- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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James Kelly
1936-2002
A funeral service was held on August 19th, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Bev Dunsmore officiated interment followed in the Rolla Cemetery.
James Kenneth Kelly was born April 7th, 1936 in Dawson Creek, B.C. The morning his Mother Eunice was in labor, Fred McCarty teamed the horses up and took her to town to have Jim. He was then brought to the homestead in Pouce Coupe.
Shortly after the family moved to the homestead North of Seven Mile Corner where James grew up. At an early age he learned to ride horses and to hunt. One of his favorite things was to ride horseback in the moonlight with family and friends. He loved to play with his nephews as they were like brothers to him and that remained in his heart the same way till the end. He loved to hunt and became an avid tracker. His favourite saddle horse was Major, and he used to team Major with Prince for thrashing.
When he was seven he lost his older brother Barney in a boating accident on Swan Lake. This was a difficult time for him and it made him cautious of water.
He married at an early age and worked various jobs such as Guide and Game Outfitting, Canadian National Telegraph, Logging Camps and Sawmills. During this time he met friends like Dennis Evans and John Merrick. He spent a lot of free time hunting and fishing with his friends.
James moved to Prince George and had two sons, Danny and Kenny. He worked in sawmills, as a Butcher and wiring houses while living in Prince George. He loved cars and enjoyed driving a lot.
On May 6, 1966 he had a major car accident and was left to die in the Prince George hospital for three days. He was very resilient however, and pulled through in Vancouver. He briefly stayed in Kelowna to recover then returned to Sweetwater.
James went back to work falling, and in 1970 he was struck by a tree in the back and suffered internal injuries. After recovering from this he settled at Mile 5 on the Alaska Highway, where he had two children Thomas and Karolyn. He went to College and received his Grade ten diploma, and apprenticed as an Electrician with Jacques Electric.
After a few years, he moved to Alderdale Road, where he broke land and started farming.
He also trapped in the winter to make ends meet. Here he met friends Leonard Donaldson and Larry Mattson, and trapped Muskrat and Beaver out of Larry’s slough. He shot Coyotes and trapped Marten, Fisher, Lynx, Squirrels and Weasels. He taught his children to hunt and trap and how to survive in the woods. Along with a great respect for everything.
He was proud to receive the top price on most of his furs. He loved his children. Over the next few years he raised his children Tom and Karol. When they left home he moved to Dawson Creek to retire.
In Dawson Creek he had a lot of friends that he would socialize and have coffee with. He loved his car and would take drives even if it was around the block five times. Dad was very organized, strong, witty and proud right up to his final moments. Anyone that knew Jim and became a friend, would know that they were treated like family by him. He was proud to know all of them.
James was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Mary Kelly, sisters Mary Ellen Waldie and Rose Toewes, Brothers Bernard Kelly and Lester Herberg.
He leaves to mourn his children, Thomas Kelly (Uta), Karolyn Kelly (Chad), Danny Kelly (Bev, Kenny Kelly (Cheryl), three Grandchildren, brothers Ned Kelly (Germaine), Ernest Herzberg (Bernice), numerous nieces, nephew, and great nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Darlene Smashnuk
1949-2002
Darlene Smashnuk passed away August 6, 2002 and will be sadly missed by her husband Al and daughters, Trina Heerschop (Trevor), Charlene Smashnuk (Scott) and two grandchildren Todd and Taura, who were near and dear to heart, her mother Eva Hegberg (Jim Hills), brothers, Larry Hegberg (Carolyn), Gerry Hegberg (Tina) and sisters, Brenda Partridge (Gordon), Arvilla Tadei (Ron), Bonnie Pozzobon (Kevin), Shelly Ducharme (Greg) and numerous nieces and nephews. Darlene was predeceased by Her Father, John Hegberg in 1985, and her nephew, Nigel Hegberg in 1992.
