- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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Brian Edward McRann
1949 - 2006
Brian Edward McRann was born July 17, 1949 to the loving parents of James and Margret McRann, and was the sixth child or the baby of the family.
With the passing away of both his parents, Brian went to live with his Granny (McRann) who raised him from the time he was three until he became a young man.
Brian attended public schools in Dawson Creek and after receiving his heavy duty mechanic license went onto do seismic work for many years. Later he became an Ice Maker for the City of Dawson Creek until he fell at work and injured his back.
Brian was a very quiet and shy man but loved the outdoors. His hobbies included camping, hunting, fishing, rock and stamp collecting, wood working, berry picking and gardening.
Gardening was something both Brian and my mother enjoyed. You would find them walking around the garden talking about the plants and flowers. Brian loved to start fires and I was the look-out partner in crime every spring. We would come down to mom’s house and Brian would be outside burning the old grass around the farm. Mom would ask “where is Brian?” and I would reply “Just out walking about”, knowing that my mother had a thing about fires. Brian later joined the Arras Fire Dept, as a volunteer firefighter.
The lord looked down on Brian saw the pain and suffering he was in and said “come with me”. Brian may be gone but his spirit lives on in each of his children and grandchildren.
Your time has come to rest and you are in Gods loving hands, rest in heaven and look down on us every once in a while.
With love from all the family – Jill, Deanna, Terry, Amber and Jamie
Brian McRann was cremated and a memorial service was held on October 23, 2006 at the St. James Presbyterian Church in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Reverend Gordon Strain officiated.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Service and Crematorium Ltd. of Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Kay Clay Forand
1914-2006
Katherine Marie Meyer was born on October 31, 1914 in Gull Lake Saskatchewan, middle child in a family of 16. As a young girl she attended the Burn Lake school. Later the Meyer family moved to North Rolla.
A young man asked Kay if she was looking for work as Bill and Rosie Clay were looking for some help, so she began to work for them in the area. In 1931, this same young man by the name of Carl Clay became her husband and together they started their life in a log cabin in Clayhurst. After Chad, was born they ventured off to Texas where Kay picked cotton and garden vegetables. Two more children Carly-Ann and Shirley were born to them in Texas before they moved back to Canada and the Clayhurst district. Here their youngest son Dave and daughter Noreen joined the family. Many years were enjoyed in their Clayhurst home with their growing family, friends and neighbors.
Kay was known for her gracious hospitality and her famous chili. Their house would ring with friendly banter and lots of music and singing with Carl along with friends and neighbors playing fiddle and banjo. Kay always enjoyed the sound of her children singing.
In 1961 Carl passed away suddenly in their home. Kay and their youngest daughter Noreen moved into Dawson Creek where Kay used her home as a boarding house for others. After Noreen left home, Kay worked different jobs from camp cooking to working in the Travelodge, serving many a meal and friendly smile to go along with that cup of coffee.
Kay joined the Legion and played an active role for many years. In these years Kay must have peeled a ton of potatoes and become as familiar as Steak Night itself. After 40 years of service in the Ladies Auxiliary, she became a lifelong member.
In 1982 Kay married Rollie Forand. After nine years of togetherness, Rollie passed away with grandma at his side.
For the past 7 years Kay had resided in Rotary Manor where she captured the hearts of many staff members.
Kay is predeceased by her husbands: Carl Clay and Roland Forand; son Chad Clay; daughter Carlyann Lawrence; granddaughters: Holly and Sandra Clay. She is survived by Shirley (Hugh) Conrad, David (Ellen) Clay, Noreen (Ernie) Morrice, Jim Lawrence, Joyce Clay, Jim (Millie) Pope, 43 grandchildren, sisters: Martha (Jean) Cagnon, Helen (Orville) Ruetz; sister in-law Hazel Meyer, numerous nieces and nephews.
Kay passed away on October 20, 2006 in Dawson Creek at the age of 91 years. A celebration of life service was held on October 26, 2006 at the South Peace United Church. Officiated by Peggy Bergeron. Interment followed in the Rolla Cemetery, Rolla, British Columbia.
Memorial arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Terry Ray Cooke
1969 - 2006
Terry Ray Cooke was born October 21, 1969 in Dawson Creek BC. He was the first born child of Judy Brock and Terry Cooke. Terry Ray came into this world having to fight. Terry Sr. said “there was a storm when he tried to fly in from Scoop Lake in a foot of snow. Storm born he was. He was born six weeks premature at 3lbs 12 oz and 21 inches long 37 years ago and stayed in the hospital for several weeks gaining strength. He was instantly the joy of the Cooke’s being the first grandchild to enter the family. Soon after he was joined by a brother Kevin and finally a sister Joni Gayle.
