Kim Rymer
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Kim Rymer (known legally as Kenneth Ian Mitchell Rymer), 71, who passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.
Kim was born on November 23,1953 in Quesnel, BC, to Kenneth and Nancy Rymer. Raised in Vancouver, BC, he spent much of his time exploring the outdoors and playing sports, especially rugby. Kim studied forestry at the University of British Columbia and pursued a career as a professional forester, taking him and his family to Fort St. John and Coquitlam, BC, Whitehorse, YK, and Athabasca, AB, working most recently at the Alberta Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) pulp mill for 25 years before his retirement.
Kim had a big heart and a strong faith, always making time to help those in need or to chat with the people he met. For many years, he served as an elder and youth group leader at the Athabasca Missionary Church, where he and his wife, Maureen, became second parents to many. They opened their home to many in the church and the wider community and later also welcomed foster children, offering love, care, and stability to those who needed it.
Kim found joy in working with his hands, whether on projects around the house or at the family cabin on Decourcy Island near Nanaimo, BC. A talented craftsman, he poured his heart into every project. The cabin he built on Decourcy Island (an ongoing labor of love) will remain a lasting sanctuary for all who visit—a place of rest and cherished memories for years to come. Kim loved fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. His warmth touched everyone he met, and even as he neared the end of his life and struggled to speak, he continued to flash big smiles—especially at babies and young children, who always held a special place in his heart.
Kim is survived by his wife Maureen, children: Matthew (Sarah), Michael (Tihiro), Daniel (Vanessa), Jennifer (Zachary), Dallas, Corbin and Raina, and 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Barbara (David) Atwater, Judy (Todd) Huston, and Robert (Mamie) Rymer.
A celebration of Kim’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Central Baptist Church – Southeast, 4357 Savaryn Dr SW (Summerside), Edmonton, Alberta, T6X 2E8. Family and friends are welcome to attend to honour and celebrate Kim’s life. Please click on the link for more information: https://1drv.ms/b/c/4be067f5a13143d4/EW8-eDbALzhLh7ceHhrI9ZcBC2uak3ZMz8t3LiUAhbzLkQ?e=vqmvZk
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to A Living Tribute (https://www.alivingtribute.ca/) to plant a tree in Kim’s memory.
I learned today of Kim’s passing. I am so sad for his family and all those who knew him. Kim was one of the nicest men I knew. He was a constant support during the early days of the AlPac Forest Management Task Force, which is where I met him and his colleagues in 1992. He once helped me carry a bulky tape editing machine from Edmonton to Athabasca when I was working on a video for AlPac. I know I can speak for the other members of the Task Force who knew him, most of whom have also passed now. Rest in peace.
we are sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. I have fond memories of visiting his family on Lime St as a child. We were fortunate to be able to make a trip up to Athabasca the one time and enjoyed his hospitality. we had hoped to attend his celebration of life but travel plans had already been made. Anne and Mark
Ariss