- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -
Jim (James N.) McPhail
1923-2009
McPhail, Jim (James N) August 24, 1923- January 22, 2009 passed away in Dawson Creek B.C. after a long battle with Parkinsons. Predeceased by his wife Edna and son Barry he is survived by a daughter Sheena Casey (Chris), sons Michael McPhail (Jennifer) and Patrick McPhail, and five grandchildren Edward Casey, Stuart Casey, Rhyan Caven, Rachael McPhail and Roger McPhail.
Jim was born in Lethbridge, Alberta attended elementary school in Olds Alberta and graduated from the University of Alberta in 1944. Saskatchewan but soon moved to Olds, Alberta where he completed his public schooling. Once he completed in 1939, he moved to Edmonton, Alberta to study towards a Commerce Degree which he completed in 1944.
Jim articled with the firm Winspear Hamilton and Anderson Co. Chartered Accountants and received his CA designation in 1947. In 1948, Jim was offered a position managing Winspear’s office in Dawson Creek, BC and eventually became a partner in the firm.
In June of 1949 Jim became a member of BC Institute of Chartered Accountants. He was the President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce 1948-1951, Secretary of the original Dawson Creek Film Club and was helping bring to life the local Rotary service club.
Jim married Edna Piper on December 24, 1951. He was offered and accepted a Partnership with Winspear in 1953.
During his lifetime in Dawson Creek Jim served his community in various capacities and acted as an advocate for the seniors in his community to ensure the needs of seniors for accommodation were being met. Jim was honoured by Rotary with a Paul Harris Service award, by the Institute of Chartered Accountants with a fellowship giving him the designation CFA and shared Citizen of the year honours with his wife Edna.
In 1978, Jim became District Governor of District 536 which, at the time covered an area from the Northwest Territories south to the US border including the Peace region of BC, as well as some clubs along the Saskatchewan Alberta border.
Jim McPhail was a man of Passion, he firmly believed in a Just Society he summed up his membership with Rotary by quoting the founder of Rotary International:
“If we work upon Marble --It will Parish If we work upon Brass---Time will efface it
If we rear temples---- They will crumble into Dust
But
If we work upon mortal minds
If we imbue them with the full meaning of the spirit of Rotary, the just fear of god and Love of our fellow man
We are engraving on these tablets something that will brighten all eternity”.
Jim will be greatly missed by his loving family and community. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dawson Creek Beautification Committee towards a park.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life was held on January 30, 2009 at the Rotary Manor Care Facility, Dawson Creek, BC.
Herbert Lewis McLaren
1925 - 2009
Herbert Lewis McLaren, better known to all as Herb was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on July 16, 1925, to Ruth and William. Herb was the 8th child of 13 children. Growing up in Saskatchewan Herb worked for many grain farmers and also completed an auto mechanics course.
At the age of 27 he headed west to Clinton, BC looking for work. Once he secured a job as a cat skinner, he heard there were cabins for rent at the Dougherty Ranch. When he arrived at the main house and knocked on the door, he was greeted by Mrs. Dougherty, and two daughters, Gloria and Virginia, and this is where the romance began.
Herb and Gloria knew this was it, and the romance lasted though 53 years of marriage with 5 children being the lasting symbol of their love.
They were married on June 17th, 1955 and the two young love birds moved to Whitehorse Yukon raising three children Doug, Cyndy and Brian. Herb took a transfer to Dawson Creek, BC, living in Arras where Tracy was born. Herb purchased a quarter of land and moved the family to Tomslake and then Garth was born. When the CNT shop closed in Dawson Creek Herb went farming full time.
Herb always cared for animals, not just dogs and cats, but cows, chickens, and pigs. But his true passion was horses, and at one time his heard herd grew to 75 head. As a result of many hours of answering eager questions and guiding tiny hands, his love of horses was quite naturally passed down.
The grandchildren have many stories to share about the many wonderful times they spent with their grandfather, learning to ride a horse so big they could barely pet their belly, never mind reaching the stirrups. Others remember sitting on the quad watching grandpa work the fields or stacking hay, bringing him lunches and water while he worked.
There was never a problem that Herb was afraid to tackle, like when the barn was being built, he devised a unique method and tools to include Tracy and Garth, the smallest of laborers’.
Herb overcame many obstacles, such as losing a finger sawing wood, damaging his right eye twice, loosing part of his ear to a protective mare, and then a triple bypass in 1997. Showing his determination and strong will, Herb purchased a second quarter to accommodate his growing herd. In 2006 a devastating fire caused Herb to lose the work shop and much of his equipment. Forcing Herb to sell off his herd and go into retirement. Herb passed away January 15th, 2009 at the age of 83.
Herb was a very private man, who loved his family, enjoying his time on the farm. Herb is survived by: his loving wife Gloria, of 53 years; Brian and Helen and their two girls Michelle (Neil) and Jessica (Dave) ; Doug and Donna and their children Danita (John), Darcie, Danny and Dustin; Cynthia and Allan; Tracy and Dan and their boys Nolan and Nathan; Garth and Kim and their children Jasmine and Jay; and great grandchildren Taylor, Sydney, Kaiden, and Alexis.
Herb was cremated and a memorial service was held on January 21th 2009 at The Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, BC, officiated by Peggy Bergeron.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Herb by way of a donation to the Alzheimer Society of BC.
