- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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Leonard Earl Bassett
1944-2008
Leonard Earl Bassett was born December 7, 1944 in Fellers Heights BC, the sixth of seven children. His father Harvey brought Hazel and the children to Grandma Ivy’s with the team and cutter for the delivery of the new baby. Glen was sent over the hill to play with Aunt Marion’s kids during the birth, with Uncle Gigs being the one to come and tell him he had a new brother. The next day his Dad went home and began building the kitchen on the front of the old log cabin, using material salvaged from an old building he had torn down, expanding the family home into a two room cabin.
Albert and Ivy Fellers homestead later became the home of Steve and Norma Landiak, and Steve had built a barn near the site of the original house. Later when Mom and Dad started dating, he would point out the barn to Mom, and say it was just over there that I was born. It was a longstanding joke between them that he had been “born in a barn.”
On March 3rd, 1965, Dad married my Mom, Margo Jennings in Hythe Alberta, and Debbie was born that summer. In 1968 he went to Edmonton for six weeks earning his welding certification. In October 1968, Mom, Dad and Debbie were blessed with the arrival of a beautiful baby boy named Howard.
Dad ordered a Lincoln welder and rigged up his new red Ford one ton, starting one of his many business ventures, L. Bassett Welding Ltd. This was later shortened to Len Bassett Ltd. which it remained through the years. Just before Christmas 1969, Dad landed a job as a welder on the construction of the new sawmill in Mackenzie. I can remember him later, telling us how worried he had been going there with no guarantee of a job and no money for Christmas. He was hired by the onsite foreman, and Dad asked him to hire his truck as well. When the foreman balked at it, Dad told him that he didn’t think he could stay on. At lunchtime the foreman sent Dad home to get his truck. After a short time he made enough to buy a small trailer, and between Christmas and New Years, we moved to Mackenzie.
In 1970 mom and dad purchased land in Arras, moving the family there, and dad made a living welding for the local farming community. Around this time he purchased a skidder and began his logging career, first working on his own. In 1972 he worked for and then partnered with, Bill Young, in Young’s Mills Ltd. Many memories I have of those years are of going out to the camp at Quality Creek, or Mile Fifty, where his Dad worked as the camp cook. I would like to take this time to apologize to Carl Wolff for eating oatmeal porridge for breakfast, before travelling that winding road to camp!
In March of 1973 we adopted Warren into our family, making it complete. In 1974 Dad began building our family home in Arras BC, with Billy Cook working late into the evening of December 24th installing some of the kitchen cupboards so that we could have Christmas dinner in the new house.
In the spring of 1979, Dad and Bill had the opportunity to sell out, and took it. He was never afraid of starting something new. Whether it was road construction, custom breaking in the surrounding community pastures, or becoming a logging truck driver when the LP Mill started up, Dad faced every challenge head on and always managed to succeed.
Through the years he worked several different jobs, and was always proud of his accomplishments and of his work ethic, and instilled those lessons in us kids. Be proud of what you do and do your best at it.
As a kid I always loved to hear Dad talk about his early years, and I remember him telling us with fondness about working on his uncles sawmill. My favorite stories were of the time he worked in the Arctic Circle for Kenn Borek, and his time at the South Peace Stock Farms.
In 1995 Mom and Dad started a new chapter of their life, moving to Cranbrook BC, where they owned and operated the Travelers’ Motel. He took an active role in the construction of the Kings Chapel Church and the growth of the budding new church family. He was a respected member of the community, making many new friends and getting involved with the local Métis Association and Wild Turkey Federation. In Cranbrook, he started a sideline business, delivering holiday trailers to dealerships around the country. He travelled all over the United States in 2005, delivering emergency housing to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Dad always loved being outdoors. Camping, fishing, and hunting always brought a smile to his face. A trip to Prince George meant stopping to fish and camp beside the Pine River. It wasn’t until I got my drivers license that I found out you could drive all the way to Prince George in one day! And without a doubt, his favorite day of the year was August 15th. It didn’t matter what was happening, everything came to a halt for the first day of moose season.
Our childhood memories are filled with weekends at Swan Lake, One Island Lake, and best of all, weekends in “The Valley!” This was how we always referred to our trips to Uncle Glen’s and Aunty Eva’s. Dad loved to help Glen with the haying and coming down in the spring to help cut and brand the calves, which was always a family event! I can remember Uncle Glen discussing the harvest with Dad, and I asked why was he asking his advice, Dad was a logger not a farmer!
