Tresierra, John Sunday, 24 Sep 2006
Williams Lake, BC
John Charles Tresierra, a pioneer of the Cariboo and a descendant of early Cariboo pioneers, passed away at Cariboo Memorial Hospital on Sept. 24, 2006 at the age of 89.
His heritage was rich, deep and lengthy in the Cariboo, New Spain and Spain. He was born in Ashcroft, B.C. on Aug. 25, 1917 to Charles Ernest Tresierra and Harriet Ethel Brown.
His late father, Charles, was the son of Pablo Tresierra, whose father was Jose Maria Tresierra. Jose was a descendant of Don Alonzo Tresierra y Cano, (a lettered deputy for His Majesty the king of Spain, interim political Governor of Sonora and Sinaloa. Alonzo was born in Chiclana, Spain in the 1700s.)
John's paternal grandmother was Hortense Isnardy, daughter of Amadee Isnardy, an early settler of Chimney Creek. His mother, Harriet Brown was a granddaughter of S.L.G. Brown, called "Charlie". (He started as a packer. He went on to ranch and build a grist mill at Dog Creek.
One of his sons, James, distinguished himself as a writer, sculling champion.) Among John's other relatives was Benjamin Franklin "Doc" English, an early owner of Deer Park Ranch. "Doc" English Gulch is named after him and he was well-known for horse racing. Pablo Mountain, Brown Lake, English Road, San Jose River and Tresierra Street are some of the places named after family members.
When members of this huge family were ranchers, they owned the land from Chimney Creek to the Fraser River Bridge. There were some noted horsemen in this family - the late Otis English and Charles Isnardy, Hortense Isnardy's brother, to name a few. In the early Williams Lake Stampedes, John's father, Charles, participated.
John loved Cariboo history, the Cariboo itself and could talk for hours about this if you got him started. His beloved grandsons, Roberto and Stuart McLellan, loved to get him started and absorbed much of this - apparently John could dance, party and work with the best of them in his youth!
John loved to talk about his early mentors: the Rev. Basil Resker who took him under his wing, the late Matt Latin, his first boss on the PGE railway, his beloved grandmother, Josephine Brown, the late Charles Moon, his employer in John's cowboy days, Gordon Bruce, his boss at Lignum Ltd. and Cliff McIntosh of Lignum's who taught him to be a planerman.
He never forgot these people and the debt he truly felt he owed them for helping him in his way of life - John tried to pass this on to others. He was appreciative and surprised by those who took the time to thank him.
John worked at many jobs, places - the PGE railway for five years, cowboying at the Moon Ranch, at the Bullion mine, owned a dry cleaning shop in Wells in its heyday, cut wood with the late Phil Coxon in the 40s for the townspeople, was one of the first employees at Lignum's for nearly 20 years, started as a box car loader, ending his career there as a planer superintendent.
After Lignum's he went over to P & T Mills where he lost his right hand in a mill accident. He ended there as a watchman. After this he worked at home while his wife worked. He said this was his hardest job as he had 11 children in his family. Once his wife came home from work and counted 28 pairs of jeans hanging on the outdoor clothesline, using a wringer washer. His wife did not ask him what he had done that day - she knew better!
One of the great legacies John left his family was his grit - his family never, ever considered him handicapped even if he had a hook on his right hand and two fingers on his left hand. They just assumed he could do everything that they could do, and he did! His large pile of worn-out work hooks, shovel, tool handles he left speak loudly of his hard work and determination. He did most of the maintenance, landscaping, car repairs, etc. until his 80s. One of his special joys was when he and his wife purchased their home in Wildwood. They cleared land, did landscaping and gardened. John loved to get projects going, which mainly meant major work. As he said the words "Let's get a project going!" some family members would shudder and disappear.
John was a very devoted family man. His life revolved around his wife and family. He doted on his grandchildren, great-grandchildren. John added a special richness and joy to their lives. His generosity and patience were legendary. The family treasures their memories and times with him and the large, noisy, fun-filled special occasions. John was very much a part of the birthday parties, Christmas gatherings, etc.
