British Columbia, Canada Obituaries and Death Notices Collection
CanadianObits.com - BRITISH COLUMBIA - Various - Miscellaneous Obituaries - 399
Posted By: CanadianObits.com Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2024, at 9:36 p.m.
MCKENZIE, Margot Lynn
October 1, 1946 - July 26, 2009
MCKENZIE, Margot Lynn, after a brave battle against lung cancer.
Margot was born in Abbotsford, B.C., to Colin and Dorothy McKenzie.
The family moved in 1957, to Castlegar, B.C., and Margot graduated from Stanley Humphries Secondary School in 1965.
She attended Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, before returning to Castlegar, and working at Selkirk College Library in 1970.
In 1973, she began a banking career with CIB.C., Main Branch, Vancouver, B.C., starting downstairs, in the "cage", sorting culled bills and working her way up as a teller, and finally, a securities officer.
She continually took courses, while working in the bank, and received the Fellowship of the Institute of Canadian Bankers in 1980.
Margot enjoyed traveling in the 80's and 90's, especially on cruises, and went to Mexico, Hawaii, New York, the British Isles, and the Mediterranean.
After her retirement in 2001, Margot pursued her passion for Art History, and was attending UBC towards a History of Art Degree.
She was 3 credits short of completing the degree when she became ill.
Margot is predeceased by her parents and survived by brothers, Bill (Diane) and John (Sandy); her sister, Heather (Glenn); nieces, Tricia, Lea, Allison. Joscelyn, Emma and Anne and nephews, Mark and Neil.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 30th, 11:00 am, at Mt. Pleasant Universal Funeral Home, 306 East 11th Ave, Vancouver, with a reception to follow.
Mount Pleasant Funeral Home Ph. 604-876-2161
Ivan Keith Heroux
August 23, 1958 - July 16, 2009
To those who knew him, Ivan was "The Gentle Giant."
Born in Nelson, Ivan was a long-time resident of the Kootenay Region, who smiled and joked with everyone he saw.
He was a friendly, but somewhat shy man, and was a well-liked member of the local community. He was noble, honourable and kind, gracious and polite, caring, respectful and thoughtful. His imposing frame - he stood over 6'5" tall and weighed over 300 pounds - was matched only by the size of his heart and his compassion and concern for others. He literally gave the coat off his back, and his last dollar, to various people, throughout the years ("he/she needed it more than I do" he would say).
Tragically, this wonderful human being, a loving son, brother and father, was challenged with schizophrenia, but he endured his illness courageously and with dignity, throughout his entire adulthood. He was a loyal, supportive and helpful companion to his mother, Myrna, and an affectionate and devoted brother to his three siblings, Nyonna, Kayda and Michael. Ivan loved his daughters, Erin and Mara dearly, and would have been delighted to welcome his newborn granddaughter, Kaija.
Ivan was predeceased by his father, George Heroux, on August 16, 1993. He is survived by his daughters, Erin Elliott (Keijo Rannankari) of Victoria; and their daughter, Kaija, and Mara Bilesky of Castlegar; his mother, Myrna Heroux of Castlegar; his sister, Nyonna Deptuck (Eugene) of Castlegar; sister, Kayda Ireland (Robert Worthington) of Vancouver; brother, Michael T. Heroux (Terrie-Lynn LaMarsh) of Winfield; his nieces, Kristen Shoichet (Sam) and their son, Jarrett of Vancouver; Farren Deptuck of Burnaby; Kelsey Skulnec (Gordon) of Cranbrook; and Cheyenne Heroux of Winfield; and his nephew, Drew Deptuck (Jen Feldmann) and their son, Leif of Penticton; and many uncles, aunts and cousins on both sides of his family.
Ivan will be sadly missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him well.
The family would like to thank the many people who, over the years, improved and enhanced Ivan's quality of life. Thank you to all his friends; he was fond of each and every one of you. Special thanks to Bob Ashbury - you were the kind of friend everyone should have. Ivan had special affection for many lifetime friends - and you know who you are.
Thank you Ruth, Christy, Candice, Janice and staff at Mental Health for your kindness and ongoing assistance. Thank you Dr. Jon VanVliet for being there on the many, many occasions Ivan has needed you over the years.
Thank you to the Staff of the Daly Pavilion and Dr. Vasi, for always treating Ivan with dignity and respect, and for making the Daly, a safe retreat for Ivan on those occasions when the disease overwhelmed him. Always know, that, what you are doing, is of inestimable value to the patients you treat and for their families and friends.
Thank you to the staff of the McKim Cottage; your care and attention to Ivan's needs was greatly appreciated; Ivan considered McKim Cottage to be his "vacation home."
Not to be forgotten, is McBride Manor in Trail - Ivan was able to live there happily with his roommates, who came to be counted amongst his friends.
And, finally, thank you to the many ambulance attendants, police officers, and first response personnel who have "rescued" Ivan over the years. Wednesday night, July 16, 2009, included, your demeanour and expertise and the dignity you extended towards Ivan, will always be remembered and appreciated.
