- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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William ‘Bill’ Meerman
1931 - 2011
It was a summer day on August 6, 1931 when Bill was born on the homestead at Riverside, BC. He was born Wilhelmus Cornelis Meerman but was fondly remembered as Bill, Dad, Farm Opa, Willy, Pete, Friend and Grandpa.
It all began in 1958, Bill and Doreen met and it was love at first sight. She worked at the Alaskan Cleaners and he used to bring his bus uniforms in to have them cleaned. He was a pretty good looking dude in his uniform, I guess you could say she took him to the cleaners. After a couple of years of courting, usually on foot or by bus as he did not have a car, their love blossomed, and they decided to make it official. On May 14, 1960 they were happily married.
Bill was blessed with a loving wife, 2 children, 2 grandchildren, 6 great grand children as well as a host of adopted children all of whom he loved dearly.
Bill and Doreen were fortunate to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary last year and the rest is history.
Bill was many things to many people, to his family he was the guy that was always there, he was easy going, kind, and generous to a fault. Someone who always had a smile and was willing to hand out some good sound advice even though you thought you had life all figured out.
To his friends he was the person that they could always call on to lend and hand, with anything that needed to be done. Whether it was helping with the harvest, babysitting one of the kids or doing his favorite thing, the night shift, during calving season, Bill was always the person you could come to ask for help, he was always ready and willing to assist anyone at anytime. We are so thankful that up until the last days he was doing what he loved most. “Helping friends”
Bill was a great story teller, and loved nothing better than to sit beside the fire in his old chair, and just shoot the breeze with anyone who wanted to talk. He had a gift and could talk to anyone, he just had that easy way about him that made everyone just want to spend time with him.
One of his greatest loves was his animals. He always had one or two critters hanging about the farm. We all remember him walking across the yard heading to the barn like the pied piper with his dog, and cats never far behind. You know you’ve lived a good life when you have worn out several dogs, Spot, Skip, Jake, Shannia, Toby and Zipper were all Bill’s favorites each in their own way. His current best friend was Sid who will carry on at the farm at Doreen’s side, caring for her like he did Bill.
Bill knew Canada from East to West and North to South, he always had an entertaining story to tell or a bit of history and knowledge to share.
Wayne and Shari also realize how much Bill and Doreen did for their family while they were growing up. The hours that they worked behind the scenes, making sure that they were safe, warm, dry, and loved without them even knowing just how hard “that team” really worked to make their lives easy. They came to realize that it was “that team” that made our family.
There is no good time to lose a parent, husband, loved one or friend. We celebrated a full and generous life with Bill, and though we wanted it to be longer, we realize that it’s not over, the extra time we wanted with him is actually the time that we have NOW to enjoy our family and loved ones.
We cherish the moments we had, we remember the good times, love and laughter. So with this….. Dad/Grandpa/Bill… and memories to many to mention, we say……
“Catch you Later”
A memorial service was held on Monday, April 25, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the St. James Presbyterian Church, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Reverend Barbara Pilozow officiated.
Larry Max Edward Huculak
1956-2011
Larry Max Edward Huculak, most commonly referred to as ‘Huc’ was born January 20th, 1956 in Edmonton, AB. After several years of moving around the province, he settled in Fort Nelson in the early 70’s.
In 1975, Larry was one of the first to be hired at Tackama. 37 years later, Larry was still there and was so proud to say he was the only one left from the original group. Tackama was his life, despite his early childhood desires of becoming a bull fighter or a pig farmer. Unlike most people who are happy to have days off, Larry could not get enough of the place. It was rare that he could even be convinced to take a vacation, as he couldn’t bare the thought of missing anything. Although he was confident that he was about to win the lottery (every week for the last 40 years), we all know that it was unlikely that even this would have kept him away from the mill.
In addition to being known for his work at the mill, his mouth was also quite well-known. It was never a question as to what he was thinking, and you could always be sure that you would get an opinion out of him - whether you asked for it or not. You could also be sure that you would get a laugh when talking to him, which most likely would have been accompanied by a shaking of the head and a ‘I can’t believe he said that’.
Larry was a true northerner at heart and had a great love for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were passions of his, even though it took him at least 15 years after he started to finally shoot his first animal. His accident-prone ways would more often lead him to coming home with a broken bone on his body than food for the winter. He did shoot a hole in the floor of his dad’s motorhome once while hunting on the 317 road though - that sure must have been a dusty ride coming home. No animals that time either. When he did finally get an elk, nobody believed him. It wasn’t even record size, but it was a record for him.
