- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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William Hall
1934 – 2010
William Hall, after a long and very full life, passed away peacefully at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Bill was 76 years of age. Born April, 21 1934 at St Joseph Hospital in Dawson Creek, he was raised and lived his entire life in the farming community of Kilkerran. Bill attended early schooling at 7 Mile Corner and high school in Dawson Creek. Bill was an avid fastball and hockey player and also enjoyed country music dances. In his later years, he enjoyed bowling, participating at music festivals and singing and playing for the senior care homes. Wherever he went he could always be heard whistling a tune. He left his family and friends with many fond memories. Bill will be sadly missed by all.
Bill is survived by his wife Jean Hall; children Lynn (Gary) Noël, Lyle (Ella) Hall, Trent (Kathy) Hingley, Jim Hall, Tricia Grismer, Janet Hall; grandchildren Stephen and Shawn Noël, Jorden and Jaycy Hall, Brent and Byron (Alison) Hingley, Elysia Grismer, Dallas (Brad) Williamson, Melissa (Adam) Grismer; great-grandchildren, Tanner Hingley, Gavin Williamson and Quinn Grismer and sister Ethel Remenyk. Bill is predeceased by parents Don and Mary Hall and sister Ruth Willich.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at the Alliance Church, Dawson Creek, British Columbia with Peggy Bergeron officiating.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bill, may be made by donation to the ‘Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation’ 11100 – 13 Street, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3W8 or the ‘Canadian Cancer Society’ 1000 – 105 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 2B9.
Edith Florence May Kitchen (nee Collins)
1918-2010
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Edith Florence May Kitchen long-time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. Edith passed peacefully in her sleep at home on September 29, 2010. She was 91 years of age. Born December 9, 1918 on the family homestead near Greenan, Saskatchewan, Edith was the fourth child of six children born to Harry and Mabel Collins. Later she moved with her older brothers, Walter, Charlie and Sid, and her younger sisters Edna and Merna to Rosetown, then Plato, Saskatchewan. In September 1934, the Collins family relocated to the South Peace near Rolla and later that year, the family moved to Dawson Creek. Edith finished her high school education at the old Dawson Creek Public School. She played basketball and softball, joined the CGIT and met her ‘one and only’, the boy next door, Norman Kitchen.
In 1936, Edith and her sister Edna went to Edmonton by train where they attended the Marvel Beauty School and Alberta’s Business College while working for their board at the United Church Home. Returning to Dawson Creek, the sisters opened the ‘New Ray Beauty Shoppe’ and a public stenography business. Their shop was located upstairs in the W.O. Harper building at the corner of 102nd Avenue and 10th Street, where the Bank of Montreal is today. They often worked evenings as the electric power was only available evenings upon request. They were working at the shop the evening of the disastrous explosion of February 13, 1943. When dynamite stored across 10th Street exploded, clients ‘left in a frenzy’, hair curlers and all! Luckily no one was hurt.
Edith married the love of her life, Norman Kitchen, in 1942 just before Norman left to serve four years in the Canadian Army seeing active duty in Europe. While Norman was away, Mom continued to ‘do hair’, play softball and joined the bowling league. After the sale of the beauty shop in 1944, she worked as bookkeeper for the Peace River Block News, published by her father-in-law Charles S. Kitchen. When Norman returned to civilian life, he rejoined his father at the newspaper later becoming the publisher. Edith worked alongside her husband until the business was sold in 1972.
Edith had two children, daughter Joan and son Russell. In 1978, her first grandchild, Trenton Kitchen was born, followed by Ryan Mulholland and Jessica Kitchen.
Edith had a strong sense of community. She taught Sunday school at the United Church; was a chartered member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Peace Chapter No. 58 (raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society; making cancer dressings) ; and was Guardian of Bethel #44, Job’s Daughters. She loved family times at the Moberly Lake cabin – camp fires, sunset cruises, hikes along the beach and in the woods. She loved to sing, dance, play crib, knit and quilt.
Mom remained in the family home when Dad passed in 1994. She enjoyed wellness exercises, Monday lunches and cribbage offered at the Seniors Centre; the Happy Hoofers Walking Group and having coffee at the Dawson Co-op with friends and neighbours. As the years passed, Mom’s health deteriorated. She was unable to go out as she once had. To the end she loved to get a cup of coffee and go for a car ride.
Mom desperately missed members of her family who had passed before. She was predeceased by her cherished husband of 52 years, Norman, parents Harry and Mabel Collins, brothers Walter (Madge) Collins, Charlie (Alice) Collins, Sid (Ethel) Collins and sister Edna (Jim) Reasbeck and brother-in-law Wayne Crouch; father and mother-in-law Charles (Florence) Kitchen, brothers and sisters-in-law Charles (Joan) Kitchen; Edna (Charles) Hutchison and Bea (Alex) Robertson, Ray Peterson.
