MacArthur, Cormie Allan Tuesday, 11 Mar 2008
Vernon, BC
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Cormie Allan MacArthur at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 5 days after his 83rd birthday. Cormie is survived by Flora, his wife of 61 years and is lovingly remembered by his 6 children and their spouses [Rob, Don (Shelia), Mike, Liz (Greg), Trish (Ken), and Ron (Chow)]; 9 grandchildren (Gill, Steve, Ian, Alex, Emily, Fraser, Rod, Bryce and Ella) and 3 great-grandchildren (Jasmine, Caleb and Adwin) Cormie was born in Winnipeg in 1925, however was raised in Vancouver. It was in Vancouver after being discharged from The Air Force at the end of WWII, that he met and married Flora McEachern. His aviation career spanned 40 years. For the first 20 years of Cormie’s flying career he worked as a bush pilot based in such places as Vancouver, Kenora, Dawson City and the high Arctic, and for the last 20 years as an Aviation Inspector for the Ministry of Transport in Edmonton. Cormie loved to say that he spent the first 20 years breaking all the rules with respect to flying and the last 20 years enforcing them with the Ministry.
Cormie had a giving-heart and supported numerous charities and was very involved with his church. Cormie’s children and grandchildren will miss his unconditional love and support.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family for a service at Knox Presbyterian Church, 3701-32 Avenue, Vernon, on Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made directly to Knox Church - Malawi Livestock Project.
LA GRECA, IZABELLE (De Roo) Tuesday, 11 Mar 2008
Vernon, BC
October 1, 1923 - March 11, 2008.
Our Beloved Izabelle passed away after a valiant struggle with multiple ailments at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. She was born in Vancouver to Belgian immigrants, John and Marie De Roo who pre-deceased her along with her siblings Gilbert, Frank, Cyril, Alice, Amy, Albert, and Omer. The family farmed at Duck Range before purchasing the BX Ranch in 1929. Izabelle had fond memories of growing up on the ranch such as riding her Palomino horse to town to get the mail.
Izabelle served in the W.A.C. during WWII in Vernon and Vancouver. She later worked at the Georgia Hotel followed by an adventurous couple of years living and working in Whitehorse. Izabelle returned to Vernon to work at the National Café for Nick Alexis, where she met the love of her life, Alfred La Greca. They married six months later at St. James Church and welcomed four children; John, Joan, Mary Lynn and Elaine within the following five years. Izabelle was a very kind and attentive mother to her children and later to her grandchildren; Dhorea and Angelica Duggan. Izabelle also leaves cousins Joan, Shirley, Dennis, Howard and niece Evelyn to mourn her passing.
The family would like to thank Dr.’s David Naude, Paul Smylie, Brian Chai, John Crowley, Mahmoud Abdel-Kader, and Alfred Chan, in addition to the Chaplain John Franson, Father Martin Peyton, RN’s, LPN’s, RT’s, Physio, Xray, Lab, Pharmacy, Kitchen, Cleaning and Support staff; for their care, concern and compassion over the past two months.
Further thank you extended to the entire staff at Heritage Square along with Samantha Brewer RMT, for being a second family to our loved one.
Visitation will be held at Vernon Funeral home on Tuesday March 18th at 2:00 p.m., followed by Prayers at St. James Church at 6:00 p.m. Celebration of Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday March 19th 10:00 a.m. with interment at Vernon Cemetery, followed by a tea in the Church basement. All are welcome to celebrate the life of a quiet, gentle spirit we knew as Izabelle, Moma, and Gramma.
Vernon Funeral Home.
ROSE, MARK Saturday, 08 Mar 2008
Vernon, BC
Mark Rose passed away in Hospice House on Saturday March 8, 2008 -- 3 days after his 84th birthday. He is survived by his wife Isabel. Married for 60 years, they were blessed with 3 daughters: Toni (Emyr Rose), Sarah (Steve White) and Carmen, all endowed with compassion and various talents and abilities -- which were passed on to our grandchildren (Nancy, Ebony, Ashley, Emily, and Alex) and presumably inherited within our great-granddaughter named Isabel, she was born March 19/05 -- the same day of the funeral service being held for Mark’s only sibling, his brother Donald, two years younger than him. So the joy of her arrival helped in the following months to alleviate the loss.
Mark started playing trumpet in the band at Mission, B.C. And at age 15 was playing dances in the Fraser Valley. When he left to attend UB.C., he joined the Vancouver Musicians Union and played professionally in various groups, while he earned a degree B.Sc. in Agriculture.
