Eleven years ago tomorrow, my friend Kimberly Ann Oriole, died of stupid lung cancer at the age of 48. Kim never smoked, loved to mountain bike, kayak and white water raft.
Kim Oriole was one of my first friends at the Fayetteville Observer in 1993. I soon learned she was a kickass reporter, athletic, a wonderful friend and loved guys with nice eyes. Kim was so thrifty that she squeezed a nickel til it bled. She had two cats, Waylon and Willie. In the 1990s, I made her watch “Beverly Hills 90210.”
Kim was a reporter in Arizona, North Carolina and West Virginia. She wore down sources with her persistence, friendly nature and laugh.
She found love in 1999 and had 10 years with Bob in Ohiopyle, PA. I only met him once, at her wedding, but he made her happy. She was very brave as she battled lung cancer and tried experimental treatments.
I miss her all the time and think of her out in nature, head thrown back, having a good laugh.
