Community icon honoured in upcoming Alzheimer’s Walk
NANAIMO — Taking part in the annual Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s will be an emotional experience for Kathy Torhjelm. The Sunday, May 7 walk at Bowen Park is honouring her husband Charles, who passed away only a few weeks ago at the end of March after more than 54 years of marriage.
He was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010 after a lifetime of helping his community. Torhjelm said her late husband was a people person and always saw the best in everyone, even after his difficult diagnosis.
“He kept that spirit of always wanting the best for everyone,” she told NanaimoNewsNOW.
Charles was the founding father of the Miner’s Heritage Picnic, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and was an active member of the South End Community Association. He was made a patron of the City of Nanaimo in 2013.