Later he got a Masters of Education at Western Washington. And taught at Oliver, Kelowna, and University Hill (Vancouver). He was Supervisor of Music in New Westminster from 1958 – 1962. Then Prof. of Music Education in the Faculty of Education UB.C., becoming Prof. Emeritus.
Mark was a Councillor for the District of Coquitlam 1965 - 66. Went on to become an M.P. in Ottawa, acting as NDP Caucus Chair for 8 years. Then became an MLA in Victoria for 13 years, serving as NDP House Leader.
His final career was in London, England as Agent General for British Columbia in the U.K. and Europe.
During all his “working” years he was a member of the Kelowna Kinsmen Club, President of B.C. Music Educators, Director UBC Alumni Assoc., Member Rotary Club London UK, Freeman City of London, UK, Director Assoc. former MP’s, and President Assoc. of former MLA’s. When Mark retired and came back to Vernon, shortly thereafter he started a “Swing Band” made up of a variety of musicians keen and appealing, and a gratifying hobby for his retirement. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Mark to the Mark and Isabel Rose Family Endowment Fund (cheques payable to Vernon Community Music School).
SHANNON, VERLA DORINE Friday, 07 Mar 2008
Vernon, BC
1920-2008
Verla was born at home in Hazlet Sask and passed away peacefully with family at her side in Vernon Jubilee Hospital. She leaves to mourn her passing husband Ernie, 4 daughters 2 sons, and spouses, 20 grandchildren. 38 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by first husband George in 1980, one daughter and son-in-law, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Verla was very active with the Schubert Centre, Halina Centre, Backyard Band, and seniors square dancing. She enjoyed good hockey and Blue jays Baseball. Cooking and entertaining was her passion.
Celebration of Life for Verla Shannon will be held at the Schubert Centre 3505 - 30 Avenue, Vernon, B.C. on April 1, 2008 at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers donation to the Vernon Hospice House 3506 - 27 Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1S4 or the charity of your choice.
Please join the family to share memories and stories of Verla’s life.
Beautiful Hands
SUCH beautiful, beautiful hands,
They’re neither white nor small;
And you, I know, would scarcely think
That they were fair at all.
I’ve looked on hands whose form and hue
A sculptor’s dream might be,
Yet are these agéd wrinkled hands
Most beautiful to me.
Such beautiful, beautiful hands!
Though heart were weary and sad
These patient hands kept toiling on
That the children might be glad.
I almost weep when looking back
To childhood’s distant day!
I think how these hands rested not
When mine were at their play.
Such beautiful, beautiful hands!
They’re growing feeble now,
And time and pain have left their mark
On hand, and heart and brow.
Alas! alas! the nearing time--
And the sad, sad day to me,
When ‘neath the daisies, out of sight,
These hands must folded be.
But, oh! beyond the shadowy lands,
Where all is bright and fair,
I know full well these dear old hands
Will palms of victory bear;
When crystal streams, through endless years,
Flow over golden sands,
And where the old are young again,
I’ll clasp my mother’s hands.
Zinz, John Tuesday, 04 Mar 2008
Vernon, BC
John Zinz was born on March 14th, 1936 in Heidendorf, Romania and passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack on March 4th, 2008 while doing what he enjoyed so much – visiting his friends and having coffee at A&W.;
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen, to whom he was married for 44 years; three daughters, Debbie (Rick) Harries of Vernon, B.C., Lorie (Todd) Hay of Armstrong, B.C. and Tammy Zinz of Vernon, B.C.; two grandchildren, Stephanie Harries and Justin Zinz, both of Vernon, B.C.; one brother, George (Marlene) Zinz of Vernon, B.C.; one sister, Hildie Moberg of Penticton, B.C. and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
John was active volunteering his time and energy in many areas in the community over the years but primarily in connection with sports. He was one of the people who was instrumental in starting ladies soccer in Vernon. John loved hiking, skiing, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors.
The Funeral Service will be held at Bethel Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Mr. Brian Jackson officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. At the conclusion of the Graveside Service the family invites friends to join them at a Reception which will take place in the Tea Room at Bethel Funeral Chapel.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of John to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation, 2101-32nd Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 9Z9.
Funeral arrangements have been made with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5.
“Johnny, be good – we’ll meet you at the top.”
