personal touch to all she did. I hope that those she left behind will continue to move her vision forward. Bill, it was very touching to see the strength of your relationship, and the deep love and devotion you shared. Terri

Good bye… dear friend Kay. This poem is for you:

Hello darkness my old friend.

I heard the new today, so I’m here to talk again.

Fall to my knees and pray, a life taken too soon.

A razorblade taken to the soul; opening a new wound.

A devastating blow. A missing puzzle piece.

But she whispers in the wind; it helps to find some inner peace.

But hurt will always be within.

Hiding in shadows is clear; Eeyore and his cloudy rain.

Between a blink and a tear; good memories remain.

                                                 Keir

Kay. I am so saddened to hear you have to start all over again with the treatments. You are such a wonderful person, so caring of others, kind and considerate, always cheerful and upbeat. I do not understand why these things happen. Please know that you and Bill are in all of our hearts, and in our prayers as you take up the fight, and begin another long journey. Joan

Dear Kay! I’ve always loved who you are, what you’re about and the value you’ve placed on elders. You are small but your spirit is huge. Love you, friend. You will get on top of this pain. Emily

Kay – thanks for sharing your message and sending the e-mail update. As a member of the 2012 CHL cohort, I too felt instantly connected to you and the others and certainly now feel the pain in my heart knowing that you are going through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are truly an amazing individual and my life is that much richer having honor of knowing you…Love and Peace my dear – God be with you!!! Debbie

I received word today that your situation was a focus at a tribal healing ceremony here! We cannot always know what the future holds, but we know that we can do whatever it takes to make our time as rich and meaningful as we can. Know that we love you and will supply all that you need from us. Shelly

It’s so hard to know how to express our deepest feelings without sounding like a greeting card. We love you both so much and are really happy that we got to know Kay during our trip with you guys last summer. I remember a couple of times when Kay and I sat together (while you and Les were off adventuring) and spoke with each other heart to heart. I can’t believe that life has changed so dramatically for you both in such a short amount of time. Less than a year ago, we were kayaking all around Shuyak, schlepping stuff sacks up and down beaches, taking tents up and down and slogging through swampland (Kay and I). It took strength and stamina (emotional and physical) to do those things. I guess what I want to say here, is that I hope Kay (and you) can find that strength and stamina to get through her cancer treatment. We are here whenever either of you need us. Sandy

You’re such a beautiful spirit. Both of you shine. I’m holding you close at heart Kay May everyday be filled with so much love that you feel your heart about to explode. ❤️ thank you dear one for your friendship. Your presence in my life lifted me. Really. Karen

HI Kay and Bill, thinking of you, as the sun shines warmly along Lake Superior. I can only imagine these are hard and scary days, but wishing you peace, and feeling such gratitude Kay for all the joy and life lessons you brought into my life and the lives of us here in the U.P.! Peace be with you. Ruth

You both are so amazing, I’m in awe of your strength and open heart. Thank you for being there in such a powerful way for Kay, Bill, such deep acts of love. Kathy

Kay & Bill, I think of you both a lot every day. I am so glad for Kay’s friendship & mentorship. I miss having coffee with her, but am so glad for all the visits we had with warm beverages away from the office. It is so good to hear that family & friends have come up as supports. Lakota

Kay and Bill…clearly surrounded by love and support…the same you’ve given to others so often in so many ways. You are not only being held in loving hands and prayer, but you are also holding those who love you by your example. You are showing each of us the way for the day when we take this journey ourselves. Thank you for all you’ve given of yourself, for all you’ve taught for the benefit of others, and for the things you’ve yet to share. Peace and strength to you both. Ken

Tears again today as I read your story. The joy I feel, however is the blessing in having known you Kay. There is a kindred spirit there which is difficult to lose. I am grateful to have been a part of you living, and now your dying. Thank you for not holding your light under a bushel, but for sharing it widely. I will NEVER forget our many times together and your wisdom. I will think of you daily and pray for peace. Now friend, you are at your own river, God speed your swim to Him. Shelly

My heart both breaks and soars to think of you two as you navigate this new passage together. You will cross this bridge in style, as you have done everything else in this life. Please know you are not alone — that Dave and I and so many others are with you in Spirit. Cari

Kay you have led a beautiful life of service creating a great host of people who are saddened to hear you must leave us so soon. I am glad Jim and I got to see you last spring. I wish the world had an answer to give you more good time here. A visit to this planet is such a rare gift. We each learn to appreciate it more as the years go by. I know you and Bill have truly appreciated the gift of life on Earth to the fullest. Please know you have our love and we will do our best to hold you in the Light. You are an example of a life well lived. Blessings dear girl. Renee and Jim

