- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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Burkholder, Linda Rae (Addeman)
1948 - 2009
On Friday November 20, 2009 Linda Burkholder Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother passed away. Linda will be forever remembered by her sons Forrest and Paul and daughters Angela and Tia her Grandchildren, Kassandra, Jen, Dakota, Damon, Dustin, Braxtyn, Reese, Zane Hunter, and her great grandchildren in Nova Scotia. Linda will also be forever remembered by her numerous extended family and dear friends.
Services were held on Saturday November 28, 2009 at 1:00 P.M., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 10901- 13 St. Interment followed at the Rolla Cemetery.
Viewing was held at 10:30- 12:00 AM. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 10901- 13 St.
Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Linda may be made to (The Dawson Creek SPCA) .
Beatrice Ida Campbell
1941 - 2009
Beatrice Campbell, resident of Pouce Coupe passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
A Funeral Service was held on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, 908 - 104 avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia at 2:00 pm.
Father Michael Anyasoro officiated.
Refreshments after the service were held at the Pouce Coupe Legion.
JANET LOIS HAMILTON SMITH
1918 – 2009
With Armistice Day and the end of World War I people around the globe were ecstatic. A month later there was more to rejoice about:the birth of Janet Lois Hamilton on December the 9th, 1918 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Lois began violin lessons when she was in grade five. During her high school years and beyond she was also involved in piano lessons, a few choirs, and played violin in the symphony.
When war was declared Lois enlisted in 1942. Being part of the Canadian Air Force was life changing.She enjoyed the freedom of being on her own and she took full advantage of the social life. In 1943 Lois was posted as a wireless operator on Vancouver Island then the Queen Charlotte Islands. It was here that Lois met Christopher Lea Smith, who was in the Marine Section of the Air Force. In February, 1946, they were married.
Chris wanted to go out west to live and when they saw ads purporting the virtues of Dawson Creek where everyone found good jobs it was a calling for them. Lois had an Air Force friend who was a teacher in Dawson Creek and he offered them his house. The rent was $35.00 a month and there was a piano thus an opportunity in 1949 that they could not pass up. When they reached Pouce Coupe it was a big mud hole but Lois loved it! In Dawson Creek they first stayed at the Dew Drop Inn. Jobs were found immediately – Chris worked for Wes Harper and Lois was hired at a ladies clothing store, Wade’s Style Shop. Chris was a bagpiper and Lois a highland dancer so soon their talents for teaching and playing were in high demand.
In the mid 1950’s Chris and Lois, although inexperienced, decided to delve into the food business by operating the famous blue ‘Smittie’s Chip Mobile’. They heard many squeals of delight as children and adults rushed to purchase mouth watering French fry delicacies. Teens even saved their money to buy fries! They decided to open a restaurant called the Burger Barn, which was across the street from the Crest Theatre on 102nd Avenue then Smittie’s Drive-In on Alaska Ave. Lois was always pleasantly surprised in the last few years when she’d meet someone who could name the different burgers and would share their experiences of eating them!
Lois and Chris’s family began in 1959 with their son Thomas Lea Smith and three years later Samuel Hamilton Smith. Purchasing land on Bear Mountain was a retreat from the work at Smittie’s Drive-In. In 1984, Chris and Lois bought a trailer and moved to their property.
In 1979 Lois and Chris were thrilled to become grandparents with Danielle, Tyrel and Tannia followed by great grandchildren Tori Lea and Piper.
Lois’s musical career continued to flourish. She became a member of the First United Church shortly after moving to Dawson Creek and she was always a proud parishioner but her special love was singing in the choir for over 50years! Twenty-seven of those were under the direction of Merrill Flewelling. Lois also played the violin with Mrs. Lopp’s Symphony for over twenty-five years.
After 53 years of marriage Chris left this world. Lois chose to move into an apartment. Her view was perfect as she could still see wildlife periodically.
Lois always seemed to make the best of any situation with a smile, hug or loving words. Her gentle, encouraging nature helped to make those in her presence feel so special.
