Bateson, Alma Wednesday, 27 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
On Aug. 27, 2008 Alma Maria Elvira (Peterson) Bateson passed away peacefully, while surrounded by love and family. Alma is survived by her husband of 58 years, Douglas Bateson; her children Victor (Ann), Don, Lynn (Ralph) Johnson, and Ken. Also survived by 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren who will all miss her presence greatly. Alma is pre-deceased by her son Robert (Kim) and her daughter Susan.
Alma was born in Evelyn, B.C. on May 3, 1929 and grew up in Driftwood, B.C., daughter of Axel and Elvira Peterson. Sister to six sisters and two brothers. Alma could always be depended on to look after those she loved. In 1947 her mother passed away and Alma dedicated herself to raising her younger siblings to keep the family together. Alma continued to care for others throughout her life and even into her last days she parented a grandchild.
Alma always lived life to the fullest. She had shown much personal strength and kindness throughout her life time. She loved unconditionally, cherishing family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all. A special thanks to the doctors and nursing staff of the BVDH for your care, support and concern for Alma over the time of her illness.
A memorial service for Alma was held on Sat., Aug. 30 at the Smithers United Church with Pastor Darrell Whelan officiating. Alma’s ashes will be interred in Spring 2009. Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.A. Schrader Funeral Home.
Clark, Joann Patricia Monday, 25 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
Born May 2, 1952
On Aug. 25, 2008 our beloved Joann went to her eternal rest. Her will to live was fierce and she did not “go gently into that good night.” Yet it was in lasting peace that she closed her dark brown eyes for the last time.
Life took her from a childhood spent kicking stones down the streets of Somme, Saskatchewan to developing a taste for fine red wine as an adult. In the years in between she studied accounting, raised her daughters and left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
We are forever blessed to have had Joann in our lives. She loved, laughed and lived for each moment. Her pragmatic approach to everything is her legacy. The memory of her laughter, her ready wit and sense of humor is the treasure she has left behind.
She also leaves to this world her two beautiful daughters Andrea Davonne Clinton and Genevieve Noelle Clinton and the grandchildren that she loved so dearly Clayton, Courtney and Madison, all of Saskatoon, SK. She also leaves behind her mother Edna Fannon of Regina, SK and her siblings Robert Clark, Elizabeth (Jerry) Kwasney, Wava (Patrick) Bremner, Daniel (Maureen) Clark, Dale (Amanda) Clark, and Terry Clark as well as her step-siblings Ineke (Werner) Lechler, Sharon Fannon, Jacqueline (Walter) Blotski and Janis (Bill) Conley. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Also mourning her passing are her good friends Barb Britton, Kelowna B.C. and Sharon George, Smithers B.C. Joann was pre-deceased by her partner Doug Hancock in June of this year, by her step-father Harrison Fannon in 1984 and by her father Roy Clark in 1960.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s hospital for their excellent patient-centered care and a special thank you to her family physician Dr. R. Billington for his compassion and his wonderful sense of humor which Joann appreciated. A Memorial Service for close friends and family was held in Saskatoon, SK on Tuesday Sept. 2, 2008 at 2:00 pm at McKague’s Funeral Chapel 300 3rd Ave South.
Arrangements are in care of David Schurr of ACADIA-McKAGUE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL. Honored provider of Dignity Memorial.
Michell, Josephine Saturday, 23 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
Born: February 20, 1909
Called Home: August 23, 2008
Pane Tso’ lived a very full independent life. Josephine Michell was born in Mosquito Flats on February 20, 1909, daughter to Amelia and Arthur Michell; Josephine accomplished a lot in her life. She not only raised her two children, Elsie and Lawrence, but she also raised many children whom she delivered as a mid-wife and other close and distant nieces, nephews, and Grandchildren. The last child Josephine delivered was in 1967, her Grandson Trevor Michell. Throughout her life, Josephine’s main source of employment was in the forest industry. As a cultural educator she provided evidence in judicial proceedings and traditional teachings to individuals and community members, and most significantly she was a mother to so many children. All knew Josephine as Grandma or Pane Tso’.
Lizette Naziel, Mary-Ann Alec (Malian) and Grandma spent a lot of time together. Lizette was raised by Amelia and Arthur like she was Josephine’s natural sister. On many occasions, Lizette, Malian, and Josephine travelled together holidaying, attending revivals across the province of B.C. and North America. Josephine and Lizette’s time was spent enjoying each others company, laughing together and just being together. The closeness between Lizette and Josephine amounted to many joint-family travels to set-up camp for hunting or berry-picking mostly around the Iskut area since both Lawrence and Alfred Mitchell worked in that area.
Josephine enjoyed various types of employment with the majority of her work related to the forest industry. Near the Kispiox River she operated a pole camp, which was a very big venture at that time, and employed 4-5 people. Most times Lizette and Lucy Namox worked along side Josephine. Josephine also worked as a tree planter locally in the Moricetown area along side other community members. Her employment as a truck driver was very short lived as she had an incident with the truck and that was enough for her; she did not drive the truck again.
