Clark, William (Bill) Sunday, 28 Jan 2007
Williams Lake, BC
William (Bill) Clark was born in Truro, Nova Scotia on Dec. 7, 1934.
He was an only child. His dad was back and forth to war and Bill was raised by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
He left Nova Scotia at the tender age of 14 and traveled by boxcar, finally arriving in the Fraser Valley.
He returned to Nova Scotia when his grandmother was sick. When Bill was about 16, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and six months before being scheduled to go overseas, his mother reported that he was too young and he never did go.
Bill rode back out to BC after his grandmother passed away. He married Ajmare in Aug. 1958 in Abbotsford, BC.
As Bill had been an only child, he knew he wanted a large family. They had seven girls and one boy. Together, Bill and Ajmare worked on the berry farm in Mt. Lehman. Over time, they raised chickens, horses and he was also into mixed farming. Many years later, in 1995, Bill moved to McLeese Lake as he decided that he had enough of the rain at the coast. It was here that he had a sense of community and liked small town living.
He made numerous friends in the Cariboo. Their friendship meant so much to him. He was a terrific neighbor, friend, and mentor. He was a man to give great advice and often quoted his grandfather.
He loved to watch the History Channel and would often quote something he had seen on that station, as well. He loved his garden. He would always have a huge garden and feed the whole neighborhood.
He gave many of us our first taste of kohlrabi. He grew the best cabbage and cauliflower around. Bill loved nature. He spent many an hour at his kitchen table looking out the big picture window at the various animals that were in the field. Bill liked living in the country. For him, things didn’t have to be fancy. He built what he needed, he hunted and fished and enjoyed the rural setting. He loved his two dogs Missy and more recently, Foxy.
Bill did not escape sorrow, as a daughter and daughter-in-law pre-deceased him. Bill was a morning person. It was his opinion that everyone should get up early and so it was on Sunday, Jan. 28, that he passed away at 5:10 a.m., again, getting everyone up early one last time. Bill lost his battle to cancer and is now at peace and no longer suffering. His children, his family and his friends will always remember and love him. A quite service was held in Yarrow, BC on Feb. 1 where personal good-byes were said to a great man.
Shaw, Rose Friday, 28 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
It is with great sadness that her family announces the passing of Rose Marie Shaw.
Rose passed away on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Rose was born in Unity, Saskatchewan on Sept. 23, 1935 and traveled throughout B.C. until settling in Williams Lake in 1974.
She worked as a licensed log scaler for the B.C. Forest Service and then Lignum Ltd. until her retirement.
Rose was pre-deceased by her son Brett Shaw.
She is survived and greatly missed by her children Scott (Jackie), Myles (Tracy) and Janet Maher (Steve) and her grandchildren Shawn, Brittany and James.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ann Carter and nurse Tanya at Cariboo Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.
As per Rose’s request there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Gilmore, Reginald Thursday, 27 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Reginald Charles Gilmore of Williams Lake, B.C. passed away December 27, 2007 in Williams Lake, BC at the age of 57. No service by request. Donations can be made to the Central Cariboo Hospice Society.
LaPrairie’s Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements.
Thiessen, Mary (Marie) Thursday, 20 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Mary (Marie) Thiessen died in the Cariboo Memorial Hospital on Dec. 20, 2007 at the age of 94.
She was born to David and Maria Penner (nee Neufeld) on May 15, 1913 in the Ukraine and raised in Rovnapol, Siberia.
Because of the political situation the Penner family moved to the Ukraine and made arrangements to come to Canada in 1925.
The rest of her childhood was spent on a farm in Grassy Lake, Alberta. When Marie attended Coaldale Bible School for three years, she became acquainted with Henry Thiessen whom she married on June 16, 1935.
Henry and Marie raised six children while farming and teaching in various places in southern Alberta. Shortly after their 40th anniversary, Henry passed away in July 1975.
Marie lived in Lethbridge, Alberta; Morden, Manitoba; and Abbotsford, BC before moving to the Cariboo Lodge in Williams Lake in 2000.
Marie’s passion in life was her relationship with Jesus Christ and often spoke of her life in heaven following her death.
A close second was her love for her family.
For many years, the walls of her homes were filled with photo after photo of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She prayed for each family member by name regularly.
Through most of her life, Marie was also well known for her cooking and baking. Mennonite dishes such as wareneki (perogies), roll kuchen (like a fried fritter), and home-baked buns and apple buns were some of her most requested specialties when family members came for a visit.
Marie enjoyed her last years in the Williams Lake Seniors’ Village assisted living unit. She enjoyed various activities – especially the Bible Studies, Herb’s Harmony (mostly gospel songs), and many musical presentations and parties.
Predeceased by her husband Henry, their daughter Laura Grace, parents, and four siblings, Marie is survived by sons Arni (Rosemarie) from Calgary, Willard (Betty) from Winnipeg, Henry Elmer (Shirley) from Williams Lake, Dave (Jan) from Griswold, Manitoba; Ernie (Debbie) from Calgary, and daughter Dolores (Harry Goerz) from Williams Lake, 27 grandchildren (25 with spouses), and 53 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by siblings Freda Neumann (Alex), Willard Penner (Erika), Jake Penner (Edna), and William Penner (Grant).
In 1993, with the help of a relative, Marie published her memoirs. At the end of this book, she wrote, “How would I like to be remembered It would make me very happy if my grandchildren would all remember that Grandma really loved them, and that they in turn, loved me too.”
