Augustine, Thelma Friday, 07 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Thelma Jean (Babs) Augustine was born the third child of Edward and Kathleen Miller in Bengough, Saskatchewan on February 27, 1933.
The family lived on a farm in southern Saskatchewan; but this was the ‘dirty 30’s’ with barren land and dust farms so in 1937 they packed up and headed north to homestead near Bjorkdale, Saskatchewan.
Little Thelma loved the farm animals and was nicknamed Babs after her favorite horse.
In 1943, when Edward joined the Army, the family moved into Bjorkdale.
By 1951, Babs and her sister Rita were ready to escape this tiny town and so they pooled their money and left for Prince George, B.C.
In Prince George, Babs married Daniel McMaster in December 1953.
They had two children – son Craig and daughter Cori.
By the time Cori was born Babs and Dan had moved to Horsefly where they owned and operated the Chevron service station.
Times were hard and by 1962 Babs, Craig and Cori were living alone in a little house on the Black Creek Road.
She was extremely independent and resourceful; no doubt growing up in the 1930s and 1940s on the prairies and the early years in Horsefly contributed to her ability to live frugally.
She had a knack for creating beauty and comfort from very little.
In 1963, Babs married Phil Augustine – he became dad to Craig and Cori and they moved to his property on Mitchell Bay Road.
Babs and Phil had two sons – Joe and Matt. Babs worked hard with Phil to develop the place.
Like a true ranch wife, she could work all day in the fields, raise babies, milk cows, and still find time to make the world’s best bread and pies. She took great interest in the cattle and loved horses, spending many hours riding for work and pleasure.
Babs’ interest in cattle (and kids) brought her to volunteer as a 4H leader for several years.
During that time the Horsefly 4H Club claimed top beef awards for three or four years in a row.
As well, Babs served as secretary to the Horsefly Cattlemen’s Association for several years.
In 1983, Babs moved to her home along the Horsefly River where she continued to operate a small ranch.
She restored the old Daugherty house on her property and used it as a rental.
Babs got her real estate licence in the late 80’s and worked with Horsefly Realty for seven years. During that time, she bought her cabin at Spirit Bay on Horsefly Lake.
She loved the lake and spent some of her happiest times there with her family.
One of her favorite pastimes was just to drive between Horsefly and the cabin at the lake – she said that every trip she would find something new and beautiful to delight her, whether it was a wild animal or bird, an interesting plant, or a just a particularly awesome day.
Babs put her family ahead of everything. Her children and grandchildren were the lights of her life.
All the grandkids loved to stay at gram’s house.
She usually had one or more kids in tow, all involved in some great (mostly legal) adventure.
Craig introduced his mom to four-wheelers about 10 years ago and from then on she could be found traveling around on her ‘quad’. She mostly stayed on her property, although she was known to sneak into the village from time to time.
Babs had many interests including gardening, sewing, photography and woodworking.
She designed and built wooden chests for all her grandchildren. She loved music and dancing and always had her ‘tunes’ on at home or in the truck.
In 2004, Babs was diagnosed with cancer. For over three years she courageously battled her disease. She was ever optimistic and never complained or let on how much she was suffering.
Throughout her treatments her quick wit shone through. During her last stay in hospital she became known as the ‘queen of the one-liners’ because her sense of humor would not be repressed.
Her incredible spirit and strong will enabled her to convey her love to her family until the very end. Babs died on December 7, 2007, surrounded by her family.
Babs leaves to mourn her passing, sons Craig (Cindy), Joe (Julie Vincent), Matt (Sara); daughter Cori (Chris Leggett); grandchildren Leah, Shaun (Jacci), Casey, Ryan (Jessica), Ashley, Rileigh, Reid, Alexa, Joey, Cody and Angela; sisters Maureen and Rita, sister-in-law Bernice, nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents and brother Wesley.
Babs’ family would like to express their gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support and love shown by so many during this very sad and difficult time.
Brecknock, Toni Monday, 19 Nov 2007
Williams Lake, BC
On Nov. 24, 2007 there was a celebration of life held at the Royal Canadian Legion for Georgia Toni Brecknock who was born March 14, 1939 in Montreal, Quebec.