Darlene was born in Lacombe, Alberta August 25, 1949 and later in childhood moved to British Columbia. Darlene and Al were married June 7, 1969. They moved to the Chase area in 1973 where they settled and lived happily while raising their family.
All who knew Darlene, loved her for her sense of humor, her compassion and unconditional love for her family and friends. Darlene was an active member of the Chase community. She was employed at the village of Chase as an administrative assistant for the past 12 years.
Although it is sad to part with such a large piece of our lives, we know that deep inside she will never leave our hearts.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 10, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the Art Holding Memorial Arena, Chase, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chase and District Health Foundation.
Katherine Johanna ‘Kate’ Usselman
1908-2002
Katherine Johanna Usselman, better known as “Kate” Usselman, passed away on August 10, 2002 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, at 93 years of age. A memorial service was held at 7:00 pm on August 14, 2002 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, with Father Chris Lynch officiating.
Kate was born on December 1, 1908 in Orrin, North Dakota, the second oldest of 13 children, to Sebastian and Frances Wangler. The family moved to Wilkie, Saskatchewan before her second birthday. She remained there until she married John Usselman in 1930.
She and John farmed near Revenue, Saskatchewan until the late 1960’s, when they retired and built a new home in Dawson Creek. They stayed in Dawson Creek for about eight years, but because of the cold winters, they relocated to Kelowna, to be near her brother, Tony. They built another new home and enjoyed an active happy retirement.
Their love of life was shown in their many friends and frequent visitors. They were inseparable, the proverbial, “Two peas in a pod.” Even into their late eighties, she and John had a seemingly endless supply of energy; tending a large garden, canning all their needed vegetables and garden produce, and making their own fruit juices.
Love of family and friends was evident in the life they lived; always ready to give what they had, or help in anyway that was needed. They would often travel to Dawson Creek to help with the fall harvest; anytime someone was in need, Kate and John would be there. They worked hard in their life, they lived through the “dirty-thirties‚” and although they wished for children, they remained childless. However, they overcame their difficulties and enjoyed a very full and fruitful life. During their retirement years, traveling in their motor home, fishing, and playing cards were some of their favorite pastimes. They also loved dancing and socializing with their many friends and relatives.
Kate had a great sense of humour, and was one of those rare individuals who could laugh at her own mistakes. She took pride in herself and looked after herself, she loved sweets and even near the end of her life she would watch what she ate, so as to keep an eye on her figure. Her bright orange lipstick will always be remembered.
During the late 1990’s, Kate’s life became increasingly difficult. John’s health declined, and her commitment to him would not allow her to have him hospitalized. Uncle John left her, after a long battle with illness on May 10, 2000, and her life seemed to end at that time.
In February 2001, it became evident that she could no longer live on her own, and she moved to Dawson Creek in February 2001, to be with her sisters, and family. Her health steadily declined over the next two years, until she finally gave up her spirit on August 10, 2002.
Friends and family will lovingly remember her; she is survived by her sisters, Julia, Frances, and Regina; her brother, Tony, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Memorial arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Edna Alice Mabel Reasbeck (nee Collins)
1920-2002
Edna Alice Mabel Reasbeck, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away on August 13, 2002 at 82 years of age. An interment service was held at 9:30 am on August 17, 2002 at the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. A memorial service followed at 11:00 am at the South Peace United Church, officiated by Reverend Judy Hare.
Edna, the fifth child of Harry and Mabel Collins, was born on the family homestead in Greenan, Saskatchewan. Later, she moved with her brothers, Walter, Charlie and Sid, and her sisters, Edith (Kitchen) and Merna (Crouch) to Rosetown and then to Plato before coming to the Peace Country with her parents in September of 1934.
Edna finished her high school education in the old Dawson Creek Public School, played softball on the boys team (there were not enough boys in town to field a team), joined the CGIT and of course, met the love of her life, William James (Jim) Reasbeck.