At the age of 88, he was still playing hide and seek with his grandson, Matthew, and going out with the little ones for treats.
In the last years, John suffered much will ill health but faced it with dignity and courage. He rarely complained but when he did, it was a sign of major pain. He was genuinely appreciative of all who tried to make his last days comfortable.
John is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters, Ramona Galisky (Milt), Harriet Yochman (Joe), Valerie Ehrenberg (Klaus), Lynnette (Mark), Ava Webb (William), Victoria McLellan (Gary), Dawn (Roger) and Charmaine, sons, Robert (Susan), Tony and Sean (Joanne). He also leaves 22 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends. He is survived by his sisters: Rose Lehmann, Pearl Roberts (Andy), Winona Gillogly and his brothers Wayne (Carole) and Alvin. His pallbearers were: Stuart, Roberto and Gary McLellan, Wade and Trent Yochman and Sean Tresierra. The touching eulogy was given by his son, Sean.
The family would like to especially thank Father Tony Ackerman, Dr. York and Dr. Neufeld, the nurses who cared for him so kindly and with such compassion and love, the Home Care workers, the cleaning, food staff at the hospital, the Catholic Women's League for their lovely tea, the Sacred Heart Church choir, all the relatives, friends who gave their love, food, flowers and prayers.
The family would also like to thank Michael and Hope of Compassionate Care Funerals for their perfect arrangements during this sad event.
Moore, Leona Wednesday, 13 Sep 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Leona Helen (nee Rodford) Moore passed away peacefully with her family around her at Deni House in Williams Lake, September 13, 2006. She was born April 6, 1919.
Leona was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Ken Moore, in March, 1991 and her loving son David Moore, in June, 1973.
She is survived by her loving family, three children, Phyllis Popovic (Andy) of Fort Macleod, Vicki Moore (Bill) of Osoyoos and Richard Moore (Jan) of Williams Lake.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Laura Popovic, Lyle Popovic (Jen), David Popovic (Denise), Richard (Van Horlick (Susan), Tracey Van Horlick, Amanda Moore and Ryan Moore and one great-grandchild Riley Van Horlick.
Leona is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends.
Leona was one of eight children born to Laura and George Rodford, she was born in Walhachin and raised in Ashcroft. As a young woman she worked in many facets in the Lady Minto Hospital in Ashcroft.
Leona met her husband, Ken, in Ashcroft, married in 1943, and moved to Williams Lake in 1946. In 1966 they moved to Vernon, returning to Williams Lake in 1971 where she resided until her passing.
Leona was a loving mum, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a stay-at-home mom, always there for her children who all remember coming home from school, calling “Hi mom!” and she would be there to see how their day went.
She always listened and never judged. Leona was a true and loyal friend, she could win your heart with her amazing smile and wonderful sense of humour. Over the years she made many wonderful friends whose friendships she cherished.
Leona was a long-time member of the Catholic Church choir, she loved to sing and enjoyed the wonderful friendships and going to tea at the A&W; after practices.
Leona was one of the 49 ladies signing the Charter when the Order of the Royal Purple was formed in Williams Lake in 1950. She became a life time member contributing her support whenever she could.
Leona spent many hours planting and enjoying her flower garden. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her Wednesday Yahteez games.
A very special day for Leona was to travel to Quesn el or Kamloops and spend a few hours enjoying the Casino with family or friends, sometimes winning, sometimes losing.
Leona always took time for her family and many special friends, who now take the time to remember her with love and affection.
She will be dearly missed and always in the hearts of her friends and family.
“Love lives on forever in our hearts, it will never fade away. For in our hearts our loved ones are with us every day.”
Leona’s family appreciates the wonderful staff at Deni House for their loving and compassionate care of their mother, and Leona also had a warm place in her heart for the staff. Donations may be made in Leona’s memory to Deni House C/O R.I.H Foundation, 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T1, Attention: Debbie Clark.
deGroot, Christopher Lawrence Wednesday, 06 Sep 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Christopher Lawrence deGroot was born December 30, 1978 and passed away suddenly in a car accident in Cranbrook, B.C. on September 6, 2006.