Terry Ray grew up wanting to be a cowboy! He started riding steers when he was 12 and it was very clear that the Rodeo was in his blood…It was at Chetwynd Rodeo when he was 14 and an announcer said his name wrong and called him T-Ray! From then on the name stuck and since then everyone knew him by that name
If he was your friend as he was to most, he would defend you forever and laugh at your friend or foe. Or at times would argue and fight with you tooth and nail and laugh about it 10 minutes later. T-Ray had an incredible spirit; he left an impression on everyone he met. He never really just entered a room he would strut in as only he could, and everyone would know he was there. He had a way of taking center stage in just about any situation. Some would be laughing, and someone would surely be insulted. Some even disgusted with his brazen attitude. But sure every person in that room would remember him. And he would grin and shrug his shoulders and saunter off giggling to himself.
T-Ray loved music and would change songs to suit the surroundings and people, he even wrote a song for Shane Mills at his memorial.
T-Ray meant the world to his aunts. They loved him as their own. Along with the love came a lot of advice which he usually took with a grain of salt nodding his head in agreement, or fear we never really knew for sure. At the end of each bit of advice or actually lecture the words “and I mean it” which of course was not in his favour, but he never did anything in his favour, he did it cause he just couldn’t stop himself. It’s what we will remember about him forever.
In 1982 T-Ray’s immediate family grew when his father Terry Sr. married Kimeal and he got three more sisters, Shantell, Merina and Truly.
T-Ray loved to travel. He spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania working for Dave Martin Rodeo Co. doing the work he loved. He fought and rode bulls as well he helped with the stock. His crowning achievements during employment with Dave Martin were winning the bull riding in Milford P.A. He rodeo up and down the east coast with traveling partner Dave Small, Morgan’s dad, competing in the International Professional Rodeo Association entering rodeos as far away as New York, Queens, Yonkers White Plains and Washington DC. It was his love and he followed it everywhere.
In 2003 he was elected to fight bulls at the Senior Pro National Finals in Reno Nevada. One of the fun trips for him was Norway in 2002 to put on a bull riding demonstration. When he arrived T-Ray was told that it was illegal to use cattle for sport so they bucked Fiord horses but again T-Ray was put on the spot because they had no flank straps so he cut the seat belts out of a Mercedes and made a flank strap, that was his quick wit which we all loved to hear about.
T-Ray had a practice pen of bulls at the Dawson Fair Grounds where many northern bulls’ riders such as Allen Dacyk, Boyd Patton, and Rodney Keith got their start. But many, who were not bull riders, T-Ray convinced them to give it a try and they trusted him enough to do it or flat talked them into it, test pilots like Doug Terry, Gavin McFall, and Chad Peepgrass.
T-Rays family extended far beyond Canada. His mother was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. A lot of his childhood was spent roaming the streets of Garden City with his cousin Chad Sargent who was almost as close as a brother. He attended Capital High School and was a member of the Captain Eagles Football team. And along with playing football came a membership to an elite group called “the men” which the “Chicks really were digging” in the 90’s.
T-Ray was always the first one to step in if he thought someone was messing with one of his buds. He would back you if he knew you were wrong cause to him wrong could be right. He had a heart more then most, in the practice pen you could run many bulls under him and he would get on and was never carried out an arena. He sure did know how he wanted to spend his time on and that was rodeo.
T-Ray had a nick name for everyone he was close to! What was yours?
Just about any conversation you could have across the miles somebody always knew T-Ray. When his name was mentioned there was always laughter and a silly story. In 2004 at one of T-Ray’s favourite events, he met and fell in love with Amy and as spontaneous as his life always was, one year later in April of 2005 Zayne Cooke was born. The love of T-Ray’s life! His pride and joy. His Legacy.
Many disagreements were had between Joni and T-Ray regarding religion but one thing was clear, T-Ray’s heart was right with Jesus Christ and we will see him in the Kingdom of Heaven!.
T-Ray came into this life in the midst of storm. He took life by storm. He took 37 years and rolled with it, and made it his. He wanted nothing and never cared about the material things but held his friends and family close. He will always be here, we will always quote him, and we will always feel his spirit. We will never forget his compassion and strength. We hold him near always. He will live on in us and in his son forever.
Terry Ray Cooke (T-Ray) was cremated and a memorial service was held on October 24, 2006 at the Elks Hall in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Eugene Auclair officiated.
Donations may be made in memory of T- Ray Cooke to the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation for Mental Heath and Addictions.
Memorial arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Grace Marline Bishop
1934-2006
Grace Marline Bishop passed away September 15, 2006 at the University Hospital in Edmonton, AB. at the age of 72 years after a brief illness.
A funeral Service was held for Grace on Friday, September 22, 2006 at the Calvary Baptist church in Fort St. John, BC. Pastor Don Holloway officiated. Grace was cremated and inurnment will follow at a later date, in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Fort St. John, BC.
