- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -
Andrew (Andy) Gordichuk
1924 – 2010
Andy passed away in the Dawson Creek Hospital on September 11, 2010. He was born on September 29, 1924. A funeral service was held on September 14, 2010 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. A graveside service was held on September 16, 2010 at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Edmonton, Alberta. Father Benny Ambrosie officiated. Dinner followed at the Norwood Legion, Edmonton, Alberta.
Andrew Gordichuk, Dad was born and raised in Two Hills, Alberta to John and Annie Gordichuk. He was the second oldest of eight. They lived on a farm in a small mud and straw house. He went to school until the age of 15 and at age 16 he went to work in Ontario with his father and cousin George. At age 17, they moved back home to tend to Dad’s mother who was ill with Rheumatic Fever.
Dad joined the Army in 1943 at the age of 19. He was a Private in the infantry until he was discharged in 1946, at the end of the war.
Dad met Debbie’s mom Nadine at a dance in 1950. They were married in Yellowknife, NWT. While there he worked in the mines.
In 1953 while living in Edmonton, he borrowed an extravagant amount of $1000.00 to purchase his first semi truck and trailer and was subcontracted to Trimac.
In 1965 Dad moved to Medicine Hat as a single father raising his daughter Debbie. There he met Judy on a blind date.
Eight months later in 1966, Dad and mom packed up the families and moved to Dawson Creek, BC. He was asked to stay for one year and can you believe that was 44 years ago...
He left Trimac for a period of six years, during which time he hauled mail to Prince George for five years and Dairy products to Ft. Nelson for R. Dufour for one year.
Dad returned to work at Trimac until he sold his truck and planned to retire in 1994. Dad walked into Ken Anderson’s office (the Trimac Manager) and was told that he was now a company driver, which meant he was an employee instead of a contract operator.
In 1996, Dad was told that at 72 years of age he would no longer be allowed to drive for Trimac. Because of the new retirement policy he was forced into retirement.
These are some of the things Dad liked to do: washing and cleaning his truck, shovelling and sweeping his sidewalks, mowing and whipper snipping his lawn to perfection, playing crib, poker, fishing, camping, & bowling.
Dad loved and owned classic automobiles, that included a 1976 Chevy Impala convertible and his favourite a 1980 Oldsmobile.
Dad and Mom spent 11 years travelling to Yuma, Arizona where they met a lot of new friends. He also participated in senior Olympics, receiving many medals, and holey board tournaments; where he was usually champion and everyone knew it.
In 2005 Dad’s health started to deteriorate, unfortunately their trips to Yuma ceased. They still enjoyed trips to the farm, and visiting with friends over coffee at McDonalds. Dad also enjoyed the visits from his family and grandchildren. One of Dad’s greatest joys was moving to Chapel Hill Estates where he had a new found independence, riding his scooter everywhere.
Our mother took exceptional care of our father and we are truly grateful to her for that.
On September 11th our dear dad passed away peacefully. May his memories be eternal.
Eulogy written by Cliff Hindmarch.
Andy is predeceased by his father John, mother Annie, brother Adam, son Shayne Andrew, and stepson Corey Hindmarch. He is survived by his loving wife Judy; daughters Debbie (Eldon) Lochhead, Shaunesy (Darin Pegg), Patti (Cliff) Hindmarch; grandchildren Aubree Pegg, Preslee Pegg, Kevin Hindmarch, Paul Hindmarch, Tami Hindmarch; step grandchildren Lindsey Falk and her children Brooklyn and Cayden, Kara Hindmarch and son Troy; brothers Sylvester (Jean Petruk), Raymond (Ethel) ; sisters Madeleine Shandruk, Marie (Paul) Whitmer, Sophie Petruk, Fiona (Jim) Swickis and many loving nieces and nephews.
For friends so wishing, expressions of sympathy may be made to the “Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation”11100 – 13 Street, Dawson Creek. BC V1G 3W8. Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Lorne McQueen
1925-2011
Lorne, a long-time resident of Chetwynd, passed away on Friday, January 28th, 2011,
at The Manor in Dawson Creek at the age of 85. Lorne was born in Stephenfield, Manitoba, on May 21, 1925. He was the second of three children born to Robert and Helen McQueen. His older brother, Bob, still lives in Texas and his younger sister, Muriel, lives in Victoria.
The McQueen family moved to the Dawson Creek area in 1928. Lorne would grow and develop into a man who left a good impression with most people and, more often, a legacy to communities, through his hard work and commitment to improve the lifestyle for many.