Larry’s three daughters were very proud to have him as their dad. They were especially proud (and surprised) when he recently learned how to text; however, they were not as proud when he would text phrases such as ‘you go girl’ or ‘over and out’. Apparently he was watching episodes of Will and Grace or Ice Road Truckers while texting.
We all knew what you saw was what you got with Larry. No filter, swore like a trooper, vices galore, bossy, black and white work ethics, no gray areas with how hard you work (it was all about production and setting records) . Many people didn’t know the Larry that his close friends and family knew - he was loyal, compassionate, generous and witty. And his comebacks, even those who were mere acquaintances would know about his comebacks. If he liked you, he was loyal to you forever and would do anything to help you. If he didn’t, well, you knew it.
Larry is remembered by his daughter Telara, his step-daughter Robyn, and their mom Terri; his daughters Kayla, Alix and their mom Jackie. He was also survived by his brothers and sisters Linda (Stewart) Benoit, Brian Huculak, Lori (Bryan) Clapson, Karen Wilkin, Gail (Rudy) Gomilar, Michael (Colleen) O’Keefe, Douglas O’Keefe. He was a step-brother to Trish (Lyle) Doherty, Rick Murphy, and Debbie (Lucien) Aubin and a step-son to Vi Huculak. He is predeceased by his father Alex Huculak and his mother Mary O’Keefe.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Elks Hall, Fort Nelson, British Columbia. Laura Machin officiated.
Marjorie Isabelle Sullivan
1914 - 2011
Marjorie Isabelle Sullivan was born in Christine North Dakota, on January 24, 1914 to parents Olaf and Mabel Fossum. They moved to Canada in 1930. In 1933 Marjorie married Steve Sullivan and together raised a large family and therefore always had a big garden. Steve was the gardener, Marjorie did the canning.
Steve was away a lot as he had a sawmill so that left Marjorie to care for the home as well as the family. The early years were filled with fun around the card table, dances at Gundy or the Tupper Hall dances. Sometimes they got to the dances by team and wagon and sometimes by Steve skating and pulling Marjorie in the sled across the ice.
As they semi retired they did a lot of camping with family and friends. When the trips became shorter they would take the camper and go to Curtis and Jean’s cabin at Tupper. There they would do a lot of visiting around the camp fire and I think the odd sleep in their lawn chairs. Marjorie was a good cook and the grandchildren always knew to go there on Halloween night to get their popcorn balls.
Marjorie was also a great Blue Jays baseball fan, knew the names of all the players. Often thought they should replace the pitcher if they didn’t meet her expectations.
Marjorie also enjoyed “Dancing with the Stars” and Jamie would join her if she could.
Marjorie watched the news every day, and read the daily newspaper which Ed faithfully delivered to her. Marjorie with husband Steve moved to the Peace River Haven in 2001 where they made many friends with residents as well as staff.
Marjorie is survived by her children: Connie (Harry) Jones, Brenda Halverson, Glenn Sullivan, Janet (Ray) Gruenke, Vern (Sharon) Sullivan, and Gloria Clark; her brother Curtis (Jean) Fossum; 19 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 14 great great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Marjorie was predeceased by husband Steve; Son Wayne; Son in-law Roy Halverson; brother Gordon Fossum and her parents Olaf and Mabel Fossum.
A Memorial Service was held on Friday, May 6, 2011 at Bergeron Funeral Chapel with Peggy Bergeron officiating. Marjorie and Steve’s urns were interred together in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery.
Owen Winchell Mason
1933 ~ 2011
Owen Winchell Mason was born on his uncle’s farm near Rocky Mountain House Alberta, on January 30th, 1933. Born to parents Noel and Hazel Mason, Owen was the fourth of twelve children. A former resident of the Hines Creek area in Alberta, Owen resided in the Taylor area for the past 55 years of his life. Owen passed away peacefully in Dawson Creek on May 13th, 2011 at the age of 78 years.
When Owen was born, he joined siblings Gert, Bernice, and Buzz. Ruthie and Noela followed soon after. When Owen was 5, his parents loaded their six kids into a covered wagon. Pulled by a team of horses and leading a milk cow, they embarked on a long journey north to join relatives already in the Peace River country. Noel and Hazel filed on homestead land soon after arriving in the Montagneause Valley area just north of Hines Creek Alberta. The family continued to grow, and another 6 brothers and sisters followed. Frank, Elmer, Albert, Wilma, Jack and Michael helped to fill up all the extra space in the three room log house.