She died at home Nov. 19, 2007 fulfilling her greatest desire to be home with her four children, Deac, and family by her side.
Toni was the first daughter and third child born to Stan and Anne Brecknock. She attended primary school in Montreal North. Wonderful summers were spent up at the cottage at Lake Brennan, with many relatives and friends.
She had great memories of swimming, catching bullfrogs on lily pads from the canoe; walking in to Rawdon to visit papa and mama Gaul at their bakery; the glowing red maples in the fall; and sugar maple time in the spring with huge cauldrons of sap boiling in the shacks and sap spread onto clean snow to become an oh so good toffee consistency.
In 1950 the family move to Beaurepaire in the country, now an elite lakeshore of West Island Montreal. Toni was a great swimmer and skater and enjoyed taking boats over to Dokers Island, and ice skating in winter on the lake and open skating rinks.
In 1954/55 Toni and her brother Don were sent to the unilingual French boarding school. l’Institute Feller College at St. Jean Quebec. This devout Baptist school began each day with morning chapel six days a week and church three times on Sunday.
It was a very strict domain with the leather strap doled out for getting caught kissing a boy or sneaking cigarettes.
At the end of her eastern Canadian education, Toni was totally bilingual. She spoke, read, and created prose in perfect Parisian French. She disliked the slang, Acadian or Quebecois French which her siblings learned.
Toni’s family moved to Alexis Creek when she was 17, then to North Vancouver while the children finished school, then back to Alexis Creek to open the Hitching Post.
It was requested that Toni teach high school French at Delbrook Senior High as she was more qualified to teach than the French school teacher.
Toni was employed as a bilingual long distant telephone operator, speaking primarily to Quebec, France, and other French speaking countries. She was also employed at Eaton’s, where she met lifelong friend Margie Lee. They both joined the Eaton’s choir and enjoyed many Christmas performances and concerts, one of several being at the B.C. Penitentiary.
Toni’s beauty and stature developed very early in life. Her professional modeling career began when she was four years old. A photograph of her standing on her tippy toes, placing a card in a huge red mail box, adorned many postcards and advertisements to promote early Christmas card mailing.
Her mature modeling career began at 15 years of age, after attending modeling school in Montreal. Her photos appeared in many magazines and newspapers. She had the distinct honour of having her face on the cover of Vogue magazine. Toni had the flair for live shows and was in demand for catwalks in Montreal and Vancouver.
Toni was young to marry her childhood sweetheart from Montreal, and from this marriage created four beautiful children, Robert, Kimberly, Cindy-Sue, and Dean. With her second union, another beautiful child was created and she became Dana. Toni married Larry Smolik when the children were still young.
He became an important part of their lives, which they hold with fond memories.
Toni’s house and home was always open to anyone in need, she shared whatever she had. She loved all children as they did her. She developed lifelong friends from early childhood in Montreal, as well as upon the move to B.C. and to the present time.
Toni was multi-talented and clever in so many ways. Her artistry was in creative writing. She excelled in prose, and was the author of two published books. She assisted many with legal documents and affidavits.
Toni’s greatest accomplishments in life and the ones she most treasured are her children. She raised five beautiful kids and did an outstanding job of motherhood.
Life was not always easy for Toni, yet her kids can only remember her with devotion and love; wonderful Christmases and Easters, sharing so many fun times together. No matter what, mom always came through for them.
Toni is survived by her children Robert Robinson, Kimberly Kier (Travis), Cindy Chappell (Dave), Dana Blohm. Her beautiful grandchildren Tim, Anastasia, Derek, Devon, Daniel, Dennis, Taylor, and Branden.
She is survived by her brothers Slim Brecknock (Darlyne), Don Brecknock (Maxine), John Brecknock (Terry), and sisters Judy Christensen and Sue Bamford (Bob). Numerous nieces and nephews and last but not least, her Ol’ slipper Bruce Deacon who she has been happily unmarried to for 21 years, and his daughters LeAnn and Jenny. Toni was pre-deceased by her beloved son Dean Robinson in 1979, her father Stan in 1983 and mother Anne in 1997, and nephews Kirk and Brady Graham.
