- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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Robert Karl Albert Geist "Albert"
1919-2009
Robert Karl Albert Geist, known as Albert was born in Unterheimbach, Germany on June 24th, 1919 to Paulina and Robert Geist. He passed away on April 6th, 2009 in Pouce Coupe at the age of 89 years.
Albert was the oldest of 4 boys and grew up on the family farm. He attended school in Unterheimbach for 7 years. It was expensive to send children to high school and this was not possible for Albert so he was finished his formal education at the age of 13.
Albert worked for a farmer and a blacksmith in his village. When he was 15 years old he started working for a shoe factory, cutting leather. He continued to work in this factory for 14 years and became a top leather cutter.
Albert was a soldier in World War II. He trained as a flight engineer and worked on mechanical safety for fighter plans. He was able to fly the aircraft if necessary but this was never required. He fought in ground battle in Belgium and was wounded. He returned home to the family farm in 1945. Albert shared a few stories of the war with his family but there are many unmentioned events in Albert’s life.
Albert took a great interest in the land, especially a small orchard his family owned. He attended agricultural school at night to gain more knowledge. He tried for many years to grow apples on his farm in Canada but the weather just didn’t cooperate. Albert’s brother, Paul still owns the family orchard.
Albert met his future wife, Herta on a blind date. They were married on April 7th, 1951. This union lasted 58 years almost to the day and included 3 sons and a daughter.
Albert wanted to own his own farm. Obtaining information through the church he learned that there was rich farm land in Canada and decided to pursue his dream. In April 1952, with his young family, they boarded a ship for a 14 day journey to Canada. They first arrived in Quebec, took a train to Edmonton and then another train to Dawson Creek.
Albert worked for local farmers until 1953 and then took a job with the sawmill. He purchased his own farm in1956, this is the land they still own.
On his farm, Albert raised pigs, grew vegetables, produced grain and built up a 5000 chicken farm. This was hard work and long hours but Albert was determined to be successful in Canada. He continued to work his farm for the next 40 years.
Albert enjoyed his family and would share stories and advice with them all. He also enjoyed his garden, farm, dogs and having coffee with friends at the Co-op.
In 1997, Albert and Herta made a trip back to Germany. He was able to visit with friends he hadn’t had contact with since 1952 and commented on how the country had changed. Albert referred to Germany daily, so although he lived in Canada for 57 years – part of his heart remained in his homeland.
Albert was pre-deceased by his parents – Paulina and Robert Geist and brother Ernst.
Albert is survived by his loving wife Herta, children – Walter (Pat) Geist, Hilda (Ron) Burbee, Werner Geist, Paul (Faye) Geist, grandchildren – Alana (Dan) Hiebert, Kevin Geist (Verena), Curtis Burbee (Chelsey), Nadine (Rajan) Sharma, Erin Geist & Stacey Geist, Great Grandchildren – Cale, Ryan & Hayes Hiebert, Brothers – Gustav (Lisa) Geist and Paul Geist, Sister In Law – Adine Rapp and many nieces, nephews & cousins in Germany.
A family memorial service was held on April 13th, 2009 at Bergeron’s Funeral Chapel -followed by a celebration of life tea. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Albert to the ‘British Columbia Heart & Stroke Foundation’.
Gerald Royle Clare
January 11, 1939 - April 16, 2009
Gerald Clare passed away peacefully at Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton with his wife by his side. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Nannette, sons Jonathan (Leanne) and James (Kathy), his brother Arthur and his granddaughters Jensen, Riley, Jayden and Abigail, as well as numerousother relatives and friends.
Gerald held many positions within School District 59 since 1960, with the majority of his career spent as teacher and librarian at South Peace Senior Secondary until his retirement in 1995. He was extremely active within the community, holding positions with the Timberline Trail and Nature Club, Peace River Internet Society, the Dawson Creek Historical Society and the South Peace Historical Archives. He also volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels and the Dawson Creek Friends of the Library.His parting gift to this area he loved so much was his efforts toward the creation of the book and DVD "Dawson Creek, An Illustrated History", detailing the first 50 years of the city. An ongoing presence at City Council Meetings, his passion for retaining the legacy of the Peace Region was evident in all his post - retirement activities.
A celebration of Gerald's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 25th at Bergeron Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calvin Kruk Fund for the Performing Arts and Community Center (c/o KPAC) or a charity of your choice.
Celia Rose Knowles
1947-2009
Celia Rose Knowles (Seewee) passed away suddenly at home in Dawson Creek British Columbia on April 9th 2009 at the age of 61 years.
