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The entire cat fancy, and the Northwest region in particular, suffered a great loss on April 30, 2003 - the day Karin Jackson crossed the Rainbow Bridge to be with many of her beloved friends, both two- and four-legged.
Karin was known throughout the fancy as a little lady with sparkling eyes, a German accent, an unending love of cats and cat fanciers, and an indomitable spirit. She always had a big smile and a word of encouragement for everyone. She truly delighted in everyone's success, watching every final she could attend with the eager anticipation of a new exhibitor. She possessed a sharp wit to the very end, even during her final cat show just three days before her heart failed.
Many of us recall celebrating Karin's 80th birthday at the Oregon Cats show in February, 2000. Many more, both fanciers and animal lovers in general, remember her love and devotion to her precious cats. Karin was featured in many newspaper articles for her efforts and activities related to cat rescue. She exhibited her beloved household pets throughout CFA for more years than most of us can remember, and was a regular attendee of the International.
Go in peace, Karin. Thank you for all your hugs and your constant shining example of good sportmanship, loyalty, and friendship to all. We are better for having known you, and will miss you deeply.
The photo above, of Karin and Sabrina, is the last known photograph of dear Karin. It was taken in Portland, Oregon, at the Rip City Cats show held April 26/27, 2003 - the final show of the 2002-2003 season, and the final show of our precious Karin's time with us. Thank you to Rita Rowe for taking the photo and generously sharing it with us.
Please view Karin's guestbook, and add your own memory of Karin. |
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Gary Sapp was able attend Karin's memorial service on May 5, 2003. Following the service there was a gathering to remember and celebrate Karin's life. He has graciously shared the following information from these events.
We laid Karin to rest today and she would have enjoyed it.
The chapel was full of good friends, neighbors, and long time co-workers. Many folks spoke about her kindness, good nature, sense of humor and her love of nature especially her cats. The many experiences that made her what she was were discussed and quite a few highlights were brought out that not everyone who just showed cats with her knew.
Did you know that:
- She was born January 3, 1920 in East Prussia.
- She grew up in a wealthy family (her father was a surgeon) and rode horse from an early age.
- She had to give up this life when her parents divorced and she and her mother moved to Berlin. Her father did not keep up his financial obligations so her mother and her struggled for some time to make ends meet.
- Her mother opposed Hitler's rule of Germany and was imprisoned for some time for speaking out. Karin kept them both starving by working for the Japanese news agency during World War II. They both managed to get through the Allied bombing of Berlin and the Soviet occupation of Berlin, though at one point Karin was nearly raped by a Soviet soldier. Fortunately, she spoke Russian and was able to convince him she was pregnant and was let go.
- After the division of Berlin by the Allies, Karin lucked out and ended up in the American sector. Because she spoke a number of languages, she was hired by the US Army and worked for them. Once the Soviets found out she worked with important documents she was approached multiple times by the KGB to become an agent for them. Despite multiple threats, she never agreed.
- She was in Berlin throughout the Soviet blockade and helped keep the supplies that were airlifted in order for the Army.
- After the blockade lifted, she came to America with her GI husband, 'Jack' Jackson.
- She worked in Salt Lake for Fire Engineering for over 40 years and her boss stood and told us how she was the one who really ran the office, including correcting his grammar over all those years.
We laid her to rest in a lovely memorial estate. The sunrise and sunsets that she loved to watch will be visible from the hillside where she is and there is a great view of the mountains that she hiked in until her asthma got too bad.
Afterwards, we all got together and shared food and drink and talked and remembered 'Karin'isms. Sabrina joined us and was petted and loved by many there, though you had to think she was wondering where the boss was.
At the last, before we broke up and went our separate ways, we filled our glasses and gave a last toast to a wonderful lady whose like we will not soon see again.
Utah Cat Fanciers has decided our August 16th show will be to honor Karin for those who could not join us today.
Gary
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