Born in Sheffield, England, the only child of Harry and Kath, Kay grew up to graduate from Hull University in Philosophy and Law and go on to teach high school math and science, a career she continued at Elmwood School when the James family emigrated to Ottawa in 1976.
When the family returned to England for a period in 1985-6, she obtained a Masters degree in Cognitive Science and Neural Networks from the University of Warwick.On their return to Ottawa she founded Knowledge Transfer, an Artificial Intelligence software consultancy, decades before the current hype around the sector.
She went on to become CRA’s National Technology Sector Specialist for Software Business in the SRED program, subsequently joining Deloitte as a Senior Director for SRED.
In addition to this, Kay was an amateur pilot, accomplished pianist, talented cook, avid reader, LISP programmer and gifted solver of cryptic crossword puzzles. In retirement she became a pillar of the Rockcliffe Park community, serving as a director of the Rockcliffe Park Residents’ Association.
All this was achieved at the same time as being a loving wife of 60 years to Doug, mother to Eliza, Zak and Barnaby, and grandmother to Evan, Mira and Benji. She was also ‘mom’ to Django, her devoted Tibetan Terrier.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Kay on Wednesday, May 28th from 2pm at the Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 38 Springfield Road, Ottawa, K1M 0K7.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the May Court Hospice, Ottawa.
Digital Guestbook
Rob James
Sheron Cooke
Kay (anne) was my mums cousin and as a family we loved her dearly. Every time we got together over the last few yrs there were many laughs and hrs of family stories. We will miss her so much. Our love goes out to Doug, Eliza, Zac and Barnaby and of course Django.
Fiona
Auntie Kay was the most lovely person, always there for me, so caring and kind. I will miss her. Sending Lots and Lots of love to Uncle Doug,Eliza,Zac,Barnaby and Django xxxx
Grant Thomas
I had the great honour of meeting Kay way back in the late 80ˋs, the early days of AI and intelligent systems. She was an expert with a brilliant and practical mind, a contributor to Canada's then leadership in cognitive science. With her husband Doug, we grew to become good friends, both working together in the R&D space, and spending hours sharing insightful and clever (to us) criticisms of what was around us. She had a wry sense of humour and a calming voice. It is with great respect that Sylvie and I will miss her.
Kay was a multi-talented lady, who will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Doug and the family.