- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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Jeane Kathryn Ness
1913-2002
In loving memory of Jeane Kathryn Ness, wife, mother of three, grandmother of four and great grandmother of four.
Jeane was born Jeane Kathryn MacKay in 1913 at Okotoks, Alberta, and lived a farm life until she met and married Roland Marshall Ness in 1938.
Jeane and Marshall worked and raised their three children; Tom, Marshall, and Mary-Jean in places such as South America, Mexico, Texas, New York, Calgary, and finally Hudson’s Hope.
Their last few years together were spent in Chilliwack, B.C.
After Marshall passed away, Jeane moved to the Peace River Haven in Pouce Coupe and spent her remaining years there.
Jeane was predeceased by her husband, Marshall and her daughter, Mary-Jean. She is survived by her two sons, Tom (Jean), Marsh (Vicki), her grandchildren, Angie (Dan), KerriAnn (Darin), Andrea and Arthur, her great grandchildren, Curtis, Justin, Brittany and Ashley.
Jeane loved life and enjoyed everyday with family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.
Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Margreta Egerer (Tante Reti)
1913-2002
Margreta Egerer, a long time resident of Tupper, B.C. passed away on March 27th, 2002 at the age of 88 years.
On Monday April 1st, at 2:00 pm, family and friends gathered at Reynars Funeral Chapel to celebrate Margreta’s life and say farewell for a life that was filled with many hardships and yet failed to break human kindness, love and the caring attitude of Margreta Egerer, better known as Tante Reti.
Margreta was born on December 8th, 1913 at Heinrichgreun, Czechoslovakia.
When World War 1 broke out in July 1914, she was 11/2 years old, and for the next four years endured the hardship all wars bring about. It was followed by the great depression of the late 1920's. Her elementary schooling fell into that period, and in 1929, at the age of 16, she entered the work force as a farm labourer and became a great help toward the household, which consisted of father, mother, and older sister and the youngest being four years old. That harmony was interrupted in 1936 when their father passed away and it was now up to the three breadwinners to fill that void. During the years of economic downturn Tante Reti learned the art of lace making. It is called "Kloeppeln" and became a cottage industry pursued by many to supplement their income. Today it is almost a lost art.
The oldest sister now twenty four and of marrying age soon set up her own household, but in 1938 after the Munich agreement, when Sudetenland was given to Germany, the newly weds being members of the Social Democratic movement had to flee and seek asylum in another country. When Canada opened it’s doors to take one thousand souls, the eldest sister Elsa Schindler, and her husband Anton, were among those fortunate to reach freedom and an opportunity to start a new life where freedom of speech and self determination was not an option but a right.
Their arrival at Tupper in May of 1939 was the beginning of a new era. Communications with the family were kept up only broken September 1st of 1939 at the start of World War 2, when all lines of communication were broken, and for 6 years no one knew the fate of the other.
The family left in Czechoslovakia was burdened with a mortgage as they had taken over the unfinished house of the oldest sister and her husband residing in Canada. When the youngest sister came of age she also played a part in financing. At war’s end in 1945 when communications reopened and the destruction of Europe became known, we all tried to visualize the impact it had on people having to cope. We soon were able to help in sending food parcels etc. to family and friends to ease the pain and hunger. Despite the help from abroad it soon became known that three million people of German decent would be expelled from the Sudeten Land if you got the designation of being Anti Nazi. You were allowed to take some furniture and it was destination Germany. All others were driven out like cattle with only a few hours notice. Margreta’s mother and sister were allowed to move with some furnishings and personal belongings, only to enter Germany and a refugee camp where conditions lacked even the most basic needs like food.
Since the Czechs had a monitory reform shortly before departing they also had almost no money.
Help from the family in Canada did trickle in and eased conditions somewhat. It took two years until 1948 that real help was to be had. Her sister and brother in law in Canada, Tupper to be exact, had applied for immigrant status. This meant paying for the fare plus a guarantee that they would not become a burden to the state. In September 1948 they arrived in Tupper, B.C. Tante Reti now thirty five years of age, had been through two wars, a depression, two monitory reforms, two years in a refugee camp and almost penny less. In looking back it is hard to believe.