Edith is lovingly remembered by daughter Joan Mulholland; son Russell (Jamie); grandchildren Trenton (Britney), Ryan Mulholland and Jessica (Travis Hebert) ; sister Merna Crouch and numerous nephews, nieces and their families.
A funeral service was held at South Peace United Church, Friday, October 8, 2010 at 3:00 pm officiated by Reverend Marilyn Carroll. Eulogy presented by Jessica Kitchen. Interment followed in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. We would like to extend a special thank you to all family, friends, neighbours and caregivers. Each of you has been an important part of our Mom’s life. Her life was enriched by your kindness, support, friendship and love.
For friends so wishing, expressions of sympathy in memory of Edith may be made by donation to: South Peace United Church 1300-104th Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2J6; The Order of the Eastern Star (Dawson Creek Hospital Cancer Ward Fund) c/o #206-1111-90th Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 5A3; or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of British Columbia & Yukon P.O. Box 714, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H7.
Donald William McDonell
1920 – 2010
Don McDonell was a well known and highly respected farmer in the East Pouce Coupe District. He passed away at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital on September 17, 2010 after a short stay in the hospital.
Donald William McDonell started farming with his brother Ken in 1934, and retired in 2007, on the original homestead that his father had filed on. Don’s dad was killed instantly by lightning in August of 1934. Mom rented the land out for four years and in 1939, Don and his brother Ken, planted their first crop. They farmed for seven years with eight horses on the cultivator with harrows behind. The seeding was done with four horses on the seed drill.
During World War II, brother Ken was called to serve in the army, leaving Don alone to do the farming. From February of 1943 to October 1945, was a long time for Don to shoulder this heavy load. He was a very hard worker, but always the gentleman.
Don was born July 13, 1920, the eldest son of John and Catherine. He had two sisters, Margaret Ellen McDonell and Ellen Christina DeWetter, and one brother, Ken. Don attended the East Pouce Coupe School for eight years. He worked with threshing crews in the fall and sawmills in the winter. Don later spent some time working for Gerald Beattie as a heavy equipment operator in Inuvik. He also worked with Albert John Nagel in his mechanic shop, and when Henry Nagel needed help due to health problems, Don came every day all winter to feed and water the cattle. Indeed, Don was always ready and willing to help anyone whenever he was needed.
Don was a very community minded person and could be counted on to help in such instances as building the East Pouce Coupe Hall and was a member of the Farmers’ Institute which looked after the hall.
Don was also a very social person and enjoyed old time music and especially old time dancing. I remember their fine old victrola and their collection of records you could dance to with that old wind up record player! Don was very good at playing cards and checkers too.
Don came from a very fine old pioneering family, as his parents came into the country over the Spirit River Trail in 1917. His mother reported that she would walk across the railroad trestles and his Dad would ford the creeks with his team, often having the wagon and all its contents under water. Miraculously, only one bowl in her set of 108 dishes given her by her mother was broken!
Don was predeceased by his parents, John and Catherine McDonell; sisters, Margaret McDonell and Ellen DeWetter; brother-in-law Jack DeWetter and nephew John DeWetter. Don leaves to mourn his loss, one brother Ken McDonell; nieces and nephews Gerald DeWetter (Anna Cantre) of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, Catherine (Robert) Mulvihill of Peachland, British Columbia, Carol DeWetter of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia and great nephews John and Robbie (Anna Marie) Mulvihill.
Don will always be loved and never forgotten.
A funeral service was held on September 25, 2010 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Father Michael Anyasoro officiating. Interment followed in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Don, may be made by donation to the ‘Knights of Columbus’ c/o Notre Dame Parish, 908 – 104 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 2H7.