Dear Ivan, you always made us laugh. You were generous, kind-hearted and good. You were brave in the face of unrelenting adversity. You endured such suffering with grace, tolerance and quiet acceptance. A lesser man might have raged against this darkness, but not you, dear Ivan. Through it all, you never complained. You maintained your sense of humour, your charm and your soft spoken countenance. Yes, you really were "The Gentle Giant". And how we loved you. Rest in Peace, our beloved Ivan, until the resurrection.
In lieu of flowers, donations of remembrance, in Ivan's name, may be made to the B.C. Schizophrenia Society (BCSS), by visiting www.bcss.org or by contacting: BCSS, #201 - 6011 Westminster Highway (at #2 Road), Richmond, B.C. V7C 4V4, Email: bcss.prov@telus.net, Phone: 604.270.7841 (ext. 21 - ask for Greg).
Thank you for supporting your local schizophrenia society and for including persons with schizophrenia in your life. Ivan would have wanted you to know that persons with schizophrenia have a disease. Mental illness is hidden and as it is not as obvious as physical disease, those who battle schizophrenia often must also struggle against the enormous stigma that accompanies the illness.
Schizophrenia is a treatable disease, but currently, there is no cure. The BCSS is dedicated to supporting families and communities through outreach programs and services for persons with schizophrenia. The Mind Foundation of B.C. is an affiliated organization, which specializes in research, to find a cure for schizophrenia. When making your donation, please specify if you wish your donation to go to programs and services or to research. Thank you.
A memorial service for Ivan will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Memorial Funeral Services and Crematorium (Castlegar Funeral Chapel), 411-9th Avenue, Castlegar. You are welcome to join us for an open house in Ivan's honour after the service at 2433-11th Avenue, Castlegar, B.C. 250-365-3873.
PAULINE CONKIN
August 23, 1930 - July 3, 2009
Pauline Conkin of Castlegar B.C., passed away on Friday, July 3, 2009, at Talarico Place, at the age of 78 years.
Pauline is survived by her three children, eldest son, Michael of Calgary; daughter, Shirley Giles of Castlegar; and son, Donald (Terry) of Calgary; as well as seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild.
She will be sadly missed by her two brothers, William (Polly) of Thrums, Steve (Nina) of Salmo; sister, Sharon (Gaton) of Fernie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, George, on September 16, 1992[; father, Pete, on June 17, 1981; and mother, Helen, on August 3, 2001.
Pauline was born on August 23, 1930, to parents, Pete and Helen Tarasoff in Thrums.
She is the eldest of four children.
Her childhood, bringing up and schooling was in the thrums area.
She met and married George Conkin, of South Slocan, in 1949.
After their marriage, they lived in many places throughout the Kootenays and Alberta.
In 1960, they returned back to the Kootenays, building their final home and hobby farm in Thrums, raising chickens, cows, fruits and vegetables.
They were both a very active and hard-working couple.
George's work in the trades, took him away from home a lot of time, which left Pauline with many chores and hard work.
She never complained, was always happy and content with what she was doing.
This was her way of life.
Then, in September of 1992, George suddenly passed away of a heart attack, leaving Pauline with all the burdens and hurdles of life to cope with.
She never gave up and just kept on going.
Pauline was always a giver, sharing whatever she had, with family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers, who happened to drop in.
She was a people person who loved company and entertaining, was very outgoing, and had many friends.
Pauline always participated and volunteered in all community projects and affairs as long as she was able to.
She was a very devoted mother and grandmother who loved her family, and was always concerned and willing to help those in need, before herself.
Then, in the past few years, she developed some health and medical problems, which really set her back in her ability to continue with her active life, but she never let her spirits down, but just learned to live and cope in the best way that she could, with the help of her family and friends.
She will be missed by all her family and friends.
May she rest in Peace in God's Heavenly Kingdom.
Donald W. Burrell, Jr.
July 21, 1951 - July 3, 2009
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Don Burrell at home, at the age of 57.
Predeceased by his mother, Jacqueline, he is survived by his wife, Darlene, his children, Nathan and Lorian, his father, Don, Sr., and siblings, Michael (Susan) Rochon, Dianne (Fred) Rivait and Jessie (Lori) Burrell.
After growing up in his hometown of Windsor, Ontario, Don left to travel the world.
He moved to western Canada, worked at Sunshine Village Ski Resort in Banff, where he started his millwright apprenticeship.
He was in Edmonton, attending NAIT, when he met and fell in love with Darlene.
After the birth of his son, Don moved his family to the West Kootenays, where he eventually built his dream home.
Approximately 100 people attended a celebration of his life, held at his home on July 10, 2009, officiated by family friend, Chaplain Mary Anna Louise Kovar of Calgary.
We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders, the ambulance crew, Coroner, RCMP and Personal Alternatives Funeral Home.
A special thank you to the family and friends who have helped us since the loss of Don.
We are touched by all the love and support shown us throughout the last few weeks.
Lionel Gordon Heuscher
April 17, 1945 - Jun 19, 2009
Lionel was born April 17, 1945 in Cranbrook, B.C.
At age of 8, the family moved to Sheep Creek.
Lionel attended schools in Salmo.
