Katherine (La Porte) Hryhorczuk
Katherine (Kat) Hryhorczuk, nee La Porte, passed away suddenly at her home on Friday, February 26, 2021 with her husband Jason by her side and her dogs Sam and Lexi nearby.
Our beloved Kat was born January 15, 1974 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Robert (Bob) and Brenda, the middle of three children. She and her family moved to Edmonton when she was still a child, and she completed her schooling at Victoria Composite High School in 1992.
Kat was an accomplished professional who worked hard and excelled at everything she did. From running her own management consulting company to earning her privacy professional’s certification in 2019, there was nothing Kat could not do. If it needed to be organized, scheduled, arranged, or presented, it was done quickly, efficiently, and perfectly every time. In fact, her skills are so impressive that, we are quite certain that she’ll have Heaven whipped into shape and running according to her management plan by next Tuesday at 3:00! Kat’s absence will be keenly felt by the doctors, staff, and patients at the Baker Clinic, where Kat had been the clinic manager since 2014, and by everyone who was fortunate enough to work with her at the Edmonton North Primary Care Network, Alberta Health Services (AHS), Fort Medical Clinic, and especially FunSun Vacations, where she made many lifelong friends.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kat was also a dedicated volunteer and sat on advisory and steering committees at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Ashton College, Norquest College, and AHS. Kat was also actively involved in the Alberta Association of Clinic Managers, the Edmonton & District Clinic Managers Associations, the AHS Privacy Officer Community of Practice Group and had been a regular speaker at the PCI Forum since 2009. But our Kat was so much more than her career!
Kat was also an adventurer! She loved to travel, especially to warm places like Cuba, Mexico, and Jamaica. She loved trying new foods (Kat once organized a series of around the world food nights) and wines (she and her dad make an excellent home brew). Kat loved beautiful shoes and Starbucks coffee but most of all Kat loved her family - the one she was born into and the one that she built for herself. Kat had a complex system of brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, chosen children (as she called them) and friends that she was absolutely devoted to and supportive of (Kat was always the first person to support a home-based business or new venture) but Kat’s greatest loves were her son Trysten and her husband Jason.
Trysten was the joy of her life and they had many, many adventures together, including a backpacking trip to Europe when Trysten was three. Kat put him in a backpack and they visited Italy, staying in hostels and taking trains. She was endlessly proud of Trysten and the man he was becoming. She talked to him every day and would share the news proudly whenever he brought her coffee or flowers or showed up at the Baker Clinic for a chat.
Jason was her partner, her travel buddy and her very best friend and they were fortunate to spend two decades having their own adventures. These included traveling to Manitoba to visit Jay’s family, MANY trips to Cuba, planning their wedding at Fort Edmonton Park in 2018, their honeymoon in Bali, renovating their houses and launching Jason’s business. Jason filled her heart and her days with so much love and joy… it was a wonderful thing to witness.
Kat also had an amazingly close relationship with her dad, an incredible capacity to love and forgive others (with some sass now and then) and her impact on the lives she touched is incalculable. It is enough to say that the void she leaves is immeasurable and unfillable, and for those who knew her best and loved her most, it is impossible to comprehend a world in which she is no longer with us.
Katherine is survived by her husband Jason Hryhorczuk, son Trysten La Porte, father Robert (Bob) La Porte, sister Peggy La Porte, and brother Ryan La Porte. Kat will also be loving remembered by Jason’s son Alex and his wife Hayley, her parents-in-law Chris and Terry, her stepson Adam, her nieces Meghan and Savannah, and nephews James and Brett. Kat was predeceased by her mother Brenda Adshead.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small gathering will be held for Kat on Friday, March 5. The gathering will be livestreamed through the link below.
Click here to watch the service for Katherine Hryhorczuk
We encourage you to pour a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or even a tequila cocktail and join us in celebrating the life of this remarkable woman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kat’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Kat was a shinning light, always a laugh, a smile and most definitely a helping hand if you needed one. My heart felt condolences Jason, Trysten, and family.
Sorry to hear of your passing condolences will be in are heart s❤️ Sending some love
Katherine was family to me. She was my sister and I loved, and always will love, her dearly. My heart breaks for Jason and Trysten and the rest of her family. She was taken from us far too soon.