Life in Tupper took on a new meaning there was plenty of work, no shortage of food and you did not have to look over your shoulder if you talked with someone, an atmosphere of freedom.
Now that the family was once more united it was without question that everybody shared in the workload on the farm except the youngest sister who found employment at the hospital in Hythe Alberta, and later at Dawson Creek St. Joseph’s hospital. After paying back the fare to her brother in law she was able to help her mother and Tante Reti, who remained on the farm and were a great help in further developing the operation still in its infancy. The oldest sister and husband could not afford to pay regular wages but wrote off the fare, provided a small house, food and some pocket money. That meager beginning prospered and both mother and sister Margreta became an asset.
They helped in raising two children ages three and six months. They freed up valuable time for land clearing etc. by doing the lighter chores. Today we can say that Tante Reti helped raise almost three generations of children. It was a passion of hers to be around children, she would spend hours when the new Christmas catalogue from Eaton’s and Simpson Sears came, picking out presents for all. It brought joy to her seeing everybody opening their gifts. A tradition she kept up until today.
When retirement came in 1978 she had established herself on the farm, had a small home with propane heat, a telephone, electricity, and received old age pension. Life was quit bearable since she did not have to pay rent to Eric and Gretl, now the owners of the farm, just compensated for hydro. Things seemed OK for the next twenty years. But in 1998 her health started to fail and it became clear to all that we should find a retirement home where supervision is always present. In January 1999 she moved in to the Peace River Haven and slowly accustomed herself. The two year stay took some getting used to but with activities and a daily phone call to her sister she managed well, until a fall on January 21st which put her in the hospital with a broken hip. A few days later she had a stroke that paralyzed her right side. She remained in the hospital where she peacefully passed away on Wednesday evening, March 27th.
Tante Reti was dear to all of us. Our memories will last us a lifetime.
Tante Reti was predeceased by her father, of Czechoslovakia, her sister of Czechoslovakia, mother of Tupper, sister Elsa Schindler, and brother in law Anton of Tupper.
Tante Reti is survived by her sister, Linda (Werner) Tschiedel of Dawson Creek, and many relatives that she considered and loved as her own children.
Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Victoria Marial Eva Kuschmin
1958-2002
Victoria was born in Vancouver on the 24 of March 1958, to her parents, Peter and Annemarie Kuschmin. They moved to Dawson Creek were she grew up and had her schooling in Parkhill, Frank Ross and South Peace Secondary.
As a child Vikki was very talented in Piano and dance. Her talent in art helped her to create a poster on anti-smoking for which she won second prize in the 1969 provincial contest. She enjoyed gardening learning what her mother Annemarie (an avid gardener) could teach her. With her father Peter, whom she adored, she learned how to target shoot and to drive.
She left South Peace Secondary after completing grade 11. She finished her Grade 12 later by taking subjects in Kelowna and Edmonton.
A visit with her mother to Europe to meet her relatives in Germany was wonderful. They journeyed to London and Paris where they dined on French cuisine and had lunch by the Eiffel Tower. On to Hanover, and Munich. In Italy they visited Verona, Venice, Aquielea. They traveled to Austria, Vienna and Schoenbruun.
She graduated from a cooking school in Kelowna. Soon after she met Richard Richardson. They married and had Peter their son, in Williams Lake.
They moved to Edmonton where Vikki taught herself mixology. For four years she bartended and managed the Air Harbor lounge in the Municipal airport.
Her half sister Barbara with her daughter Alessandra came to visit from Toronto. The visit was joyful for Vikki; she drove them, her son Peter and her mother on a trip to Banff, Jasper and Calgary. She was so glad to have a sibling, as she was not happy being an only child.
Vikki and her mother traveled to Toronto to visit with Barbara and to meet relatives from Germany. She loved her niece Alessandra and Alessandra loved her. Vikki was happy that she had made this trip.
