June 27, 1979 - October 3, 2020
On the clear sunny afternoon of October 3, Raven swooped low over Sarah as her community of friends, gathered on the grass in front of her home in Courtenay, witnessed the sound of wind through feathers as Raven guided Sarah into the mystery of another world. A few seconds later, Hawk affirmed her transcendence by circling overhead.
Steadfast beside her as she passed, were her family; her loving mother, Cheri Lamb, her father John Kerr, her aunt Jane, brother David and his partner, Megan.
Sarah was born in Williams Lake, a bumpy ride from where she spent her early years on a ranch in the Chilcotin, near Tatlayoko Lake. Here she developed her lifelong love of immersing herself in water, especially cold water, by learning to swim in the frigid waters of the Hamathko River.
Life changes brought Cheri and Sarah to Merville in 1992. Sarah attended Vanier HS and North Island College where she made long-lasting friendships. Sarah went on to complete a Fine Arts degree at Emily Carr School of Art, specializing in photography.
Returning to the Comox Valley, Sarah began her career as a free-lance photographer; her work became familiar to many as she took her eye for beauty to record many community events, public spaces and celebrations; Elevate the Arts, Island MusicFest, farmers markets, Fiesta World Bazaar, Big Time Out to name a few.
Artists, local businesses, new babies and weddings all benefited from Sarah's talent and skill as a local photographer.
Sarah travelled extensively, exploring India and Europe on her own, and later Asia and South Pacific with Cheri and Jane. Her interest in other cultures led her to visit Assam with Fertile Ground.
Sarah shared her passion and knowledge of photography with young people from Assam, distributing cameras donated by businesses and residents from the Valley and she helped make connections between kids here and in India. She was an active board member of Fertile Ground for 12 years.
Sarah was diagnosed with cancer 6 1/2 years ago. She faced the enormous challenge of dealing with the medical system, surgeries, appointments and treatments with tremendous courage and resilience.
During this time a close friend introduced her to Qi Gong practice and Sarah embraced this path with her determined enthusiastic energy. She found teachers and studied this discipline gaining the Certificate of Medical Qi Gong Practitioner Level 1 in 2017. Sarah shared her gift as teacher with several friends before her health deteriorated.
Sarah rediscovered her love of clay, likely inherited from her Mum, and went on to develop her unique style as a potter. Sarah was glazing her pots up to the week before she died in order to leave gifts for her friends and family. She leaves us with her delightful bowls and cups overflowing with her gift of love.
Sarah continues to teach us the value of community. She opened up spaces for friends to gather and share not only her amazing talents, but also her difficult health journey. She was insistent that she be present at her celebration of life, indeed she basically organized it. So on August 29, she brought her community together, limited by CoVid, at an outdoor gathering in Merville, where she shared her love of life.
"You not only captured all the magical moments of our lives; but our hearts too. So grateful to know you... Being your friend was a privilege; I will always remember you with your beautiful smile and your generous heart. Thanks for everything you shared, given and taught to me.
I am asking spirits, ancestors & guardian angels to help you, guide you and light your way on the new era of your soul journey. Love you my friend "
Additional Photo(s):