In 1936, Edna and her sister, Edith went to Edmonton by train where they attended the Marvel Beauty School and Alberta’s Business College while working for their room and board at the United Church Home. Returning to Dawson Creek, the sisters opened the New Ray Beauty Salon and a public stenographer’s business. There was no running water in Dawson Creek in those days and the electrical plant only operated at night, so if they wanted to do a customers hair in the evening, they had to phone the owner to start the plant. They often “did hair” into the early hours of the morning, when farm wives accompanied their husbands on their bi-annual trip bringing livestock to market. Jim would wait downstairs in his car, until the shop was closed and then drive the young entrepreneurs home.
In 1942, Edna married Jim and moved to the original Reasbeck homestead. They purchased the farm in 1945 from Bill and Etta Reasbeck, and continued living on the land for the remaining 57 years. They had two daughters, Judith, born in 1948 and Janis, born in 1951.
Edna had a strong sense of community, and believed that volunteering was important. She taught Sunday School in the United Church, was a 4-H leader for many years, was a chartered member of the Order of the Eastern Star (raising money for the Cancer Society), a member of the Daughters of the Nile (supporting the Shriners‚ Childrens Hospital) and founded both Bethel No. 44 Job’s Daughters and Alcan Chapter (OES) in Fort St. John. She was a highly respected member of the community, known as a hard worker, practical, determined, direct and honest. Mom was the resident historian for family and friends and loved talking and keeping these connections alive.
Her family included her two son-in-laws Conrad Speirs and Gordon Esau, which she welcomed into her home as sons. In 1978, her first grandchild Taryn Speirs was born, followed by Brooke Speirs, Jordan Esau and Robert Esau. “Granny” was there for all of them traveling to Vancouver to grandma-sit, growing peas, knitting sweaters, creating their personal photo albums, teaching them how to ride a bike, finding kittens and bunnies for their visits, drive her car and in general, just loving them!
Edna kept a small apartment in town for the winters after Jim‚s passing in 1999. She loved being close to the Seniors Center, her church, and her original family home. There was time for getting involved with the Walking Group, Tai Chi, the residents at Rotary Village, and of course having coffee and lunch with friends and neighbours at the Dawson Co-op.
We would like to extend a special thank you to all family, friends and neighbours. Each one of you has been an important part of our Mother’s life. Her life was enriched by your friendship, your support, your kindnesses and your love.
Edna will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Judi Speirs, Janis Esau; grandchildren, Taryn and Brooke Speirs, Jordan and Robert Esau; her sisters, Edith Kitchen and Merna Crouch, and her son-in-laws, Conrad Speirs and Gordon Esau.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:
The South Peace United Church Building Fund (c/o 1300 -104th Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 2J6); the Order of the Eastern Star (c/o #213-11335 -17th Street, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 4S7); the Daughters of the Nile (c/o #213-11335 -17th Street, Dawson Creek. B.C. V1G 4S7).
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Kenneth Arnold Walker
1922-2002
Kenneth Arnold Walker, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia passed away in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on August 13, 2002 at 80 years of age. A funeral service was held on August 17, 2002 at 2:00 pm at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, with Gary Henderson officiating. Cremation followed.
Ken, the youngest of 3 children, was born in the bedroom of a 3 room farm house near Kamsack, Saskatchewan, on February 6, 1922. His parents, Melvin and Bessie, had moved to the Kamsack area from Winnipeg as pioneers. The family remained farmers in the area for the next 50 years.
Kenny, as his friends knew him, relished in describing the “hungry 30's” to his children who were led to believe that their father ate rabbit stew for 10 years!
Kenny's stories of his childhood were filled with hard work and ever the prankster, a lot of humour. Ken helped his father work the fields with plough and horse. He was a charismatic child who all the kids loved as he was fun to be with. As a teenager, Ken worked on the threshing gangs, earning $40.00 per season; the exact amount required for high school tuition. He took Grades nine and ten by correspondence, and then moved to town to complete his high school education.