John Charles Chmielewski
1930 ~ 2010
John Chmielewski - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing (Sept. 16, 2010) of our father, grandfather, husband, step-father, step-grandfather, uncle and friend. John was born on April 28, 1930 in Holden, Alberta. John was one month old when he and his family moved to Farmington, British Columbia where it was said that John became one of the youngest homesteaders around. He attended Parkland School in Farmington. John was always a jokester and a story teller. Also, if anyone needed help with anything, John was there to lend a hand however he could. He was a true friend to many. Over the course of John’s life he held many jobs. He worked for the CNT (Canadian National Telegraph), CP Rail, the Army, Gulf Oil, The Village of Pouce Coupe, the RCMP and a few others. John met Tracey Janec while working for CP Rail and they were married in 1965. They had two children together; Garth (daughter Dallas) and Susan (daughter Amanda and son Colton). Tracey was killed in a car accident in November of 1987. John then Married Margaret Bunker in April of 1992, whom he was with until pancreatic cancer took him. John loved hunting. It was a passion of his. He had so many stories to tell, whether it was about life on the farm when he was growing up or walking to school and home again (uphill both ways), working on the threshing crew when he was young, or hunting stories. He was so excited when he shot his first doll sheep. Some of John’s favorite hobbies were listening to old records of Wilf Carter, Jim Reeves, Hank Snow and Nestor Pistor, or just having a good old jam session with Harold Overhold, Martha Carson, Margo Marion, Morine Albright and Slim Hiebert. “Those were the good old days.” He would say. John was a longtime member of the B.P.O.E. (Elks lodge) and then a member of the Knights of Columbus. John was predeceased by his parents Joe ~1942, Anne (Litke) ~1948, brothers Paul, Frank, Martin, Peter, sister Albina, first wife Tracey ~ Nov 6, 1987 and grandson Robert ~ Dec 1, 1987. John is survived by son Garth and granddaughter Dallas, daughter Susan and granddaughter Amanda and grandson Colton, wife Margaret, step-children, step-grandchildren, Sister Julia, Brother Larry (Mable), Sister Vicki (Floyd) and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
A funeral service and Mass was held on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in Dawson Creek, BC. Officiated by Father Michael Anyasoro, organist Sister Connie Harkin and eulogy by Bob Johnson. Interment to follow at a later date. A Celebration of Life Tea and Social gathering followed at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of John, may be made by donation to the “Canadian Cancer Society” 1000-105 Avenue Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2B9 or the “Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation” 11100-13 St. Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3W8.
Thank you to Dr. Roux, and all the staff at the DC Hospital who attended to John. Thank you so much to Gerry and Peggy and their staff as well, for all of their help in making the arrangements. You are all fantastic.
David Clinton Hamilton
April 16, 1932 - September 27, 2010
Dave Hamilton passed away September 27, 2010 at the age of 78.
The fourth child of Walter and Hulda Hamilton, Dave Hamilton was born at the Pouce Coupe hospital and spent his childhood years on the farm at north Swan Lake. It was here that he developed his passion for music and animals that would continue on for the rest of his life.
In 1958, Dave married Isabel Manhalt and together they raised three daughters: Kathy was born in 1959, Shelley in 1961 and Vida in 1966.
Starting when he was 17 years old, Dave played music in numerous dance bands. It didn’t matter what name was given to the band, it inevitably became advertised as Dave Hamilton’s Orchestra. His career in music spanned decades, and he was honoured to play at weddings for different generations of the same family. The band played in every community hall in the region. They also had the opportunity to play in Watson Lake one weekend. “The Band” was comprised of many musicians over the years, all of whom Dave gladly spent his time with. The girls were often taken to these country dances and after playing themselves out on the dance floor, would curl up on the coats in the corner to sleep, watched over by Dave’s family, friends and wives of the band mates.
Dave bought his hobby farm in the early ‘60s where he grew barley, canola and alfalfa. He also had a small herd of cattle for several years. At one point Dave decided to buy a horse for the girls. Beethoven the pinto pony arrived. This was not the only time Dave brought home or allowed the girls to keep strays needing a home. Snoopy was found at McDonalds Consolidated where Dave worked for most of his life. Kathy managed to bring home Rastus and Marty the cats. Shelley brought home a flock of ducks for Dave to release out at the farm. Each time he would say “no more” but more kept coming. Marty really liked Dave and would join him for a nap on the couch. He would also make sure to be sleeping on Dave’s bed when it was bedtime, only to be unceremoniously dumped out the bedroom door.
Dave’s first retirement was from McDonald’s Consolidated. He had worked there since the ‘60s. After a short retirement, his friend, Herb Nodes, offered him a job as parts runner. This job was perfect for him. He got to talk to all sorts of people every day.
Isabel died in 2002 and after some soul-searching, Dave decided to take a second retirement. He then started keeping company with Lorna Lewko. Together with friends, they did some travelling around North America which he really enjoyed.
Dave was predeceased by his parents Walter and Hulda Hamilton, sisters Madeline and Diana and wife Isabel.
He is fondly remembered by his partner Lorna Lewko, daughters Kathy (Lary) Garnett, Shelley (Jim) Chute and Vida Hamilton, grandchildren Cody, Leigh-Ann, and Kaylyn Garnett, Michael and Becky Chute, and Andrea and Megan George. Also survived by his brothers Bob (Melina) Hamilton and Charlie (Carole) Hamilton; sisters Bess Lombardo, Anna (Gordon) Wright, and Heather (Ross) Robertson and many nieces and nephews.