RIP my beautiful friend. I love you and miss you dearly ❤️
Until we meet again at the big concert in the sky, keep the wine chilling for us!
No words can sum up the heaviness in the heart,the mind can only be thankful that we were able to have met such a kind soul,you will be missed.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18.
I am honoured and blessed to have known Kat. I was so saddened to hear the shocking news of her sudden and unexpected death. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time and my heart goes out to you and her entire family in this time of grief.
I first met Kat when she was introduced to the Edmonton & District Clinic Managers Association. She became an intricate part of our association and that of the Alberta Association of Clinic Managers. She was kind and keenly interested in helping out in many ways! She will be missed!
So very sorry for your loss…I knew Katherine when she was know as Beverly many years ago…My condolences to the family…
RIP Katherine
My deepest condolences for your loss, of Kat. I only knew her through our management group, however , could see her zest for life in the things she did. Her smile was infectious.
I am sure she will help you through your tough times, with so many wonderful memories you all share.
May I express my sincere condolences to Kat’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Kat through the AACM and EDCM. She was always upbeat, friendly and dynamic. While others were not wanting to be involved in duties and responsibilities, Kat would step up and take on the job. I see from her memorial that this was what she did! I know she will be sorely missed by everyone she touched. I wish I had known her better.
Dear Jason, Trystan and family, I am heartbroken that this special lady was taken from everyone. I am truly grateful that she was a key part in the building and creating of the Edmonton North PCN and all that I learned from her strong willed organizational mind. Always always did we find time to laugh until the “tears ran down our legs”. WE were looking forward to spring and the relaxation of restrictions to be able to have a fun, catch up lunch which breaks my heart.
Please know that there are so many people for you to share your grief with and hopefully make it a little lighter of a weight in your hearts. I will raise a glass to our wonderful funny friend Kat. Hugs and love Suz
Our condolences to the family, Jayson Tryston Bob Peggy and Ryan
My heart is broken for all those who knew and loved this amazing woman. She will be missed. Rest In Peace Kat ❤️
Condolences to you Uncle Bobby and Katherine’s family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Aunty Ollie, Loretta and I sat in on the service together. Had a drink with Kathy and cried together. Kathy’s love and spirit was larger than life and we all were blessed to have her touch our lives. Kathy, we will keep you alive in our hearts and our memories. You will be missed. Love you my cousin.
My sincere condolences to Kat’s husband Jason, son Trysten and other family members. I only came to know Kat in the past 6 months, but that was enough to experience her kindness, humour, competence and dedication. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate her life and navigate the future without her by your side. She may be busy whipping up heaven, but I believe you will feel her nearby helping you along as well.
I knew Kat professionally and was always impressed by her organization, capability and sense of humour. I am sorry and shocked to learn of her passing. Some people really are “irreplaceable” and she will be truly missed by many.
Condolences to everyone who shares in the sorrow of this great loss. I have had the great pleasure of knowing Kat through our EDCMA and AACM. To echo many, her smile was infectious and was admired by all for her dedication to provide support to her fellow Managers and Medical Clinics throughout Edmonton and Alberta. Her efforts and hard work are the stepping stones for continuous improvement in health care and her kindness will always be remembered and appreciated by all who knew her.
With deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
My sincere sympathy Bobby and family. Such very sad, shocking news and my heart goes out to each of you. May your love for Kat and your many memories help comfort you in the days to come. Love and prayers
Rodina Braden
Jason and I met at a Franchise Expo in Edmonton. I knew right away he was the kind of warm hearted guy I would be friends with. From there, through work, I got to know “Kat”. Jason and Kat were amazing at our company events. An engaging couple who always outdid everyone at our potluck events. Only a few weeks ago, Kat and I spent a few hours doing an online training session. She was going to help Jason manage the administrative aspect of his business. She was sharp, witty, intelligent, quirky, humorous, and so well equipped to be Jason’s right hand.
I am heart broken on behalf of Jason and family. My condolences
My sincere condolences to Kat’s family. I first met Kat when she became Manager of Baker Clinic. She was the type of person you liked instantly. Kat’s kindness to others and her ability to see what needed to be done and do it is something rare. Kat will be missed by all those who knew her and loved her.
