- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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Elsie Cunningham
1933 - 2009
It is said that a person’s life can be measured by what they have done with their lives and who they have touched along the way. Mom had left her own distinct mark on this earth by giving her family, and others, the very best of herself without complaint or the want of recognition. Mom was indeed a woman of quiet determination, unselfish in her ways and having strong values that have strengthened us as individuals. This is how we will remember her, forever.
In looking back at mom’s life, we can clearly see those qualities in her. Raised on a farm in Revelstoke, BC, being the fourth of six children and growing up during difficult times, Mom’s family needed to work together to make ends meet. Her father Ludvig, would often have to take on an outside job leaving her mother and the family to run the farm. Each child had their chores and the responsibility of seeing the family through some of the most difficult of times.
Even though the times were hard, there was much love and laughter that filled their small farmhouse. When each child left to start a life of their own, mom and her siblings would gather together, with their own families at that small farmhouse in Revelstoke. These are the memories that we hold very dear – mom and dad would load us up at night in the back of the station wagon, in sleeping bags, “Gravol” induced we suspect, to make the long trip to Revelstoke. Similar events created the memories that we hold dear, showing us that family was family, and that’s what mattered.
Mom wasn’t always a mom, and actually had a life before us, whether we like to believe it or not. She was described as a girl that had a quiet demeanor, full of hopes for the future in becoming a nurse. She had an infectious giggle and was well known for it. One of her sisters told us recently, that whenever there were chores to be done, like gathering firewood, not much would be accomplished if a mom got a case of the giggles.
After graduating from high school, mother went into nursing and graduated as an RN. She worked in the Terrace hospital where she had an altercation with a certain RCMP officer that was smoking next to an oxygen tank. That verbal dressing down resulted in mom and dad getting married two years later.
Mom gave up the career which she loved, in order to raise a family. Sharlain came first, then Julie, Patti and finally Bryan. This all happened within four years. There was not enough time in the day with such things as diaper changes, feeding, laundry, housecleaning and shopping. However, mom did it! How she managed, still remains a mystery to us. But she did it because it needed to be done, and she did so with quiet determination.
We as adults, looking back at our time with her as children, can now fully appreciate the things she did to ensure that we didn’t go without. One of those ways was to sew and knit our clothing so that we would have the same latest fashions other children were wearing.
There were many nights we can recall spending time with mom sewing us dresses, and showing us how to knit and sew. Patience was another one of mother’s qualities – why some of us didn’t end up sewing our fingers together is yet another mystery...
We like to think that we were mom’s centre of everything that matters, and to a large degree, we actually were. She was always there for us – we could count on her to listen to our problems, help us when we needed it, and was a part of our extra curricular activities growing up.
With us getting older, mom expanded her own interests - crocheting, paper tole, pottery, and gardening. Later in life, she started to paint but she wouldn’t show her work to anyone because she didn’t believe her work was good enough for others to see. We found those pictures mom, and yes, they are more than good enough.
There was more to knowing our mother that a lot of people did not see. One point was her way of helping others. We as children can recall teenagers from a juvenile detention centre coming home for dinners, and we actually took one with us on one summer vacation. Mom would often set extra plates for Christmas dinner and Dad would invite those who they knew were alone during the holidays to visit. We do know that our parents give a helping hand to a few people that couldn’t afford to eat, donating to the community at large, like the Chetwynd Hospital. In these ways and many more, mom was a support to many in her lifetime.
Mom saw our dad through three periods of cancer and the awful treatments that went with it. Although it was a very difficult time for her, she looked beyond her own needs, and was a support to him throughout his battle with the disease. Even after his passing, she was a comfort to the rest of the family, showing us that love, unselfishness and family are what truly matters.
Mom, we know what you have done for us and the sacrifices you have made. It was so hard to see you suffer and not be able to say the things you wanted to say, but we did hear the voice from your heart.
Thank you for all that you have done – and know in your own quiet and determined way, you have accomplished very much.
We love you dearly and you will be with us forever.
Be with God.
