ALEC, Dennis Sunday, 17 Feb 2008
Burns Lake, BC
It is with great sadness that we, the Alec Family, announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, respected elder, Hereditary Chief, and Church Chief, Dennis Alec, Tsee’ K’ot, at the age of 88 years.
Our father and grandfather passed away on the morning of February 17, 2008 at the Burns Lake & District Hospital. The funeral was held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 with family, friends, relatives and all those who knew grandpa from Prince George, Takla, Moricetown, Smithers in attendance.
“Dennis Alec, was born in Old Fort, B.C. on December 24, 1919, and was raised in a structured and traditional life. Dennis was a linguist with the ability to speak in all four Carrier dialects, and exemplified the teachings that have been handed down for generations. In turn, Dennis taught his family and people good conduct and above all love and respect.
Dennis married Sarah (nee Donald) in Old Fort and brought children to the world, now reuniting with his wife Sarah, parents, daughters, sons and brothers that pre-deceased him. Dennis is survived by daughters Esther MacDonald (Frank), Marie Patrick, sons Ronnie Alec (Ruby), Paul Alec, and Gary Alec (Sharon), and 42 grandchildren, and 67 great-grandchildren, and also leaves behind his last remaining sibling, Dan Matthew.
A family man that he was, Dennis worked at sawmills and was a trapper back in the day as it provided him with necessary resources to care for his family. He also hunted and taught many young men of the day the traditional skills of hunting and trapping, living off the land was important to him.
Dennis was also an avid sportsman, he played baseball and hockey with his buddies in Old Fort and Fort Babine. Sports were an important factor for him as it brought the community together. He was always seen at our ball and hockey tournaments in Burns Lake and in many neighboring nations, cheering on his team.
Dennis, a man of prayer at a young age aided his anointment by Bishop O’Grady to become the Church Chief. He was able to perform station of the cross services during lent, speak at funerals, weddings and baptisms were some of Dennis’ spiritual commitments. His connection to God and the Spirit world came natural to him.
He was indoctrinated into our Bah’lats government as Hereditary Chief in 1967. His stature of strength, wisdom, knowledge, respect and love defined his character. He was the clan leader, head elder for the community and carried himself with respect and dignity, and he always provided words of comfort, and wisdom, he was our advisor, protector and counselor. He was our master singer and drummer.
Being an elected councilor in the 1970’s, he worked tirelessly to ensure that his people and community remained united and strong. He believed that all living beings are inter-connected and that we are one with nature. Respecting nature meant that you respected yourself, that you used nature and all its bounty to live a good healthy and abundant life.
His passion for our traditional lifestyle was never compromised; he talked about the importance of ensuring that we stay true and connected to our land, and reminded us that the land is our lifeline, to protect it for future generations being his message. He instilled the belief to never stop protecting the land as it provides us with identity and belonging.
He relied on the principles of the Bah’lats to conduct himself and gained much respect among his peers. He was relentless in ensuring that children understood their culture and language. He also was called upon by the UNBC to teach students the way of the Babine and Carrier people. His knowledge about our history was amazing. Without a doubt, he was the professor of who we are and where we come from.
Dennis also traveled, with a most memorable performance in Russia at the Goodwill Games when Lake Babine Nation sent our Hereditary Chiefs to perform for the Russian people, and the world at large. He also traveled to many events in the USA, B.C. and across Canada.”
‘The loss of a loved one is always painful, but as he told us many times that, it is the will of the Creator, one never knows the day and time the Creator will call. Prepare ourselves as one day the Creator will give us all peace and happiness – these are the words of our ICON, Tsee’ K’ot, Mr. Dennis Alec, the great spirit will give him eternal life so he can watch over us while we complete our journey.’
We wish to thank Mr. Warner Adam for delivering a most thoughtful tribute to our father and grandfather, and thank you to grandpa’s family the Gilanten Clan, the C’it im den Clan, CSFS, to the hospital staff, Dr. Smit, to the Lake Babine Nation Chief and Council and staff, and to everyone who came to support the family, and to pay their respects at the funeral and the bah’lats.
Mesiy Cho’ from the Alec Family.