Celia was born on April 19th 1947 in Pouce Coupe British Columbia to loving parents Stewart and Ruby Trail and youngest sibling to sisters Peggy, Terry and Carol. Celia resided in the Peace River Region her entire life eventually marrying the father of her children Dennis Knowles. Celia and Dennis had three girls of their own Diana, Terina and Katherine. Celia’s proudest moments were becoming a grandmother to four grandchildren Johnathon, Trey, Paxton and Harrison who she would always talk about and shared stories with whomever would listen. Celia was also very proud of the day she decided to go back to school in 1987 and get her G.E.D. Diploma with her sister Peggy which marked the beginning of her career with the Dawson Creek Hospital. Celia worked in dietary, housekeeping, the operating room and central sterilizing division. Celia retired after twenty years of service but continued to work as a casual employee in CSD. Celia’s passion was at the Dawson Mall where she made many close friends playing her Keno. Celia also enjoyed playing bingo and became quite savvy on a computer playing games in POGO while having conversations on MSN Messenger with her sister Carol and niece Danielle.
Celia will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Diana (Jay) Hall, Terina (John) Dyck, and Katherine (Stu) DeWolfe, her grandchildren Johnathon Knowles, Trey Hall, Paxton DeWolfe and Harrison DeWolfe, her mother Ruby Trail, her sisters Peggy Rurka, Terry (Harold) Lindballe and Carol Brisson, her uncle Ted Cade, and the father of her children Dennis Knowles, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous loving friends.
Celia was predeceased by her father Stewart Trail, her brother in-law Omar Brisson and aunt Bertha Cade.
Services were held on Thursday April 16th 2009 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel in Dawson Creek British Columbia, inurnment followed at Riverview Cemetery in Pouce Coupe British Columbia where Celia was laid to rest with her father. Honorary pallbearers were Jay Hall, John Dyck, Stu DeWolfe, Stewart Rurka, Darryl Rurka, Arthur Brisson and Tom Lindballe.
Thank you goes out to everyone who gave condolences in Celia’s memory. Expressions of sympathy can be made in Celia’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation P.O. Box 714, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, V1G 4H7.
Celia will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends. Celia may have been small in stature but was truly larger than life!
A Memorial Service was held on April 16, 2009 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, officiated by Peggy Bergeron. Inurnment followed in the Riverview Cemetery, Pouce Coupe, British Columbia.
ELIZABETH HOWELL
1926 - 2009
Elizabeth Howell died peacefully at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital on April 2, 2009 after a brief illness.
More commonly known as Betty by friends and family she was the seventh child born to William and Elizabeth Bensley on September 18, 1926 in Newcastle, England.
Betty was a very bright student and had economic times been in her favour she undoubtedly would have pursued more education after the age of 14. Her first job was with a Chemist, Mr. Dodd, and she worked long hard hours for little pay. The opportunity came up when she was 17 to enter the WRENS and as she was an incredible cook being able to fix up a meal with minimal ingredients she was up for the task of preparing food for hundreds.
While preparing liver for a meal at the Mess Hall she met a cook by the name of George (Sid) Howell. He asked her out and after a brief courtship they married February 12, 1949. Their first son, Peter, was born in 1950 and Richard followed in 1952.
Sid, Betty and family moved to Malta where Sid continued to serve for the British Navy as a cook. Unfortunately Richard became gravely ill and died in 1953. A terrible loss for the family and Sid was able to break his Naval Contract and return then with family back to England. In 1955 their daughter, Janet, was born and the family was complete.
In 1956 Sid, Betty and children immigrated to Canada living in various communities and in 1967 they moved from Elliot Lake, Ontario to settle in Dawson Creek. Betty became very involved with St. Mark's Anglican Church and she was a dedicated hard working parishioner and remained so until health issues forced her to pull back.
Betty was a proud Grandma to Sasha, Nathan, Steven, Robert and Sarah and how she loved those children. She spent much time babysitting and was very involved in their growing years. A beautiful great granddaughter, Julia Ayden, was born to Sasha and Warren on April 18, 2008 and when Betty would see Julia her eyes would light up and she'd always say, "What a bonny lass"
Betty wasn't afraid to speak her mind or send correspondence to politicians or causes that she felt needed a "shakening up"
Betty was proud to be British and frowned on any negativity aimed at the Royal family.
Betty was a very kind woman and gave generously to local and international causes. You would never leave her home without a care package and that generosity continued to the time of her passing.
