DAVIDSON, Lillian (Johnny) Friday, 12 Oct 2007
Burns Lake, BC
Lillian Davidson passed away at the age of 63, at the Burns Lake Hospital. Cremation memorial services were held in Lowerpost, B.C., on October 19, 2007 at 3:00 pm.
Lillian was a well respected and loved member of the various northern communities where she lived, and was an active elder of the Kaska and Tahltan First Nations. Left to grieve her passing are seven children and their spouses, 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as many other family members and friends who loved her, and we all will miss her greatly.
The family would like to extend a big "Thank You" to the nurses, doctors, and staff of the Burns Lake Hospital for the fantastic care and compassion that they showed during this most difficult time. A big "Thank You" also goes out to the Lakes District Hospice Society for the beautiful and comfortable facilities that they provide to families in need. Thank you as well to the Lake Babine Nation and Woyenne Daycare for their generous donations and concern that was shown to us all during this time. "Dearest Mom; from you we learned to laugh, to love, to cry, and to let things go. It's hard for us now because you taught us strength and so much more. But there was one lesson that there was no time to teach us... to help us say good-bye, for to you, there was never a good-bye, but only a "See you later"."
PEDERSON, Ann Brown Tuesday, 02 Oct 2007
Burns Lake, BC
Ann was born January 5, 1927 in Red Deer, Alberta. She passed away in Kelowna, B.C. on October 2, 2007, at the age of 80 years.
Funeral services were held on Friday, October 5, 2007, in Kelowna, B.C.
HUSBAND, Neil Everett Thursday, 20 Sep 2007
Burns Lake, BC
After a brief illness, Neil passed away at the Kelowna General Hospital Neil was born and raised in Vancouver and as a young man anything with an engine became his passion. One of the original 21 "Rebels", a motorcycle group, he raced in Alberta, B.C., and Washington. Neil then moved on to drive the # 1 car at Digney Speedway. Along with his brother Rob and with the help of their father Bert, they built and raced boats. In 1955 Neil and Barbara (Fletcher) were married in White Rock. Neil became a Jr. partner in the arms company N.C.Sherman. He became an expert marksman and the captain of many winning teams. In 1978 Neil and Barbara bought the family ranch on Francois Lake and for 18 years Neil happily worked the land and produced some top cattle. In 2000 Neil and Barbara moved to Kelowna, where he took great pleasure in having his children and grandchildren visit. He often said, "there is no sound as sweet as the laughter of the kids playing in the pool". Neil leaves his partner of 52 years Barbara, his daughters Cindy (Henry) Wiebe, Valorie Radley (Tom deceased in 2006) and his son Neil (Mary), 7 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, his brother Rob, sister-in-law Joan, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Neil's mark is spread across this land from the boys he coached in hockey, lacrosse, the support he gave to the 4H club, the B.C. Children's Hospital, and many other foundations. His willingness to help and his genuine generosity will never be forgotten. The family would like to thank the nurses on the 5th floor, Dr. Penner, Dr. Jones also family doctor Dr. A. Hughes for their comfort & kindness to help us thru this most difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the B.C. Children's hospital in Neil's name.
BROCKLEBANK, Barbara Friday, 14 Sep 2007
Burns Lake, BC
In loving memory of my mother Barbara E. Brocklebank (nee Whitebread). Niece of Edleen Benn, nee Ticknell.
My mother, Barbara Brocklebank, grew up as a little girl in the small town of Paris, Ontario. This was during the depression era; she was an only child of Kathleen and Lesley Whitbread. Her father had enlisted at the age of 15 years and fought in both WWI and WWII. He was a decorated veteran and suffered, after the war, from the effects of mustard gas and post-traumatic stress syndrome. My mother remembered her father, diving down onto the kitchen floor, believing that once again, he was in the trenches.
My mother's family at that time were a part of society known as 'the working poor'. Nonetheless, they were happy, creative and always kind to those who had less. Men were often given a meal at their home - the same men that 'rode the rails' looking for work during the depression.
