On December 11, 2022, Katherine Phemister Kirkham, “Katie,” age 61, passed away in Fort Collins from complications with Multiple Sclerosis. Katie arrived with her family in Fort Collins in 1964 at the age of 3. She grew up loving everything Colorado: hiking, camping, horseback riding, snow shoeing, skating and was very active in the Girl Scouts. She graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1979 and then from CSU in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science double major in Human Development and Family Studies, and Vocational Education. In 1988 she earned a Master of Education degree in Human Resource Development from CSU. Further study led to K-12 Counseling Certification in 1991.
Katie started her teaching career in Adam’s County in 1983. Two years later she began teaching in the Poudre School District, continuing for 25 years until 2010, when her disease no longer allowed her to continue. She taught at Poudre High School and at Wellington and Webber Junior High Schools, and she was a counselor at Eyestone, Beattie, Moore, and Lopez Elementary Schools.
Throughout her life, Katie felt a strong desire to help others dealing with Multiple-Sclerosis as well as other disabilities. Her gift was her ability to adjust to her circumstances, and she was able to share that experience with others. As a result, she was recognized several times for her service. She was selected as the Colorado Multiple Sclerosis Champion of 1997, was selected as Ms. Wheelchair Colorado in 1999. Her theme that year as she traveled throughout the state giving talks at schools and conferences was a quote from Theodore Roosevelt, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” In 2001, she received the Volunteer of the Year award from the Northern Colorado Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and in 2002, she received the Annual Mayor’s Award from the City of Fort Collins Commission on Disability for enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Katie had a passion for living life despite dealing with MS Symptoms. In 1990, she married Lee Kirkham. Katie and Lee loved traveling, and together, they visited many places throughout the United States and Europe. Never shying away from a physical challenge, she enjoyed horseback riding, adaptive snow skiing, and adaptive water skiing. Katie volunteered for groups including the National MS NOCO Society, United Daycare Center, Front Range Avian Society, American Society for Training and Development, and served on the Board of Directors of the Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center. She also joined the Colorado Draft Horse Association where she was able to drive horses from her adaptive horse cart after she was no longer able to ride. In all these activities, Katie made many long-time friends. For over 27 years, two of Katie’s closest companions were her pet cockatoo birds, Echo and Lindy. They were part of her family.
Katie was grateful for the care her husband, family, and caregivers provided throughout her long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Their generous help was not only comforting, but enabled Katie to accomplish what she did in the world.
Katie is survived by her husband, Lee, her parents Bob and Ann Phemister, her brother David Phemister (wife Kim), her sister Susan Nelson (husband Tim), her sister-in-law, Lana Jensen (husband Ron), her seven nieces and nephews: Grace, Claire, Alec, Kaitlin, Andrew, Adam, and Emily, as well as aunts and uncles and many dear friends and former colleagues. We will miss and remember her always.
A family memorial will be held this summer in the foothills West of Fort Collins where Katie loved to visit.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.allnuttloveland.com for the Kirkham family.
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