EPP, Bernard P. - Friday, 31 Mar 2006
Bernard passed away peacefully on March 31, 2006. He was born, June 29, 1911 in Steinfeld, Ukraine.
The family moved to Canada in 1929. In 1940, he married Susie Dueck. Together they served as missionaries in Paraguay, S. America. They returned to Canada in 1950 and bought a farm in Vauxhall, Alberta. In 1959 the family moved to Chilliwack, B.C. Throughout his life, Bernard taught the Bible and served at his church. After the death of his wife in 1999, he moved to Abbotsford, B.C.
Bernard will be dearly missed by his brothers and sisters: Annie, sister-in-law, Ankie, John (Annie), Henry (Margret), Dave (Margret), Marie (Rudy), his children: Harold (Mary Anne), Erwin, Elmer (Susan), Dorothy (Paul), Victor (Nellie), Lillian (Len), Rosalind (Francois), Judy and his 13 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Bernard inspired us and loved us unconditionally. We are thankful to have been part of his life.
Special thanks to the staff at Ebenezer Home for their generosity and kindness. Donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to the MCC or MB missions.
CREELMAN, Richard “Blondie” - Saturday, 01 Apr 2006
Richard “Blondie” Creelman passed away peacefully at Mission Memorial Hospital on Saturday, April 1, 2006, three days before his 85th birthday.
Dick was predeceased by his first wife Vera and second wife Terry.
He will be lovingly remembered by Marlin, his devoted partner of 18 years; children Susie (Keith), Rick (Anne) and June; step-children Judy (Lee) and Karen. Dick was a wonderful Grandpa who was loved dearly and will be sadly missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was a member of the Elite Force of the 1st Canadian Paratroop Battalion, and a veteran of all three campaigns during WW II.
A Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 12:00 noon at the Royal Canadian Legion, Br. #57, 32727 Logan Avenue, Mission.
APPS, Fred - Thursday, 09 Mar 2006
Fred Apps passed away in the 100 Mile House Hospital on March 9, 2006 at the age of 85 years. He was born in Preeceville, Saskatchewan on December 5, 1920.
Fred had been a logger who worked for the Forest Service as a Log Scaler. He was a member of the Chilliwack Curling Club and enjoyed making wooded toys and furniture.
Fred is survived by his wife Menita of 591/2 years and their children; two sons, Sidney (Mona) and Ron; two daughters, June Findley) and Alice (Larry) Reiter, nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived his sister Pearl (Dave) MacAulay and brother-in-law Dave. He was predeceased by his brothers; Elmer, John, Howard and sister Elsie Clements and grand daughter Meagan.
Services will be held Monday, April 10, 2006 at 1:00 pm at Henderson’s Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
He will be greatly missed by all.
JOHNSON, Agnes - Thursday, 02 Mar 2006
Agnes Johnson passed away peacefully in her Vernon home on March 2, 2006 at the age of 88 years. She was born January 31, 1918 in Mariawohl, Russia to Henry and Anna Funk. At the age of 8, her family made the journey to Canada. Agnes grew up on the family homestead in Lymburn, Alberta and it always held a special place in her heart. One of the highlights of her golden years was the family reunion held there in 1996.
Agnes met her future husband, Albert Johnson, while working in the Dawson Creek hardware store during the construction of the Alaska Highway. They were married in 1942 and moved to Ocean Falls where their daughter, Dianne, was born in 1945. The family later moved to Surrey where Agnes worked for many years at Yoshizawa Greenhouses where she became an honorary member of the Yoshizawa family. Shortly after Albert passed away in 1993, Agnes moved to Chilliwack and then to Vernon in 2001.
Agnes was hard working and dedicated to her family. Her creativity, love of life and nature extended to everything she did. This was evident in her passion for gardening which she cherished for its adventure as well as it beauty. She would harvest the tiniest seed from a tree, plant it and nurture it for years until it was ready to “go out on its own”. That nurturing spirit extended to her personal relationships and she became a surrogate mom and grandma to many. Mom loved to knit and every newborn received a lovingly created garment or shawl. She was also an avid hockey fan, ever loyal to the Vancouver Canucks.
Mom had so much to teach us. One of her greatest joys was seeing someone she loved appreciate and benefit from her wisdom. Mom had a lasting impact on every life she touched. We will miss her deeply and her spirit will remain in our hearts forever.
Agnes is survived by her daughter Dianne Johnson of Vernon, her brothers George (Margie) Funk of Tofield, Alberta and Peter (Frieda)Funk of Jordan Station, Ontario and numerous nieces and nephews. Agnes is also mourned by her “adopted” son Allan (Adrienne) Emmons, grandchildren Gordon (Dana) Emmons, Tammy (Brian) Boersma and great-grandchildren Jeffrey, Maegan and Halayna, all of Chilliwack. She was predeceased by her husband Albert, her parents and five siblings.