Elsie is predeceased by her husband Ray Cunningham, her sister Irma Grace and brother-in-law Phillip Breck.
Elsie leaves to mourn: her children Sharlain Riley (Darcy Caragata), Julie Cunningham (Richard Matheson), Patti Berlinger (David Fawcett), and Bryan (Teresa) Cunningham. Also her grandchildren; Brian (Leaha), Shane, Ken (Crystal), Aaron (Pearlita), Jason (Sara) as well as 8 great-grandchildren. Her siblings Hans (Gwen) Hansen, Greta (Ray) Speerbrecker,
Louise Breck, Karen “Jo” (George) Rohatynsky and brother-in-law Frank Grace.
Elsie passed away on December 20, 2009 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia 76 years of age. She was born on April 30, 1933 in Revelstoke, British Columbia. She was cremated and a memorial service was held in honor of Elsie on December 29, 2009 at the Chetwynd Baptist Fellowship Church in Chetwynd, British Columbia. Pastor Bill Evans officiated.
Duncan Merlin Vipond
1916 - 2009
Duncan Merlin Vipond, also known as Merle, was born May 10, 1916 at Killarney, Manitoba – the first of 7 children born to Duncan and Laura. He had 5 younger brothers, Ace, Clifford, Stanley, Elwyn and Donald – and a little sister, Verlie who passed away at age 6.
The family moved to Beaverlodge, Alberta when Merle was 3 years old, and homesteaded until 1923 when they moved back to Manitoba. In 1938, at the age of 22, he moved West with the family, and settled near Rolla, where the 6 boys helped their father clear the land and farm it.
When World War II broke out, the 5 oldest boys enlisted in the Armed Service between 1939 and 1942. After 6 weeks training, Merle was discharged as he had frozen his feet the week before enlisting.
Merle drove the Highway before it was the Alaska Highway. The road was known as the Nelson Trail. He was one of 12 drivers who supplied the Fort Nelson airstrip with aviation fuel using 1937 Ford trucks. During the construction of the Alaska Highway, he delivered material up the highway, most noteworthy, all the steel for the bridges.
In 1939, Merle married Marjory MacLean and had 2 children, Verlie and Ron. The family lived on 106 Avenue in Dawson Creek and Merle helped tend the farms of the brothers who were overseas and continued working construction, building roads and driving truck up the Alaska Highway.
Merle remarried in 1960 to Irene Crum and became father to Neil, Brian, Kathy and Carol. He and Irene farmed in Bear Canyon, Arras and South Dawson raising kids, crops, cows and gardens.
Merle worked for 26 winters in the Arctic with seismic crews for Bruce Rome and Borek Construction and had many stories to tell about the cold and the snow – cats falling through the ice, the wolves and the bears that kept them company and finding their way in whiteouts.
Merle finally retired at the age of 89. He and Irene moved to town in the fall of 2006.
Merle will be remembered as gruff and tender, straight-forward and uncomplicated with a twinkle in his eye and a satisfied smile.
Merle fell and broke his hip on Saturday, December 12. He had surgery to repair the break on Sunday and came through the surgery with flying colours. Due to a long battle with congestive heart failure, he passed away Friday, December 18, 2009 at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital at the age of 93.
He was predeceased by his first wife Marjorie, his wife Irene, brothers Ace, Clifford, Stanley and Elwyn; his sister Verlie; and grandchildren Larry Peter Nelson and Melanie Hollingshead.
Merle will be remembered and missed by his children Verlie (Larry) Nelson, Ron, Neil (Rose) Crum, Brian (Anita) Crum, Kathy (Art) Vipond and Carol (Bill) Hollingshead; his grandchildren Peter, Julie (Josh), Terry, Laura, Serena (Shane), Devon (Maryanne), Deborah, Rebecca, Wallace (Bridgette), Allen (Constance), Crystal (Bryan), Troy (Miranda), Trent (Samantha) and 20 great grandchildren.
