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Stanley Lorne Vipond
1920-2002
Stanley Lorne Vipond, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia passed away on July 22, 2002 at 82 years of age. A funeral service was held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 26, 2002 at the South Peace United Church, Dawson Creek. Reverend Judy Hare officiated. Interment followed at the Rolla Community Cemetery, Rolla B.C.
Stanley Lorne Vipond was born on June 29, 1920 in Beaverlodge, Alberta, to parents, Duncan and Laura Vipond. Stan had three older brothers, Merle, Ace, and Cliff, and would later have two younger brothers, Elwyn, and Don, and a sister, Verlie.
Stan spent the first three years of his life in Beaverlodge, Alberta, and then moved to Killarney, Manitoba in 1923. In 1938, he came to the Rolla area where he completed his Grade 12 education. He began work clearing land, harvesting crops, and practicing carpentry.
In 1941, he joined the army, he served for over four years in the Second World War as a paratrooper. After being discharged, he returned to Rolla, where he began courting Audrey Mae Tower. On January 15, 1946, Stan and Audrey were marred. Their marriage brought five children; Art, Marvin, Gene, Scott, and Lorna.
Stan and his family spent many years in the Rolla area, (also known as the West Pouce Coupe district) . He worked at farming, on the oil rigs, hauling water, driving grader, and doing carpentry. He and Audrey also hosted barn dances on their farm, attracting patrons from all over, he made many lifelong friends from his time spent in and near Rolla.
In 1968, Stan and family moved to Dawson Creek to a home on 14th Street. Stan then began working for the City of Dawson Creek; his favorite assignment was working on their gardening crew.
In 1973, Stan started his own construction company. With the help of his four boys, he built many houses in and near Dawson Creek. The construction company became a family venture, with Audrey and Lorna, helping with meals and cleanup.
In 1983, Stan and Audrey opened a small convenience store named ‘The Barmaid’.
Stan recalled their years there as some of the happiest he had had. After selling the business, Stan retired. Now the word ‘retired’, for most would mean slowing down, taking it easy and relaxing. For Stan, it meant something else; it meant doing as much and as many things as he could possibly do in one day.
In 1999, Stan and Audrey moved back to their original home on 14th Street, 31 years later.
In August of 2000, Stan lost his wife of 54 years, Audrey. After losing Audrey, Stan began to spend time at Senior’s events and activities. He found companionship in Alice Weipert, and her family. They remained active in social activities and family get-togethers right up until Stan’s death.
Stan was strong-willed at the least, and often stubborn. He was also a very loving, caring man with a great sense of humor. He loved to play cards and games. Stan always looked at the bright side of things and was very thankful for his blessings. He often commented how thankful he was that he felt better after he turned 65 than in his younger years.
Stan loved to spend time in his yard and loved growing his own flowers. He was in touch with nature, and realized the important things in life. He spent much of his time when his children were young, coaching, watching and cheering at sporting events. Stan’s philosophy, ‘Work hard, play hard and be happy’, was well exercised.
He loved his grandchildren, his eyes would sparkle when one would visit. He seemed to remember everything about all the grandchildren – even at a time when his memory for most things had faulted. His grandchildren recall many of the things that made him so special; a visit to grandpa’s always included a card game, and his sense of humor always played a part. Far-fetched stories, and smart remarks kept them laughing every time they saw Grandpa...and will keep them smiling for years to come.
Stan was always looking to the future, and making plans. He had recently planned a trip to Killarney, Manitoba, where he was raised. His trip was long-awaited and anxiously planned. It is unfortunate, that he was not able to make this journey.
His favorite reply when asked how he was doing, was, “Top of the world!” In reviewing Stan’s life of hard work, living, loving, and sharing, it seems fitting that he be “Top of the world.” We hope that today, he is enjoying a life where the spirit of Stanley Lorne Vipond remains strong, and where pansies grow in abundance in his flowerbeds. Stan’s influence on the lives of those he touched will be forever cherished.
