In memory · 2009 – 2025

Blackberry The Cat

the darker the berry, the sweeter the juice

Blackberry in the garden, his white chest patch catching the light.
Andrew holding Blackberry close.

From Andrew

A note to Blackberry

My best friend, fur-ever. It's true that's not the quantity of time you get but make sure it's the quality. Thank you for being my best little pal for the last 6 years, you're loved more than I can express and I'll miss you everyday. A little piece of me died along with you today, but all of you will love along with me for as long I am to carry on.

2009 – 2025

In Loving Memory of Blackberry

Blackberry the Cat: A Heart Wrapped in Fur, a Soul Full of Light

Blackberry, beloved companion, snack enthusiast, and certified toe-biter, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025. He was surrounded by the people (and dog) who loved him most: Andrew, Thomas, Catherine, and Tawny the Dog. He was 15 years old, wise beyond his years, and deeply loved every single day of his life.

Adopted at age nine from the Kelowna SPCA, Blackberry was originally destined to be an office cat at a winery. It didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself—after leaving a freshly-killed bird in the accountant’s office, he was politely evicted. Andrew brought him home shortly after, which, truthfully, was the plan all along.

Blackberry—known to friends and fans as Beebs, BB, Mugs, Mr. Mugs, Beans, Baby Beans, Bugs, Baby Bear, Black Bear, Muffin Man, and Little Love Bug—was equal parts gentle soul and snack predator. He had a sixth sense for toast and could materialize from the deepest nap the moment the toaster popped. He loved butter, stroopwaffles, and above all else, Kittles. Each morning he’d wake Andrew for breakfast, then nip his toes during the first bathroom trip of the day. It was tradition.

Though not a fan of the travel, Blackberry deeply loved his time on Pender Island. The rugged, salty beauty of the BC coast seemed to speak to something in him. He would explore the property with quiet authority, drink fresh water from his favourite moss-covered rock, and dine like a king on freshly caught Dungeness crab. Those island days were some of his happiest, and he wore them like a crown.

He was a faithful office mate and couch goblin, always close by but never needy. Every morning he’d follow Andrew to work, perch beside his desk, and gently tap his arm for treats, which he received without question. At night, Blackberry would curl up close, the warm punctuation to every day. In the mornings, he gave full-body hugs like he invented them.

Blackberry was also—fittingly—a diehard Carolina Panthers fan. The black and silver suited him, and his quiet loyalty inspired Andrew to join the fandom too. Sundays were for naps, snacks, and football, and BB never missed a game—though he often slept through the third quarter.

He leaves behind the kind of grief that only comes when someone mattered that much. He will be missed in every quiet room, every warm patch of sun, every small ritual where his absence now echoes.

Blackberry lived with love, dignity, humour, and charm. He was home. He still is.

Blackberry resting with his notched ear and white chest patch visible.

Blackberry the Cat · 2009–2025

The Blackberry Album

A few of my favourite moments with BB, from his drinking rock on Pender to his very serious work as a snack inspector.

Browse all 47 photos ↓
Close-up of a black cat's face with striking yellow eyes and white fur on the chest.

The face that got away with everything

Blackberry, looking as if the whole place belonged to him. It did.

Black cat drinking water from a rock in front of a house with a blue chair and steps leading to a porch.

The drinking rock

A perfectly good bowl of water could never compete with his rock on Pender Island.

A black cat looking at a partially eaten cheese pizza in an open pizza box.

Pizza inspection

A dedicated snack enthusiast, always ready to investigate.

Black cat sitting on a cat tree with a blue sign in the background reading 'Danger Ahead Stop Panthers Country.'

Panthers Country

Black and silver suited him. So did a Sunday on the couch.

The full album

Select any photo to see it larger.

Black cat eating grass outdoors Black cat with yellow eyes sitting on a blue couch A black cat sits on a wooden coffee table in a living room with a tan dog looking out the window. The table is surrounded by a couch and an indoor plant. The room is cozy with various books and decorations on the table. Close-up of a black cat with a white patch on its chest, lying on a gray surface, looking to the side. Woman in glasses holding a black cat with white markings A black cat looking at a partially eaten cheese pizza in an open pizza box. Black cat drinking water from a rock in front of a house with a blue chair and steps leading to a porch. Close-up of a black and white cat's face resting on a colorful blanket. Black cat sitting on Christmas-themed fabric under a tree with colorful lights. Black cat sitting on a cat tree with a blue sign in the background reading 'Danger Ahead Stop Panthers Country.' Close-up of a black cat with yellow eyes lying in green grass. Black cat sitting on a couch in front of a blanket featuring a photo of a man holding a cat. Person holding a black cat outdoors Black and white cat sitting near empty food bowls on wooden floor. Close-up of a black cat's face with striking yellow eyes and white fur on the chest. Black cat sitting on a wooden chair with a green cushion, in a room with wooden walls and floor. A black dog and a black cat lying together on a gray couch with patterned pillows and a yellow blanket. Black cat lying on a blue striped rug under a wicker chair. A black cat lying on its back on a concrete surface, with a patch of white fur on its belly. The cat's front legs are partially raised and one eye is slightly open. Black cat walking on grass with trees in the background. Black cat sleeping on a blue chair next to a wooden desk with a laptop on it. Close-up of a black cat with a white patch on its chest, mouth open wide. Black cat standing in a concrete structure outdoors, surrounded by pine cones and dry grass, with trees in the background. Black and white cat sitting in a white bathtub with a towel hanging over the edge and a bottle on a rack. Black cat climbing a tree in a shaded forest area. Black cat standing outside a window with snow-covered trees in the background. Black cat on pink armchair with patterned blankets, porch setting. Black cat with white patch on chest sitting on patterned rug in front of a lit wood-burning stove inside a wooden-walled room. Close-up of a black cat lying on a textured rug. Black cat with white markings sitting on dry grass in a forested area. Black cat wearing a blue bib with red trim featuring a cartoon owl and text "I've Been Very Good!" Black cat climbing a wooden fence near a house. Person cuddling with a black cat on a green pillow. Close-up of a black cat with piercing eyes and a white patch on its chest. Close-up of a black cat with wide yellow eyes and its tongue slightly sticking out. A black cat lying on its back on a rug in front of a wood-burning stove with a visible fire inside. The room has wooden walls and a window, with some household items in the background. Black cat sitting at a table with floral tablecloth and empty plates. Black cat sleeping in a round pet bed on a striped bedspread. Black cat and brown dog lying together on a blue rug under a metal table frame. Black cat with raised tail in a rocky outdoor area with dry plants, mountains in the background, and clear blue sky. Close-up of a black cat lying on grass, with sunlight reflecting in its eye and blades of grass around its face. Black cat lying in kitchen cabinet next to a pot and utensils. Refrigerator with colorful magnets and papers on top nearby. A black cat looking up, standing beside a pet bed with a stuffed black bear holding a wine bottle. The bed is on a striped blanket. A child smiling and holding a black cat while lying on a red and white bed. The room has framed pictures on the walls. Black cat lying on dry grass with a small patch of white fur on its belly. Black cat sniffing grass in a sunny outdoor setting. A black cat sitting on a desk in front of a computer monitor displaying a close-up image of a cat's face. The desk also has a keyboard, cup, and office supplies.

47 photos

In his memory

Bring Home a Blackberry

In memory of Blackberry, please (please!) consider adopting a senior cat and give another Blackberry the life and love you both deserve. If you are in Kelowna, contact the SPCA at kelowna@spca.bc.ca or find your new best friend here: BC SPCA Kelowna or at the Okanagan Humane Society

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