Highly-regarded Richmond composer and pianist Linda Niamath has passed away, age 81.
As well as being recognized for the 11 albums of piano music she wrote, Niamath became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Conservatory of Music in 2018.
Indeed, several generations of children around the world would have learned to play her expressive pieces at their piano lessons, the latter of which she was also renowned for, offering tuition from her home for many years.
After growing up in Kitsilano and Kerrisdale, before raising a family in Richmond with her husband of 55 years, Kent, Niamath was an elementary school teacher for eight years, and later taught piano from a studio in her home.
She was described by her family as “a kind and compassionate person with a wonderful sense of humour. She was the best mother anyone could hope to have. She had many strong and enduring friendships and took great pleasure in connecting with others.”
Niamath and her husband “always had fun together, no matter what they were doing,” and she especially enjoyed gardening, travelling, cooking and reading.
Even after suffering a stroke in early 2019, she continued to keep a positive outlook on life, “waking up every morning with a smile, and staying in touch with her friends as much as she could.”
As well as Kent, she leaves behind daughters Wendy and Cheryl, and son-in-law Paul Lesack.
No service or celebration of life is currently planned. In lieu of flowers, the family said donations in Linda’s memory may be made to your favourite charity.