Stan was predeceased by his sister, Verlie, his parents, brothers, Ace and Clifford, and his wife, Audrey.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Art (Kathy) Vipond, Marvin Vipond (Heather Haugen), Gene (Chris) Vipond, Scott (Tammy) Vipond, and Lorna Scott; grandchildren, Allen (Tracey) Vipond, Crystal Vipond (Brian Breault), Tracy (Marc) Boulianne, Tanya Vipond (Doug Mazanek), Tamara Vipond (Greg Kilgour), Courtney Vipond, Jessica and Josh Vipond, Marcia and Nicole Scott; great-grandchildren, Katie, Justin, and Krystie Vipond, Kaelynn Moore, Allyssa, Kayla, Shelby, and Austin Boulianne; his beloved companion, Alice Weipert; brothers, Merle (Irene) Vipond, Elwyn (Kathy) Vipond, and Donald (Amy) Vipond.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek – Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Kenneth Benjamin Miller
1923 – 2002
Ken Miller, resident of Rotary Village, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away on July 18, 2002 at 78 years of age. A memorial service was held at 11:00 am on July 23, 2002 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek. Ken’s niece, Margaret Hunder, led the singing of The Old Rugged Cross. Following the service, Ken’s cremated remains were interred in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery Columbarium.
Ken was born in Pouce Coupe, B.C., on September 7, 1923; the first son of Ben and Dorothy Miller of the Lake View District. He attended the West Saskatoon School (Kilkerran) for the first 4 or 5 years of his education. Later on, when the Lake View School was built, he attended school there.
He joined the RCAF in 1943, where he became an air frame mechanic. He was in the air force for 5 years. After he was discharged, he had saved enough money to buy his first quarter of land for $1200.00.
Ken had been on the farm in Lake View for over 50 years. He lived with his parents until they both had passed away, and he continued to live in the same home until moving to Rotary Village in 1988, where he resided until his passing.
He liked listening to radio, especially NHL hockey games, his favorite team was the Toronto Maple Leafs, in later years he enjoyed watching hockey on TV. Ken also enjoyed the Dawson Creek Public Library, putting puzzles together, socializing at Rotary Village, and visiting friends and neighbours who were in the hospital. In the last 10 or 12 years, he was a diabetic, and so he had to watch the sugar content, and amount in the food he ate.
Ken leaves to mourn: his brother, Gordon (Shirley) Miller; niece, Margaret (Leonard) Hunder; of Dawson Creek, BC; nephew, Donald Miller, of Prince George, BC; cousins, Bruce and Esther Book of Loreburn, SK.; David and Valerie Seltenrich of Rimbey, AB; as well as many old friends from school days.
Memorial Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek – Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Laurie Anne Markling (née Kelly)
1956 – 2002
Laurie Anne Markling (née Kelly), passed away in Dawson Creek on June 25, 2002 at 45 years of age. A funeral service was held on June 28, 2002 at 2:00 pm at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, with Pastor Gary Henderson officiating. Following the service, Laurie’s cremated remains were interred in the Brookside Cemetery, Dawson Creek.
Eulogy written and read by Bev Charbonneau:
Laurie was the eldest daughter of Phyllis and Ed, and big sister to Linda, Joy, Mike and Kathy. She was a beautiful little girl. At an early age, Laurie established herself as power to be reckoned with. She not only had a mind of her own - she knew how to use it! She grew into a beautiful lady. A lady with great dignity, strong principles and tremendous strength of character. Laurie did not believe in the words “I can’t.” No matter what happened, she sat back, thought about it, analyzed it, turned it inside out and round side in, and made it work… in her way, under her terms. Laurie did what she needed to do and carried on.
Laurie was a proud woman with a fierce sense of independence. A very private person. She knew who she was. She didn’t feel a need to impress anyone, but she not only impressed us, she left her impression in our lives. A lasting impression.
Laurie was quiet about her accomplishments. Her greatest accomplishments are here with us today; her son, Kris, her daughter, Rae-anne, her grandson, Ashton, and her grand-daughter, Viktoria. Being a mother and then being blessed with grandchildren meant everything to Laurie. Spending time with Ashton and Viktoria was precious to Laurie. Ashton and Viktoria, your grandma is very proud of you. She loves you LOTS.
Watching Kris and Rae-anne these past days, with each other, the teasing…the laughter…holding each other, comforting each other…their strength. Your Mom is such a part of you. Kris, on Tuesday morning, you gave your mom the best tribute a mother could ask for. You told her, ‘Mom, I couldn’t have asked for better, when I was a kid or now.’ I know she heard you. She wrapped those words in her heart forever.
