Fodchuk, Nestor Tuesday, 05 Dec 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Nestor Fodchuk was born in Willingdon, Alberta Jan. 7, 1939 and passed away peacefully in Williams Lake, B.C. Dec. 5, 2006.
He was one of 15 children born to Annie and Nick Fodchuk.
Nestor grew up helping out on the family farm. He then worked as a carpenter’s helper, a plumber and in a local hardware store. At the age of 25, Nestor married the love of his life, Eileen Cucheran.
As a young couple, they bought the Fodchuk family farm where they carried on the farming tradition until moving to Williams Lake in 1974.
Once in Williams Lake Nestor worked at Lignum’s, the Ministry of Forests in the carpentry and maintenance department, the Ministry of Highways, and finally CRS on the road maintenance crew where he retired in 1998 at the age of 58. Long after retiring, Nestor loved reminiscing about the guys from work. He was also the owner and operator of a successful family business, B.C. Clean-A-Lot Power Sweeping.
Family was the most important part of life to Nestor. He loved his wife Eileen of 42 years dearly.
He had a special love and relationship with each of his children; Brad, Tina and Diane. He was also very close with his son-in-laws Wolfgang and Darcy. All six grandchildren; Daeleen (deceased), Dustin, Amber, Erika, Sydney and Devyn have very fond memories of their “Papa.”
His family looked up to him so much as he was always there to lend his helping hand or to share his wisdom.
Nestor enjoyed building things, big or small.
He built the present family home in 1979 and helped all of his kids and friends with many building projects. The annual salmon fishing trip to Chilliwack was something Nestor looked forward to every year. He had a love for air crafts, space, and for playing his Fender electric guitar.
But most of all, Nestor loved spending time with his family.
Nestor was a genuine person who left a lasting impression with everyone he met. He was a loving husband, a caring dad, a special Papa and a loyal friend. Our memories of him will always be held close to our hearts. He will always be loved, missed, but never forgotten.
Love the entire family.
Gair, Norah Tuesday, 14 Nov 2006
Williams Lake, BC
It is sad to report that Norah Hutch Gair passed away in Kamloops, Nov. 14, 2006 from a fast growing cancer.
Norah was born Jan. 15, 1932 the eldest daughter of Bill and Annie Hutchinson (Hutch).
Hutches lived at Big Creek and Norah was born in the little hospital at Alexis Creek.
Norah was educated in a country school at Big Creek. She was married young to Tom Wilson and they had three daughters, Juanita, Bettyanne, and Cathy.
Cathy pre-deceased Norah in 1978.
Norah and her family have lived in Kamloops for over 35 years.
Her sisters, Eileen Beblow and Mary Robillard, also live in Kamloops.
Her sister Lucille lives in northern B.C. and brother Billy Hutch in Williams Lake.
Norah had many trials and heart aches in her life but never lost her indomitable spirit nor sense of humour.
She had a lovely laugh and almost to the end you could hear it ring out.
Norah’s husband, Simon Gair, pre-deceased her in 1999.
Goetjen, Lottie Saturday, 04 Nov 2006
Williams Lake, BC
Lottie Goetjen passed away Nov 4, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born March 21, 1925 in Big Lake B.C. She spent her entire life in the Williams Lake area. She was pre-deceased by her husband Ed.
She is survived by her two sons Jim (Karen), and Ray (Bobbie); and her only grandson Jamey; Her brothers Ted Jefferson (Anne), Lawrence (Pete), Dan (Betty) and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by all.
A drop in service of her celebration of life will be held at the Terra Ridge Hall starting at 1 p.m. Friday Nov. 10, 2006.
In lieu of flowers Lottie has asked that donations be made to the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Trust Fund.
Her family especially appreciates Dr. Nita and the home care nurses for all the support they have given.
Russell, Melissa Friday, 14 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Mike, Loreen and Natalie Russell would like to thank our families, friends and co-workers for all the support, cards and donations to the B.C. Children’s Hospital in this very sad time.
We were overwhelmed with all the kind words and support we received.
Even though Melissa’s time with us was short we have lots of good memories and stories that will help us get through, she was a special angel. I would like to share this poem with everyone.
Please keep her in your thoughts.
MELISSA’S FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights like Heaven’s stars reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas up in Heaven this year
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here
I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart
So be happy for me, loved ones, you know I hold you dear
And be glad I am spending Christmas in your heart this year
I sent you each a special gift from my Heavenly home above
I sent you each a memory of my undying love
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold
It is love that’s most important, in the memories that you hold
Please love and keep each other is what I would ask of you to do
For I cannot count the blessings or love that I have for each of you
So have a Merry Christmas and please wipe away that tear
And remember, I am spending Christmas in your heart this year.
Graham, Ila Tuesday, 11 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Ila June Graham was born in Almyra, Washington on June 28, 1920.
She was the third child born to Andrew and Hedwig Holte. Sister Alice and brother Tommy came before her.
The family moved to the Chilcotin in 1923. With horses, wagons and supplies they came eager to start their new home.
They were the pioneers of the Chilcotin country. One of their first places was at Engebretson’s at the Towdystan Ranch, which they rented from them on the other side of Tatla Lake.
Another brother, Jimmy, was born on the place. Their first place was Lessard Lake, approximately 20 kilometers North of Anahim Lake, where they started cattle ranching.
Ila loved the outdoors and the horses.
As a teenager she and her family travelled on horseback to the Stuie Stampede, now known as the Bella Coola Rodeo.
There she would enter the horse races and win every year.
In 1944 Ila married Alex Graham and loved the cattle drives from Tatla Lake to Williams Lake.
They had one son Roy. Nine years later daughter Kathy was born and they resided in and around Williams Lake.
In later years Ila worked as a desk clerk at the Ranch, Maple Leaf and Lakeview hotels.
She was known for her kind and generous hospitality, always helping someone with their problems.
One of her sayings was: “You’re not much of a man if you can’t feel the whip on another man’s back.”
Her family believes she got that message from the Lord.
As a senior, Ila’s favorite place to live was the Cariboo Lodge.
When the lodge closed Ila resided at the Williams Lake Seniors’ Village.
Thanks to all the staff for taking good care of mom. God bless you all.
To our wonderful mom and grandmother.
Always in our hearts. Love, Kathy, Bonnie, Quinton; Roy and family; Holte families; and many friends.
McCallum, Millicent Monday, 10 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Millicent Lena McCallum, long time resident of Williams Lake passed away December 10, 2007 at Nakusp, B.C. She resided at Halcyon House assisted living in Nakusp at the time of her passing. Millie was born in Hewart, Saskatchewan on October 18, 1918. She was pre-deceased by her husband George in 1997, son Harry Cull, daughter Gladys Yahnke and grandson David Andrew. She is survived by son Andy (Issy) McCallum, daughters Margaret Andrew, Alma Cook, Martha (Nels) Mikkilsen, Myrtle Cook, Jean (Bill) Klaudt, Louise Almasi, 33 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren. Millicent and her husband George were awarded the Order of Canada in 1992 for their faithful and dedicated service to the often lonely and underprivileged.
Maas, Cornelius Monday, 10 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Cornelius (Casey) Maas passed away December 10, 2007 in Mt. Forest, Ontario at the age of 73. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 10am at the Sacred Heart Church in Williams Lake.
