Kathleen Helen Anderson

August 12, 1941 - December 21, 2009

I want to speak a little about my friend Kathie, and it is with my deepest regret that I am not able to be there to say this in person.  Kathie was truly one of the most remarkable women I have ever met and I am honored to have called her my friend.

It is hard for me to believe, but I have only known Kathie about 4 years – first meeting her in Colorado at our Giant Schnauzer National.  For those of you not involved in showing dogs, 4 years is a lifetime.

Over the next couple years, I would see Kathie from time to time at events, but it was not until 2007 she became one of my closest friends. In mid 2007, I was appointed to the Giant Schnauzer Club of America board of directors, of which Kathie was our Treasurer. I know many of you do not know me, but I am not known for hiding my feelings or sugar coating things. That being said, it was a miracle that Kathie & I got along at all - being the shy, soft spoken woman she was!!! (ok - maybe that’s a stretch).  Our personalities are very similar, and we shared a common goal that really brought us together. We both love Giant Schnauzers and the Giant Schnauzer Club of America - a great club!  It is because of Kathie, that I ran and was elected President of the club.  She believed that together, we could make a difference and bring about the many changes that were talked about for years, but never came to fruition.

Well, as one might imagine, in the attempt for change, there was some resistance.  Every time I wanted to throw in the towel and say it is just not worth it, Kathie was there to remind me of my commitment to the club and our beautiful dogs. 

This woman gave her heart and soul to the breed.  We call it ‘dog show fever’ but it really is a good thing. The dog show community becomes a part of your family – ok, maybe a dysfunctional family, but a family none the less. Kathie was our club Treasurer for the past 5 years, but that does not even begin to cover the amount of duties she performed on behalf of the club and the countless hours she devoted to the cause.

I feel like I have known Kathie my entire life.  Show a little doubt, and Kathie would be steaming mad, as a high ranking member of the GSCA did regarding hosting a Giant Schnauzer National. For years I heard Kathie say that she was going to put on the best Giant Schnauzer National ever. Well I can tell you she did not put on the best Giant Schnauzer National ever she put on the best National that any breed has ever seen. It was truly a masterpiece - a seamless stream of events, meetings, parties, and banquets -not to mention bringing in nearly $15,000.00 to the Giant Schnauzer Club of America!  Kathie led the committee tirelessly for 6 days, and in the end, you could see them all walking around with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. As the president of the club, I could not have been more proud of her and the entire committee!

I was fortunate to be able to spend a couple days at K-D Ranch a few months ago.  Besides Giants, Kathie had a heard of sheep, and a Llama that she really loved.  She also has Daryl, the love of her life.  They are true soul mates – a term that does not begin to describe the love these two people have for each other. I feel it made me a better person to witness their love.

Daryl, I know you are going to miss her more than anything, but please know she is not gone, she is waiting for you.  A shiver you feel down your back, a pencil dropping off of your desk or a draft on a windless day will be Kathie reminding you that she is there with you and you better be taking care of Willow, Buck, Kate, Dyna, & Corduroy. They are now depending on you, much they way you depended on her.

Kathie, I will miss you tremendously.  Daryl, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Take good care of yourselves.  Love, Ed

Sincerely,
Ed Fojtik
President, Giant Schnauzer Club of America