- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -
Oko, Garth
It is with profound sadness that the family of Garth Wallace Oko announce his sudden passing on October 8th, 2012 at his home in Erickson, BC as a result of a stroke.
Garth’s warm heart, loving smile and tremendous sense of humor left us all so unexpectedly, that words are inadequate to express the family’s grief and loss as he leaves us to embark on his new journey.
Garth passed into the loving arms of his beloved wife Carrie, who predeceased him in January 2012; his father Peter Oko; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Linda Maguire and sister-in-law Joni Maguire.
Garth was born on December 10th, 1944 in Westlock, AB to his loving parents Hilda and Peter Oko. His early years were spent in Westlock before moving to Edmonton, AB in 1951. After graduating from Ross Shepherd High School in Edmonton, Garth went to work in the office of the Canadian National Railroad.
Garth met his future wife Carrie in Edmonton, and in 1969 they married in the Creston Vally. In 1973, Garth and Carrie relocated to the valley to start their life together. Garth first apprenticed as a plumber and soon thereafter as an orchardist on the Oko fruit farm in Erickson. Garth was blessed to have his mother and father, Hilda and Peter Oko, join him in Creston in 1975, also establishing their home on the Oko orchard. Garth’s passion for his orchard was evident to all that knew him and he quickly became a respected orchardist, raising some of the finest fruit in the valley. Garth was amazingly patient, kind and exceedingly honest and fair with everyone he dealt with, neighbor, friend, fellow orchardist or the pickers he employed each season. The loyalty of those who were fortunate enough to have worked for Garth is a real testament to his fairness and strength of character.
While Garth tended to the orchard, together with Carrie they raised their two sons, Chad and Kory, who Garth loved unconditionally. When not tending to the orchard or packing fruit at the packing shed, Garth could be found on the golf course, a hobby that he was passionate about and which brought him much satisfaction mixed with only a small degree of frustration! Garth was never happier than when his grandchildren, Caiden, Chantelle and Connor arrived, which made his life that much more complete.
Garth is survived by his loving family who are left to mourn his passing including his mother Hilda Oko of Creston; son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Amy of Vancouver, BC and grandchildren Caiden, Chantelle and Connor; son Kory of Victoria, BC; sister Carolyn Oko of Galiano Island, BC; brother and sister-in-law, Kurt and Darlene Oko of Country Harbour, NS; niece and nephews Nahanni, Emma, Liam, Leanne, Pam, Kelly, Dean and Shawn. Garth had a large circle of friends in the valley including his very dear friend George Korman with whom Garth shared many good times, especially on the golf course.
A service of love and remembrance will be held Thursday October 18th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Creston & District Community Complex in the Creston Room with Pastor Harry Haberstock officiating. All who knew and loved Garth are invited to attend.
The family is especially grateful for the love and support of the many close friends in Creston, Alberta, Vancouver and Victoria, who have been kind enough to call or come by the orchard and for the donation of food and flowers. Your kindness has made this difficult time so much easier to bear. Thank you!
Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution in Garth’s name may do so to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC – 200 – 1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V2.
Those we love don’t go away – they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, always missed and very dear.
Huscroft, Jeff
Jeffery Burton Wyatt (Jeff) Huscroft passed away on September 2, 2012 in Fort St. John, BC at the age of 29 years.
Jeff was born to parents Burt and Linda Huscroft on February 13, 1983 in Creston, BC. He always had a keen interest in machines and welding, which he learned at an early age, working along side his dad on the family farm on the Creston flats. Whether it was baling hay on a weekend or bringing in a cow to calf on a cold snowy night, Jeff was always willing to help. This was not work for him but a deep love for the farming life, where he learned his strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.
Jeff was an active member of our local Creston 4-H club. In the spring, he and his dad would be out looking at the cow herd for the prize steer for the upcoming year.
Along with farming, Jeff had a passion for the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, camping and quadding. He participated in numerous sports including Creston Valley Minor Hockey at an early age, not only as a player but also as a referee.
