Kit Bishop

Kit Bishop passed away peacefully at the age of 72 years on November 23, 2021 just one year after her husband of 45 years, Tom Bishop passed. Kit was born on July 30, 1949 to Robert C. and Dorothy J. (Gettman) Heiderich in Iowa City, Iowa. Kit was their first-born child and only daughter. The young parents had begun their family while Robert Heiderich was attending the Pre-Med program at State University of Iowa in Iowa City. At 3 years old, Kit welcomed her first brother Bill and in Kit's true nature, even at such an early age, was already a helping hand. She asked for baby Bill to be put down on the floor so that she could play with him. It was explained that he was too little and doesn't know much yet. Kit's said, "Put him down here, I'll teach him." This go-to attitude carried Kit throughout her life. In 1953, the Heiderich family moved to Mason City, IA and welcomed two more brothers, Jeff and Mark. Although disappointed that she did not have a sister, Kit loved being the big sister to her three brothers.
Kit began school in a one room schoolhouse in Mason City where she excelled. In the third grade, her report card states "Far above required standards. Slow her down a bit." But not Kit, she did not slow down and became the tutor for the older students at the school, teaching them how to read. As an adult, Kit continued tutoring students at Vashon elementary schools.
Mason City provided wonderful memories for Kit as well as the rest of the family. Her parents were born and raised in Mason City. As her mother Dorothy was one of nine siblings, she had doting grandparents and plenty of aunts, uncles, and cousins that provided love and treasured memories.
In November 1959 the family left their close-knit extended family and Sunday family events at Grandpa and Grandma Gettman's for new adventures in California. As a girl, Kit adapted well to the move and made many friends. Kit's naturally friendly, outgoing personality was evident as a young girl as she would knock on neighbors doors just to ask if they had any kids to play with. She was not shy!
Kit was raised in the Lutheran Church and was confirmed at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on May 26, 1963, in Thousand Oaks, CA. She attended Thousand Oaks High School, until her sophomore year. The family moved once again to Northern California, finally settling in San Jose, CA. Kit attended and graduated from Andrew Hill High School in 1966. Following her dad's passion for science and the medical field, Kit enrolled in San Jose City College nursing program. She completed the nursing program in two years and became a registered nurse.
As a young adult with an RN certification, Kit took her skills and moved to Santa Cruz, CA. Kit was hired as an emergency room nurse at Dominican Hospital and Santa Cruz County Hospital, where she established lifelong friends. Kit's can-do attitude and medical knowledge was a comfort to many patients as noted in a letter from one of her patients; "You are intelligent, articulate, and full of warm-hearted charm."
Living in Santa Cruz provided her teenage brothers the opportunity to visit her and check out the beach at Twin Lakes, or catch a "flick" and popcorn at the Rio Theater, or a Mexican dinner at Manuel's.
The Crow's Nest, a restaurant in the Santa Cruz Harbor, was a popular spot for dinner and/or drinks. Kit and Tom met at the Crow's Nest restaurant in 1974 and thus began the next adventure in Kit's life.
After dating awhile, Kit and Tom loaded up a VW bus and took a trip across the U.S. While passing through Livingston, Montana, they decided to marry. They met a couple while visiting Yellowstone and this couple were the witnesses at Kit and Tom's wedding on September 8, 1975. Kit's wedding dress was sewn in the back room of the post office and they received a bottle of freshly canned cherries as a wedding gift.
After traveling the U.S., Kit and Tom's adventures took them on a road trip through Mexico. December 1975 led them through many experiences as they were exploring ideas to establish an. import business. After their extended trip through Mexico, Kit and Tom settled on Washington State as their new home. Kit continued her nursing career at Evergreen Hospital, once again establishing lifelong friendships. Meanwhile, a new business venture, Rich Coast Imports, was established. Rich Coasts Imports became Kit and Tom's labor of love over three decades. With Tom selling jewelry up and down the West Coast, Kit managed the distribution of orders and participated in many festivals and fairs, such as the Vashon Strawberry Festival and Puyallup Fair. Once again, creating new friendships through these events.
Kit was a strong, vibrant personality who had more than her fair share of medical issues. She handled each with a strength that is beyond compare. With her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, she organized a support group and offered an abundance of encouragement. Her positive attitude, while dealing with her own medical issues provided comfort to others.
Her nursing skills came in quite handy in many situations. Even as she retired from nursing, she continued to exercise her nursing skills. Her phone call advice was extremely important as her mother's health began to deteriorate.
Kit was the ultimate hostess for family and friends. She opened their home with welcome arms. Whether going out on the boat for a ride around the sound, sharing a day at the Strawberry Festival, a salmon dinner on the BBQ, or the annual Easter egg hunt; these are treasured memories for all.
Kit and Tom's trips to Baja were annual excursions to camp, fish, and enjoy time in the local community and with friends. Once they retired the Rich Coast Imports business, they began traveling the world and also purchased a home in Palm Desert, CA. Portola Country Club was their winter home where they became active members of the community. Kit had many duties as President of the Women's Club, but certainly enjoyed another set of friends.