Peter and Nicole presented her with a granddaughter "Daylin" in May 2001. She was so happy and proud of Peter.
Vikki, we will miss you. You had many friends and you were a friend to many. If you ever needed help, Vikki was there to give it
Vikki your loving mother sends you this prayer:
Farewell Vikki, my sweet girl, May the lord keep you and look over you and give you peace. We remember you as that beautiful person you were to the inner core, noble in deeds for many. Farewell Vikki, may God bless you we will miss you, till we meet again. Rest peacefully. Love.
Vikki was predeceased; by her father Peter Kuschmin. She leaves to mourn: her mother Annemarie Kuschmin, her son Peter (Nicole), and granddaughter, Daylin Richardson. Sister Barbara and niece Alessandra, relatives in Germany and many special friends.
Expressions of Sympathy to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon.
Memorial Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Irene Elizabeth Read
1933-2002
Irene Read a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Sunday March 31st, 2002 in the Dawson Creek hospital at the age of 69 years. A memorial service was held on Thursday April 4th, at 2:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel, Bev Dunsmore officiated interment followed in the City Cemetery.
Irene was born on February 3rd, 1933 at Whitelaw, Alberta, the only daughter of Vern and Elizabeth Debolt. She married Leland Boyd Read July 25th, 1950, and at that time they moved to Dawson Creek. They had eight children, Arthur, Donna, Dianna, Bonnie, Arnold, Larry, Terry, and Tammy.
Irene’s hobbies consisted of crocheting, knitting, gardening, baking, canning, playing cards and visiting with family and friends. Irene worked for Lawrence’s Meat Packing for ten years, then going out as a cook for Beattie Construction, and also for Kenn Borek Construction until she retired.
Irene kept busy baking, making blankets, sweaters, socks and slippers for her grandchildren.
She loved to watch her garden and flowers grow, which was her real joy.
All through her fight with cancer, Irene remained independent. She spent five months at the Kelowna Cancer Lodge, and while she was there she made some great friends.
Irene will be deeply missed by her numerous family, six brothers, one sister, six children, fifteen grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Frank Ullmann
1914-2002
Frank Ullmann passed away Friday March 22, 2002 at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital, after a short stay. Frank, many times, needed professional help in his later years, but always regained and rebounded until that final day when everything shut down.
Frank was born on November 2, 1914 in Meudek in the Austrian Hungarian Empire; since 1919 Czechoslovakia. He was the second son of Franz and Monika Ullmann. A sister came ten years later. Frank took most of his schooling in Meudek Czechoslovakia except for the last six months of the eight years when his parents were transferred to Freudenthall. His four year apprenticeship as Pastry Cook was served in Jaegendorf and followed by a one year job as assistant in that profession. It was the time of the world wide depression so after one year employment, he was laid off and returned home to his parents. His father employed him as office help with no salary except weekly pocket money. He had reached the age for the two year compulsory training in the Czechoslovakian Army starting October 1, 1936. He remained in the Army until the signing of the Munich Agreement October 28, 1938 when the Sudetenland was annexed by Germany. The super powers of Europe called it, "Peace in our Time". Frank enlisted, but his home now in Germany and being a member of the Social Democratic movement from youth on would have faced arrest and perhaps more. Through a friend be learned that his parents had fled to the interior of Czechoslovakia and was aware of the location so he was not long in being reunited only to start life as a refugee within Czechoslovakia. It was at that time that his older brother and Frank both married on the same day. A double wedding was held on February 20, 1939. The newly united couples soon had to part as both Frank and his brother had to leave Czechoslovakia and board the last train as German troops were occupying the rest of the country. The two newly wed wives had to remain in Czechoslovakia as visas could not be obtained. It was a sad departure for all in the same circumstance, but men of democratic beliefs and members of Social Democratic Organizations were in danger so great emphasis was put towards getting them out first. Their honeymoon was short with much concern towards the future as they parted with the uncertainty whether they would see each other again. It was the effort of the Social Democratic Organization now in London, England and the English Embassy in Prague, Czechoslovakia that succeeded in bringing both wives to England and safety by mid May 1939. There were thousands of people in refugee camps facing that uncertain future with the hope of finding a safe place as Europe prepared for war. When the news broke that Canada would accept a thousand people it was that ray of hope that eased many a mind. Not everybody was accepted as you had to be selected by a panel and pass a medical exam. Both Frank and his wife passed the test. So Canada it was, leaving Liverpool, England June 2, 1939 to arrive at Tupper, British Columbia June 16, 1939. It was a precondition by the Immigration Act to enter Canada you had to settle on land and become a farmer. The next twenty years as Frank was establishing himself as a farmer, he did not forget his cultural and civic duties. He was soon involved in the theatre group, his passion for singing made him join the Tomslake choral society under the direction of Mrs. Neubauer. Since he was a lover of nature he came up with the idea of building a park to commemorate the British Columbia Centennial in 1966 as well as the Canadian Centennial in 1967. The entire community was involved and thanks to Mrs. Herold for donating the land, the Sudeten Park is a rest stop for weary travelers. As they look north, Tomslake and the surrounding area comes into view.