Josephine’s expert knowledge of the traditional territory placed her in a position to give commissioned evidence for the Delgamuukw case; and she attended the court proceedings in Vancouver to support community Elders who were witnesses. Josephine was selected due to her unbiased knowledge of the territory, between Burns Lake and Moricetown, specifically for Likhsilyu.
As an educator, Josephine had the responsibility for sharing the traditional practices not only with those children she raised but also to community at large. She was very strict in adhering to and enforcing the traditional knowledge and laws. The late Janet George and Josephine were lead educators in many culture camps, teaching the younger generations the traditional practice of preserving foods, such as berries, moose meat, and fish. In her earlier years, Josephine taught individuals how to prepare and mend fishing nets as well as erect a fishing pole over the rapids near Beeman. Through the Moricetown recreation program, she taught a group of community youth how to locate and preserve traditional medicines. Her teachings will be remembered by many fortunate family and community members who listened and learned from her.
Josephine is the last survivor from the generation who was involved in clearing lands with their bare hands for their family homes and for ranching. Grandma lived her life off the land to the fullest extent, as her way of life routinely mirrored the seasonal round. Firm family values in combination with the firm belief that all family members belonged to the family, which is demonstrated by the generations of children she raised; both Grandma and her daughter Elsie went to extreme lengths to keep family members at home, regardless of the circumstance. Together, Grandma and Elsie constantly taught each subsequent generation to live off the territory and to respect the land and the animals. Depending on the season, and whether or not the children lived with Grandma permanently or temporarily, the children experienced hunting, trapping, fishing, berry-picking, processing moose hide and gardening. In the summer time, Josephine could be seen carrying a bucket of “ghadluts” (fish guts) from her place to glacier creek, after canning, freezing or smoking fish. In the winter, after checking the trap line she would be seen skinning martin, mink, and/or rabbit. In the fall, you would more than likely find moose meat on the kitchen table, ready for sawing. Josephine was well-known for removing snow from her driveway and door step with shovel or broom. In the spring, Grandma would be preparing seedlings for the vegetable garden. Most of you may have been fortunate to have tasted her sweet carrots, her moose stew, and her bannock or yeast bread.
At her leisure Josephine enjoyed sewing moccasins, beading, or knitting. Josephine loved to travel especially to the next revival, whether it was in Moricetown or in the neighbouring communities, other provinces or in the United States. She found a lot of comfort worshiping the Lord. Grandma lived a very traditional life and amid modern technology; she enjoyed listening to the religious channel to partake in the praying. Other times Cora would read the bible to Josephine.
Cora spent a lot time with Josephine and she provided tremendous care for Josephine which left very little time for herself. Grandma’s time with us was spent teaching us to be respectful to each other and to the land and to always do the right thing. Until we meet again, The Michell, Mitchell, Markert, Williams and Muckle family.
Kirsch (Goodwin), Georgina I. Saturday, 23 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
May 6, 1929 to Aug. 23 2008
It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and Friend. Georgina passed away after a courageous fight against cancer at the age of 79 at home with her family close by.
Georgina is survived by her husband Joe Kirsch, sons Orin (Mary) Anderson, Odell (Gail) Anderson, daughters Laura (Dave) Hope, Marie (Mike) Zemenchik, Earla (Ed) Fermaine, and Irene (Bruce) Elliott, step children Sheila (Brian) Hobenshield, Sylvia (Barry) Meek and Joe (Irene) Kirsch, Shelly (Kirby) Bissell and their families, 14 grandchildren and their families and 14 great-grandchildren, four brothers Elwood, Dave, Cecil, and Ernie Goodwin and their families. Georgina was pre-deceased by her mother Maude and father Earl Menzo Goodwin, grandson Duston Anderson, brothers Reno, Jim, Lester and Lyle Goodwin, sisters Alta Helman and Winnie Olson.
Georgina’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very happy she was able to meet the newest great-granddaughter. Some grandchildren played hockey, some rode horses, Grandma was there to cheer them on. Each of us has a quilt made with Grandma’s loving hands as well as many mittens, socks and sweaters.
A special memory for us is going to Grandma’s on bread baking day and making your own pan of buns to take home to Mom and Dad. Rhubarb strawberry pie was another favourite.
She also loved to garden and we will miss her apple butter. She took great joy in beating all of us, young and old, at bowling and enjoyed her bowling league and many friends she met there. May her friends remember the fun times at the bowling alley and put an extra quarter in the pot in Georgina’s memory. Crib was another favourite game, which she usually beat us all at, “I think she cheats” was a favourite saying. Thank you to her friends that had time for a game of crib.
We will always treasure our own personal memories. May you treasure yours, whether is was at the Bowling Alley, WI or playing crib.
Special thanks to the Cancer Care Unit, Hospice, Home Support workers, nurses and doctors involved in Mom’s care. You are all very special people.
Cremation entrusted to R.A. Schrader. No service by request.
Wolfenden, Stanley Alfred Wednesday, 13 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
Our world has been forever changed. It is with much sadness that we have to say goodbye to our husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, brother, uncle and friend.
Stanley Alfred Wolfenden passed away at home in New Hazelton, B.C. after a courageous fight against cancer on Aug. 13, 2008 at the age of 74. Stan was pre-deceased by his sister June, his mother Eva, and his father Stanley.