•  Very well written Bill, and we will carry Kay’s love and spirit with us always as you have said.
•  It’s been hard to verbalize how I’m feeling and my thoughts towards you both.
•  Breaking through the sadness, I think about Kay’s smile, her quick wit and cute giggle and how wonderful it was that you two found each other.
•  I’ll never forget looking at all those beautiful pictures of Alaska and your wonderful wedding.
•  Not everyone has had an opportunity to know someone as special and awesome as Kay and Bill, and at this moment, I reflect how blessed I am to count you both as friends.
•  At this time encouragement and comfort come from God’s word in which says:” God has placed eternity in the hearts of man”.

Until we meet again in eternity my beautiful friend. I love you, Sara

I love you, Kay Branch. Thank you for always helping. My heart hurts for you. Cynthia

Kay, please know that those of us who worked with you are invested in keeping the ball(s) rolling! Much work has been and is being done on Traditional Foods as well as Long Term Services and Supports. All of us are working in directions we know are in keeping with your hopes and dreams and we do it joyfully! Please don’t worry about the work continuing! You laid the track, set the train in motion, and we are enjoying the ride you established for us. The world of love for elders and their needs is always on our minds, thanks to you. Shelly

Bill and Kay — this is a time for balance, right? Please know that it is okay to tell us “thoughtful friends” that you need to limit visits … both in number per day and how long they last. We all do understand! The impact of Kay’s impressive work and energy will live long into the future through the love and programs she has impacted. Blessed are those who take naps and breaks so that we are all rejuvenated and aware of those important little moments to cherish……Peace and strength for the days ahead. Julia

My heart breaks as I read this! Kay you must know that your legacy, your loving commitment to Alaska Native elders will go on far beyond their lives and our own lives. So many of us barely leave a mark beyond our immediate family, but not you. Love you, friend. Emily

Bill, Chuck has kept us informed on Kay’s condition, and our hearts are with you during this difficult time. Kay is a beautiful caring person who has done so much to make the world a better place. We wish you strength and peace. Lynn & Allan

Wonderful of Kay to think about others. She is surrounded by love with family and friends. Bill, you and Kay are an inspiration to many of us. When I think about her wonderful smile, it makes me smile. – Wisteria

Kay, I wanted more time with you. I wanted you and Bill to retire and move to the Oregon Coast so we could all hang out on the beach and grow old together. (This was my private fantasy.) I wanted you to show me how to start a sock from the toe up again. I wanted you to have time to fall in love with our dog, Fig, the way you did with Jenny. I wanted to have another gin and tonic with you, and have you instruct me on how to get the balance of gin and tonic just right. I wanted more.I really, really like and admire you and time will not change that. I was so glad that Tom’s best friend, Bill, the Bill I met first in 1969 in the shack on Spring Street, that that Bill found you, about the time Tom “re”found me. The soul does not end, but those of us lucky enough to know you will miss The Kay we knew, no matter how briefly. Strength to the Sword Arm. We’ll see you again and know you for who you are. Honest. Good. Kind. Smart. I am grateful. With a full heart, Fay

Please thank Kay for making me a better person. Respectfully Rick

Kay, if you can hear any of this, want you to know that out in Unalakleet we are breaking ground this summer on an assisted living facility, remodeling the kitchen used for the Elder’s lunch program increasing the level of in-home Elder services, starting a small food bank, and getting ready to order a handicapped van. The work you did over the years to call attention to the needs of Alaska Native Elders inspired many of us to strive for better. As we worked together over the years for Elder interests across the state and within “Indian Country”, I also remember sharing concerns with you about our own aging family members. As we sadly see you prepare for a higher level of existence, know that you have left a solid foundation and an enduring legacy. Go calmly and peacefully. Thank you for sharing this last journey, the same way you have so graciously shared so much with so many all throughout your life. You are a very special lady. Joan

Having been blessed to participate in the passing of many friends and relatives, it has been impressed upon me that our dying time is truly a sacred time. Watching Kay’s face as she travels to her next home and the arms of our Savior, you speak of her joy and the lightness of her spirit, in spite of all the adversity. That has been my experience with individuals whose life has been well-lived and whose passing is one without regrets. I am a better person for my relationship with Kay and I will miss you sorely, my friend. Please know, dear heart, that a piece of each of us will go with you but we will have joy knowing that your suffering is over and that your next journey will be one of blessings eternal. I trust that we will see one another again. Until that time, I will continue our work. Love to you and peace for your passing. I will not forget our times together. Shelly