Anyone who spent even a few minutes with Marie Thiessen felt loved by her and would have loved her too.
A public viewing and small memorial service for Marie was held at Cariboo Bethel Church on Dec. 28. A funeral will be held in Calgary on Feb. 8.
Marie Thiessen will be buried next to her husband, Henry, in Calgary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Day Ministries at www.newday.org/ or write to: It’s a New Day, Box 2010, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R3.
Alphonse, Roland Thursday, 20 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Roland Alphonse untimely passing on December 20, 2007 astounded many in the Cariboo-Chilcotin. In honour of a well renowned cowboy, family and friends accompanied Roland on his final journey to CV Ranch at Tl’etinqox, a home he cherished so much.
Tensions rode high throughout the planning of Roland’s celebration of life, for everyone alike wanted the best for a cowboy with such a high calibre.
Roland’s riding buddies gathered to round up the horses for a last ride, and to their amazement, the horses had come home on their own.
The team and wagon was hitched, cowboys and cowgirls saddled up their horses, and dressed up in their best western duds to bid farewell to a great friend.
In acknowledgement of Roland’s love of horses and cowboy life, he was brought to his final celebration in a western theme.
The procession leaving CV Ranch was piloted by Anthony Chelsea, followed by Douglas Alexis leading Roland’s favourite horse.
Dale King drove the team and wagon that was carrying Roland, trailed by his buddies on saddle horses.
A convoy of vehicles completed the long procession to the school gym, to join others who waited patiently.
Many travelled from Alberta, Vancouver, Kamloops, Prince George, Cache Creek and various places to pay their last respect to Roland on December 29, 2007.
Donovan Ketlo was honoured to lead the procession into the gym, carrying his dad Roland.
Father Jude officiated at the service, Kirby Russell read the Cowboy’s Prayer, and Joe Alphonse delivered the eulogy. Stanley Stump and Mike Holte provided inspirational music that was a comfort to many.
Following the traditional feast, Ervin Charleyboy played the fiddle, while Terri and Donovan Ketlo danced a jig as a final tribute to Roland. To conclude the celebration, a customary lahal game was on for one of Roland’s horses.
The lahal team from Redstone won the horse, and it was sold to Johnny Lulua.
Roland was pre-deceased by his parents Raymond and Johanna (Johnny) Alphonse. His parents were his mentors, and influential in teaching him about ranching, hunting and living traditionally in Tl’etinqox-t’in territory.
Roland developed horsemanship skills at an early age, which got him interested in rodeo. During his teens, he competed in bareback and team roping at high school rodeos.
Roland’s main interest was team roping, after teachings from Archie Williams.
After graduation, Roland worked as a logger, while maintaining and running the family ranch. He also completed farrier training in Alberta, a trade that provided services to ranchers within his community, and his own ranch. Roland completed his Carpenters’ Journeyman training in Kelowna. At last he started doing something he enjoyed, building houses.
Playing hockey was Roland’s passion. He played for the Mustangs, Alkali Braves, Anaham Athabaskans and Williams Lake Longhorns.
At school, Roland enjoyed sports such as hockey, gymkhana, baseball, and floor hockey.
During annual track meets, he rarely came home without a trophy.
Roland enjoyed travelling and meeting people. Niagara Falls, Edmonton, Disneyland, and Nova Scotia were some of the places he enjoyed.
He had quite the experience at 7-Eleven in Nova Scotia, when a robber came in and threatened the cashiers. Being fearless as usual, Roland took the law into his own hands, and had the robber down in no time.
This past summer, Roland and a few friends went to Calgary Stampede. Roland was indeed a “home grown cowboy”, for he was always glad to come home.
Family regarded Roland as a leader, and he accepted that role seriously.
He was an “uncle” to everyone, for he was their hero, and they looked up to him. Roland had a special place in his heart for family and friends, especially his children. When visiting with family, he would reminisce and speak about each family member.
Roland was a caring person who did not hesitate to help anyone, or to provide moral support. He had a great sense of humour, and loved to entertain with his stories.
Of his many qualities, translating and composing songs, and writing poetry were some of Roland’s hidden talents. He entered karaoke in Alberta, where he claims he was singing as if he was reading a story.
Roland enjoyed dancing, and most will remember what a charming dancer he was.
Most of the time, he was upbeat and full of life.
When he arrived at gatherings, he was the life of the party. As someone pointed out, “He could make a party happen, and end it as fast as he started it”.
During leisure times, Roland organized trail rides and wagon trips from CV Ranch with the “CV Riders”.
He enjoyed taking annual trips to Williams Lake Stampede and Rocky Point. Lately, Roland talked about expanding CV Ranch, and building his own home. Family can’t understand his untimely death, because he was so full of dreams and plans.
Though Roland was in his early 40s he had the popularity and respect from everyone normally shown to an elder.
Weselowski, Alice Friday, 14 Dec 2007
Williams Lake, BC
Weselowski, Alice May Elizabeth, passed away peacefully December 14, 2007 at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake, BC at the age of 80 years. Born in Saskatchewan, August 2, 1927, Alice was a long time resident of Prince George prior to her recent move to Williams Lake. Alice was pre-deceased by two husbands, John Weselowski and John Baird, one son Kenneth Weselowski and two daughters in law, Marlene Weselowski and Fern Weselowski. Alice is lovingly remembered by her sons, Terry Weselowski of Williams Lake, BC and Keith
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.