Stan is survived by his wife Hilda of 52 years, daughter Carol (Randy), Spruce Grove, AB, son Mark (Cindy), New Hazelton, B.C., son Arthur (Bonnie), Prince George, B.C., his grandchildren, Nathan, Meagan, Nicki, Matthew, Olivia, Barry, Jennifer, Stephan, Adam and Katherine, great-grandsons Lucas and Alexander.
He is also survived by his brother Ray, Lumby, B.C., sisters Jean, Fruitvale, B.C., Pearl, Vernon, B.C., Philis, Vernon, B.C., their families, and many other relatives and friends.
“We can’t believe you’re gone.”
We would like to thank all the people in the community for all of your support you have shown us during Stan’s illness. Special thanks to Dr. Hougesen and staff, Wrinch Memorial Hospital staff, Wrinch Memorial Pharmacy, Palliative Care Nurses Pauline Juhasz and Lynn Shervill, Upper Skeena Hospice, Red Cross Society and the Wrinch Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
A memorial service for Stan was held on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Gospel Chapel in New Hazelton with Rev. Sunni Shular Officiating. Cremation was requested.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes to the Upper Skeena Hospice are requested and can be made to Bag 999, Hazelton, B.C., V0J 1Y0.
Arrangements were entrusted to the R.A. Schrader Funeral Home, Smithers, B.C. 250-847-2441.
Britton, Jim Monday, 11 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
October 15, 1950 - August 11, 2008
Jim is survived by his wife Barbara, his sons Jimmy (Lola) of Hermosillo, Mexico, and Bradley (Lindsay) of Saskatoon, Sask., his grandchildren Nicole, Michael, Zach and Owen; his mother Anne Britton of Chilliwack, his brother Tom of Smithers, and his sister Sharon (Newton) of Chilliwack, also nieces and nephews.
Jim was pre-deceased by his father, Tom Sr.
Rest in peace.
Beattie, Walter K. Wednesday, 06 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
March 11, 1915 to Aug. 6, 2008
Walter passed away peacefully at the Bulkley Valley Hospital with family by his side. Left to mourn his passing is his longtime friend Betty and her families. Also a daughter, nieces, and nephews, all of Ontario.
Cremation entrusted to R.A. Schrader. No service by request.
Sholinder, Gerald Allen (Forsythe) Saturday, 02 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
Born - Dec. 18, 1955
Passed on - Aug. 2, 2008
Anderson, Edward Friday, 01 Aug 2008
Smithers, BC
Anderson, Edward passed away Aug. 1, 2008 at his home in the Bulkley Lodge at the age of 84 years. Edward was born in Alberta on Sept. 8, 1923 to Elof and Ida Anderson. He leaves to mourn his passing, nieces Darlene and Sharon, and his family in the Lodge.
A funeral service was held on Aug. 11, 2008 at the Smithers Cemetery with Rev. Daphne Moser officiating. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to R.A. Schrader Funeral Home.
Sarac, Zvonmir Zvonko (Von) Sunday, 27 Jul 2008
Smithers, BC
Born February 28, 1944, in Osijek, Croatia, passed away in Smithers July 27, 2008.
Predeceased by his wife Bea and father Josip. Survived by his mother Marija and brothers Damir and Zdenko.
Von arrived in Ottawa from Yugoslavia with his family in 1957. Von took to life in Ottawa with characteristic enthusiasm. He involved himself in sports, in art, and helped in the family shoemaking business. Candy apple red GTOs and very fast motorcycles resulted in Von’s love of speed and foreshadowed Von’s interest in the law. Von was a contradictory and complex person. Both practical and impractical to a fault, Von felt anything was possible.
The Bulkley Valley is richer for Von’s unbounded optimism. He arrived in Smithers in 1974 as a social worker. The next 30 years saw him work for the Moricetown Board and as a legal information counsellor for the Wedzen Kwe community law office. He became the executive director of the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre and later was executive director of the Community Law Centre in Smithers. Von and his wife Bea had a special relationship with the First Nations People in the Bulkley Valley. In 1995, Von and Bea started a consulting business focusing on program development, administration, clinical service delivery, and fundraising. Von’s organizing abilities were instrumental in building the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre in Smithers, assisted living Seniors Housing in Houston, and 24 housing units for families in Smithers. Von counselled countless individuals in need of legal aid over the years. As a one-time newspaper reporter and photographer for The Interior News in the late 1970s, Von knew where to find a story.
Von gave to the community in many ways. He was a tireless organizer of chess tournaments throughout the Northwest and had the audacity to believe that everyone should learn to play chess. Soccer was another passion. Von played, coached, and refereed for over 30 years. The world would have been perfect if Croatia won the World Cup. Von took up tennis later in life and the game quickly brought out his competitive nature. The Telkwa Barbecue Tennis Tournament was one of his special projects. Recently Von worked with youth in the Junior Rangers Program.
Von’s family and friends would like to thank the Palliative Care Nurses, staff at the Bulkley Valley Hospital, and Dr. Biz Bastion for their professional and compassionate care.
Von will be greatly missed by his family and by his many friends.