A Funeral Service was held for Lois on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at the South Peace United Church, Dawson Creek, British Columbia and Reverend Marilyn Carroll officiated. Lois was interred in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Pearl Leana Beadle
1931 - 2009
Pearl Leana Wilson was born in Chedderville, Alberta on April 4, 1931. Pearl grew up as an only child on a small dairy farm close to Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. She attended school in Rocky Mountain House before moving to Stettler, Alberta where sheworked at a bakery and other various jobs.
Pearl travelled to Whitehorse and Alaska working along the way. Pearl finally settled in Dawson Creek and lived with the Charlie Kitchen family. Dawson Creek is where Pearl met the love of her life Bill Beadle and they were married for over 50 years. She worked at the Hustak drycleaners and the Hudson Bay store in the grocery department. Together Pearl and Bill opened up their own restaurant “Bill’s Lunch” and successfully operated their restaurant for 26 years. When Bill's health started failing the two made the decision to close the business. Throughout their marriage Pearl and Bill traveled extensively to Hawaii, Wales, England and Scotland. They also enjoyed taking trips in their motor home.
Pearl was an avid golfer, bowler, and a member of the Legion and of Vandal watch. Pearl had many, many good friends. We would like to mention Earl and Ilda Halloran who always included Pearl in all family get togethers, Jane and Lou Phugh for their kindness and her very special friend Linda Courvoistier who was always there for her.
Pearl was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1992. She is survived by niece Diane Halloran, nephew Rick Beadle, great nephew Cole Beadle, great niece Tara Lea Sharman, two great great nephews Aleksander and Presley Sharman and her beloved cat Tom.
A Memorial service was held for Pearl on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Pearl was interred at the Brookside cemetery, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
George Kepecz
1924 - 2009
KEPECZ – George Kepecz of Dawson Creek, B.C. (Formerly of Welland & Fonthill) passed away at the Welland County General Hospital surrounded by family on November 7, 2009. George was born April 28, 1924 in Romania. He came to Canada at the age of 13 living in the Welland area. George was severely injured during training for WWII at Camp Iperwash. After his recuperation and discharge from the army he met Helen (Wajda) in 1947. They married and had 2 daughters and a son. George worked for 41 years at Atlas Steels retiring in 1983.
George and Helen retired to cottage country in the Lakefield area in 1983, spending 6 years enjoying peace and quiet and fishing on his boat, before moving to Dawson Creek,B.C. to be closer to his daughter and son. George lived on 5 acres of picturesque land on Bear Mountain. Many days he had moose, deer, fox, bears or cougars roaming his property. George loved the outdoors. He loved to fish and hunt and just walk with nature, often riding on his four wheeler with his adored dog Ellie Mae trailing behind.
George was a very proud man who adored his family,grandchildren and great grandchildren. George’s wish was to be cremated and have his remains forever soaring over the mountain he loved so much. He will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts. Dad, you are now with mom, both rest in peace.
George was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Helen (Wajda) who passed away one month ago on October 8, 2009, his brother John Kepecz, his parents George & Mary Kepecz. He is survived by his daughter Rosemarie (Robert) Monchalin of Fonthill, daughter Karen (Wayne) Dyck of Dawson Creek, B.C. and his son Gary (Norma) Kepecz of Dawson Creek, B.C., 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Memorial service was held at Wesley United Church in Welland Ont. on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 7:00 pm with Rev. Kim Wright officiating.
A Memorial service was held at Bergeron Funeral Home on Thursday November 19, 2009 at 7:00 PM with Peggy Bergeron officiating.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of George Kepecz by way of a donation to: South Peace Hospice Palliative Care Society.
Jeannette Violet (McGuire) Abdai
January 28, 1920 – October 28, 2009
Jeannette Violet (McGuire) Abdai was born the tenth of twelve children on January 28, 1920 outside of Resource, Saskatchewan, to John and Elizabeth McGuire. Farm life was not easy and Jeannette was often sick. As a teenager Jeannette worked in town. She met William (Bill) Emde and they were married in December of 1939 and moved to a farm near Imperial, Saskatchewan.