The family would like to thank friends and caregivers for their continued support over the last few years with special thanks to Marilyn Talbot, Anna Drodge and Cher Stevens.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
WRIGHT, Elsie Hilda - Wednesday, 29 Mar 2006
Elsie Hilda Wright (nee Peters) passed away March 29, 2006 at the Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 90 years. She was born April 21, 1915 at Shoal Lake, Manitoba. Elsie was the third child in a family of 11 children.
Elsie lived most of her life in Manitoba. First, as a farmer’s wife at Ogilvie, Manitoba. Later after retiring from the farm she worked in the laundry at the Gladstone Hospital. In 1980, she and her husband Bill, moved to Pitt Meadows, B.C. She enjoyed a few years working as a Home Support Worker. After her retirement they moved to Chilliwack where she made her home until the present time.
Elsie was a long time member of the Rebakah Lodge. She was a member of the Ruth Rebekah Lodge #4. She took great pride in her lodge and her different positions within the lodge.
Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Bill; her parents George and Kathleen Peters; son-in-law Lorne Meloney and many of her sisters and brothers.
She is survived by her daughter Phyllis Meloney of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Seven Grandchildren: Ann Griffiths of Chilliwack; Doug (Glenda) Meloney, Medicine Hat; Patty (Morley) Donnelly, Seven Persons; Kathleen (Greg) Maddams, Kamloops; Sandra Warkentin, Medicine Hat; Gerald (Stephanie) Meloney, Medicine Hat; Gordon (Sarah) Meloney, Chilliwack. She is also survived by 15 Great Grandchildren; Trevor (Trina) and Alana Griffiths; Tara and Ryan Meloney; Derrick, Sean and Nicole Donnelly; Anthony and Jordan Maddams; Samantha and Kelly Warkentin; Jessica and Jonathan Meloney ; Katie and Nicholas Meloney.
At Elsie’s request no service will be held. Also at Elsie’s request she wanted to have this poem included in her obituary.
After I’m Gone
The wind will follow the prairie trails,
Searching for me I know.
But I’ll be here in my quiet grave,
Out of the wind and snow.
It will cross the hill where the briers are,
Where the sky and the prairies meet.
Around the houses…across the flats,
Running across the wheat.
For the soul of a man is a lonely thing,
Searching the whole world o’er,
For something he feels beyond his reach,
Or the glimpse of a far off shore.
But I shall not hear as the wind…goes by,
For my body old and frail…
Will be asleep in the quiet earth,
At the end of a lonely trail. Personal Alternative Funeral Services 604-793-2222
BROWN, Roderick (Rod) - Friday, 20 Oct 2006
Born Jan 2, 1928 in Calgary Alberta, passed away peacefully Oct.. 20, 2006 at Chilliwack General Hopsital. Survived by Elna (wife of 50 years). Sons Russell (Susan) and Jake. Daughter Nancy. Granddaughters Sarah and Jodi. Rod was a steam engineer in Ocean Falls and Fraser Mills. On retiring he wrote short stories and four plays for the Vancouver Fringe Festival. A memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 04, 2006 at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St. Coquitlam, B.C. at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
BERRY, John Leslie - Wednesday, 25 Oct 2006
Passed away peacefully on October 25th, 2006 at Penticton Regional Hospital with his family by his side. John was born in Vernon on June 26, 1938. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Sallie; his children Brenda, Corrine Steensland, Michael (Karen), Sharlynn (Francis) Seabrook, and Theresa (Rob) Lutz, all of Chilliwack; Suzanne Dodd of Vancouver; Joanne (Trevor) Bredin of Kelowna, and 16 wonderful grandchildren. Also surviving, is John’s mother, Edna, of Penticton; his sisters, Yvonne(Al) Olsen of Peachland, Lorraine Jaud of Edmonton; along with numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by brother Ted; father, Jack; stepfather, Mervin Best; brother-in-law Hartly Brown and son-in-law, Dennis Thompson. John took his apprenticeship as a printer with the Vernon News prior to moving to Chilliwack in 1961 where he worked for The Chilliwack Progress for 15 years, before moving to Penticton in 1976 where he worked for the Penticton Herald for about 20 years. John then found his passion working at McNaughton’s Rehabilitation as a job coach and life skills worker. John was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, an honourary member of the Penticton Lions Club, Board President of the Penticton Senior Citizens and Veteran’s Housing Society (Abbott Towers), President of Columbus Park Child Care, and past president of Christopher Housing Society (Columbus Park Family Housing).
A funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 3, 11:00 am, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church (1296 Main Street, Penticton). Prayers will be held on Thursday, November 2, 7:00 pm also at St. Anne’s. In lieu of flowers, donations made to St. Vincent De Paul Society or Discovery House would be greatly appreciated.
WEEKS, Lois Marie - Friday, 20 Oct 2006
Lois Marie Weeks passed away - Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 at Heritage Village at the age of 88 years. Lois was born in Toronto, ON on Dec. 2, 1917. Lois was predeceased by her husband Clifford on Dec. 31, 1991.