In 2005 Betty was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease and she remained at home until August 15, 2008 and was then placed into care at the Peace River Haven. Through her time at the Haven she made many friends and was loved by all staff members. Everything done or given to Betty was always recognized by Betty commenting how "lovely" it was. She will be greatly missed by Yves and John from the Haven.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, four brothers, two sisters and her son, Richard.
Betty is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Sid, son Peter and his children Sasha (Warren), Steven, Sarah (Jared), great granddaughter, Julia, daughter Janet (Brian) and her children Nathan (Serena), Robert (Melanie) and daughter-in-law, Karen.
It was Betty's request that no funeral service be held and that she be cremated.
Donations in memory of Betty may be made to the Peace River Haven Foundation, Box 188, Pouce Coupe, B.C. V0C 2C0.
Robert Dale Fleming
1956-2009
Resident of Dawson Creek, BC passed away on April 1, 2009 at 52 years of age.
A Memorial Service was held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, BC.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Dale to the
"Charity of your choice"
Mary Ann Kurjata
1951-2009
Mary Ann Kurjata, resident of Ottawa, Ontaria, formerly of Dawson Creek, BC. A Memorial Service for Mary Ann Kurjata was held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, BC. and was officiated by Father Michael Anyasoro. Inurnment followed at the Dawson Creek City Cemetery, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Mary Ann to the "British Columbia Heart & Stroke Foundation" Box 714, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H7
Iris Winifred Blue
1926 - 2009
Resident of Tumbler Ridge, BC passed away on March 20, 2009 at 83 years of age.
A Memorial Service was held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the 'New life Assembly' Church, 275 Murray Drive, Tumbler Ridge, BC. Pastor George Rowe officiated.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Iris to the" BC Children's Hospital " 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1 or "Tumbler Ridge Hospital Foundation",
P.O. Box 80, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0.
Isobel Mary Harcourt
1920 - 2009
A Memorial Tea will be held on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 2:00 pm (Alberta time) at the Beaverlodge United Church, Beaverlodge, Alberta.
A family inurnment to follow on Saturday, March 21, 2009 in the Beaverlodge Cemetery, Beaverlodge, Alberta.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Isobel, may be made by way of a donation to the "Beaverlodge Hospital" for Palliative Care Attention: Donna, Box 480, Beaverlodge, Alberta, T0H 0C0.
KATHLEEN ETHEL GARLOUGH
1925 ~ 2009
Kathleen Ethel Garlough, 83, passed away peacefully March 30, 2009, at Dawson Creek & District Hospital, after a two month illness. No funeral at Kay’s request. An inurnment service will be held at the Rolla Cemetery at a later date; details will be published. Born October 3, 1925, in Elm Creek, Manitoba, to Charlie & Alice Pethybridge, Kay served in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps before following her fiance, Frederick James Dresser, to the Peace River country to become a young bride. While raising her children and tending the family farm, Kay followed her passions of cooking and gardening. Her skills at baking and canning made her a mainstay in the winner’s column at Fall Fair competitions all over the district. After retiring from competition she was very much in demand as a judge of the same events she once dominated. Kay also committed her time to tirelessly canvassing for the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatoid Society, an affliction she struggled with most of her life, while also being a long term member of the Lakeview Women’s Institute. Residents of Dawson Creek will remember seeing Kay taking her daily walks all over town, stopping for coffee and visits with friends along the way. After down sizing from her house to an apartment she was still able to practice her love of gardening by house-sitting not only friend’s houses, but their pets and gardens as well. Kay also never lost touch with her Army friends, remaining active with the Royal Canadian Legion, the annual Poppy Drive and attending Ex-Service Women’s reunions whenever she was able. Her love of travel took her on many visits home to visit family in Manitoba, as well as trips to visit her children and grandchildren -wherever that might take her. This love of mixing travel and family culminated for her with a family reunion in Hawaii to celebrate her 75th birthday. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie & Alice Pethybridge; her husband, Frederick James Dresser, her brother Bill Pethybridge, and her beloved sister Myrtle Fust. She leaves behind and will be missed by her four children, Kelly Dresser of Vancouver, B.C., Judy Ellingson of Saltspring Island, B.C., Darlene Dresser of Kamploops, B.C., and Patricia Dresser of Princeton, NJ; five grandchildren, Trevor,Jason, Brett, Ryan & Spencer; and last but not least, her four cherished great grandchildren, Megan, Connor, Greta & Carter. There is no doubt that wherever she is, she is baking something wonderful and making a trail of flower petals so we will know where to find her.
Rest in Peace.
Donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 141, #10 - 10200- 8 St, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 3P8