Toni’s family wish to extend their sincere gratitude for the huge crowd that was in attendance at the celebration of life. We understand it was impossible for everyone to hear her son Rob, the master of ceremonies and her sister, Sue, deliver the eulogy, listen to the poems read by her daughters Kim and Dana, and her grandson Derek as well.
The slide show was beautiful. We are sorry not everyone could see it. We are sure our mother could feel the compassion, warmth and sincere love emanating from the room.
For all the flowers, cards, messages and prayers, we thank you. To Dr. Labossier and the staff of CMH, your care and heartfelt concern during mom’s stay in and out of the hospital will never be forgotten.
To the Hospice Society and the lovely home care nurses who helped mom and guided us during this sad time, our deepest thanks. To Luc LaPrairie, again, above and beyond, thank you.
We have included a picture and a copy of one of mom’s poems that was in her memorial card. We are sorry not everyone received one. Thank you all, our mom was deeply adored. Her loving family.
Lothrop, Ken Thursday, 15 Nov 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Ken Lothrop was born June 30, 1947 in Vancouver. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Nov. 15, 2007 after undergoing an unsuccessful heart transplant at St. Paul’s Hospital.
At the age of five, his family moved to Quesnel until 1968.
Ken then moved to Williams Lake for a short period of time where he met and married Sue (Borrow) on March 21, 1969 shortly after they moved back to Quesnel. In 1983, the family returned to Williams Lake where Ken worked in the logging industry and later Gibraltar Mines for 10 years.
When the mines closed down Ken went back to driving logging truck. In 2005, he started working at Mt. Polley Mining Co. as a driller until Jan. 2007 when he was put on the heart transplant list.
Ken cherished spending time with his family and friends.
He loved coaching and playing hockey; fishing, hunting and the great outdoors with his son and nephews; skiing with his wife; filling his pockets with Smarties for Lakelyn; picking berries with his grandchildren Zack and Mariah; making little Levi laugh out loud; and having coffee with all his buddies.
He was always willing to lend a hand, share his stories, make others laugh and plan events. He was very proud of his family and treasured every minute with them.
Ken was a very kind and lovely man and touched everybody’s heart.
His optimistic attitude and enthusiasm for life will be sadly missed.
Ken was pre-deceased by his mother Edith and father Garnet, brothers Joe and Jim, aunts Toppy and Betty and Uncles Bert and Norman.
Ken is survived by his wife Sue and his children Melanie, Michelle and Ken.
His grandchildren Zack and Mariah and of course his furry grandchildren, Gizmo and Jamu; brother Don and sister Lyn; mother and father-in-law Daisy and Ed Borrow; brothers and sisters-in-law Karen (Lorry), Dennis (Darlene) and Sherry Lothrop. Nephews Tim (Shauna), Todd, Don (Brenda), Gord, Michael (Kerry), Mark (Bobby Jo) and Ryan. Nieces: Tracey (Darren) and Sherry (Mike). Grandnieces and grandnephews: Lakelyn, Katy, Terrel, Erika, Danielle, Tyler, Levi, Stevie, Mason, Lyric, Keely, Kaan, Shania, Kristina and Dylan.
Cousins: Mae and Bob, Dawn (Troy), Jessica, Stephen, Doug (Cathy), Adam, Ali, Kriss (Allan), Chance and Jessica.
The family would like to thank special friends Larry, Nat, Levi and Brandon; Roy and Lee, Rob and Mona; and Ken Deline for all their support.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the St. Paul’s heart transplant team. CSICU nurses and the B.C. Transplant Society.
The memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, Huckvale Place Williams Lake on Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation -- donations to be given to the heart transplant program, 1081 Burrard St. Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 1Y6.
Watt, Jim Wednesday, 07 Nov 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Jim Watt passed away Nov. 7, 2007. He was born in 1922.