Rae-Anne showed me a beautiful card she had given her mom. Laurie had kept it all these years, it was her treasure. Inside the card it read, ‘Mother, this wreath of flowers is a reminder of you. For mothers and roses are much the same. Both symbolize a love that’s precious and true. Add to this love, a heart filled with understanding, patience and tenderness and it’s a perfect description of you.’ Your mom loved her flowers, didn’t she, Rae-anne? - especially roses. She insisted on helping you plant the flower beds this spring. When we were in Edmonton, she told me with great satisfaction that Rae-anne had gotten the flower beds ready. You understood that your mom needed to plant her flowers, so you and Viktoria helped her. You made sure she did what she needed to do. Your mom knows how much you both love her, Kris and Rae-anne. She respected you, challenged you to become who you were meant to be, and will always love you unconditionally.
Kathy, you said Laurie was like a lioness. Strong, protective, and territorial when it came to her loved ones. She made you feel safe, cared for, and infinitely protected. Kathy, you and Laurie have a special bond. Like Joy said, the two of you have this special thing… a harmony, a sense of each other that will always be there. We remember Laurie always said, ‘MINE’, when it came to her Lil Sis.
Laurie had many other accomplishments. In May of this year, she received her Associate of Arts Degree with a major in history. Laurie had a passion for learning. She was on the honor roll each year of her studies. She also worked full time as Director of Records at Northern Lights College, and was Wayne’s right hand gal at Night Riders. Amazing.
This lady could do whatever she set her mind to. For ten years, she worked as a paramedic with the local ambulance service. She got that twinkle in her eye when she said she her first partner wondered what good that “itty bitty thing” would be. Well, she carried her own weight, actually probably at least double her weight most of the time. Itty Bitty, yes, strong – you bet! Kris told me about her effective coaching methods for football. Kris, Mom said you weren’t getting down low enough to hit your opponent and set him on his butt. She told you ‘come at me, knock me over.’ So you dropped down into position and rushed her with all you had. How far did you fly???? Made her point didn’t she? Rae-anne, remember all those trips from Chetwynd to Dawson Creek to bring you and Kris to school? It always had to be the best she could give you. You and Kris gave her your best. You were there for her when she really needed you.
Laurie has been blessed with a remarkable family. You gathered around her to bring her comfort, do anything you could to help. She needed all of you to come together with her so that she knew she didn’t have to worry about you. Laurie needed to know that so she could go on herself.
Today, we are here all together to celebrate this lady. Laurie should be celebrated. Laurie believed in having fun. That infectious giggle. I can hear it. The twinkle in those beautiful eyes, and that smile – ooooohhhhhhh that smile! Then there was that LOOK, you know THE LOOK. No words necessary, you had been told!!! ‘GEES’, she would exclaim with hands on her hips. When we were together last night to say our own private good-bye so many of us were just waiting to hear her exclaim ‘What??’ ‘What were we all doing crying?’ ‘GEES!!!’
Wayne you are our hero. You carried Laurie through these difficult times and she let you. That was a testimony of her love for you. She glowed when you were with her, and she glowed when she wasn’t with you with just the thought of you. Our Laurie, the tough lady, turned to mush with just your touch. She was so happy with you.
Laurie had some instructions for us. She told us, ‘No blubbering.’ Laurie, I hope you’ll cut us a bit of slack, just a few tears okay? We are supposed to remember the fun. Hear her laughter often, and laugh with her. No fuss! That was Laurie. Well we kept it simple, straight to the point, and it’s not our fault you were so great that all of these people have come to celebrate you. You endeared yourself to their hearts, you did that all by yourself.
Remember that Laurie is still with all of you. With her determination and all consuming love for you she will walk with you always. Celebrate Laurie that’s what she would want. Let her strength be yours. Miss her, but remember she is in a beautiful, wonderful place. As she would say, ‘that’s faith.’
Laurie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by: her partner, Wayne Bews; children, Kris, and Rae-anne Markling, LaDonna, and Dustin Bews; grandchildren, Ashton Irwin, and Viktoria Markling; parents, Phyllis Foster, and Ed (Germaine) Kelly; grandmother, Marjorie Dennis; siblings, Linda (Ken) Brummond, Joy (Garry) Bratt, Mike Kelly, and Kathy Erickson (Tim Makuch) ; 9 aunts and uncles, 15 nieces and nephews, and 4 great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.,
Dawson Creek – Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Frank Tucker
1929 - 2002
Frank Tucker, long time resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia passed away at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital on Monday June 3, 2002 at the age of 73. A funeral service was held Friday June 7, 2002 at the Alliance Church with Pastor Gary Henderson officiating. Interment followed at Brookside Cemetery, Dawson Creek.
