Geensen, Audrey Thursday, 24 Aug 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Audrey A. Geensen passed away August 24, 2006 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Time Flies: Suns rise and shadows fall; Let time go by; Love is forever over all. Audrey is sadly missed by her loving family and close friends.
Black, Annabeth Wednesday, 23 Aug 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Anne Elizabeth (Annabeth) Black passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, August 23 after a valiant two year battle with cancer. She will be remembered lovingly by her husband David, sons Alan and Fraser, and daughters Morgan Weathington and Catherine Black. The joy and courage with which she faced life were present until the end.
Born to Paul and Bette Cote in Vancouver General Hospital Oct. 9, 1946, Annabeth is the eldest daughter of eight children. She is survived by her seven brothers and sisters and both parents. As a young woman Annabeth spent many happy summers at Harrison Lake with her much-loved grandparents Dewey and Odessa Anderson. She began her schooling at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, attended Churchill High School and obtained her Bachelors Degree of Music Education at UBC where she met the love of her life David Black. Her love of sailing and her love of David were fostered at Camp Norwester on Lopez Island, where together they began their navigation of life as a couple. Moving to London, Ontario in 1970 in their first year of marriage Annabeth commuted 60 miles through the snow-belt to teach at St. David's Middle School in Waterloo while David finished his business degree. The young couple moved to Toronto's Algonquin Island where their twin sons Alan and Fraser and daughter Morgan were born. Annabeth would often be seen toting her children through icy storms with a smile on her face barely concealed by a thick scarf.
After purchasing their first newspaper The Williams Lake Tribune they relocated to Williams Lake, where daughter Catherine soon arrived. A city girl at heart, Annabeth took to the small town and made many lifelong friends including "The Bread Making Ladies."
Annabeth helped David to build and run Black Press and, as the company grew, they eventually relocated to Victoria. Annabeth spent many years working on the boards of Parks and Recreation Oak Bay and the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, but she especially loved working on the board of Pearson College, where her love of life and boundless energy and compassion proved to be perfectly suited for her work with young adults from all over the world. A mother of four and mentor of many her spirit will live forever in the hearts of all who knew her, for she was truly one of a kind.
A service will celebrate Annabeth's life at 2 p.m. on September 6 at St Patrick's Parish on Haultain Street in Victoria. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Victoria Hospice, 1510 Fort St., Victoria, V8S-5J2, or the local hospice organization.
Bracewell, Alf Tuesday, 15 Aug 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Alf Bracewell, much loved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at 11 p.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake.
He turned 83 in April. Alf was born in Rapid City, Manitoba on april 4, 1923, the middle son of five children.
He only completed Grade 7. It was during the Great Depression. He began working at 12 years of age; left home at age 16; joined the army in 1945 at 22 years old and served as a Military Police Officer. He earned the crossed rifles insignia "sharp shooter."
He carved 30 miles of the Freedom Road in 1952, from Anahim Lake to just before Young Creek and helped finish it on September 24, 1953 when the two "cats" met.
He married Gerry Moore on January 4, 1954 and became the adored stepfather of Gerry's two sons Martin, then 10, and Barry, then eight-and-a-half, Moore. Two more sons were added to the family in due course, Kevan and Alex, now 50 and 47 respectively.
Grandpa Alf was very proud of his nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Alf touched many lives. His patience and honesty is legendary. He influenced many young people to live up to his standards.
Alf's youngest son, Alex, pays tribute to his father with these words: "The value of my dad's contribution to his family and the community is beyond words. I am honoured to stand on the foundations that my father built, and respect the friendships that he developed."
Alf is survived, also by his loving wife, Gerry, one brother, George (June), four adult nephews and four adult nieces.
All four of Alf's sons were in attendance, as well as his brother George's son, Lance of the Lower Mainland and his deceased brother Walter's son Lloyd of California at the Celebration of Life held at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Williams Lake on Friday, August 25 and also at the Tatla Lake Hall on Saturday, August 26.