Owen attended the Montagneause Valley School until heading out to work full time when he was in his early teens. He worked as a farm hand, horse logger and truck driver before starting a serious career in the construction trade. In the early 50’s, he found work in Grande Prairie building a new oil refinery. Owen then moved to Uranium City where he worked on construction at Gunnar Mines. After the job in Uranium City, Owen headed to BC to work on a new gas plant being built in Taylor. While working in Taylor he met Goldie Lundquist, a local girl from Feller’s Heights.
Owen and Goldie were married on October 25th, 1957. The high paying construction work was exchanged for a steady and secure maintenance job at the newly built plant in Taylor, and the couple began making a home for themselves. Pat came along in 1958, Laurie in 1961 and Mike in 1963. Their first house across from the plant in Taylor was home for 16 years.
In 1975 a new home was built at the top of the South Taylor hill, and soon the family expanded further. Pat and Loraine Myatt were married in 1978, and provided Owen and Goldie with three grandchildren. Christy, Noel and Kaylea. In 1981 Laurie married Bill Bellamy, and Trent, Kaleb and Ashton soon joined the family. Mike and Lisa Van Vaals were married in 1992, and Sam and Emily followed shortly after.
Owen retired in 1996 after 41 years at the plant, and was able to relax and enjoy life with Goldie and his eight grandkids. His grandchildren became one of the most important aspects of his life. When Kaleb and Kaitlyn Bellamy were married in 2008, Owen welcomed a new great grandson, Cy Simpson, into the family. Great granddaughter Brice arrived in April of 2011.
Owen was proud of his rich family history and pioneer heritage. His character reflected old time values for hard work, honesty, respect of others, and love of family. Owen loved hunting, fishing, camping and hockey. He also loved horses, and a favourite hobby was restoring horse drawn equipment. He loved music as long as it was country and he enjoyed playing his guitar and singing along with the rest of the family. Owen coached minor hockey and little league baseball, and was a Cub Scout leader. He was a member of the Taylor Volunteer Fire Department for many years and was a registered member of the Taylor Civil Defence Program. Owen loved to have fun. He loved family gatherings, parties and dances. He loved to trade jokes and was always game for a good practical joke, even if it was on him.
Owen was predeceased by his wife Goldie, in December 2007. He was also predeceased by parents Noel and Hazel, and siblings Noela, Bernice, Michael, Buzz and Albert.
Owen will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered, by everyone who knew him.
A funeral service was held on May 19, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Taylor Community Hall, Taylor, British Columbia. An interment followed in the Peace Valley Cemetery, Taylor, British Columbia. Pastor Wally Pohlmann officiated.
Eulogy was read by Greg Mason.
Irmgard Rudy
1923 - 2011
Irmgard Rudy was born March 6, 1923 in Friedrichsthal, Germany. She was known to many as just Irm. She was the youngest of three girls. Her father always wanted a son, so Irm became the son he never had. She joined the army during the war and worked in an ammunition factory. Irm always said they were the poorest but best times because she made friends there for life. After the war in 1947 she married Hans Klicker. In 1949 a daughter Sigrid was born and in 1952 a son Joe.
Our father always wanted to immigrate to Canada but not Irm. She thought if she got on that big ship it would sink. Three times dad tried to convince her to go to Canada and in 1962 the four of us finally arrived in Hamilton, Ont. She only lived there a couple of years when the marriage fell apart and Irm moved to Snow Lake Manitoba and married Gunter Rudy. They lived up north for quite a few years until the mine closed and they had to move on to Hope BC, to Chilliwack BC and when Gunter got ill they moved to Duncan on Vancouver Island. Gunter died in 1993 and Irm stayed there for 10 years. It was never hard for Irm to make friends and she made a lot of them.