Ken's education started very early in life as his sister was a born teacher. Ken became her pupil and class all in one! Consequently, Ken knew his math tables before starting school. Eleanor and Ken would walk the two and a half miles to school each day and in the winter they travelled by horse and sleigh.
After graduation, Ken moved to Winnipeg in search of work. An elderly Aunt took him in and soon Ken was working for Coca-Cola during the day, and for his Uncle George, who owned a painting and decorating business, in the evenings and week-ends.
WWII started, and Ken enlisted and ended up in the Navy. Ken spent the next 3 years bouncing around the South and North Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, dodging German submarines, as a gunner on Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships.
After the war, Ken set up a small painting company in Sovereign, Saskatchewan, where he met Alice, a telephone operator. It must have been love at first sight as they married in the near future, and before you knew it, Ken and brother Harvey were desperately trying to get Alice across the flooded Assiniboine River, in horse and carriage, to the hospital, where their son Lorne was born in 1948.
Eager for independence; Ken, Alice and baby left Kamsack and headed for Springside where Ken worked managing a grain elevator. Their second child, Wendy, was born in Springside in 1951. It was while in Springside, that Alice’s sister, Astrid, joined the family as the “older sister.” Ken and Alice‚s dedication to family enabled Astrid, with Ken’s continued support, to complete her education and go on to a successful career in the Armed Forces.
Tired of the constant grain dust in the elevator, Ken decided to give sales a try. The family moved to Winnipeg where Ken worked as a travelling salesman for Stafford's Food Company. A promotion and transfer took the family to Regina where they stayed for the next three years. Their third and last child, Lyndon, was born there in 1955.
Ever in search of a better job. Ken packed up the family and off to Saskatoon they went, where Ken worked as an accountant for BF Goodrich. Ken spotted an ad in the paper for a Credit Manager for the Hudson's Bay Company in Vernon, BC.
The family moved again and Ken purchased a war house in Vernon and worked for The Bay for the next 5 years. He found a small acreage out of town, which he purchased in 1963. The little farm became his hobby and his passion.
Ken ended his working career as a Counsellor for Manpower and Immigration. It was while visiting Lorne and Joan in Fort St. John that Ken took a liking to the Peace River country. Returning to Vernon, Ken started work on getting a transfer to Dawson Creek and selling his mini farm. In 1979, he purchased a half section of land in Rolla. Over the next 20 years, Ken turned the property into a place of beauty. He and Lorne were outside enjoying the magnificent view from the Rolla farm one evening in about 1980, when Ken exclaimed, “Lorne, I love this country so much, I wished I had moved here 50 years ago!” Such was Ken's love of the Wide Sky Country.
Ken retired in 1982, and finally found the perfect job - farming. He raised beef cows and grew grain for the next 15 years and except for machinery breakdowns, loved every minute of it. Ken, ever the conversationalist, loved his visits to the Co-op which he pronounced “the coop.” Here, he and Alice would enjoy many hours over a cup of coffee with their invaluable friends.
They finally sold the farm in Rolla and moved into a senior's community in the year 2000. This is when Ken resumed his love for golf. Although not a traveler by nature, Ken went to Kamsack for a family wedding five days before his stroke. He completed his life by spending four glorious days in Winnipeg with family before becoming fatally ill.
Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Alice; sons, Lyndon (Ester) Walker, Lorne (Joan) Walker, and daughter, Wendy Walker; grandchildren, Jennifer Qvist (Ken Geleta), Mark Qvist, Matthew, Elaine, Daniel, and Lindsey Walker, Jordy, and Brett Walker; great-grandchildren, Kirsten Auger, and Trisha Geleta; sister, Eleanor Moen, and sister-in-law, Astrid Vik.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Bernice McRann
1922-2002
A “Celebration of Life and Death” for Mary “Bernice” McRann (nee Brunning) was held Saturday in Kamloops. The day was spent enjoying our memories of life with Mom and anticipating our future life with her in the place without pain, suffering and sorrow.