One of the marks of a life well lived… is to live with others in mind… to be hospitable. At this most trying time…. you guys have pulled back the curtain and waved us all to come in…a most hospitable act. In some way, shape or form… we all will experience this journey and your generosity at this time, has now or will one day help us along this path. You’ve taught us all the definition of courage. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your beautiful life Kay and Bill. I love you both and so does everyone else. May the Lord continue to hold you in His loving care. Sara

Thank you Bill. Sending hugs & prayers and gladness to have been lucky for having Kay in our world. Rose and Pete

Bill, you said that you are overflowing with love and thankfulness…. wow. A deep bow to you Kay for your bright spirit, another to those surrounding you now as you let go and allow the Divine to cradle you all more deeply. It is an amazing circle, like in the song “there are angels hov’ring ’round, there are angels hov’ring ’round…” And Kay, with all your sweet caring, you are one of the Angels! I love you. Ruthe

Kay knows I am not much of a hugger but please give her a hug for me. And I wish many more for you too Bill. I keep Kay’s wonderful smile in my mind. I have been so sad that her body is getting finished with its work & am so glad I know her. Lakota

May God be gentle with this most gentle of His children, she who tended to the flowers of the fields and those who were nourished by Kay’s thoughtfulness – – – providing Native nourishment to fill both their hearts and their tummies . . . we are blessed for having known her and been her neighbor . . . may she go gently into that sweet night which will bring her to the rest and the home she has so deserved . . . and we who have been so enriched by her loving presence will regret her passing, but rejoice in the joy which will be hers forever! Don and Toni

I had the pleasure of meeting Kay in 2006 in Sitka, where she held listening circles with Elders on their experiences with cancer. She was a model for me on how to interact respectfully with our Elders and listen to learn. I respect her and wish Alaska hadn’t lost one of our preeminent advocates for Elders. God bless her family with peace. – Shelley

I’m so saddened to hear that we have lost Kay. She will always be someone who I remember with fondness and great respect. She cared so deeply for our Elders. I cannot express my sorrow enough to her beloved family. All I can say is thank you for sharing her precious light with us. She was a loving, fun, and caring person. – Liz

Kay was a light unlike any other. Her laugh and smile was simply the most infectious I’ve ever known. In fact, I can hear it in my head as I write this note. One of my favorite memories of her will always be the day I came by your hotel room in Juneau, Bill. I think were were all there for a Trust meeting and I was picking the two of you up so that you could introduce me to that fabulous little Thai food place. The roaring laughter and giggles coming from behind the door had me laughing too as Kay answered the door. I don’t think I ever found out what was so funny but I hope it’s happy memories like these that bring comfort during the days ahead. Erika

Kay was an awesome person with so much kindness and love for all her family and friends. She is an angel for sure and will always be in Arnie and My heart. Rose

Kay will be dearly missed and her work and love for Alaska Native elders will continue. I will always remember Kay’s smile and her laugh (made you smile). And walking through the Hundred Acre forest (Totem Park in Sitka) with her and Christine. Karen M

Thank you Kay for sharing your beautiful self with all of us! You were such a loving and giving person. You will be missed. Karen R

The two of you transformed each others lives, and I am sure you will carry her presence and love forward and let it comfort you in your sorrow. Marie

Kay truly changed my life when she encouraged me to become a nanny for Pete and Rose. It opened my mind to the world and gave me the courage to explore. Kay has always inspired me to do great things. Thank you Bill for loving her so fiercely. Su Ling (goddaughter)

My heart is filled with sadness as I think of such a beautiful life ended so early, but also with fullness and warmth as I imagine the smile you witnessed was her first glimpse into the lightness and joy she is experiencing now. Thanks to you all for the amazing way you supported her and surrounded her with love throughout her journey and especially during her last days. Terri

Our lives were all made so much better for having known Kay, and her life of service touched so many more people who never had the joy of knowing her personally. I’m so grateful for her life and for having had the honor to work with her and know her. Deborah

Kay and Bill were always so incredibly kind and loving with each other.  They showed compassion for each other and for their relationship. They laughed together, worked together and clearly loved every minute of their time together. Theirs was a model of the kind of relationship that we all want. We all were on Shuyak just one year ago, and she was strong and vibrant and full of joy. Now, I find myself thinking that it can’t be true that Kay is no longer with us.  Sandy