My mother was very, very beautiful as a young woman. My father was working as a highway surveyor when he met my mother. He was also about to graduate from the University of Toronto as a civil engineer. She was studying nursing at St. Josephs in London, Ontario. Upon graduation, she married Robert A. Brocklebank. My mother and father were married for 21 years. She was a wife and mother as my father climbed the 'corporate ladder'. They travelled and entertained business associates and dignitaries. These people remembered my mother as 'the hostess with the mostest'. To those who knew her well, they were reminded of Lucille Ball in a constant episode of 'I Love Lucy'.She was beautiful, happy, and often just plain silly. Her whole world crashed down around her when my father, at the top of the ladder, left her for a woman - young enough to be her daughter. She was never the same.
I am writing this in memory of my mother, so those who knew who she was might understand and appreciate where she came from. She had a kind heart and the gift of being able to accept all people as individuals. She moved to Burns Lake to be with me and my son, whom she adored. Thank you to all of you in Burns Lake that reached out, befriended, and genuinely cared about my mother. Thank you.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor. 13:13
WRIGHT, Delbert Ralph Tuesday, 04 Sep 2007
Burns Lake, BC
Delbert Ralph Wright was born December 5, 1940, in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. Delbert's parents were Frank and Stella Wright, Delbert had one brother Frank Jr.
During his younger years Delbert was a frail child. He suffered from polio and a heart condition and was not expected to survive his younger years, but he did. He was a survivor as a young child and as an adult, overcoming many obstacles.
Delbert love to play the trumpet and at the young age of 10 he was asked to play taps - Reveille for the Remembrance Day parade. Delbert and his favorite cousin Willa could be found practicing in the small Wright house at Moosomin, Sask. As a young boy Delbert loved to hunt and many times he would bring home dinner. His marksmanship was excellent.
Delbert finished high school at Moosomin but soon after moved to B.C. looking for work. He worked at a planer-mill in Smithers, B.C. and moved on to Burns Lake and found employment laying the first pipeline in Burns Lake. It was here that met Tina Jack and they were married in 1962. They had a daughter Corrina Wright in 1963. Tina had two children from a previous marriage, Rose and Randy, Delbert took them in as his own.
Two years later Delbert and Tina divorced but it was evident in his later years that he never lost his love for her. Delbert's last wish was to be buried with Tina after cremation. When Delbert came back to Burns Lake he added Tina's other two children to his clan (Dennis)-Franklin and Sabrina.
Delbert spent many years in the Vancouver area and worked laying pipe and also acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree and worked in nursing.
In 1999 he moved backed to Burns Lake to reconnect with his family. After the death of Tina he felt he needed to come back and take care of the kids, who were adults but he always referred to them as the kids. He rolled into town on a cold October day on a motorcycle. He stopped at the Lakeland Hotel asking where Corrina lived, by chance Leon was working and Leon brought home a shivering "Grandpa". After a hot cup of tea, a hot bath and a blanket he stopped shivering long enough to tell the story of his trip up north on a motorcycle. He decided to stay and found work with Hibbco Industries and worked with Tom and Charlie Hibbert laying pipes and plumbing. During this time many grandchildren were born, each had their own special relationship with Grandpa Del.
He also suffered many loses including many aunts and uncles including his younger brother Frankie.
You know how Delbert came to know how to spread love to his grandchildren He got that ethic from his Mom - grandma Stella, she never lost contact with the grandchildren in Burns Lake. She made trips each year, sometimes more than than once from Saskatchewan to Burns Lake to ensure the kids knew who they were and to financially care for Tina and the kids. Thank you Mussi Cho´ grandma Stella.
During his time here be became know by the grandkids as "Gramps" and "Ole Man" to name a few. He humble home on First Avenue was a safe haven for his grandchildren and many other neighborhood kids. You could always count on a hot meal, breakfast before school, after school snacks and cash for lunches, this was Gramps way of spoiling his clan of kids.
The relationship he developed with all his grandchildren was special.
These were all his special kids and they know more than anything unconditional love.
LICHTENFELD, Gisela Lotte Monday, 27 Aug 2007
Burns Lake, BC
It is with great sadness that we announce Gisela's passing on August 27, 2007 in Victoria, B.C. after suffering a long battle with the effects of diabetes.
Born Gisela Lotta Hodde on September 29, 1937 in Bochum, Germany.
Gisela came to Canada in 1955 and became a Canadian Citizen in 1977.
