Judy Frye — the homeless woman with the dog — to be commemorated
Posted by editor on June 10, 2010 · 15 Comments
David F. Rooney
Her cause of death isn’t known, but the circumstances of Judy Frye’s passing speak volumes. The homeless woman who never went anywhere without her faithful dog, Casey, was found dead in a room at a local motel two weeks ago.
Judy was maybe 60 years old and was believed to be from Golden. Certainly, that’s where she was before she found her way to Revelstoke many years ago. Since then she became one of the most recognizable — yet not very knowable — homeless people on our streets. She did not like to be approached by men and would not accept charity. Offer her money and she’d likely tell you where to stick it. But she was deeply devoted to Casey and would accept money if it was offered so she could buy the animal a treat.
Dying alone and unmourned is a particularly lonely way to go. But Judy’s death will not go completely unnoticed.
A Memorial Gathering will be held for her next Thursday, June 17, in the Greenbelt at 2 pm, according to a notice from Brandon Bowers Funeral Home.
“Meet at the Illecillewaet Bridge parking lot and we will walk a little ways down the Greenway for the service,” the notice said. “If there is anyone interested in participating or sharing a memory of Judy, you will be more than welcome to do so. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to call us as Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, 250-837-2029.”
Barb Little, a well-known dog walker, had an anecdote about Judy and Casey.
“Every time I saw Judy and her dog Casey I had two thoughts, ‘There but for the grace of God go I,’ and ‘Oh, that poor dog, walking endlessly in the heat on the hot pavement, with that heavy coat.’ But I never heard Casey complain, or make a peep. By all accounts, she is a sweet, accepting, joyful dog. I know Judy sometimes told people who asked to pet Casey, that the dog was vicious. I think this was her way of making sure no one snatched Casey, for I’m sure she meant the world to Judy and kept her grounded and safe, a one sure source of unending love.
“Casey came back to the Pound from the groomer last week bathed, her coat shaved off, and prancing like a puppy. I’m told there have been many calls from people wishing to adopt Casey. It warms my heart to know that she will find a much deserved good home and resting place, and that someone else will take her walking. I’m sure others will see, as I will, Judy walking there alongside Casey, outside, unfettered, free.”
For whatever reason Judy had a tough life. But she always tried to meet it on her own terms. I’m told that even though she wouldn’t ask for or accept a handout she was always willing to work for cash. That brought to mind for one woman a gentle memory of seeing her sweeping the pavement at the Chevron station.
Life is tough for everyone, especially if you are perceived as one of those who merely exist on the fringes of society and are regarded with contempt and disdain by those who imagine they are socially superior. But no matter how humble or seemingly degraded the homeless may seem they are nonetheless members of our community and their presence is felt in surprising ways. I was so used to seeing Judy and Casey at the Chalet in the mornings or walking down First Street that their absence seems like a small hole in our local reality.
I didn’t know Judy as a person but like most Revelstokians I knew her to see her and was always struck by her devotion to her dog, by her vulnerability and her fear of men. She is now far beyond the cause of those fears and, I hope, in a place of peace and joy.
A lovely story, David. I came across Judy and Casey around the Visual Arts Centre on many occasions and your description of them both is absolutely spot on! I am really pleased to read that Casey will be going to a good home. Thanks, Garry
thank you david for this wonderful story.
I too will miss seeing judy and casey.
I have had a chance to meet Casey, She is a wonderful dog and you can see the sadness, she really misses judy. I feel confident that someone will adopt casey and give her the same love judy gave her and in turn casey will make a wonderful dependable companion
thank you again david for the wonderful tribute to judy may she rest in peace
Hi David,
Thanks for the wonderful writeup on Judy and Casey. We miss seeing them pass our place on First Street every day. The last time I saw them was right before her death at the Thrift Store in the evening sitting on the bench. I always spoke to them and adored Casey. She would not take ANY charity or handouts as you stated, but on occasion would accept a “treat” for her dog.
She will be sadly missed. May she have found peace wherever she may be.