Dad loved his family and was always proud of us kids, and his grandchildren’s accomplishments. I used to tease him about how much more patient “Granddad” was than “Dad” was. His grandkids could do no wrong in his eyes, and he was constantly building basket ball hoops, skateboard ramps, and stilts which was something he got a real kick out of watching the kids try and use.
Dad past away October 14, 2008 at the age of 63. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. He was predeceased by his father, Harvey, and his brother, Raymond.
Leonard leaves to mourn; his wife of 42 years, Margo Bassett; daughter, Debbie and grandson Douglas; son Warren and Leslee, and grandchildren, Shanaya, Halley, Logan and Layne; son Howard and Ruby, and grandsons Morgan and Tristen; mother Hazel Bassett; brother Glen and Eva Bassett; sisters Glenda VanGenne, Theresa Haugen, Irene Bassett, and Cheryl and Les Trost; aunts and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life services was held on October 21, 2008 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, officiated by Pastor James Bridges. This eulogy was read and written by Leonard’s son Howard.
Ross Patterson Gibb
1933-2008
Ross Patterson Gibb was born on February 8, 1933 in the Frazier Valley. His parents were Amy Ross and Charles Gibb, he was the second son of five children. Ross and his brother Don moved their families to the North Country in 1963 where they worked on the WAC Bennett Dam.
Ross and Billie were married on October 1952 and raised six kids. They always had a house full; if anyone needed assistance they were there. Anyone and everyone was welcome, to Ross they were all family. Ross had 4 Foster children with World Vision that he sponsored for 25 years and proudly supported the Leprosy foundation. His kindness and generosity was felt by all that knew him. When a person was feeling down Ross always had a smile to pick-up their spirits.
Ross drove truck and was a Foreman for the Department of highways for fifteen years. He later worked for the City of Fort St. John until his retirement at the age of sixty-nine.
Ross and Billie moved to Rose Prairie in 1984 and when he wasn’t working he was in the garden. Ross had a passion for all things living and planted hundreds of trees on his farm.
Ross is survived by his wife Billie of 56 years, brother Don, sisters Rosalie and Pat, 6 kids, 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 3 son in-laws, 3 daughter in-laws and multiple people that called them Mom and Dad.
A Memorial Service was held on October 9, 2008 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Fort St. John, British Columbia, officiated by Pastor Gord Klassen.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Ross by way of a donation to the “World Vision of Canada” 1 World Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 2Y4.
Mary Iona “Nonie” Garlough
1929-2008
Mary Iona Garlough, affectionately known to us as “Nonie” passed away at the Dawson Creek Hospital on Thursday, October 2, 2008.
Nonie was born in Osgoode Ontario February 25, 1929. The eldest of five children of Valmer and Jean Chartrand.
Nonie will be well remembered for her willingness to help others, participating in Legion functions, and dressing in outrageous costumes when playing and acting in the many skits performed by Legion members and guests. Nonie could always be encouraged to play the piano in the Branch lounge at impromptu sing song sessions.
Nonie grew up on the Village of Osgoode, Ontario. At the age of 14 she left to work at the Children’s Village in Ottawa. From there to the Salvation Army Grace Hospital for nurses training. After Graduation she worked at the Winchester Memorial Hospital in Winchester, Ontario.
Nonie and Bert were married on August 27, 1949, and spent the next 20 years with family and friends, a hard and busy life. She worked at the office of her friend and mentor Dr. Byers.
Being as everyone played musical instruments there would be many impromptu singing sessions on little or no encouragement. One such time occurred at the hospital where her mother was under Palliative Care, Nonie saw a piano in the hallway. She started playing and soon the hallway was the site for yet another sing song, attended by even the nuns.
In the late 1960’s, Nonie and Bert moved to Williams Lake, British Columbia and then to Fort Nelson. Nonie came to Dawson Creek in 1968, and worked as an RN in St. Joseph’s Hospital and at the medical clinic. In 1981 she stopped working as an RN and went to work at city hall as a cashier until her retirement in 1992.
Nonie first joined the Dawson Creek branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in 1972 as a fraternal affiliate that was turned into an honorary membership by the branch due to her keen interest and involvement in all branch functions. Having found that her father had served in WWI, which qualified her for associate voting membership.