I’ve known Bill for nearly 50 years.  Sadly, I only spent a few weeks with Kay. My first, and lasting impression of her was wonder that so much joy and enthusiasm could be stored in anyone so physically tiny.  As Sandy has written, even on the darkest, coldest, wettest, and windiest days we spent together on Shuyak; even when she was tired and hurting, she radiated a gentle, loving warmth. Les

I didn’t see Kay much because see was so far away from us because we are located in Washington DC, but we spoke with her and thought of her often. It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to you and the family and say that I miss Kay deeply. You don’t have to see or touch someone every day to care.  I guess for me just knowing that I will never see Little Kay again with that big smile and even bigger laugh makes me sad.  Bill, I never could figure out how that big laugh could escape that little tiny person.  She was a joy.  Cecelia

Because of her love and passion in supporting our elders, she was a bridge builder between the SCF family and the ANTHC family.  I am grateful that I was able to work with Kay and develop a relationship with her. Our elders were blessed to have her as an advocate and someone who was willing to give of herself and her time to make a difference and to look at our world in a new way.  I will truly miss having Kay in my world.  She will ever be in my heart. Ileen

I had met with Kay on several occasions to plan for elder care and other programs within the Indian Health Service. I am saddened that we have lost her living presence but I have in my memory her enthusiasm, persistence and of course that wonderful smile.  I am thankful to have known her and the friendship we shared. I will hold you in the Light as you mourn. Frances

She was a lovely person and will live on as a bright, caring energy in the universe. Delisa

Kay, you will always be in my heart.     David (brother)

I remember the most exciting day of my life. It was June, 1984, and my sister Kay called to ask if she could spend the summer with me here in Alaska. She went to UAA and got a degree in Anthropology. (My contribution to her great effort… I typed all her papers.) After that, she lived with our parents in Florida while obtaining her masters. I always knew I had the best sister in the world; watching her fulfill her dreams made me feel I was doing something good as well. She shared so fully. She graduated and moved to Dillingham to begin her great work. She would come to town and shop at Walmart — my home would be stacked with purchases. Then she met Bill. I have never seen anything to match their love. I was elated. I retired from the State, and moved to Florida to care for our elderly parents. From the day I got there, Kay was my rock. She was always available for long conversations, and told me always to take time for myself. There is no way to understand why and how this cancer had taken over her body. I wanted to take it instead, but things don’t work that way. Dad and I came to Alaska right after Kay was referred to Hospice. I am so grateful to be here and that I was able to help care for her. It’s been a lot of sadness, but it was great when I’d say “I love you Kay” and she quipped back “I know” and pursed her lips for a kiss. I also am grateful for Kay’s friends, who have shared with me their loving (and hard working) times with her. Thank you all so very much. I’ll see you again my beautiful Kay.         Sue (sister)

 

When my daughter Kay was with us in Lakeland Florida this April 2016 and struggling with cancer, she got to the point where she said to us all that she thought she was going to die soon. She also said she wanted die at home with her family and friends in Alaska. I didn’t truly understand what a wonderful network she created of family, friends, Quakers, and work colleagues, until I came up here to be with her during her dying process. I am deeply thankful to you all for the deep love and support you gave my lovely daughter Kay to the last, in her beloved home. And I am also deeply thankful for the love you’ve given my daughter Sue and me, as we too became part of Kay’s wonderful Alaska circle of love and Light.           Herman (father)

Happy Mother’s Day, Kay! (2016) This is such a bittersweet year. We are loving and appreciating each other at a deeper level than ever, because we don’t know how much time we have left. Thank you for all that you’ve done to raise and guide me over the years, thank you for the model of love I seek to replicate. Thank you for the advocacy, bravery, leadership and work for good causes. I’m so glad you’ve come home to Alaska, so we have more chances for sweetness together. I love you.     Love, Laura (step daughter)

 

I’ve always called Kay “my millennium girl” because we fell in love just after the turn of the millennium. And what a great love it was for our sixteen years! Right off, we agreed we would tell each other “I love you” many times each day, we would always be as honest as we could, and we would never speak to each other with sarcasm as it can too often be deeply hurtful. Our time together was filled with intense love, deep kindness, family and community building, and much joyous laughter. Of course we wanted more, and we had wonderful dreams of retirement together. But I can’t help but feel more blessed than most by the Great Spirit, who gave me as incredible a partner as my beautiful, both inside and out, Kay! I will live out my years carrying her love and radiance inside, and with it, cheerfully answer that of God in everyone, just like she did.      Bill (husband)