Donations in Dave’s memory can be made to the Dawson Creek SPCA #637 - 114 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 1A3.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 16, 2010 at the Tupper Community Hall from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Robert (Bob) Hankins
Dec. 8, 1925 ~ Sept. 27, 2010
Bob was born December 8, 1925 to Oscar and Louisa Hankins in Donalda, Alberta. He spent his childhood years along with older sister Iona, and younger brothers Clarance and Doug on the family farm. Bob was very industrious catching rabbits in a trapline on his way to school. When he was 11 he started going out to work with his Dad. At 14, Bob left home to go to work on neighbouring farms. He worked around a bit and then in 1944 he joined the armed forces until the end of the war.
Bob married Betty Elliot in 1953; they farmed in Gadsby and Botha, Alberta. In 1958, they moved to Arrowpark, British Columbia to farm, Bob also worked in the bush falling, skidding and running cat. In 1967, B.C. Hydro bought their farm for the High Arrow Dam. Bob and Betty and their three children Jim, Judy and Allan moved to the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Bob and Betty enjoyed the Queen Charlotte Islands. There was plenty of work for Bob driving fuel truck, gravel truck and running skidder. They missed the farm life and in 1971, they moved to Edgewood, British Columbia. Bob ranched and worked in the woods. He found a new hobby, chariot racing, raising and training his little ponies.
In 1978, Bob and Betty moved to Burton, British Columbia. Although Bob was supposed to be semi-retired he kept busy at various jobs and spent time helping out his friends and family. In 1992, Bob and Betty decided to move to Dawson Creek. Bob had spent time there hunting and liked the country and people. Bob had a new interest building intricate wooden toys. The couple found they loved ice fishing and they spent many happy days fishing and camping at lakes and parks in the area and all over British Columbia. Bob always enjoyed hunting and fishing not only to provide for his family but to get out into the outdoors.
Bob was a man with many talents. Over his lifetime he ranched often administering remedies to his livestock. He was experienced in logging, falling, skidding, and running cat. His carpentry work was excellent and he built several barns, a duplex and also did all repairs to their home. Bob never lost his interest in farming and continued to help his friend Stan at harvestime until Bob was 80.
Bob made friends easily and was generous with his time and knowledge. He loved to dance and play cards and spend time with friends and family. He had quite a sense of humour. We will all miss him very much.
Bob Hankins passed away peacefully with Betty his loving wife of 57 years by his side. Bob was predeceased by brothers Clarance and Doug. He is survived by his sister Iona, his three children Jim (Monica), Judy, Allan (Cheri) and six grandchildren, Tabitha (Phil), Madeline (Marvin), Joel, Tyson, Adrianna, and Alicia.
A memorial service was held on October 1, 2010 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Interment of Bob’s urn took place at a graveside in the Botha Community Cemetery, Botha, Alberta on October 8, 2010.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bob may be made by donation to the ‘Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation’ 11100 – 13th Street, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3W8.
May Soady
1921 – 2010
May Soady was born on December 11, 1921 in Vancouver, British Columbia. She was the fifth child born to Peter and Norah Carruthers. She attended school in Vancouver and then began working as a stewardess on the Union Steamships until she met her husband, Carl Soady. May and Carl had three children together, Carleen, Anne, and Michael. Due to the nature of Carl’s work the family moved numerous times until 1965 when May and her children settled in Dawson Creek.
May worked many jobs to support her children but eventually settled at the Rotary Manor as a long-term care aide. She was very instrumental in bringing the Hospital Employees Union to the Rotary Manor. She was responsible for orientating the new resident care aides, and had a reputation for being hard to keep up with even though she retired in her early 70s.
May was very active and you could never catch her at home. She spent a lot of her time volunteering as a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion. She loved to play a good competitive game of cards, crib, scrabble, or bowling. She bowled in the Senior Games and the Gold Age Bowling League. May loved scratch and win lottery tickets and had a lucky streak but never won the big one!
After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, who have very fond memories of walking over to Grandma’s during their lunch breaks to enjoy a home cooked meal. May also loved to shop for her family, hunting for the best bargains. Her family was her pride and joy.
May loved a good debate. She had an attitude and wasn’t afraid to use it. She loved to tell stories about working on the ships and her spunk was present even in her last days.
May will be fondly remembered by her children, Carleen Soady (Ray Bourbeau), Anne (Jim) Alexander, Mike Soady and Jim (Pia) Johnson; grandchildren Tinia and Jade Cooke, Charmaine (Josh) Fleishauer, Anita (Josh) Kurjata, Ashley (Johnathan) Shipton and Julia Alexander.
May passed away on September 16, 2010 at the age of 88. A memorial tea in her honor was held on September 25, 2010 at the Dawson Creek Senior Citizen’s Hall.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of May, may be made by donation to the ‘Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation’ 11100 – 13th Street, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3W8.