Having served in the following offices herself: President, Past President, 1st vice president, 2nd vice president, Membership Chairman, Chairman Air Cadet Committee, Service Officer, and Recording Secretary. She also assisted with Poppy and Membership Committees, and would help one and all members of the branch whenever she could. Nonie was predeceased by father Valmer, mother Jean, and sisters; Ruth and Dawna.
Nonie is lovingly remembered by sister and brother (twins) Deanna (Grant) Gignac, David (Evelyn) Chartrand, nephew Duncan McLellan, Deanna’s children and many more nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Service was held on October 8, 2008 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, officiated by Captains Roger and Francie Lee.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of "Nonie" can be made to the 'Royal Canadian Legion Branch #141 Poppy Fund', #10-10200-8 Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3P8.
Kathleen Mary “Casey” Moser
1954-2008
Casey Moser, nee Dickson, of Dawson Creek BC, beloved wife and mother, passed away suddenly, unexpectantly, and tragicallyon the 25th day of September, 2008. She is survived by her husband Karl, three children Tim, Steven (Randall), and Victoria, granddaughter Sophie, and siblings Patricia, Bill, and Mike. She was predeceased by mother and father Mollie and Bill Dickson of Calgary.
Born in Edmonton, Casey moved to Calgary with her family when she was too young to remember, and she spent her childhood there, graduating from high school in 1971. After graduating from high school, Casey enrolled in the Wildlife Technician program at NAIT in Edmonton. Upon graduation, she worked for Alberta Fish and Wildlife as a technician in and around southern Alberta.
Casey met Karl, the love of her life, one summer while working in fisheries in 1977. Karl proposed in June of 1979 and they were married on January 12, 1980, at the United Church in Blairmore, Alberta. A two week camping honeymoon on the big island of Hawaii followed.
In the years that followed Karl and Casey lived in Alberta at Beaver Mines, Kipp, Picture Butte, and Gem. In the spring of 1983, Tim was born at the Brooks hospital. Two years later Steven followed. Casey stayed at home and raised the kids while Karl taught at the local school.
The family moved several times over the next four years, and lived in BC on Pender Island, Hudson’s Hope and Prespatou, when their third child, Victoria, was born in 1988. Eventually they made their way to Dawson Creek, where in 1990 they settled a 1/4 section north of town. In short order there were all sorts of animals, new buildings, and a big garden and flower beds which Casey tended. Casey got heavily involved in 4-H as a parent and volunteer leader.
In recent years, Casey worked as an auxiliary at the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Crop Insurance office in Dawson Creek and was known for her positive attitude and bright smile.
Casey was involved in her community in many ways. She believed in doing her part to make the world a better place. She taught Sunday school, helped organize Dry Grad activities, was involved in every PAC and countless school activities, played bluegrass music with friends, and was a long-time member of the Spinners and Weavers Guild. She was a great influence on young people, and always had a cheerful word for anyone who needed it.
Casey was cremated and a Celebration of Life service was held on October 1st at the Dawson Creek Alliance Church. Interment of her ashes took place at the Rolla Cemetery.
The family would like to thank everyone who was involved in helping make the arrangements and for the many contributions made to Camp Sagitawa. We are grateful for the overwhelming support of all the friends who made this tragedy easier to bear.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Casey can be made to the "Camp Sagitawa " Box 61, Moberly Lake, BC V0C 1X0.
Agnes Douglas - 1928 - 2008
A Memorial Service was held on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 2:00pm at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church, Chetwynd, British Columbia
Officiated by Pastor Bill Evans
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Agnes can be made to the "Chetwynd Senior Citizen Housing Society " payable to "Pine Valley Senior Association" Box 1362 Chetwynd, British Columbia V0C 1J0 or the Charity of Your Choice.
Marilyn Leffler
1945 - 2008
A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 1:00pm at the Calvary Baptist Church, Ft.St.John, British Columbia
Officiated by Pastor Don Holloway
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Marilyn can be made to the "Terrance Baker " P.O.Box 6021, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4H6.
"A Graveside service" was held on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 1:00pm at the Tuscoola Cemetery, Chetwynd, BC
Norman Clair Birchall "Clair"
1938 - 2008
A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 2:00pm at the Christian Life Centre, Fort St. John, British Columbia
Officiated by Pastor Randy Ariss
Interment to follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Clair can be made to the 'North Peace Care Centre' 9907-110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 2W9 or 'The Gideons International in Canada' c/o Stanton L. Miller P.O. Box 546 Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H4 or 'The Christian Life Centre' 8923-112 Avenue, Fort St. Joh, BC V1J 2S9.