Jim came to the Cariboo in 1957 and operated a cattle ranch at Big Lake on Ridge Road until 1979.
He sold the ranch to Pinette and Therrien Logging in 1979 and then bought a beautiful hobby farm on the old Soda Creek Road at Macalister by the Fraser River.
He started an antique collection that includes an old buggie, wagon and horse drawn equipment dating back to 1918.
He invited people from the senior’s homes to come out and look at the equipment. Many of his visitors were 80 to 100 years old and would tell him how they operated similar equipment when they were kids.
Jim retired in McLeese Lake.
When Jim passed on he had a collection of more than 840 pieces of antique farm and transportation equipment.
Jim is survived by his son Ed Watt, of McLeese Lake.
He is remembered by his loving family and friends. There will be no service by request. Cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to the Cancer Society and Red Cross would be appreciated.
Gruhs, Esther Wednesday, 31 Oct 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Esther Sally (Larson) Gruhs was born at home on Dec. 19, 1904 in Keefer Street, Vancouver, to Swedish immigrant parents Anna and Victor Larson.
Her father then built a family home at 311 10th Street, New Westminster where two brothers, Edwin and Bertil were born, followed by a sister Anna.
Victor was a steam engineer on the tugboats and greatly influenced Esther’s outlook on life.
He emphasized punctuality (tides wait for no man!) and insisted that asking for assistance was a weakness.
Esther, as a result, never demanded anything for herself, and accepted whatever came along as her lot in life. It was often difficult to anticipate what might be pleasing as she made no demands on anyone for anything.
Esther graduated from the Provincial Normal School, UBC in 1924. Later that year she was offered a teaching position in Big Lake. She was in fact only the third teacher to be hired there.
She boarded at Mrs. North’s home on the Likely Road, a building that still stands today. Some of her happiest times were spent there. When not teaching, she learned to ride horseback, and enjoyed winter snowshoe and toboggan outings with her friend Mavis McDonald, nee North.
It was Christmas of 1925, when Esther, invited by Lily Widdowson (Walters), came to Horsefly for the first time, to see a community play Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick.
Ben Gruhs starred in the leading role, a fact that may have influenced Esther to eventually move to Horsefly!
In 1926 Esther moved to Willowford School in the Lone Butte area, where she stayed with the McMillens. She often said this family depended on her board to put food on the table for everyone, and the pickings were slim!
By 1927 Esther moved to teach school in Horsefly, boarding at the Cornerhouse, and remaining there until 1930. As Ben was a frequent guest for Sunday dinner at the Cornerhouse it was not long before they became engaged, then married on Sept. 4, 1930. She then retired from teaching to become a full-time ranch wife.
Esther was active in the Horsefly Social Club, forerunner of the Community Club.
She played the piano for socials and church functions. Son Ernest was born in 1934 and Esther, along with raising him, looked after the ranch during the long weeks when Ben was away working for the Department of Highways.
Feeding cattle, milking cows, chopping water holes in winter, splitting and packing wood were everyday tasks. Her annual vegetable garden, along with the flower beds were a source of pride.
After the death of husband Ben in 1976 Esther eventually took a different direction in life. Moving to Prince George in 1982, she spent the years until 2000 enjoying “city” life and being with close church friends there.
Never having had a driver’s license, she became well known to all the Prince George bus drivers; “$1.49 day, Woodwards” never had a more faithful customer!
Esther then moved back and lived in Sunset Manor, Williams Lake for a while, until independent living became too difficult. Cariboo Lodge became her home and she was able to enjoy life once more until, unfortunately, the lodge had to close. Esther spent her remaining time at the Willliams Lake Seniors Village.
She passed away Oct. 31, 2007 at the age of 102.
Esther is survived by son Ernest (Chris), granddaughter Rachel (Merrill), grandson Jason (Karol), great-grandson Chase Logan, and several nieces and a nephew.
A celebration of life tea was held at the home of Ernest and Chris and attended by many friends.
Donations can be made in Esther’s memory to: Central Cariboo Hospice Society 517 Sixth Avenue Williams Lake, V2G 2G8.