A Memorial service was held December 23, 2009 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Merle by way of a donation to the “Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation”
Joseph Timothy Jackson
1953 - 2009
Joseph Timothy Jackson, known by his friends as “Tim” or “Jackson”,was born on October 3, 1953, in Truckedie, Prince Edward Island. He was the son of Gerald Jackson and Lulu McKennan, brother to Julie Hines and Danny Jackson, and friend to many.
“Tim” passed away in Dawson Creek on December 12, 2009, at 56 years of age. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but he will never be forgotten.
Tim was cremated and by his request, no service will be held.
“The ocean refuses no river”
Mary Anne Delainey
1908 - 2009
Our Great grandmother, Mary Delainey, formerly of Rolla, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2009, at the age of 101 years. She was born to Anna and August Franke on February 13, 1908 in a sod house on their farm, a few miles from Leipzig, Saskatchewan. The Franke family consisted of 9 children; 4 girls and 5 boys. Mary was the sixth sibling. She grew up on a farm, and attended the country school until Grade 8. The school teacher boarded at the Franke farm. Great grandma had talent: she played the organ, soft ball and tennis. She loved sports.
She met Lucas Delainey, the love of her life and they were married in November of 1928. She came to the Rolla district in the 30’s. She met and had many good neighbors and friends: the Stewarts, the Nobbs, the Guays and many more, too numerous to mention. They met for afternoon teas, birthdays, Christmas’ and other events. A lot of visiting went on between friends and neighbors in those days.
She also loved the ground. She always had a good garden and lovely flowers. She was an excellent seamstress, cook and she did all her daily chores by routine. We remember every Wednesday as her baking day. She made the best bread, pies, cakes and cookies; you name it! She was an excellent homemaker and she could run and operate the farm machinery better than any hired hand.
Mary joined the Rolla Women’s Institute, the Rolla Curling Club, the Rolla O.O.R.P. and became the Honored Royal Lady, and later, a “Life Member” of the Dawson Creek O.O.R.P., # 85.
She loved to dance. Mary and Lucas never missed a dance in Rolla or in the outlying areas. She became an Ardent Curler when Rolla got it’s one sheet of natural ice. She loved the sport and never missed a bonspiel. She was a very active person; she was strict and sometimes very stern.
She is pre-deceased by her husband, Lucas Delainey, her parents, eight siblings, a son-in-law and a grandson. She is survived by her daughter, Rita (Al) Miner, her son, Donald (Ruth) Delainey, seven grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.
A Prayer service was held on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, BC and a Funeral mass was held on Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church. Father Michael Anyasoro officiated. Interment followed in the Dawson Creek City cemetery, Dawson Creek, BC
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mary, may be made by donation to the Rotary Manor Care Facility, 1121 - 90th Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 5A3.
Dorothy Myrtle (Wilde) Wilford also known as Dorothy Neville
May 3, 1918 – Dec 8, 2009
Dorothy Myrtle was born to George Edgerton Wilde and Lily Grace McPhadden on May 03, 1918 in Biggar, Saskatchewan. She was the youngest of three girls and sister to May, Grace, Frank and youngest brother Pat. In later years, the family moved to Grande Prairie where Dorothy continued her schooling. The family then moved to the Sunset Prairie area where they homesteaded until the late 1950s. When Dorothy was a young lady she got a job in the Groundbirch General store working for Mr. Jack McInnis and while she was working at the store, she met Harold Neville who worked in a local sawmill and lived in the Groundbirch area. After courting Dorothy for several years, they were married June 5, 1936, and made their home in Groundbirch, area. Their first child was born, Ron, followed by Gerald. Then along came daughter, Lorraine and then youngest son, Leonard. They remained on the farm for several years. While Harold worked away from home, Dorothy kept very busy raising a young and growing family, while also keeping the farm going. Her love of the outdoors lead her to enjoy her flowers, her garden and farmyard. She enjoyed drawing and painting local scenery and wildlife.