I had the honour to work with Kat over many years. We spoke many things including families, dogs, and holidays. I cherish her smile, compassion, generosity, and kindness. My sincere condolences to Kat’s family and friends.
Katherine was always a pleasure to work with! She was a great resource whenever I had questions regarding Accuro – as we used the same EMR.
She spent time to tour us managers from Gastrodocs@Hys around the Baker Clinic and showed us how they used this EMR. She was also a constant go to with regards to the Edmonton Clinic Manager’s group events and where I would send my questions to. We helped each other out with a few emails back an forth during the original COVID lockdown that started. I feel that I could call Katherine my friend and I will deeply miss her bubbly personality! My heartfelt wishes go out to your husband Jason and your son Trysten! Hugs!!
My sincere condolences to Kat’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Kat for the last few years as co chair for Edmonton and District Clinic Managers Association. Kat’s love of life was infectious and her smile would always light up a room. She stepped up to any challenge and always found a way to “make things work.” I will miss you dear Kat.
Sending Prayers and messages of peace for Bobby…Ryan and Peggy and to Jason, Trystyn and extended family…may the be healing and comfort to surround you in this very sad time. Love always from Pat, Gene, Lorna and Bobby (the Lowe cousins)
May I express my sincere condolences to Kat’s family, friends and all the staff at Baker Clinic. I had the pleasure of working with Kat, I will miss her weekly emails or calls. Rest In Peace my friend.
Kat was an exceptional person in every way, the centre of so many worlds which she kept turning safely, compassionately and effectively. Effortlessly she reached beyond the confines of the clinic to get to know each of us and create very special personal connections, whether that be guiding us through a new puppy, sharing recipes, helping with important personal and business tasks, Kathy was so special and we will always cherish our connection with her. Our heartfelt condolences to all of the family for this very sad loss.
Errol and Renee Raff
Such a lovely service. We feel honoured to have known Kat during her short life. She will be missed.
Peter and Lyn Zuberbuhler
So sorry for your loss, deepest condolences to you Bobby and Katherine’s family and friends
My deepest condolences. As. She willl deplly missed. Mt best friend. Always in my heart
Sometimes you meet someone due to a work situation, and if you’re lucky (very lucky), you are fortunate to remain in contact with the good ones. Kat was at the top of the “good ones” list and her sudden passing has left a hole in a lot of hearts. Know that we are all thinking of you Kat. A hui hou, until we meet again.
My deepest condolences to Kats family. I’ve had the last 2 years to get to know her while working at the Baker Clinic. She was an amazing human and even tho we were just co-workers she was there for me alot over the past few months as I went through my own losses and issues. I’m glad I got to experience her and I’m always thinking of her family.
On behalf of the entire AHS Access Improvement team, we share our heartfelt condolences with Katherine’s family and friends.
We had the wonderful pleasure of working with Katherine through AHS and her efforts on the AACM. Katherine was always friendly, kind and generous. She had a wonderful way of making people feel special, and we sincerely appreciated everything she did to help us with our work. She was an absolute gem and we will miss her greatly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this incredibly painful time.
I am so very, very sorry to hear of Katherine’s passing. She was a wonderful addition to the NAIT Medical Transcription Advisory Committee. We had some lovely lunches and great conversation. We met through a student of the MTR program and hit it off right away. She was a guest speaker on several occasions and was able to inspire students and share little tidbits of how they could prepare for their future. I feel extremely fortunate that I got to meet her and know her. My deepest sympathies to Jason and Trysten and her family.
“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” ~ Maya Angelou
We were friends in junior and senior high but as time went by we went our separate ways as most young people do. I am glad to have known her and sorry to have lost touch with her. I am heartened to hear she was loved by so many and to see so many sing her song.
My prayers will be with her always and my condolences with her family.
God bless.
I had the opportunity to work with Katherine on a professional level over the last four years. She was a kind and friendly person. There is nothing that I can say to her family that will ease their sadness. Just know that even in the short time that I knew her, Katherine’s passing had a real impact on me. I think of her lot and my condolences go out to her family.