During his schooling years, he attended Central School where he received many penmanship awards as well as certificates for his athletic abilities. He did, however, repeat Grade 1. As he told it, he wasn’t all that well-behaved so the teacher would have him stay at her side while she was writing on the blackboard. His Uncle Henry had taught him to draw “naughty” pictures so he would entertain himself by drawing them on the board while his teacher was busy. He said that she would just reach down and rub them off with the eraser and carry on.
About 1941, one of Lorne’s first jobs was, with his father, hauling fuel, logs, even nitro, during the construction phase of the Alaska Highway. He told many stories of what it was like back then.
In 1946 he started with the Government in the Ministry of Public Works in Pouce Coupe. This was also the year that he married Ina Doonan, and, where they started their family. Two of their first girls were born in Pouce Coupe, Audrey in 1947 and Ardith in 1948. They would go on to have three more girls – Judy, born in Dawson Creek in 1950, Lorna, born in Vanderhoof in 1955 and Tracy, born in Pouce Coupe in 1962. Tracy will say that they stopped there because they finally got it right.
His career with the Forest Service began on April 15, 1947, as a Patrolman in Pouce Coupe, earning the big money -- $100 per month. A year later he became an Assistant Ranger in Pouce Coupe. Lorne attended Ranger School in 1950 and 1951. His first Ranger District was Fort St John. In the Fall of 1954 he was transferred to Fort Fraser. In 1959 he transferred to Chetwynd where he continued to work until retirement in 1981. Upon retirement, he went back to his roots – farming. Lorne and Ina purchased the Bob McDonough farm and raised Registered Polled Hereford cattle and a few good saddle horses. Much later, they moved from the farm to live in a suite with daughter, Lorna, and Bob.
Lorne loved music, flying, curling and was an avid hunter. He could play any instrument but a woodwind and all by ear. He started playing the violin at a very early age with his father, uncles and aunts in the McQueen Orchestra. They played for many benefit dances during the war years. Later on, if there were a couple of other people who could play old-time music, he wouldn’t hesitate to get out his violin. There may even be some here today who can remember dancing to his music in the old community hall. You just had to sing, hum or whistle a song and he would play it for you on the violin or guitar and even take a stab at playing it on the piano or accordian. We all spent many hours throughout the years listening to him play. If you watched him, his mouth would move when he had to hit a hard note and it was because he originally started playing music on a mouth organ. Funny, the little things you remember about somebody.
Curling was an important part of Lorne’s life. While living in Fort Fraser, he organized a curling club and, under his leadership, volunteers built the first curling rink in that community in 1955. Again, in Chetwynd, he was instrumental in organizing a club and volunteers to build the original curling rink and, because of his continued dedication, was chosen to throw the first rock in the new curling rink on December 8, 1973, which was a button shot.
Lorne loved to fly and had many opportunities to fly in planes and helicopters through his work with the Forest Service. This, however, wasn’t quite enough. He got together with people like Clayton Collins, Bob Nicholson and Bert Chatham and, with many other volunteers, built the airstrip in Chetwynd. They went on to organize a flying club and purchased an airplane for the club pilots. Again, not enough…..he wanted his own plane. After much persuasion, Ina said he could have one if he didn’t fly it any further than she rode her horse. Lorne took that as a “yes” and purchased a Cessena 140. This was his pride and joy for a number of years. If any of the girls asked Ina where he was they received a swat for asking a stupid question…..he was at the airport.
In 1978, the BC Aviation Council named Lorne “Chetwynd’s Mr Aviation” and awarded him the Bill Templeton Trophy. The paved airstrip was officially opened on May 6, 1979. The first plane to land was piloted by Lorne and Clayton Collins with passengers, Mayor Charlie Lasser and MLA Don Phillips.
Lorne also received recognition for serving 10 years as School Board Trustee for School District 59 – for this, he was named Citizen of the Year in 1971. He also played important roles in getting Windrem and Don Titus Schools built as well as the Chetwynd Hospital.
Yes, Lorne contributed much to many and he will be missed by his family, friends and all those he came in contact with throughout his 85 years. He will be especially missed by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lorne loved spending time with the youngsters. Rest well, Lorne, you’ve earned it.
Opal Eline Dahlen
1914 ~ 2011
Opal Eline Dahlen, was born on November 7, 1914, to her parents Olie and Emma Simonson. Opal was born at home in the Simonson family home on their farm in Langham District in Saskatchewan. Opal joined her siblings Sidney, Gladys and Norrine and, 12 years later, their younger brother Victor was born.
Opal attended a one-room school and after finishing school settled into farm life doing chores, learning how to cook, sew and master other homemaker skills.
In the winter, leisure time was spent, skating on the sloughs, going to neighbouring farms for skating parties or cross-country skiing on skis crafted by her dad. Opal always remarked on how they made their own fun and there was never a dull moment growing up.
