Kathryn Anne Wotton

On February 13, 2026, Kay Wotton left this world, as determined as she was when she entered it. Growing up in Winnipeg, Kay learned her independence early in life. As a young woman, she started her contribution to international development by volunteering for two years with Canadian University Service Overseas, teaching school in Uganda, prior to obtaining her MD in Manitoba.

After graduating as a doctor, Kay worked for two years as a GP in Churchill, Manitoba and three years in Norway House as Chief of Staff. She then went on to obtain a Masters of Public Health from John Hopkins University. Ready for the next adventure, Kay moved to Nain, Labrador, where she took on the position of travelling doctor along the North Labrador Coast, regularly visiting nursing stations. Ever industrious, Kay also completed her Fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Community Medicine at this time.

Returning to East Africa, Kay worked as a consultant with the University of Manitoba HIV/AIDS program in Kenya. A position as the training officer for the AMREF/CIDA Uganda Health Training and Planning came next in Mbale, Uganda, involving rehabilitation of the medical and nursing schools destroyed by the war and reviewing and revising the medical assistant curriculum.

In recognition of her specialized skills, Kay was asked to assist with the training of the community program of students in the new medical school in Mbarara, Uganda. She started working with them in the field, designing short workshops and activities similar to those used by community health workers, which she had made into a manual for them for the University of Calgary.

In her “retirement,” Kay made yearly trips to Uganda to support the medical community there with the development of resource manuals and hands-on training. In addition to her expansive work in community health in East Africa, Kay supported programs in Pakistan and Myanmar.

Over the years, Dr. Kay Wotton was recognized for her generous contributions to her profession, obtaining the Canadian Health Association Ortho Award as well as the Global Health Award for her outstanding contributions internationally.

In addition to her selfless dedication to helping others, Kay nurtured a deep enjoyment of books, art, and music and was a wonderful, fun friend to many people across the world.

Kay will be dearly missed by all who had the good fortune to be loved by her.

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