Frank was born on March 11, 1929 at Medicine Hat, Alberta. He was raised in Dunmore and obtained his education in Dunmore and Medicine Hat. In 1946 at the age of 17, he joined the Navy where he had the opportunity to travel extensively and had some great experiences. While in the Navy, he continued his education, took up boxing, and while in port he played some football. Frank was recommended for promotion, however in 1951 he chose an Honorable Discharge.
When he left the Navy he worked 6 months at an iron ore mine in Labrador. Coming back west, he visited in Alberta and sold pots and pans across B.C. until he came to Dawson Creek, where he decided to stay working at Highway Motors selling cars. During this time he met Shirley Querin. They were married in 1953 and had 3 children: Shirley-Anne, Matt, and Jerry. Frank then moved his family to Fort Nelson where he opened his own General Motors dealership. In 1960, the family moved back to Dawson Creek with a few months stop in Vancouver where he obtained his Realtors License at UB.C. After settling back in Dawson Creek with his family he worked for Comstock Agencies selling real estate. Later he worked for the International Harvester Dealership as a salesman.
When the children were grown, Frank and Shirley moved to Kelowna for a few years, then back to Dawson Creek. In 1979 Frank re-entered Real Estate and continued in this field until he passed away.
Over the years he enjoyed time spent with family and friends, his horses, rodeos, roping, hunting and camping. During the last few years Frank was devoted to Shirley's care. He enjoyed hunting, target practice, and camping with his friends, and a little travel with Shirley. He was a very caring and devoted grandfather to Trisha, Michael, Katherine and Amanda.
Frank loved people and friends were a genuinely important part of his life. He loved to have fun with people, have some laughs, wheel & deal, and talk about good times. Frank was fun to be with and his positive outlook and great sense of humor will be truly missed.
Frank will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley; daughter, Shirley-Anne Bell; son, Matt Tucker; daughter in-law, Ann Tucker; grandchildren, Trisha and Mike Bell, Katherine and Amanda Tucker; brother Lamarr (Grace) Tucker; sister-in-law, Diane Tucker, as well as an aunt and uncle, many nieces nephews, cousins and many friends.
Frank was pre-deceased by his parents, Harold Lee and Catharine Tucker; his son, Jerry Tucker; and brother, Harold Tucker.
Frank holds a very special place in the hearts of his family and others whose lives he touched.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.,
Dawson Creek - Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Gisella Amos
1913-2002
Gisella Amos, better known as ‘Ella’, passed away on June 14, 2002 at the age of 89, in Pouce Coupe, British Columbia. A funeral service was held on Thursday, June 20, 2002 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, interment followed at the Brookside Cemetery in Dawson Creek. Reverend John Klassen officiated.
Ella was born March 24, 1913 in Edenwald, Saskatchewan. to John and Anna Flaman. Ella was the 4th oldest child of 12 children: Fred, Otto, Melanie, Gisella, Johanna, Meta, Lavina, Lawrence, Gerhard, Herman, Ervina and Madeline.
Ella graduated from Grade 12 and worked at the Motor Carrier office in Dawson Creek as a stenographer and office manager. She also had a diploma as a reflexologist and enjoyed giving others soothing foot massages. People liked her for her beautiful smile and delightful eyes.
In the early 1950s’, Ella married Glenn Amos. Glenn was a WWII veteran-become-hardware store sales clerk. Although they did not have any children of their own, they had many friends who were like family to them. They lived on 104th Avenue while building their home on 108th Avenue.
On November 30, 1988, Glenn died. Later on, due to her failing health, Ella became a resident first at Rotary Manor, and then, in January 1992, at the Pouce Coupe Care Home, where she received excellent care.
Ella was a welcome regular for coffee at the Co-op restaurant. For a time, Ella also made Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle her church home. For Dawson Creek, Ella represents the many quiet and reserved people who make up the fabric of our wonderful community, who do not draw attention to themselves, and yet they enjoy life to the fullest while building up others.
Ella was predeceased by her husband Glenn, both parents, and 10 of her sisters and brothers. She is survived by 1 sister, Madeline Good, of Regina, Saskatchewan, 2 sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek – Fort St. John, British Columbia.