She resided in Kemano, Terrace, Francois Lake (Burnslake), Campbell River and Victoria.
Known for her beautiful landscape paintings in Francois Lake, she had many admirers.
She moved to Campbell River in 2003, to spend her last years with family.
Gisela was pre-deceased by her husband Erwin in 1987 and is survived by her son Gerry (Kim) Lichtenfeld, Daughters Melissa (Mike) Pratas and Linda (Randy) Hunt, Granddaughters: Kara, Tanya and Jennifer and Grandsons: Jeremy, Nick and Kyle.
There will not be a funeral or memorial service as per Gisela's wishes, though any donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.ca or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada at www.jdrf.ca in Gisela's name.
Kapelari (nee McKenzie), Ellen Jane Saturday, 19 Jul 2008
Smithers, BC
Ellen Jane Kapelari (nee McKenzie) born Jan. 30, 1924, Warringstown Nr. Ireland — passed away July 19, 2008 at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital.
She will be sadly missed by daughters Barbara (Larry) Glover, Shirley Johnson, Linda Enders, Cathy (Pat) Erickson, Sherry Kapelari (Jim), sons Pat Enders (Norma), Terry (Jodie) Enders, Frank Kapelari (Dawn), Ken (Cindy) Kapelari, Keith Kapelari, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ellen was pre-deceased by daughters Jeanette and Sandra Enders, son Glenn Enders, grandson Roger Enders, and granddaughter Olivia Erickson.
The family would like to thank the wonderful ladies from Hospice and Home Care, Drs. Kotze and Pretorious, and the staff of the Bulkley Valley District Hospital for the support and care given our mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice Society of Smithers.
No service by request.
Masich, David Edward Wednesday, 09 Jan 2008
Cranbrook, BC
Gone to be with his Lord and Saviour. passed away at Joseph Creek Senior Home on January 9, 2008, after fighting his last and best.
An exceptional child of God, husband, father, grandfather, brother, David is survived by his devoted second wife Bonnie; his loving children Michelle (David) Rambaran of Coquitlam and Brian (Heather) of Cranbrook; his beloved grandchildren Brendan, Victoria, Tia and Natasha. Also left to mourn are brother Tom (Anne) of Prince George and sisters Ruth (Fritz) Iverson of Prince George, Helen Hill of Kelowna, Gwen Forsyth of Kelowna, and Marg Cartwright of Kimberley. He will also be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews, in-laws, stepchildren and grandchildren, and countless friends and acquaintances.
David was pre-deceased by his parents John and Annie, his first wife Norma, brothers Bill and Alfred and sisters Dorothy and Irene.
Best known as a true humanitarian, boxer, weight lifter, hunter, and trapper, David spent most of his working years in retail and as a business agent for the United Food and Commercial Workers. He was personally proud of serving as President of the B.C. Red Cross in both Kimberley and at the Provincial level. His private personal best was his blood donor record of 59 pints. He was passionate about making a difference, no matter how small, helping those in need wherever he went.
Other organizations he served as a president were Chamber of Commerce, City Outside Workers Union and Full Gospel Businessmen's Association; he was trainer of the Dynamiter Hockey Team, Manager of the Kimberley Ski Hill; he was a member of B.C. Trappers' Association, Christian Businessmen's Association, Hospital Auxiliary, and Toast-Masters International.
David and his first wife, Norma, owned and operated several jewellery stores both at the coast (managed by their daughter and her husband) and here in Cranbrook. He was a partner (Jewels on Ninth) with his son & daughter-in-law. Easy to know, easier to love, God's true servant, completely accepting and non-judgemental of all he knew and met, he will be sadly missed by all who met him.
No flowers please, but those wishing to honour David's memory are encouraged to send donations to his favourite charity, where he served as a volunteer. He would have been proud of even small donations sent to his memorial fund at: Cranbrook Hospital Foundation at 13-24 Avenue South. Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 3H9 Make a small difference.
Visitation: 6-8pm at McPherson's, Cranbrook on Sunday January 13, 2008. Services to be held at Marysville Community Church, Pastor Bill Gooding officiating, on Monday, January 14 at 1pm. Private burial service will take place at Westlawn Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.