He is survived by his son, Jordan Scout; his parents Dianne Hales and Lawrence deGroot; his sisters Delenda Schuk (Lorne Schuk) and Rebecca Grinder; his brother Justin Grinder; and his grandmother, Mary McKone.
He is also survived by his nephews Bryce, Matthew and Rylan Schuk and his niece Lenaya Schuk; his uncles Darrel, Terry and Kevin McKone, and Gerald and Case deGroot; his aunts Barb and Annie McKone, Maria deGroot, Lilian Pawliw, and Elma Falk.
He is also survived by many cousins, and many friends and extended family members.
Chris will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts.
A service will be held for Chris on September 23, 2006 at 11 a.m. at the Compassionate Care Funeral Home on Comer Street in Williams Lake, B.C.
Following the service there will be refreshments at the Lakeside Motel on Highway 97 South.
Perry, Hugh Tuesday, 05 Sep 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Hugh Henry Perry, known affectionately as Brownie, passed away peacefully in the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Sept. 5, 2006.
Brownie was born Dec. 14, 1921 in Quesnel to Amy and Hugh Perry.
He had two sisters and five brothers.
Brownie enjoyed hunting cougar with his father and staying out overnight many times at trappers' cabins in bitterly cold weather.
In the early 1940s he horse logged in Prince George with brothers Stan and Calvin.
Later he drove the same team of horses from Prince George to Durrell's Ranch at the Slee Place near Riske Creek.
Brownie moved around, working on many ranches in the Chilcotin, the River Ranch, Wineglass Ranch, Cotton Ranch, Bell Ranch and the Gang Ranch.
He also fed cattle in the winter at back meadows for the Moon Ranch.
Brownie married Pauline Anderson in 1948. They had six children, Rene, Lee, Deedee, Nola, Bryce, and Brad.
They also raised a nephew, Greg.
The family called Riske Creek home for a while. Brownie contracted fencing and building cabins for the forestry in Quesnel, Helena Lake, Alexis Creek, Williams Lake, Meldrum Creek and Riske Creek. He and son Bryce built the odd shaped house on Rafferty Hill for Lee.
The last building Brownie built was Pauline's chicken house in 2002, with logs salvaged from a barn on Moon's Ranch.
In 1952 they moved to Quesnel and he logged for Gene Johnson.
Another move in 1969, when they bought the McTaggart Meadow from Jenny Warde, and raised a few cows.
They lived at Cotton Meadow, Pre-emption Meadow and Jenny Meadow until they leased Silver Birch Ranch on the Fraser River Road.
In 1988 Brownie was having hip problems so they leased their cows to Roy and Gwen Mulvahill and later sold them the herd.
They moved to Meldrum Creek in 1989, and lived in Pat Davey's place and later bought the place.
Three weeks after the move Brownie had a hip replacement.
The operation wasn't a success and put him on crutches for three and a half years until they operated again with better luck.
But nothing stopped Brownie, while on crutches he dug their basement with the help of Pauline hauling the dirt away.
No matter what the job was they worked together.
In 1988 Brownie's book of poems Reflections of a Rambler was published.
Over the years in his spare time Brownie learned to braid using horsehair, rawhide and leather.
He created many beautiful head stalls, reins, quirts, and his miniature saddles were exquisite.
Many articles can be seen in the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin.
He continued to write his Reflections of a Rambler style poetry which gives an insight into the life of a swamp meadow rancher and cowboy.
Brownie did light chores at their home in Meldrum Creek where Pauline still lives, until July when his health started to fail.
He passed away on September 5, 2006.
Brownie was pre-deceased by his parents Amy and Hugh Perry; brothers Stan, Calvin, and Bobby; and sisters Sylvia and Phyllis.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Pauline of 58 years, brothers Bill and Gordon (Marliss) his children and grandchildren and his many friends in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