As the children grew older, the family moved Dawson Creek for better schools and Harold’s job. While living in town, Dorothy joined the Order of the Royal Purple, where she enjoyed many years of community service and fellowship. In June 1986 she became a life member. After Dorothy and Harold’s children had grown, married and moved out, Dorothy rose to the challenge of helping raise two foster children, Shirley and Judy. Upon Harold’s retirement, Dorothy and Harold returned to their farm the place they loved the best. In 1970, upon the sudden and unexpected passing of Harold, Dorothy went to work for Schrader’s Flowers. Here she found pleasure and creativity in floral arranging.
While trying to move on with her loss, she joined the singles dance club. Here she met Henry Wilford a confirmed bachelor who loved to dance. In 1976, Henry and Dorothy were married and Henry was welcomed into Dorothy’s family which now included many more grandchildren. They enjoyed many years together, spending time on both their homesteads, with their families and travelling. Over the years, they made many new friends in their church and neighbourhoods. In 1999 an unfortunate stroke changed Dorothy’s home to the Pouce Coupe Care Home. Along with battling Alzheimer’s, while in Pouce, she continued to have Henry’s love and support with his daily visits which continued until Henry’s passing, this past February. On December 8 2009, just a short time after moving into the New Rotary Manor, Dorothy peacefully passed away and is home at last.
Dorothy Myrtle (Wilde) Wilford; a daughter and sister, athlete and pioneer, wife, mother and grandmother, friend … and so much more. She will be sadly missed by her family, friends and neighbours. Dorothy passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 91 years of age. A Funeral service was held on Monday, December 14, 2009 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. A private family interment followed in the Willow Valley cemetery, Willow Valley, British Columbia.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Dorothy, may be made by way of a donation to the “Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children” 100 2629-29th Avenue, Regina, SK S4S 9Z9.
Stephen Maurice James Hosking
1967 - 2009
Born in South Ockendon, Essex, England, Stephen emigrated with his parents James & Catherine Hosking and his Brother Mark to Canada in 1969. He lived first in Portage la Prairie then moved to Springstein Manitoba. In 1979, the family moved to Weyburn, Saskatchewan. As a child, he loved to travel, visiting Disneyworld on a driving trip from Portage La Prairie. He loved to go to Ireland and England. He had a very inquisitive mind and loved to take things apart and put them back together, usually with a few "bits" left over. He never lost this gift.
He was always quick with a joke and demonstrated a quirky sense of humor that everyone found contagious. This really showed up when he dressed up as Captain United and roller skated around Weyburn raising money for the United Way. Stephen was always ready to help others when needed. In Regina, he received the Saskatchewan Governor General award for jumping into a lake to save a man who drove his car in after suffering a heart attack.
After High school, Stephen went to Regina to attend the University of Regina. That is where he married his childhood sweetheart, Brenda Franklin. They have a beautiful girl together, Quinn. Quinn is the apple of his eye. When Stephen and Brenda grew apart, Stephen moved to Dawson Creek with his parents.
Stephen was integral with opening a family business with his brother and parents. He then opened another venture on his own, Chubby's. He met Nicki Ault and they had a beautiful baby together, Colten. Once Chubby's closed Stephen came back to Rockwells until it was sold.
Stephen always loved computers. He was always helping others with getting theirs to work. He was very much in his element when dealing with them. He always considered himself a computer "geek". His other passion was paintballing. He traveled whenever possible, to different venues to play.
Stephen had been sick for the last few years. His passing is still a terrible shock to his family and friends. Leaving behind to celebrate his life are his daughter Quinn and son Colten, their mothers Brenda and Nicki. His parents, James and Catherine Hosking, brother Mark Hosking. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Stephen, you will be missed but never forgotten.
Stephen passed away on December 7, 2009, at 41 years of age. A Prayer service was held on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 3:00 pm at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia. A Funeral service was held on Monday, December 14, 2009 at 3:00 pm at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel. Father Michael Asyasoro was the officiating clergy.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Stephen may be made by way of a donation to the
“Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Canada”, suite 327, #8 - 6014 Vedder Road Chilliwack, BC V2R 5P5
