Tri-City News circulation manager Kim Yorston is being remembered for her hard work, dedication and kindness by colleagues who mourn the loss of the long-serving employee.
Yorston passed away Oct. 17 after a lengthy illness and, though she is no longer with us, her memory remains strong among those who knew and worked with her over the years.
In more than three decades on the job — in all kinds of weather and working to multiple deadlines — Yorston ensured that papers and flyers were delivered to more than 50,000 homes in the Tri-Cities.
When trouble arose and drivers or carriers weren’t available, Yorston loaded up the bundles herself and drove them to the drop-off spots or hand-delivered papers when they didn’t arrive on readers’ doorsteps.
Always impeccably dressed, Yorston, a petite women with a big heart, walked tall — usually on four-inch heels — and the sight of her driving her large black pick-up truck to deliver papers brought a smile to the faces of her co-workers, family and friends.
“She was just the kindest person, just kind and strong and would do anything for anybody,” remembers Karen Seguin, who had worked with Yorston in the circulation department for the past five years.
Yorston’s care and concern for the hundreds of carriers she dealt with over the years is legendary: Whether praising them or following up on homeowners’ concerns, Yorston was both diligent and compassionate. A write up in the paper for Carrier of the Week was, for many youth, their first experience of success in the workplace.
“I was always impressed with her inner strength and her work ethic,” said Marianne LaRochelle, an account manager at The Tri-City News who also highlighted a connection with Yorston through the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.
Yorston grew in stature at the paper over the years as her job description changed to include office management duties as well as leadership on the paper’s joint health, safety and environment committee. When drills were required, Yorston was also the last to leave, ushering employees out of the building in her elegant coat and stilettos.
“She could move faster in heels than I could in my runners. The Tri-City News was very blessed to have someone like Kim as part of our organization. She will be so missed,” LaRochelle added.
Yorston leaves behind three adult children — Gina, Jodi, Kyle — four grandchildren; her sister, Mandy; brother Peter, and her longtime partner, Bill Ratchford.
