Today I discovered Kim Gurnee, who taught at College of the Canyons, passed away in 2017. I’m so sorry for it. She was an incredible woman and I’m sorry there’s so little to find about her online. Where are the obituaries? Where are the words of sorrow? So. This poem. Rough, but here.
Kim Gurnee
The silvery woman is gone.
Her wide smile, her generous eyes,
her elf-land bones. Gilt threads in her hair,
dawn-quiet and pale, she had a way
of cupping a moment, just so —
as if it was alive
and loved. As if — I can see her, even now
smiling — she took no measure of time
for granted, as if — I can see her,
intent on a speaker, or language,
the weaving of words —
she might learn warp and weft, rise and fall,
what passes unsaid and
what is told. As if — oh, I can see
her kindly speaking an observation
that would crack open the sky —
she was infused, a cordial,
a charm, a heady elixir. As if, kindly radiant,
she could give the moment to you,
thank you for it. I can see her, absorbed
in a poem. Remember her,
in this poem. The silvery woman
is gone. Her wide smile,
her generous.
Jessica P. Wick 
This is so beautiful…I also wonder where is her information…I cannot find anything online. Kim Gurnee was my best friend…I knew her when I was little….she was so wonderful…..I really miss her so much…did you Take her classes at college of the canyon? I can imagine she was an awesome professor! Hope you can tell me more about her please …thank you very much!
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Hi, Joyce! I’m sorry that it’s taken me almost a year to notice your comment and get back to you. Yes, I did take her classes at College of the Canyons, and she was absolutely wonderful, just really kind and attentive, with this way of listening that made you feel really heard. I learned information about her passing by calling, and then a little more from another professor. I’m sure she still has colleagues there who remember and can tell you more; I would love to hear anything you have to share about her, too.
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Hi Jessica
So nice to hear from you …can you please share what the professor had to say about Kim Gurnee? Kim was my older brother’s girlfriend when I met her! She became a caring friend when I needed her most! She became my mentor ! Her parents were so kind also…I remember going to their home! Kim encouraged me to continue my education…so I quit my job and moved up to where Kim was living in San Luis Obispo! It was so positive for me! I lost contact w Kim for a few years ,but miraculously found her again, by running into her mom! Kim had such a big heart, warm and loving and gentle! Such a beautiful spirit!!! I wish I could hear more about Kim from the college! If you have any other information to share about Kim
I would love to hear ! Especially from the professor at her college please! I so appreciate your response.,,apologize taking me so long to reply! Take care
Oh Kim Also shared my love of animals I will always remember she had dogs and cats! ..Joyce Tagashira
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