He married Carol and settled in Salmo, where they raised their two children, Loralie & Wade.
Most of his life was spent working in the construction field thru out the Kootenays, Mica Creek, & Peace River.
In 1979, the family moved to Morocco, after a time, moved back to Revelstoke.
In 1985, another move to Jordan, working for Continental Drilling.
His return to Canada, brought with him, his wife, Chandy, making his home base in Salmo.
He continued his construction years, working in the area, and on the coast, and finally, full circle to Revelstoke.
Lionel was an avid hunter and loved fishing at any opportunity he was gone.
He belonged to the Rod & Gun Club and helped Jack and other members feed the sheep on the Salmo Creston Cutoff.
Lionel contributed to the community as a first aid attendant.
He was also involved and extremely dedicated to the senior's organization in Salmo, where he volunteered many years of his time.
Always busy shoveling snow for his neighbors.
Lionel was predeceased by his mother, Eva May Heuscher in 1995; father, Frances Eimer in 1991; stepfather, Paul Heuscher in 2003; his sister Bernice Jensen in 1979.
Lionel will be remembered by his wife, Chandie; daughter, Nadie and grandson, Kamish; daughter, Loralie Volaric (Rob); sons, Darren and Cayden of Fox Creek, Alberta; son, Wade (Jan) of Calgary; sisters, Irene Evanoff (Fred) Castlegar, Florence Gaal Vernon, Paula Wasick, Creston, Roberta Fenton, Invemere; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lionel was well-known in the construction industry and leaves behind many friends and acquaintances that worked with him.
Special thanks to Dr Malpass, Dr. Edmond's nurses and staff at Kootenay Lake Hospital; also, Dr. Cameron, Dr. Jacobson, nurses and staff at Trail Regional Hospital.
And the nurses and staff on the 2nd and 3 floor.
A celebration of Lionel's life will be held July 18, 2PM, at Salmo Legion.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Canadian Cancer Society.
Lionel has gone fishing.
Valley Funeral Home
Polly Rilkoff
November 13, 1923 - June 30, 2009
Polly Rilkoff passed away peacefully at her home in Grand Forks with her loving family at her side on June 30, 2009, at the age of 85 years.
Polly will be sadly missed by her daughters: Mary (Al), Sally (Fred), Laura, and Elsie (Bill).
Polly will be lovingly remembered by her ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren whom she was proud of.
Polly has one sister, two brothers, many other loving family members and numerous nieces and nephews, which she loved and cherished.
Polly is predeceased by her loving husband, Peter Rilkoff, her parents, her grandson, two brothers, her sister-in-law and her brother-in-law.
Polly was born to parents, John and Annie Kanigan on November 13, 1923 in Verigin, Saskatchewan.
After living there for 16 years, the family moved to Winlaw, B.C., where she met and married Peter Rilkoff in 1942.
Polly began work as a nanny and then as a housekeeper for Gerry and Carol Konkin in 1967, and then as a chambermaid at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Nelson, B.C., after her husband died.
During this time, she began work for the School District as a Custodian, which took her throughout the region.
At times, her day included both these jobs.
Eventually, she was lucky to find a job close to home as a Custodian, across the road at the Winlaw Elementary School, and continued to enjoy her job for 10 years, until her retirement in 1988. At the school, she was jokingly known as the "Grand Mistress".
Cremation arrangements were in the care of Castlegar Funeral Chapel.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Peace be with you Mom; you are home.
God Bless Her and May She Rest in Peace.
Donations, in Polly Rilkoff's honour, can be made directly to the Iskra or the Red Cross.
Lorne Edward Deschene (DISH)
April 5, 1934 - June 27, 2009
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Lorne at his residence in Krestova, B.C., after a courageous battle with cancer.
Lorne was born in Lestock, Sask.; moved to Trail, at the age of 2 years, where he grew up & received his education.
He worked at various jobs until the Canadian Armed Forces in 1954, retiring in 1974 as Sgt. LE Deschene CD.
Lorne then worked at Cominco, Carefree Trailers, and then, Celgar Pulp Co., until his retirement in 1994.
Lorne loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, ski-dooing, hunting, ATVing, playing and writing music and artwork.
But mostly, puttering in his shop, special visits with his two daughters, & last of all, BSing with his many friends.
Predeceased by his son, Lorne, Jr.; his mother, Hazel Todd; stepfather, Eric Todd; his father, Ray Deschene; his sister, Jeannie Cloutier; his step-son, Ralph Humphrey; son-in-law, Warren Pollard; brother-in-law, Jules Guren.
He will always be loved and remembered by his wife of 28 years, Joan Deschene; daughters, Edna Marie, Carol (Gerald), Annette (Scott); stepdaughters, Colleen (Tony), Crystal; stepsons, Shane and Arthur; also by 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bob Todd (Robin), Don Todd, Harold Todd (Jeanie), Danny Deschene (Helyn), Ray Deschene (Joyce), Philip Deschene (Karin); Larry Deschene (Donna); sister, Sharon Guren, and many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life to take place at the Castlegar Legion, 1 pm, July 11th, 2009.