In the spring of 2001, he represented the East Kootenays for welding in the Skills Canada Provincial Competition in Vancouver. Jeff graduated from PCSS in June 2001 and after graduation he began working at P. R. Farming and Wynndel Box & Lumber doing many shiftwork jobs.
In the fall of 2003, he decided to move to Cranbrook to enroll in the welding apprenticeship at East Kootenay Community College and in the spring of 2004, Jeff and a friend headed north to Fort St. John where Jeff found employment quickly at Superior Welding & Machine Ltd.
The next few years were very busy for him as he attended BCIT to fulfill his dream of becoming a journeyman welder, and worked at Jewel Welding, Pipeline Division on a major waterline project in North Vancouver.
Feeling a strong connection to the north, Jeff moved back to Fort St. John in 2006. He was employed at Bring It Welding Ltd., who were so impressed by Jeff that they encouraged him to purchase his own truck and form his own welding company.
It was also during this summer Jeff became reaquainted with Andrea Knutson, a friend from his high school days. A romance blossomed and that fall, Andrea joined Jeff in Fort St. John as his wife.
Jeff established J. Huscroft Welding Ltd. in 2007, which became very successful due to his hard work, dedication and reliability.
In the fall of 2011, Jeff and Andrea purchased a 155 acre farm just outside of Fort St. John and in April 2012, along side Andrea’s dad, Mel Knutson, they moved out to the farm to begin building their dream home. Sadly, three weeks before the completion of their home, our son was taken.
Jeff was predeceased by his grandparents Leonard and Edith Huscroft and grandfather Godfrey Vigne.
He will forever be remembered and dearly missed by the love of his life, wife Andrea; parents Burt and Linda Huscroft; grandmother Marion Vigne; sister Michelle (Pete) Stark, with children Holly and Zach; brother Mark (Jade) Huscroft with children Lane and Reid; aunts Dot (Ron) Rathgeber and families, Kathy (Tim) Hiebert, and son and daughters Ryan, Leah and Marina, uncle Brian Huscroft and aunt Loretta, with sons Colten and Jordan; Ron Truscott and family, Dennis (Debra) Truscott and family; Don and Vi Vigne and families; Andrea's parents, Mel and Cynthia Knutson; brother Shaun Knutson with children Riley, Kaeden and Mataya and Brent (Lori) Knutson with children Caleb, Sophie and Jude along with many, many other relatives and good friends.
Jeff lived a lot of life in his short 29 years. We will miss his quick humor and smile. Jeff will be missed by all and will have a special place in our hearts forever.
Celebration of Life Services were held in Fort St. John on Friday September 7, 2012 and Saturday September 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Creston and District Community Complex with Pastor Harry Haberstock officiating.
Any friends wishing to make a memorial contribution in Jeff's name may do so to the North Peace Rod & Gun Club, P.O. Box 6435, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 4H8 or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Tyerman, Roy
Roy Tyerman a resident of Creston for 56 years, passed away at the Swan Valley Lodge on September 19th, 2012 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer at the age of 88 years. He was born to Hazel and Howard Tyerman on January 11th,1924 at Tisdale, Sk., where he received his formal education.
Roy joined the Canadian Army as a young man for World War 11 and served overseas. On his return, he married the love of his life, Jean Ross on April 30, 1948 and they began their life together in Saskatchewan before moving to Creston in 1956. Roy was employed as an automotive mechanic at Universal Motors, Valley Chrysler and was also employed as a millwright at Crestbrook Sawmill. He owned and operated Rainbow Motors in Erickson and concluded his working years at the BC Department of Highways.
Roy was a member of the Trinity United Church, Royal Canadian Legion Br#29, Swan Valley Swingers and the Creston Golf Club. He was always willing to support community projects such as the aquatic center fund raising and the Blossom Valley Festival. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, dancing, camping and reading. Jean and Roy enjoyed over fifteen winters in Yuma, AZ with many of their Creston friends, and made many new friends.
Many people were recipients of his colourful lawn chairs. He kept fit with many miles of walking and riding his exercise bike every day. What Roy enjoyed most was spending time with the love of his life Jean, and many celebrations with his family.