Alf's ashes were placed in the Tatla Lake cemetery after the service.
The family wishes to thank all those dear people who attended, as well as all those who sent their heartfelt condolences.
Beaulieu, Kerry Wednesday, 09 Aug 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Kerry Dale Beaulieu passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2006, at the age of 55. Kerry was born June 16, 1951. He was resident of Williams Lake since 1952.
Kerry had many passions in life. He was a skilled wood carver and craftsman, loved to hunt and fish, was an avid bird watcher, and a regular jack-of-all-trades. He always had a huge respect for nature and the outdoors.
He will always be remembered for his quick wit, storytelling talents, and good sense of humour, which kept many of us entertained through the years. His biggest passion was spending all his free time at his cabin on Quesnel Lake with his beloved dog Sindee. Other interests of Kerry’s included hiking, a variety of sports, canoeing, and many other adventures that took him outdoors.
Kerry was pre-deceased by his father Arthur Orland Beaulieu (October 28, 1960), his mother Verna Bernice Beaulieu (October 26, 2005), his brother Phillip Arthur Beaulieu (August 16, 1985), his brother Craig Stephen Beaulieu (August 1, 1977).
Kerry leaves to grieve Arlene Rouselle; daughter Amanda Beaulieu (Cory); siblings Marjorie Fair (Keith), Merrilee Baldock; Lance Beaulieu (Joan), and James Beaulieu (Debbie) and several nieces and nephews.
As per his wishes, Kerry will be cremated and his remains will be left to rest at Quesnel Lake.
The family would like to thank Dr. Duff, Cariboo Memorial Hospital and staff, B.C. Cancer Agency at the Vancouver Centre doctors and staff for all their and care and compassion for Kerry.
We love you Kerry, smooth sailing.
Donations can be made in Kerry’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Peace My Heart
Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death, but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.
Let flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way. -- Rabindranath Tagore
Kemp, Irma Thursday, 03 Aug 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Long time Cariboo resident Irma Maud Kemp passed away suddenly Aug. 3, 2006 at the age of 87.
Irma leaves behind four daughters - Lynn Stevens (Bill) and her daughter Alexa; Gail Dallyn and her children Tracy and Tab; Dianne Herrett (Jim) and her sons Kevin and Jay Carrier; and Sheri Carrier and her daughters Janine and Crystal as well as 10 great-grandchildren plus many friends.
Irma was pre-deceased by her husband (Bill) William Howard Kemp in 1978 as well as her grandson Todd Dallyn in 1978 and son-in-law Lorne Dallyn in 2005.
Irma's parents came from Exeter, Ontario in 1905.
Her father Roland Fenwick and his father filed for a homestead in Webb, Saskatchewan and built a barn and house and then sent for his bride Serena Maud.
Thus began the Fenwick family of three boys and two girls, of which Irma was the youngest, born March 7, 1919.
At 17 Irma left the Prairies for Victoria, B.C. to stay with her oldest brother Gordon and his wife.
Irma was employed as a maid (with the uniform) for a wealthy Victoria family. She loved to dance and it was at a dance at the Crystal Gardens that she met Bill Kemp.
Their favorite dance song was "Stardust." Years later she named her Arabian horse "Starduster." Bill was in training with the provincial police and they both occasionally worked at the Empress Hotel, of which his uncle Jim Kemp was the maitre'd. Bill and Irma were married June 17, 1940.
Irma recalled Bill being drawn to a little community in the Cariboo and he thought it would be an interesting place to live.
So in 1943, with a baby and a two-year-old, they transferred to Williams Lake.
There were only about three-or-four dirt streets and boardwalk sidewalks but everyone knew each other.
On one occasion Irma remembered walking up main street in her stylish blue walking suit with red fox trim on the bottom, when she heard growling and barking behind her - she turned around to find a pack of dogs following her!
Bill and Irma established Kemp's Taxi and coffee shop - the first taxi in Williams Lake.
They had three cars and drivers with fares from Vancouver to Bella Coola, all on dirt roads. Although a new driver, Irma sometimes had to fill in and take a fare.