If Casey has not found a home, we would love to adopt her. As you know we walk our two rescue dogs several times a day (our hairless Chinese Creseted and Toy Fox Terrier) in the downtown area where we live. She would get plenty of what she is used to.
Regards,
The Shonek Family
Patti, Satish and Shawn
As a police officer in town I had the opportunity to speak to Judy on several occasions. She always was polite and was very kind. Her love for her dog was outstanding and when I personally found out about her passing I felt very emotional for someone I did not really know. I wish now that I tried harder to get to know her and to make a greater effort to cross paths. I will make a point of being at the Memorial and thank you David for posting this story.
I have had many chats with Judy over the years I have lived here and I found her to be a very respectable, independant individual. When she got to know and trust that you were someone genuine, she would give you the time of day, smile at you and even let you pet Casey (if you asked her). The article is completely correct on her never taking handouts from anyone. Working in some retail spots which she would frequent I constantly would try to purchase items for her such as poly so she could make shift a tent for herself to keep the snow off her, and she would decline bringing back the exact amount needed. It broke my heart when she would ask people for rides into town from the industrial area (where she was living outside in the middle of winter) and they would say no. She once asked the owner of an empty holiday trailer parked in the industrial area, if she could sleep in it for the winter and the owner declined. It sadens me that people do not realize that everyone of us is one paycheque away from being in her position; if they do not have family or friends to turn to. Rest in peace Judy and I hope you have the stress free time of your life up in heaven. I will miss your warm loving smile.
I am so thankful that Judy’s passing has not gone un-noticed by our community. Upon hearing of her sudden passing I was immensely saddened even tho I had only one brief conversation with her. She was indeed devoted to her dog and the thought of poor Casey being alone saddened me as well. As Rayni said above any one of us could find ourselves in a similar position, may we all keep that in mind and treat those less fortunate than ourselves as we would hope to be treated. I sincerely hope Casey will find a loving home and that Judy will be smiling from her place of peace, knowing she being taken care of. Judy, may you have found the peace and serenity you justly deserve.
What a great tribute to Judy. I had the pleasure to do the “rough” groom on Casey to make her more comfortable. She is a sweet girl and will be a great companion for her next owner. I would be honored to do a finish groom on Casey in the future.
Very nicely written David… I didn’t know her, but you made me wish I had. Thank you.
Thank you for the well written story about Judy. I greatly admired Judy for her kindness and independence. I know she loved and cared for Casey to the best of her ability. I never passed up an opportunity to speak briefly with her and wish her and Casey a great day. She truly was a wonderful person.I miss her. May she rest in peace.
casey does have a new home. i recently visited casey at her new home, and i must say she couldn,t have gotten a more loving,caring awesome new home.
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Judy, at least it was in the comfort of the motel room where she has been living this winter, and not in some hidden outside doss. I often passed Judy and Casey walking around the city and talked with her during the time she was around the Visual Arts Centre. She was an interesting person, very honest, who would not take anything that was not hers. I hope that she realized that she had a real place in this community’s affections. I will miss her.
Thank you David for the lovely story about Judy. Sadly I didn’t know her name until after her death. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to speak to Judy but I would often see Judy walking with her dog Casey along Victoria Rd and when I passed them I would feel better knowing that they were okay. They were very much a part of Revelstoke and Judy will be missed. I sincerely hope that Judy is in a better place where she is safe, warm and comfortable.
I was truly saddend of the loss of Judy! I am glad that someone has taken in Casey. She would be happy that someone is looking after her. I attended the memorial service today and for being a homeless person there where alot of people who came to give their respect. Rest in peace Judy! Thanks to Louisa Dubasov for playing the lovely music on her bagpipes!
I doubt if anyone really knew Judy or could call her a friend, yet the number of people attending her memorial service was equal to that of many such services. That so many from such a broad spectrum tells us that Revelstoke is indeed a comunity in the truest sense. I’m proud to call Revelstoke my home.
Yes Bill, Revelstoke is truly an amazing community! I was sorry to miss the service yesterday, but held Judy and Casey in my thoughts and prayers!