He was predeceased by his parents Hazel and Howard, brothers Edward and Earl, and sisters Marjorie, Evelyn, Arlene, Lelia, Bertha and Edith. Roy will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 64 years Jean, children Gwen ( Glenn ), Ken ( Lorraine ), Beverly ( Tim ) grandchildren Barry (Lucy), Blaine ( Kari), Sam, Maddie, Kieran and Devon, great grandchildren Cohen, Aurora, Bruce and Amy, brothers Lloyd and Gorden ( Kay ) and sister Edna and many friends.
The funeral service was held on Monday September 24th, 2012 at the Creston Rotacrest Hall with Rev. Shelley Stickel-Miles officiating. Interment followed in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erickson, BC.
Friends wishing to make a memorial tribute in Roy’s name, may do so to Prostate Cancer #4 – 17918 – 55th Ave., Surrey, BC V3S 6C8
Swenson, Evelyn Joyce
SWENSON, EVELYN JOYCE (nee HIGENS) of Creston, BC, passed away peacefully and quietly at Crestview Care Village September 16, 2012, at age 78.
Ev was born at Pouce Coupe, BC, November 23, 1933. On July 3, 1952, she married the love of her life, Duane Arthur Swenson (who pre-deceased her August 21, 1999).
Ev was a strong and opinionated woman (always calling a spade a spade), which stood her in good stead having had 3 children by the age of 21 and moving with Duane and family away from all things familiar (family and friends) in Dawson Creek to the far reaches of the Yukon/Alaska border. The family spent 1956-1967 at Koidern, Destruction Bay and Whitehorse, Yukon; and 1968-1974 in Port Coquitlam, BC. Ev and Duane transferred to Kamloops in 1974 and then to Creston in 1985. Retiring early they travelled extensively, spending as much time as possible with family and friends. Family was truly important to Ev – a strong love that she learned and shared with Duane.
Ev enjoyed crossword puzzles, numerous crafts (including specialty Christmas tree ornaments for her grandkids), postcard collecting, organizing photos/albums, crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble (especially with her friend, Shirley McIsaac); playing cards (any card game) – and did we mention – crossword puzzles!
Ev was predeceased by her husband Duane, parents Frank B. & Phyllis Higens, and her sisters Grace Higens, Alice Allen, and Marj Stevenson. She is survived by her children and grandchildren; son Ted (Margot) Swenson of Moose Jaw, SK (grandkids Sarah, Erik, Ian & Kent); son Dan Swenson of Creston, BC; and daughter Deena (Greg) Close of Prince George, BC (grandkids Jessica & Tyler); her brother Frank R. Higens of Dawson Creek, BC; as well as sister-in-law Marlys (George) Whatley of Abbotsford, BC; brother-in-law Bruce (Mady) Allen of Courtenay, BC; along with numerous nieces & nephews throughout Canada and the States.
Memorial Service to celebrate Ev (Mom, Grandma, Sister, Friend) and her motto = Live, Love, Laugh – with hugs (lots & lots of hugs) will be held Saturday, September 29, 2012, 2:00 pm at G.F. Oliver Funeral Chapel in Creston, BC. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to the Creston Valley Hospital – Bag 3000, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0 or Canadian Cancer Society c/o Bambrick and Associates – Box 999, Creston, BC, V0B 1G 0.
Nickel, Gertrude
Gertrude Nickel (nee Funk) passed away September 13, 2012 in the Swan Valley Lodge at the age of 86 years.
Gertrude was born on November 9, 1925 in Winkler, MB and resided in Abbotsford for most of her life.
She was predeceased by her husband Richard Nickel and will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters and their families.
We are pleased to let Gertrude go into the Father’s hands where she is truly loved.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held on September 29, 2012 in Abbotsford, BC.
Any friends wishing to make a memorial contribution in Gertrude’s name may do so to – Bibles for Mission’s Cranbrook Store
824 Kootney Street
Cranbrook, BC V1C 3V3