His civic duties were as Co-op board member, also board member of the Tate Creek Development Company, a member of the Tomslake Canadian German Association and its Secretary Treasurer until May 1996. In 1959 Frank stopped farming and found employment at the Dawson Creek Bakery. One year later he started as maintenance man at the Pouce Coupe Hospital, a position he held until his retirement. Frank moved off the farm and resided in Pouce Coupe where he spent seven years on the Village Council, also board member of the Peace River Regional District for three years, a member of the Pouce Coupe Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Senior Citizens Association at Pouce Coupe, also an active member of the Dawson Creek Symphonette and Choir. He also served on the board of directors at Peace River Haven and was a member of the Society until his passing. In his retirement when he took his daily walks he collected rocks and painted pictures on them. Many of these are in various homes in the community.
Frank's wish to be cremated without a funeral service was honoured and fulfilled, To his wife Berta, we would like to extend our condolences in her loss. Frank will always remain in our hearts and memories.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, Franz and Monika Ullmann and his brother Joseph Ullmann of St. Catharines Ontario.
Frank will be missed by his loving wife Berta, sister-in-law Grete Ullmann of St Catharine's, Ontario as well as relatives in Germany.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Lorrain Flinn
1942-2002
In the early evening of March 28, 2002, Lorraine Flinn of Dawson Creek, B.C., passed away suddenly in an automobile accident. Her mother, Molly Weimer, who was with her at her side, passed away at the same time. In that one evening, their families lost wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters and friends. The loss will be felt for a long time to come.
Lorraine was born on August 21, 1942 in Olds, Alberta to Fred and Molly Weimer. Her family included one sister, Marilyn, and two brothers, Allan and Stan. She married Stewart Flinn of Wimborne, Alberta on November 21, 1960. They had two children, Randy, born in 1961 and Veronica in 1962.
They moved to Dawson Creek in 1965 where Lorraine continued to care for her family for 41 years. While she occasionally worked out of the home, her main focus was her family. As time went on and her family grew to include in-laws and grandchildren, she found new ways to share her love. This love extended to the friends of her children and grandchildren. There was always room in her heart for one more. That was her special gift - the unlimited amount of love that she had for her family. All together we couldn't give back what she was given to us.
Lorraine will be deeply missed by her loving husband Stewart, her children, Randy and wife Debora, Veronica and husband Dan, and her grandchildren, Cory, Jessica, Tisha, Nicole, Tony and Ashley, all of Dawson Creek. She also leaves behind her father Fred Weimer, sister Marilyn, brothers Allan and Stan and their families, Stewart's family and the many friends she grew to love over the years.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3 at the Church of Nazarene in Olds with a memorial service to be held in Dawson Creek at later appropriate time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to STARS or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Mountain View Funeral Chapels, Olds, Alberta, entrusted with arrangements.