Her daughter Sigrid moved to Sunset Prairie BC in 1991 and married Peter Bonderud and son Joe wife Josie and Kids followed to Tumbler Ridge shortly after. 10 years of 24 hour bus trips back and forth we convinced our mother to move to Dawson Creek. She moved to Heritage Heights in 2003 and never looked back. She had a passion for Crossword puzzles, cooking. crocheting and playing cards in the activity room once week until her eyesight started to deteriorate. She made many special friends there. Irm spend many weekends at the farm in Sunset Prairie and Tumbler Ridge. She was the mother of Sigrid (Peter Bonderud), Joe (Josie Schmitt), she was Oma to Michael Schaefer, Paul Schaefer, and Ingrid Marx. She was Urli (great grand mother) to Nicholas Disher, Nana to Bailey, Gary, Kai, Deanna, Grandma to Tina, Jonathan, Tanya, Julianna and Mathew.
Irm was loved by many and will be sadly missed but remembered for a lifetime.
Edith Blanche Peach
1951~2011
Edith Blanche Peach, known to friends and to her community as Blanche, was born on February 18th, 1951 in Irishtown, Newfoundland. She was the fourth of eight children born to Frank and Victoria Anderson. Blanche passed away on June 7th, 2011 at the age of 60 years, in Fort Nelson, BC.
At age 21, Blanche gave birth to her daughter Elizabeth. A few years later, they left Newfoundland and relocated to Toronto, Where she met the love of her life, Gerald Peach.
After a few short months of dating, Blanche and Gerald were married in 1980. They moved to Fort Nelson in 1982, and a few months later their son Frank was born. In 1986, Desmond was born, completing their family.
Blanche touched the lives of many with her endearing honest nature. She will be missed greatly by all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Blanche was predeceased by her father Frank, mother Victoria, and her sister Margaret.
She is survived by her husband Gerald; her children Elizabeth (Barry), Frank (Cori), and Desmond; her grandchildren Brandon (Aalesha) Jessee (Nick), Christina, Nicole, Katelynn, Ashleigh; her siblings Annie (Murdock), Isabel (Danny), Wince (Karen), Wayne (Helen), Judy (Scott) and Daphne (Larry) ; countless other relatives and innumerable friends, co-workers and acquaintances.
Edith Blanche Peach
Edith Blanche Peach, known to friends and to her community as Blanche, was born on February 18th, 1951 in Irishtown, Newfoundland. She was the fourth of eight children born to Frank and Victoria Anderson. Blanche passed away on June 7th, 2011 at the age of 60 years, in Fort Nelson, BC.
At age 21, Blanche gave birth to her daughter Elizabeth. A few years later, they left Newfoundland and relocated to Toronto, Where she met the love of her life, Gerald Peach.
After a few short months of dating, Blanche and Gerald were married in 1980. They moved to Fort Nelson in 1982, and a few months later their son Frank was born. In 1986, Desmond was born, completing their family.
Blanche touched the lives of many with her endearing honest nature. She will be missed greatly by all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Blanche was predeceased by her father Frank, mother Victoria, and her sister Margaret.
She is survived by her husband Gerald; her children Elizabeth (Barry), Frank (Cori), and Desmond; her grandchildren Brandon (Aalesha) Jessee (Nick), Christina, Nicole, katelynn, Ashleigh; her siblings Annie (Murdock), Isabel (Danny), Wince (Karen), Wayne (Helen), Judy (Scott) and Daphne (Larry) ; countless other relatives and innumerable friends, co-workers and acquaintances.
Barbara Mary OBrien
1945~ 2011
O’Brien (Bruff) Barbara Mary - Passed away in Dawson Creek, British Columbia on June 20, 2011 at 66 years of age. She was born in Cape Broyle, Newfoundland on May 5, 1945.
A Prayer service was held on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. A funeal Mass was held on Friday, June 24, 2011 with Father Michael Anyasoro officiating. Cremation has taken place with interment at Brookside Cemetery, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Pre-deceased by her parents Michael and Mary Bruff, sister Patricia (Wakeham) and brothers Alex Williams, Francis Bruff and Donald Bruff.
Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories are her beloved husband Jerry; daughters, Tina (Greg Knee) and Jody (Todd Gould) ; precious grandchildren Hilary and Gavin Gould and Samantha and Andrew Knee. Also left to mourn are her sisters Jean Carew and Carmel (John Stewart) ; brothers Gerry Williams, Carl (Eileen) Bruff, Norman (Patsy) Bruff and Kevin (Sue) Bruff; sister-in-laws Alice Bruff, Mildred Bruff, Mary Williams; brother-in-laws Kevin (Marlene) O’Brien, Cyril (Enid) O’Brien and Ben (Carmel) O’Brien. Also numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
As expression of sympathy donations in her memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
