| "She flaunted the presence of the bookstore. She knew that literature, writing and words are important elements of our lives and must be enjoyed with gusto, pleasure and passion. We are going to miss her," says novelist and friend Aritha van Herk of Catherine McKay. Last weekend, Calgary entrepreneur McKay passed away suddenly due to complications from ovarian cancer.
McKay worked in sales at McClelland and Stewart before buying Pages Books on Kensington in June of 2000. McKay’s desire to see independent booksellers and writers thrive in a competitive market took her into a national forum with her work with the Canadian Bookseller’s Association and prompted her to push even harder to promote local titles and readings in her store. She judiciously included the emerging writers along with the veterans in the unbridled book love-in each reading quickly became. The wine flowed and the words echoed throughout the store – and the cash register rang out, too, as McKay was also a gifted salesperson.
"It was a great honour to have known Catherine McKay. She was an important part of the fabric of this city and she'll be missed a great deal," says poet and Wordfest associate artistic director Ian Samuels.
McKay will be sorely missed by her family, friends and colleagues, and is survived by her partner and kindred soulmate Greg Gerrard. A public memorial service will be held for her on Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m. at the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Centre. Contact info@pages.ab.ca for more information. |
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