Some insight and thoughts on for me the best Town Crier ever, my friend!
Betty and I met when she became Oakville’s first Town Crier.
A former Ford employee, Betty was always lovingly supported by her husband Ron as she engaged in local drama productions for many years.
Betty had many roles; the witch at Halloween for the Downtown BIA event, a loud obnoxious double barrelled named ‘lady’ who gave instructions to grooms at wedding receptions. And had a direct line to Mrs. Claus, who was always in Oakville's Santa Claus Parade.
An excellent seamstress Betty made all her costumes, Ron’s too when he was ‘deputized’ into supporting roles when Betty competed in Town Crier contests far and wide.
Betty was a natural for Town Crier; she ‘assumed’ the role from the moment her name was called; walking with determined dignity as she commanded the attention of the audience. She was Oakville's Town Crier for over 10 years.
Betty won first place in the women's section in the World at the Australian Town Crier event.
Writing all her cries, Betty would add in all the facts, touch all the bases with appropriate respect yet humour too.
IF you needed to bring a room/gathering to order Betty would stride to the front of the room/hall and ring her bell bellowing ‘my lords and ladies’, as only she could!
Once she lost her voice; quickly we went into solution mode. Betty strode across the stage ringing her bell with me ‘striving’ to deliver the cry once her bell had ceased to ring. We all agreed that I should keep my ‘day job’ and leave the role of Town Crier to Betty!
Moving to Orangeville Betty again became Town Crier for her community.
I treasured Betty’s faith, humour and the wonderfully supportive relationship she shared with many people, especially her husband Ron.
During her journey with cancer, I visited with her many times to share fellowship, as we relived past experiences and looked to the future.
Betty’s favourite snacks, a simple meal and something from their freezer underpinned our time together which was often anchored by a game of dominoes.
I truly believe that as long as family and friends continue to tell the stories of Betty – there are so many stories – her spirit and the amazing sound of Betty’s laugh, will live on.
I am only one of many who will miss Betty.
Formal Obituary:
Betty Kading passed peacefully at Headwaters Health Care Centre on Thursday, October 16th, 2014 at the age of 79. She was the beloved wife of Ronald Kading; dear mother of Lynn Robertson (David), Teri Jewett and Michelle Bond (Paul); step-mother of Brian Kading (Karen); cherished grandmother of Zachary, Calen, Breanne, Cole, Evan, Connor, Matthew, Breanne, Tyler and Kendra; remembered by her sisters Lynn (George), Tish (Stephen); predeceased by her brothers Jack and Fred. Elizabeth will be greatly missed by other relatives and many friends.
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Visitation will be held at the Dods & McNair Funeral Home & Chapel, 21 First St., Orangeville on Tuesday, October 21st, 2014 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014 at 11:00 am.
For memorial donations please forward them to St. Mark's Anglican Church, Orangeville, which would be appreciated by the family.
A tree will be planted in memory of Elizabeth in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. A dedication service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 2:30 p.m.
Condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.dodsandmcnair.com/book-of-memories.