In 1960 they purchased 160 acres on Fox Mountain.
There were only two families there at the time - Margaret and Jim Groom and Harold Robinson and his parents. Life was challenging with a narrow dirt road and no water or power, but they loved the Mountain.
Irma had an easy going, patient demeanor, ready smile, she enjoyed a good laugh - yet at times was feisty with a quiet determination - which helped her especially after Bill passed away.
She was able to fulfill their dream of building a log home, which she contracted and designed herself.
She was youthful in looks and manner and was often asked "which one is the mother "
Irma enjoyed life - her gardening, sewing, and horseback riding. In later years, when she no longer drove her car, she enjoyed visits from family and friends, the animals and birds that visited her yard each day, and the cloud formations that always intrigued her.
With help from family, friends, Meals on Wheels, and homemakers she was able to fulfill her wish to remain in her home.
Irma had a strong belief in her creator and for 53 years was a dedicated member at the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and loved to speak of her beliefs of the meaning of life to others.
Irma Kemp will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.
Prosser, Howard Tuesday, 16 Jan 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Howard Prosser passed away at home Jan. 16, 2007 following a 26-month battle with cancer. He was 72.
Born in Quesnel on March 10, 1934, Howard spent the first years of his life at Nazko and then a small ranch at Mountain Creek, near Baker Creek. He learned to hunt, trap, ride and do ranch chores at an early age.
School wasn’t all that convenient, but he managed to complete Grade 7 staying with family and friends and a lot of the time with his maternal grandmother. At 16 he quit school.
He went to work falling, and working in bush mills around Quesnel.
In 1955 he married Pat Sankey. They moved to MacAlister to work at Netherlands Overseas Mills. Their two daughters, Lorry and Kathie were born while they lived there.
When Netherlands moved the mill to Likely, the family moved to Williams Lake where Howard took a job at Merrill Wagner, later Weldwood.
He and Pat divorced in 1963.
He and Janet Kelt married in 1966. In 1974 they bought a sports shop in the mall by the Post Office, and he called it Howie’s Sporthaus. He had the store for 10 years, and said that Howie was “the best guy he ever worked for.”
Next he bought a trapline west of the Fraser River, near Mackin Creek. With friends he built a small cabin and Monday to Friday, he and Mike, his golden retriever went trapping.
He competed in Obedience with Mike and for several years taught dog obedience for the Cariboo Kennel Club. He loved the Chilcotin and spent many happy times camping, fishing hunting, canoeing, hiking, cross country skiing, and riding in the mountains.
The opportunity to live in the Chilcotin came in 1988 when he and Janet moved to Four Mile Ranch owned by Wanda Dorsey and Roger Williams at Anahim Lake. Howie helped out on the ranch and trail rides, ran a trap line, and guided for Dave Altherr of Lehman Creek Outfitters.
In 1999 they decided to retire on their 40 acres at Riske Creek. They had a new home built, moved the horses and became a part of “Jasperville.” Howie enjoyed helping with the branding and riding with the local cowboys.
In 2005, they moved to Williams Lake.
His sense of humour saw him through the rough times, he never stopped telling his stories and jokes, enjoying visiting with family and friends.
Over the years, he and Janet did a lot of travelling. They visited and made friends in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Scotland, Turkey, and Mexico; the last in 2005, where he took a break from Chemo and went sailing in the Greek Islands.
He was pre-deceased by his dad, Ski Posser, and his mother Beatrice and brother Harold.
He leaves to mourn, wife Janet, sister Joyce Lillenweiss of Vernon, daughters Lorry (Nino) Fabbro, Kathie McCarville, grandchildren, Jeremy, Matthew, Levi and Trista, all of Prince George and many nieces and nephews, and lots of wonderful friends.
A celebration of life was held, Jan. 21, 2007.
He touched many lives and will be sadly missed.
“If there is another world he lives in bliss. If there is none, he made the best of this.” -- Robert Burns