JOHNSTON, Anna Sebella Friday, 01 Feb 2008
Burns Lake, BC
Anna was born in Rotterdam Holland. She was survived by her sister JA Boer, nieces, nephews, and cousins in Holland.
Anna is lovingly remembered by her husband, Micky-Emil. Children: Betty Juny and Jimmy Johnston. Grandchildren: Jackie, Sue, Martin, Olivia, Jennifer, Justin, Lowie, Candy Johnston, Tammy, Jason, Debbie, Julie, Ricky. Many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Anna and Micky came to Burns Lake in the late 70’s. They had 40 great years together. Many of those years were spent at Pendleton Bay.
Anna had many hobbies that she loved, gardening, growing beautiful flowers, knitting, and sewing. She will be remembered for her kindness and loving ways. She will be sadly missed by those close to her.
Each time they say your name a tear forms in my eye. How can I be happy if all I seem to do is cry. We will never forget you, though we are far apart. We miss you so much Anna, and we love you with all our heart.
NELSON, Pat Tuesday, 06 Nov 2007
Burns Lake, BC
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother and friend Pat Nelson. She passed away peacefully November 6, 2007 at the age of 76. Pat is survived by her daughters Diane (Ernie) of Burns Lake, Lynne (Brian) of Athabasca, AB, Geraldine of Burns Lake, Sherylee (Cliff) of Prince George, son Stanley (Laurel) of Vernon, 12 grandchildren, 5 great -grandchildren; brother Jim of Burns Lake, sisters Hilary (Kip) of Creston, Sylvia (Leon) of Winnipeg, MB, sisters-in-law Helen Anderson of Burns Lake and Vera Neilson of Victoria. Pat was pre-deceased by her husband Ralph Nelson in 1971, mother in 1986 and father in 1989.
Memorial Tributes to "Tweedsmuir House" in Burns Lake can be made at the Royal Bank.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for your many kindnesses evidenced in thought and deed through this time of sorrow.
To A Wonderful Mother
If it hadn't been for you mom, we would never
have known how truly strong and courageous a woman can be,
how assuring a home can be and how
beautiful and lasting a Mother's love can be.
Your journey was not easy, but your faith never faltered and your heart never surrendered.
You will be in our thoughts and hearts forever. Diane, Lynne, Stanley, Geraldine, Sherylee & families
MACKIE, Beatrice Wednesday, 30 Jan 2008
Burns Lake, BC
passed away in Surrey Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. Survived by her loving husband, Glen Oliver Mackie of Palling, B.C.
Survived by her children, Susan (Will) Stadey of Burns Lake, Glenda (Buzz) Montour of Surrey, Tracy (Bill) Crumley of Langley, Peggy (Steve) Latham of Salmo, Jim (Chime) Mackie of Burns Lake, Steve (Brenda) Mackie of Burns Lake, Rob (Rose) Mackie of Surrey. All her grandchildren, Sean (Nicole) Stadey, James (Christy) Stadey, Danielle (Chris) Munro, Aaron (Ambre) Latham, Candice (William) Mackie, Katrina (Justin) Montour, Jennifer Latham, Michael Mackie, Corey (Jessica) Mackie, Kristy (Duane) Mackie, Lori Mackie, Rachel Mackie, Lydia Mackie, Breanne Mackie, Shelby Mackie. Two great-grandchildren in the “oven”. Her sisters, Edna (John) Vietch, Linda (Lawrence) Smith, her brothers, Bob (Marilyn) Wilde, Bill (Irene) Wilde, Mel (Marilyn) Wilde, and way too many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members to even mention.
And to all her bingo buddies, play a card for her....
We miss you mom, we love you, but you are in our hearts forever, you were always there for all of us, unconditionally...
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
PETERSON, Stanley Bruce Monday, 14 Jan 2008
Burns Lake, BC
Stan was born in Camrose, Alberta. His family moved to Telkwa in the early 60's. Since then, Stan lived and worked most of his life in B.C. For the last 15 years, Burns Lake has been our home.
Stan was a mechanic but he was also a carpenter. Four years ago, we bought a house, and with the help of a lot of good friends and Stan's expertise, made us a snug and cozy home.
He enjoyed fishing, bow-hunting, and golfing, but most of all, playing percussion instruments (especially his hand-made wooden spoons) wherever and whenever live music was happening.