Elton Torval Hansen
1918-2002
Elton Hansen a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 2, 2002 at the age of 83 years. A memorial services was held on March 3 from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Reverend, David Roch officiated. The eulogy was read by Elton's grandson Greg Hansen.
Elton was born on August 21, 1918 to parents Torval and Lena Hansen at Delburne, Alberta. This was where Elton started school.
Times were very hard and at the age of 18 Elton left home and rode the rails to Northern Ontario to work in logging camps.
The family later moved to Canoe and then to Salmon Arm where Elton learned to ski, which later involved him as one of the founding members of the Bear Mountain Ski Hill.
In 1931 the family moved to Pouce Coupe bringing with them a small herd of Jersey Milk cows and they started a dairy farm east of Pouce Coupe.
In 1937 he met Wilma Bernice Haiton at a country dance, and after a three year courtship they were married on July 3, 1940 in Dawson Creek. Shortly after they were married they moved to Vancouver where Elton worked at the shipyards. It was in Vancouver where their two eldest children, Karen and Keith were born.
When the war ended they returned to Dawson Creek, where Elton worked at various jobs which included the American Army and trucking on the Alaska Highway.
In the late forties Elton formed a construction company with Bill Dyke and Mel Olsen which they called Triangle Construction. In 1952 the company dissolved and Elton formed Dawson Creek Sash & Door doing millwork for many of the major buildings in Northeastern B.C.
During this time their two youngest children, Diane and Gary, were born making their family complete.
Elton had a great love of the outdoors and one of his most enjoyable times was building river boats and travelling the rivers of this area with his river rat buddies, Dr. Hugh O'Brien, Dr. Vern Erickson, Gordon Lyle, Ray Heide and others. Everybody on the river always wanted to camp with Elton because of his infamous ability at cooking over the campfire. It has been said by his friends at his river camps that he didn't invent "chili" but he did perfect it.
Elton will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his life-long companion, Wilma, his daughters, Karen (Larry), Diane (Mark), his sons, Keith (Gwen), Gary (Lori), his grandchildren, Tracey, Lisa, Darren, Wendy, Greg, Curt, Erin, Michael, Tara, Keri, and Ross, his great grandchildren, Sam, Tanner, Hannah, Kalli, Dylan, Ryan, McKenna, and Lauren.
Funeral arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Molly Weimer
1913-2002
Molly Weimer of Olds, Alberta passed away suddenly, along with her daughter Lorraine Flinn of Dawson Creek, B.C., on March 28, 2002 in a vehicle accident. Molly was born July 11, 1913 in Kraft, Russia and came to Saskatchewan in June 1927 with her mother Mary and sister Katie. When her mother remarried, Molly became part of a larger family with six stepbrothers and three stepsisters in the Duval region of Saskatchewan.
In 1935, Molly met her future husband Fred Weimer when she moved to the Mayton district in Alberta. They were married November 21, 1937 at Torrington. Molly and Fred farmed in the Wimborne area where they raised four children: Marilyn, Lorrain, Allan and Stan.
Her life centered around her family and life on the farm. They moved to Olds in 1981 where they enjoyed new friendships and the lifestyle of semi-retirement.
Molly looked forward to visits with friends and relatives. Her hospitality and delicious baking will never be forgotten by those who loved her. The grandchildren brought her joy, love and laughter.
She shared her love and knowledge of cooking with them, and they will always remember Grandma's chicken noodle soup.
Molly will be deeply missed by her husband Fred; children, Marilyn of Olds, Allan and wife Dorothy of Wimborne, Stan and wife Laurette of Olds; son-in-law Stewart Flinn of Dawson Creek; grandchildren Randy, Veronica, Dawnaca, Alisa, Tracy-Lynn, April and Owen; eight great grandchildren; sister Katie Russell of Olds, stepsisters Annie Graff of Regina and Mary Steele of Vernon; stepbrother Sam Weimer and wife Alice of Regina; stepsister-in-law Elsie Weimer of Regina and numerous other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3 at the Church of Nazarene in Olds. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to STARS or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Mountain View Funeral Chapels, Olds, Alberta, entrusted with arrangements.