She will be sadly missed by her sons, Curtis (Elaine) and Clayton; sister, Alice Skroder of Lancaster, ON; nine grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and one niece.
Lois was pre-cedeased by sisters Molly, Natalie; brother Irwin and daughter-in-law Dawna.
A very special thank you to the staff of Heritage Village and Eden Care Home for your compassionate care over the last few years.
A family graveside service was held - Thursday, Oct. 26, 2006 at Vedder View Garden Cemetery. The Rev. Art Henderson officiated.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society in Lois’ memory.
VAN LAAR, Garrit “Gerry” - Tuesday, 24 Oct 2006
Gerrit “Gerry” Van Laar passed away in hospital at Chilliwack, B.C. on October 24, 2006 aged 78 years.
Survived by his loving wife Henriette; sons Maurice (April) Van Laar of Victoria, Marcel (Connie) Van Laar of Chilliwack. grandsons Michael and Ryan, and granddaughter Brenda, three children, eigh grandchildren, brothers and sisters all in Holland
Predeceased by a son, Michel, in 2003.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday October 28, 2006 at 2:00 PM at the Rosedale United Church, Rev. Betty Evans officiating. Cremation.
If friends so desire donations may be give to the Charity of the donor’s choice.
TOLMIE, Shirley Diane (nee Gibbard) - Tuesday, 10 Oct 2006
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Diane Tolmie (nee Gibbard) at the age of 64, on Oct. 10, 2006 in Grande Prairie, AB.
Married for 49 years to Sam Tolmie, she lived for her husband and family. Shirley was a peaceful, quiet and loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved to bake and cook for anyone who visited her home.
She called the Fraser Valley her home and moved to Grande Prairie in August 2001. There she fought and survived two courageous battles of cancer in the last three years of her life. She fought to the very end and has now gone onto a better place to meet her children and maker.
Shirley will be sadly missed. Until we meet again...
She is survived by husband: Clarence (Sam) Hubert Tolmie; sons, Lonny (Chantal), John (Joanne), Gary (Denise); daughters: Darlene and Cheryl; grandchildren: Alisha, Diane, Todd, Nathan, Kayla, Travis, Bailey, Schuyler, Abigayle, Justin and Cody; great-grandchildren: Kaera, Mattias, Dawson and Quinton; sister, Rita; and numerous sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by children Daniel Tolmie and Peggy Tolmie; parents Dave and Tillie Gibbard; brothers: Julius, Albert and Robert Gibbard.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to Cross Cancer Institute, c/o of Alberta Cancer Foundation, 11560 University Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2.
STINSON, Robert - Monday, 23 Oct 2006
Aug 18th 1923 - Oct 23 2006
On Monday Oct 23rd Robert Stinson passed away at Cascade Lodge in Chilliwack. Robert was born in Vancouver, B.C. He was raised along with his older brother, Bill, in Vancouver. He attended UBC for two years in Chemistry at the same time as working at Rogers Sugar Refinery in the research dept.
Robert joined the Air Force in 1943 as a flying officer and flew to England in a Lancaster as a captain just as world war two ended.
On returning from the air force he joined his brother Bill in running a retail store in Kerrisdale in Vancouver, B.C.
He met and married his wife Eloise on Jan 21, 1950. Robert was a loving husband and wonderful father to his four children.
Robert and his brother Bill owned a 5 cents to $1.00 store in Kerrisdale until 1956 when he moved his family to Chilliwack and opened up the Chilliwack 5 cents to $1.00 store. He worked there until he closed the store in 1974.
He made many friends in Chilliwack and was a well-respected businessman.
He was very involved with Scouts and was very well known for his wine making abilities and also taught wine making for a few years at Fraser Valley College.
He loved his family and was a dedicated father. His family appreciated the endless hours he would spend helping them with all their school work and 4-H. He particularly loved family gatherings. Swimming was one of his favourite activities that he enjoyed very much as well as travelling. In 1998 Robert took a trip with his daughter to Ireland to reacquaint himself with all his Irish relatives. He went back to his father’s home and found the little sod house his father was born in.
He was predeceased by his wife Eloise in 1986 and his son Gordon in 1991. He is survived by his loving partner and companion, Shirley, her two daughters and his daughter, Barbara & (Mike) Meeker, his daughter Kathleen, & (Mel) his son, John (Valerie) and his grandchildren Mark, Julie, Ryan, Melanie, Trevor Katrina, Tasha and Kerrie and six great-grandchildren.
Shirley would like to send a special thanks to Ken from Homecare and all the homecare workers that helped to care for Rob in his time of need. Special thanks to all the staff at Cascade Lodge for all the care they gave to Rob. Thanks to Glenwood Care Home, and to all his many friends for their kindness and help.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Memorial service to be held at Woodlawn Funeral Services at 45865 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack on Nov 4th at 2:00 pm. Tea following at Woodlawn Funeral Services.