Carolyn Eva Kirkham, 3 November 1946 – 1 March 2022
Carolyn died on Tuesday, March 1st after a battle with ALS at Jasmine Hospice in Grand Cayman. She is survived by her husband Ian, sons Robert and Gregory Johnson, daughters-in-law Katherine and Kelly, and grandsons Samuel and Nathaniel. Born in Toronto, Canada, Carolyn was the second oldest of seven children; she was the only girl. Her surviving brothers, George, Paul (Liz), Randall, and Brian (Terry) live in Ontario. She is predeceased by her parents, Moxie and Jennifer Whitney and brothers Kenneth and Robert.
Carolyn was a bold pioneer in many fields. She graduated from Branksome Hall in Toronto with honours then completed a degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management. She applied her knowledge working with Cara International and managing American Airlines’ duty-free shops throughout the US. She moved to Grand Cayman to work with the Holiday Inn in 1972. She later opened a number of successful retail shops in George Town, including Old Island Trading and The Amazing China Turtle – two of the most popular of the nine she owned and operated.
Carolyn lived most of her life on Grand Cayman. Cayman is where her sons and grandsons were born. And, Cayman’s brilliant sunlight and intense ocean colours were the inspiration behind her works as an artist. Described by her son Robert, as “an artist’s artist”, Carolyn was a graduate of City Lit Fine Arts (now Central St. Martins), London, UK. Her paintings have been displayed in shows around the world, including Berlin, London, Miami, New York, and Grand Cayman. Her works survive her in hundreds of private collections, and in Grand Cayman at Sandon Feat Gallery and the National Gallery. While she worked in various media, oil predominates in her paintings. She loved working on large format canvases and her work is known for its rich colour palate and materiality. Her paintings appear under the signature of CE Whitney, her maiden name.
Over the past two decades, Carolyn and Ian have been dedicated to protecting a rain forest refuge in Costa Rica. It is their example of ‘what you don’t change may be your greatest legacy’.
Carolyn had a pointed sense of humour. Upon arriving at the Hospice she said, “It’s like Hotel California, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” Carolyn was fiercely devoted to her family. She was strong, brave and beautiful to the end. “Safari so good.”
In lieu of flowers, donations to Jasmine Hospice are welcomed.
Condolences(7)-
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Catherine Childs says
March 7, 2022 at 1:57 pmMy sincere condolences for the loss of Carolyn. She was an incredible woman and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to her family and I wish them peace and love surrounded by their memories of this beautiful soul who clearly loved them above all else.
susan cochrane says
March 7, 2022 at 2:53 pmIan, Greg, Rob and family, Robert and I are heartbroken for your loss of this beautiful lady. We will always treasure our memories of her. Condolences to you.
Annick Jackman says
March 7, 2022 at 5:20 pmDear Ian, Robert, Gregory and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you all and prayers for comfort and strength during this time.
Annick
Patricia Bradley says
March 9, 2022 at 12:13 pmSending my deepest sympathy to Ian and Robert and Gregory for their sad loss of a beautiful artist.
Mary Stewart says
March 9, 2022 at 2:58 pmI am so sorry to hear this sad news. Carol was the most generous person, she was wonderful with my twin girls when we were on Island. Always trying to get them to paint and kept them busy!
TED DUNCAN says
March 9, 2022 at 7:27 pmA shining light extinguished much too early! RIP.
Lisa & Scott says
March 10, 2022 at 8:03 amMy love and prayers are with the entire family. She was truly a beautiful individual and she will live on in her boys and her beautiful grandchildren.❤️