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It was with great sadness that we recently learned of the passing of Kate Garrison, Chair of Precinct 19 in Plano, founding President of the Collin County Democrats with Disabilities, dedicated Democrat, and passionate advocate for people with disabilities. We have no information as of yet as to the cause of death.
Remembrances from those who knew her have poured in. Here are just a few we've received.
From Kimberly Tuesday, who knew Kate from the Collin County Democrats with Disabilities:
“Kate was a dedicated, informative, full-time professional advocate for people with disabilities. She was our leader and our inspiration. As we mourn her passing, we hope to uphold her legacy in our own advocacy.”
From Deborah Angell Smith, County Chair of the Collin County Democratic Party from 2003 to 2007, who perhaps knew her the longest after she moved to Texas:
"Kate Garrison was born and raised in Peekskill, New York, in the lower Hudson Valley. Throughout her life, she retained the assertive style of her native state and married it with the brashness of her adopted home, Texas. She was a formidable woman in every sense of the word.
"Throughout her life, she was curious about people and what made them “tick.” She received her BA in Sociology at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society.
"Professionally, she was a human resources professional and training consultant who worked with major corporations to improve performance, build consensus and energize teams. At times, she was also a pre-school teacher and a horseback riding instructor.
"Before she got involved in politics, competitive polo was one of her many passions. She was one of the few women players in Dallas in the 80's/90's, and she was very good. She enjoyed cooking and hosting dinner parties for friends.
"A pivotal moment in her life came when she fell from the roof of a barn, resulting in the injury that left her with a disability. Naturally, Kate figured out how to do whatever she wanted from her motorized wheelchair and turned her own tragedy into a life of advocacy."
Bonnie Brown, who served as a representative in the West Virginia state legislature for 22 years, knew Kate as an activist for women’s rights while she worked for Union Carbide in West Virginia, where Kate also worked on her campaigns. She describes Kate as "always giving 100% to everything she did."
Tom Adair, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for House District 67, knew Kate from working with her on the CCDP Voter Protection Committee and had this to say about Kate:
“Because of her, I learned of issues and concerns that I would not have known of otherwise. Her advocacy for the disability community never stopped.”
Jeff Quiggle, CCDP Communications Director, noted:
"Kate taught me not just about the importance of making events accessible, but also to view events from the perspective of someone with disabilities. What it means to not be able to gain access because a door isn’t wide enough, or to not be able to use a restroom because a stall is too narrow, or the faucet is unreachable from a wheelchair. She also set an example of how hard those with disabilities have to fight to get the basic respect that the abled never even give a thought to. She was an unrelenting advocate for equal access. She will be missed.”
Vickie Parker, Chair of the CCDP Precinct Chair Operations Committee said:
Kate was “the best Democrat ever; activist, a precinct chair, advocate, with the largest obstacles to overcome.”
I only became acquainted with Kate after the accident that left her with a disability. It says a lot about Kate that rather than being defeated or even slowed down by that, she simply changed her focus and kept pushing through life with new purpose and passion. Her passing leaves a huge hole in our local advocacy, as well as a legacy for us to live up to. A memorial service is planned, we will post information regarding date/time and location on our CCDP Facebook page once they are finalized.
Mike Rawlins, County Chair
Late-Breaking Update: Texas House Rep. Jessica González, HD104 (Dallas Co), has filed a resolution "in memory of Kate Garrison of Collin County." Thank you, Rep. González.
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