The Royal Canadian Legion was his socializing and pool playing spot after work.
Stan will be sadly missed by many friends and family, and especially his 17 year partner in life, Audrey Donahue.
Silveira, John Friday, 25 Jan 2008
Smithers, BC
1929 to 2008
John passed away at Smithers Hospital on Jan. 25, 2008, at the age of 78. John was born on March 21, 1929 in Manteca, California, the last of eight children born to Clyde and Julia Silveira, immigrants from the Portuguese Islands of the Azores. Growing up on a dairy farm in California, John loved the outdoors and nature, which eventually led him and his family to Smithers in 1968.
The family eventually settled in the Kispiox Valley, and John made his living building roads for highways and forestry. John later relocated back to Smithers where he spent his later years traveling between California and B.C., with his good friend and partner, Gladys Hawkes.
John is survived by his five sons; Gary (Alison), Steve (Janice), Keith, Greg (Sherry), Tim (Karin), a daughter Laurel; 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 30, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Smithers, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Community Cancer Care Team, P.O. Box 370, Smithers, B.C., V0J 2N0.
SMITH, Mrs. Mary Margaret Friday, 11 Jan 2008
Smithers, BC
SMITH, Mrs. Mary Margaret passed away Jan 11, 2008 in the Wrinch Memorial Hospital, Hazelton, B.C. with her loving family at her side.
Mary was born May 16, 1921 in Hazelton, B.C. and lived, loved and worked there all her life.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 2:00 p.m. in The Gitanmaax Hall with burial in the Gitanmaax Cemetery, Capt. Tom Harris Officiating.
She leaves to mourn, seven daughters and their families: Connie Smith, Cathy McKenzie, Dorothy Lattie, Dr. Jane Smith, Irene Lattie, Angie Combs and Sheila Smith. She was pre-deceased by husband Joe and son Michael.
Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
“She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.”
Arrangements were entrusted to the R.A. Schrader Funeral Home, Smithers, B.C. 847-2441
Wilmot, Ponnie Thursday, 10 Jan 2008
Smithers, BC
July 1, 1921 to Jan. 10, 2008
Pauline (Ponnie) Wilmot passed away on Jan. 10, 2008 in Bulkley Valley District Hospital. She was born in Winnipeg on July 1, 1921, and was pre-deceased by her husband Ken, in June 1975. Ponnie is survived by her children, Alan (Joan) in Smithers, Eleanor Bond (Bob) in Cache Creek, Stephen in Smithers, Colin (Kim) in Calgary, ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her brother, David Marshall in Plano, Texas.
Ponnie spent many of her growing up years in Quebec where she and Ken Wilmot met while in their teens. Ken and Ponnie were married in Lennoxville, Quebec in 1946. They later moved to Prince Rupert, Terrace, Usk and in 1967 they settled in Smithers
It was in Denver, Colorado Ponnie received her training as a nurse, she worked in Prince Rupert, Terrace and Smithers hospitals. From 1975 to 1993 she wrote a weekly column for The Interior News – “The Ponnie Wilmot Notes.” Ponnie was always concerned for children, particularly those with disabilities, and she was also a long time foster mother. Ponnie was involved in the community with work for the mentally handicapped and with Smithers Community Services Association. As Ken had done, she continued to welcome new Canadians at their Citizenship Swearing In Ceremonies.
A long time member of St. James Anglican Church, Ponnie served on the church committee and was active in the ACW, she was a keen supporter of Camp Caledonia and regularly volunteered as a nurse for the Children’s Summer Camp.
Ponnie had an inquisitive mind and a sense of adventure, she loved to travel, she was game for everything – a trip to Quebec with teenage granddaughters; a camping trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands with young adult friends; traveling with groups of senior citizens; camping in the Yukon, with a trip up the Dempster Highway culminating in a flight in a single engine plane to Tuktoyaktuk — pretty impressive for a white knuckle flyer over 70. Ponnie also made a trip up the B.C. coast on the fishing boat her son Alan had bought, even though she was prone to seasickness!
A memorial service of thanksgiving was held at St. James Church on Jan. 15, and Ponnie planned the service herself. At her request donations may be made to the CNIB, 100-490 Quebec St., Prince George, B.C., V2L 5N5.