Mom touched many lives and in recent years was often seen scootering about downtown Kamloops.
Mom was raised by Bud and Vera Brunning in Saskatchewan and Tupper, B.C. She married Alf Oct. 12, 1942 and they started their family.
She leaves to remember her her seven children: Vera Cook (Ross), Marlene Graham (Rick), Doreen Tevely (Les), Bud (Lynn), Wayne (Gurdeep), Dale (Carlin), Barry (Judy), 19 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and her sister Elizabeth Rudrud.
She was predeceased by her husband, Alf, and her Mom and Dad, Bud and Vera Brunning.
Mom was untiring in whatever she put her hand to. Over the years as farm wife, butcher, baker, hospital worker and finally in her last working years she found an outlet for her love of caring people by transporting senior citizens in Dawson Creek to and from their destinations. Even after being struck with a serious illness in 1987, Mom continued to show her devotion and commitment to her family by attending any special occasion she could from colouring Easter eggs with her grandchildren to attending graduations and weddings. Her busy hands were untiring in her dedication to crocheting an afghan, made by her, for each of her children and grandchildren. We remeber the hours and hold dear this remembrance of her.
We hold her in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kamloops Food Bank at their location or at the Celebration of Life.
Verna Fay Shallock
1948-2002
Verna Fay, daughter to Frank and Loretta Schallock, was born December 15,1948. She passed away on July 29 ,2002.
Verna had a great capacity of loving others unconditionally .She displayed that trait at a young age while still at home with her siblings and was to follow it throughout her life. As a seed is sown, so shall it grow.
Verna was married at a young age and gave birth to her three children; Lisa, for whom she has always felt great pride and boundless love.
Arden, who was always very special in her eyes and with whom she shared the joyous occasion of his marriage to Sandy. Alyssa, Dustin, Kelsey and Brit welcomed Kaitlyn as a sister in Arden’s new family.
Shana, her baby shone brightly in her eyes at all times. She marvelled at how "her baby" was able to be a mother to Christie, Michelle, and Kerry and a wonderful wife to Al "the big lug" and finally presenting her with grandchild Justin..
"Grandma’s" unique love for granddaughter Tanya and grandson Daniel and Don’s daughter Carey was special.
Through the years Verna Fay has gone through many harsh times but has always come out gracefully on top.
They say that for each of us there is that special someone and this was proven through the relationship she developed with her "soul mate" Hartley. They loved music and dancing and appreciated and collected art together. And along with Hartley came his children Marsha and Jeremy. The mother of three was now in many ways the mother of five.
The past decade spent with Hartley was very happy and the icing on the cake was when her children and grandchildren moved closer to her. She loved and encouraged family gatherings.
From the beginning of her illness, diagnosed by herself in 1999 and confirmed by the medical profession shortly thereafter, Verna Fay displayed remarkable courage and strength, remaining positive and without bitterness.
A little Maltese puppy, acquired in the last few months, added strength and a new dimension to Verna’s life and she and Hartley spent many hours being entertained by "Punky".
During Verna Fay’s 28 days in the hospital a healing process became evident to everyone involved in her care and support. The hospital staff were amazed by her humour, candour, and remarkable ability to negate the suppressing effects of the pain medications. She balked at any intrusion on her comfort if it was not explained. Otherwise she assisted everyone at all times. Its notable how brave she was on the day of the family visit and private barbeque on the hospital sundeck. She was very sick but made a herculean effort and spent two wonderful hours with them. As they were leaving, she announced that the doctors had told her "anytime now". She called them each by name, gave them a hug and said goodbye.
Funeral services for Verna Fay Shallock were held on Friday, August 2nd, from Reynars Chapel in Dawson Creek with Pastor. Bill Evans officiating. Cremation followed with interment of Verna Fay’s cremains to follow at a later date.
Funeral services were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