The Simonsons were devout Christians and very involved with the church. They instilled strong Christian and family values in their children. Their church, First Saskatchewan Lutheran, was the hub of the community and it was in this church that Opal was baptized, confirmed and later married.
She was an accomplished, self-taught pianist and loved music. She sang every Sunday in the choir and filled in as the organist if her mother was unavailable to play. Opal was a member of the Luther League youth group and assisted with church socials and potluck suppers. It was at one of these social functions that she met Albert Dahlen a young farm hand for one of the church members. The two of them became inseparable and, after two years of courtship, Albert and Opal were married on August 31, 1937. They began family life on the Simonson farm and in 1939 their first son Wayne was born.
In 1941, Albert’s dad offered them the family homestead in North Rolla, where the Dahlen family immediately made her feel welcome and Albert’s mom became like a mother to Opal. In later years Opal became a very special aunt to all of her nieces and nephews.
Though the Great Depression caused hardships for them, they worked hard and they enjoyed their home life. After struggling to make a living on their quarter section, they decided to move into Dawson Creek. In April 1944, Terry was born.
Opal and Albert were very involved with Grace Lutheran Church. Opal was the organist for 25 years, taught Sunday school and was an active member of the Ladies Aid.
Opal’s boys were her pride and joy she was a stay-at-home mom. Both Wayne and Terry remember she was always there to greet them when they came home from school or work. Meal times were always a family affair.
Opal took a job at Sterling Ladies Wear where she worked for 8 years. She had an eye for fashion and became and excellent clerk who made many good friends who then became her regular customers.
Family get-togethers were very important, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays, anniversaries - they were all reasons for the whole family to gather. They loved to entertain the family and have barbecues. Opal never forgot her kids and grandkids at birthdays and Christmas.
It was a sad time for the family when Albert passed away at the age of 91 but Opal overcame her loss and continued to live in their home until her passing.
Opal enjoyed 100 Huntley Street, The Lawrence Welk Show and the Wheel of Fortune. When she couldn’t go to church on Sundays, she was sure to watch the Hour of Power. She believed in the power of prayer and remembered her family in her prayers every night.
Opal was a true lady. She never said an unkind word about anyone and certainly rarely ever spoke a bad word. When you came for coffee she would always make sure you had cheezies and gingersnaps.
On the night before her passing, Pastor Noel paid her a visit. He held her hand and shared some scriptures with her. One of the scriptures fit Grandma to a “T” it is Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Another John 14:1-3, ‘Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in god, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
On January 30, 2011, Opal passed away peacefully in her sleep and her family is comforted to know that she has gone to the place that her Lord prepared for her and where she will once again be reunited with her true love.
Opal will be fondly remembered by: her sons, Wayne (Bev) Dahlen and Terry (Joanne) Dahlen.
grandchildren, Wayne (Laurel) Dahlen Jr., Sherri (Sam) Purves, Carl (Shelley) Dahlen, Greg (Jacque) Dahlen, and Ashley Dahlen.
Great-grandchildren Amanda and Michael McMullin, Ben Purves (Tish Lewis), Jodanna and Krissy Dahlen, Carl Dahlen Jr., Trevor Dahlen, Dayna and Niklas Dahlen, great-great-grandchildren Leah Purves, and brother Victor (Lillian) Simonson.
A memorial service was held on February 4, 2011 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Noel Smith officiating.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Opal, may be made by donation to the ‘Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation’ or the ‘Concordia Lutheran Seminary.’
Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.
Hazel Schaerer
1911 - 2011
Hazel Schaerer, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 99 years of age. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
A private family interment followed in the Dawson Creek City cemetery, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Hazel, may be made by donation to the ‘Canadian Cancer Society, 1000 – 105 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 2B9
Silvia Della Torrie
Silvia Della Torrie, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 92 years of age. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 11:00 am at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church.
Father Michael Anyasoro officiated.
A prayer service was held on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, 908 - 104 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Cremation followed.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Silvia, may be made by donation to the 'SPCA' 637 - 114 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3W1
Linda Mizeri
1934 - 2011
Linda Mizeri, resident of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 77 years of age. A memorial service was held on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 3:30 pm at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Linda, may be made by donation to the 'British Columbia Heart & Stroke Foundation' P.O. Box 714, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 4H7.
Elizabeth Anne Gustafson
Elizabeth Anne Gustafson, better known as Betty Gustafson, long time resident of Fort Nelson, British Columbia, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 67 years of age. A memorial service was held on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Fort Nelson Secondary School, Fort Nelson, British Columbia.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Betty, may be made by donation to the 'Fort Nelson Hospitla Ladies Auxiliary' P.O. Box 1149, Fort Nelson, British Columbia V0C 1R0