Grace was born February 21, 1934 in Regina, Sask. As a young girl Grace moved to Maple Creek, Sask. with her mother and older brother Ken. Grace married while in Maple Creek and had two children. In 1956 Grace with her two young children moved to Fort St. John, B.C. where she had found employment.
In 1957 Grace met William (Bill) Bishop and after obtaining a divorce from her first husband, Grace and Bill were married in 1960 and settled in Anneofield.
Three more children were added to the family over the years.
Grace had many interests gardening, knitting, quilting, to garage sales. Grace was also a volunteer for the Hospital Auxiliary for 20 years. Though she had many interests, Grace still had time for her friends and family.
Grace is predeceased by her mother Emma Hart (1979), and her husband William Bishop (1995) .
She leaves to grieve 2 daughters and 3 sons: JoAnn (Peter) Sherman, Stewart (Brenda) Bishop, Ross Bishop, Anita (Don) Anderson and Wade (Judy) Bishop; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd 10519B – 100 Avenue, Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Arden Neste
May 23, 1935 - August 25, 2006
Arden was the second son of Arnold and Myrtle Neste. His brother Claire was born five years earlier and his sister Lynne arrived 10 years later. He was born at his grandparents home in North Rolla with Grandma Dahlen serving as midwife.
In 1942 Arden moved with his family to Dawson Creek. It was here that he completed his schooling. During those years he played many sports and worked at a variety of jobs after school.
As a young man, Arden went to work on a seismic crew and worked on drilling rigs in the oil patch around Lacombe, Alberta before returning to Dawson Creek to work at what was then called the X-L Refinery.
In 1959 he and Joyce Walsh were married. They were blessed with three children - Dianne, Duane and Pamela. This was the beginning of many years of enjoyable family life.
Arden began his career as a refinery operator at the Dawson Creek refinery and worked there until it closed. After working for two years with his Uncle Arnold in the construction business, Arden returned to his favourite job, gas and oil refining, and he made it his life long career. He was employed at the oil and gas refinery at Taylor for 25 years where he began as an operator, worked his way through every unit and completed the last several years as a shift supervisor. He was respected by fellow employees as a conscientious worker and trusted supervisor. Arden took early retirement in 1990 when Petro-Canada closed the refinery.
Many of Arden’s friends and co-workers retired the same year he did so they spent many enjoyable “coffee breaks” together during the last several years. This was also the time to begin golfing. Arden and his buddies were on the course early most week day mornings. He enjoyed this schedule because it allowed plenty of time for working on chores at home.
Arden and Joyce travelled to many countries before and after retirement and returned to Hawaii, their favourite travel destination, many times. Rather than follow the snowbirds to the southern United States, Arden and Joyce journeyed several times to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island during the month of March where they enjoyed an early Spring, visiting and golfing.
Although travelling was enjoyable, Arden was happiest when he was at home where he could work on his yard, make improvements to his home, work in his shop and spend time with family. He liked to be busy working on a project whether it be at home, the lake, or for a family member.
When his children were young, Arden steadied their bikes as they learned to ride, taught them to ride motor bikes, drove the boat so they could water ski and taught them to drive the car. That support continued into adulthood when, as homeowners, he helped them with building, and repairs and renovations to their homes. He was always “on call” whenever help was needed.
Grandchildren were definitely life’s bonus and each of his six grandchildren was special to Arden. They knew that no matter how old they were, there was always a place for them on Poppa’s lap. He enjoyed helping them learn new things such as playing card games, pool or teaching them to make lefse. The grandchildren always looked forward to Nana and Poppa coming to cheer them on at their many activities, sports events and concerts.
Arden was foremost a family man and will be remembered by Joyce as a devoted and supportive husband and partner. He was enthusiastic about her many sewing and quilting projects and was always willing to offer suggestions for arranging quilt blocks and color co-ordination. He built cabinets, quilt frames and racks, cutting tables, and anything required or imagined for sewing and quilting. He was a handyman extra ordinaire and enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how to repair or construct things. Arden and Joyce enjoyed the last several years working on a variety of projects together. They especially enjoyed working in their yard, then relaxing with a cup of coffee to view and enjoy their efforts.
Arden’s memory will be cherished by Joyce, his devoted wife of 47 years, daughter Dianne Neste (Darcy Shaw) ; son, Duane; daughter Pam Harman & son-in-law, Bryan Harman; grandchildren: Katie, Sean and Crystal Pringle; Brianna, Melaina & Jenna Harman; brother, Claire Neste (Marion) ; sister, Lynne Willich (Leroy) ; brother-in-law, Fran Schilds; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service was held on August 30, 2006 at the South Peace Untied Church in Dawson Creek, BC. Officiated by Pastor Tim Johnson. A private family interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Arden’s memory to the ‘Step Up and Ride Society’ Box 2459, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4T9.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