Family life began in 1939 with the birth of Ieleene followed in 1941 with Kenneth. Around 1949 the family moved near the town of Brooks, Alberta. Two more children were born, Norman in 1953 but he survived for only 7 days and then Janice.
Tragedy struck when Bill was diagnosed with stomach cancer and died in 1957. Jeannette went to work as a cook at the Trans-Canada Restaurant where she met John Abdai. He was a truck driver who had made a regular stop on his travels or visits driving his pink candy DeSoto! They were married February 10, 1961 and moved to Calgary. Jeannette purchased a store overlooking the Bow River to assist with finances.
Ieleene gave birth to Jeannette’s first grandchildren, Kathy and Danny who died as an infant and Donna and Sherry followed later. More trauma occurred when in 1962 at the age of 21 Kenneth was killed in a truck accident. There was a silver lining though in 1965 when Jeannette gave birth to baby John.
In 1971 the family moved by transfer to Dawson Creek.
Since Jeannette has a natural love for children she decided to open a daycare in her home. She operated the “Abdai’s Family Daycare” from 1973-1993. Jeannette was so popular with the children and their parents.
In the summer of 1978 Jeannette and the family were devastated again with her husband John’s sudden death by a heart attack.
Jeannette began the next chapter in her life. Favorite activities were dancing, bowling and socializing. Jeannette met Bart Zaal who became her companion for over 27 years. They did lots of traveling over the years in the van along with her canary, “Pretty Bird”, who was strapped in his cage by the back window. Throughout the years grandchildren continued to join the family. From Janice: Nancy-Anne, Kenneth, Amy, Michael, and Shawnacy. From John: Kristen and Corey. Adding to Jeannette’s legacy are now great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Jeannette Violet Abdai was a feisty, exceptional person and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Jeannette is survived by:
Bart Zaal, her companion for 27 years. Sister: Stella (Fraser) Anderson.
Children: Ieleene Smith, Janice Emde, John Abdai
Grandchildren: Kathy Baird, Donna (Clint) Fisher, Sherry Gullion, Nancy-Anne (Howie) Manning, Kenneth (Kim) Kaempf, Amy Kaempf, Michael and Shawnacy Emde, Kristen and Corey Abdai.
Eleven great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.
Jeannette was predeceased by her parents John and Elizabeth McGuire, husbands Bill Emde and John Abdai as well as sons, Kenneth, Norman Emde and Grandsons Danny Brooks and a great Grandson James Courtoreille.
Funeral arrangements for Jeannette were taken care of by Bergeron’s Funeral Services and Crematorium Ltd. A memorial service was held for Jeannette on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at 10:30 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
BARBARA SWITZER
1935 - 2009
Barbara Ann Morrison resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia passed away peacefully after a battle with severe pneumonia at the University Hospital, in Edmonton Alberta on November 11, 2009. Barb was born and raised in Nanton Alberta and was a long time resident of Dawson Creek and the Peace Country arriving in 1942.
Barb attended Dawson Creek elementary and South Peace high school and completed her education in the accounting section of the Notre Dame College, Dawson Creek.
Barb was one of four children born to the late Stan and Edith Morrison, with brother Jack Morrison and sisters Gwen McBurney and Betty Swanson. Barb was the beloved wife of Don Switzer for 52 years. She will forever be remembered by her devoted family and children Erle, Darre and Ryan Switzer, treasured grandchildren Tye, Carly, Chas and Jordyn Switzer along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know her.
Barb loved to be active, she had no choice but to be an avid hockey fan and loved the company of her friends and in particular enjoyed her weekly swimming & wine/popcorn groups. She closely followed and participated in the lives of her sons who resided in different parts of the world and touched the lives of many people with her smile and generosity, and maintained these friendships to the end.
Barb was cremated and as her request in lieu of a memorial service, friends and family are invited to attend a family celebration during the coming summer at Moberly Lake - details will be announced at a later date.
The family requests all donations be sent to the wonderful people who gave such excellent care of Barb in her time of need at Dawson Creek Hospital.
c/o the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation, 11100 – 13th street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3W8