LINDA BIANCA MCQUEEN
Sept. 3, 1917 – Jan. 25, 2009
JAMES (JIM) HAROLD MCQUEEN
Jan. 2, 1908 – April 23, 2008
My Dad was born on January 2, 1908 in Carman, Manitoba the eighth of nine children. In 1916 the family moved to Stephenfield, Manitoba where my grandfather, my dad and his three brothers (Melvin, Robert and Henry) were bridge builders. In the spring of 1928 some of the family decided to move to the Peace River country. They came by rail as far as Spirit River and then by horse and wagon from there over the Spirit River trail. My Mother was born in Colemen, Alberta on September 3, 1917. She was the second oldest of 4 children. In 1931 the Venera family moved to their farm on Reasbeck Road (across the road from the McQueen farm) . My Mom and Dad were married on March 14, 1938 and lived on the farm until 1984 when they decided to move to town. They both worked hard on the farm – times were tough but we never went without. I can never remember a time when there were not all kinds of animals around. In fact, Mom and Dad farmed with horses for many years. Mom always had a big vegetable garden and many flowers in the yard. Her home was her castle. After moving to town, Mom and Dad took up bowling for many years. They also did a bit of travelling to visit friends and family and to go fishing. Mom and Dad were blessed to have celebrated Dad’s 100th birthday and their 70th anniversary together. Dad was the last of his family having been predeceased by his parents, brothers Melvin, Robert, and Henry. Sisters Mary, Agnes, Jane, Lucy and Helen. Mom was predeceased by her parents, brother James and sister Diva. Mom and Dad are survived by their daughter Rena (Ed), son Ken (Sharon) and three grandsons – Barry (Jenn), Scott and Darren as well as Mom’s sister, Marina and many nephews and nieces. Mom and Dad, you are missed terribly but I know that you will spend eternity together. Their ashes are to be spread on the farm where they lived for 46 years. I would like to thank the staff of the Dawson Creek hospital and the Pouce Care Home for the kindness that they showed my Mom. I also want to send a special thanks to the neighbours of my parents in town who kept an eye on them for me.
Helen Diane Jennings
1968-2009
Helen Diane Jennings passed away suddenly in her home on January 29, 2009.
Helen was born on April 19, 1968. She was the first of three daughters born to Michael and Marie Jennings. Helen was born in Dawson Creek, BC and although she did move away several times, she always returned to her home town.
She attended several elementary schools in Dawson Creek including Park Hill Elementary and Tremblay. She graduated from South Peace Senior Secondary School. Helen also attended Fairview College where she was studying Animal Health. More recently Helen was worked at the Dollar Store, with Aboriginal Services and at "On Our Own".
Helen had a special passion for animals and always had cats, birds, lizards,mice and any other critter that needed rescuing. Her most beloved pets were her two cats, Romeo and Jellybean. She also had a passion for art. She loved to sketch drawings, carve, she enjoyed jewellery making as well as native arts such as leather work and making dream catchers.
Helen was predeceased by her great grandfather Jimmy Johnson, great grandmother Copperlily Johnson, grandfather Fred Jennings, grandmother Helen Johnson,mother Marie Helen Jennings (nee Johnson) and her uncle Fred Jennings.She is survived by her grandmother Norma Parsons, father Michael Jennings,step mother Rosemary Jennings, sisters Linda (Robert Driscoll),Beverly (Doug White) and her step siblings Ramona (Cory Schwartz),Andrew and Jeremy Freeman and Edward Pratt, nieces Natasha and Tonya Driscoll, Jayden Jennings, Angelina King, Adrielle and Krysta Freeman, Teanna Schwartz, and nephews Shane Driscoll, Vincent Jennings, Josh White, Travis King, Zackary and Ivan Schwartz, extended family Wendy Whitehead (Jackman Jang), Lisa (Vince), Lawrence and Justin Driscoll, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Helen will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all those whose hearts she has touched.
Helen was cremated at Bergeron’s Funeral Home and a memorial service was held on Monday, February 9, 2009. Pastor Ken Barrett officiated.
Memorial Donations can be made in honour of Helen to the S.P.C.A. 637-114 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 3A1.
Ray Thola
1923 - 2009
Raymond Anton Thola was born on October 9, 1923 to Albert Nicholas Thola and Florence Susan (Becker) Thola in Bellevue, Iowa.
Ray went to school in a one-roomed school; from grade one to grade seven. Ray obtained a job in a machine shop where he worked until September 1943 until he came up for the draft during W.W. II. Ray enlisted on the 4th of September 1943 for the 49th operating engineers. He was stationed in Guam and other islands in the Philippines; he was there for two and a half years.
After he returned home he moved to Wadena where he worked for a couple of years. He went back home to Bellevue Iowa. He would go to dances on weekends something he loved to do. At one of these dances, he met Adele Margaret Kaiser. They were married June15, 1948. Their first two sons LeRoy and David were born in Bellevue, Iowa. They moved to Wadena, Minnesota, Thomas was born there and they lost him due to a train accident. They moved back to Bellevue and there they had James, Mary Ann and Kenneth was born in Maquoketa, Iowa.
For health reasons he moved his family to Mesa, Arizona. Roberta was born there. While he was in Arizona Ray took Some bookkeeping courses at night to help hi with his construction business. Ray and his family lived there about ten years. Ray and his family moved to Canada. He bought a farm in Groundbirch. He and his family built it into a big cattle ranch. After his wife Adele passed away, he moved into the Rotary Manor in September of 1996, where he passed away peacefully, January 28, 2009 at ne o-clock pm.
He was a kind loving father. All those who survive him will miss him. He was predeceased by his wife Adele, son Thomas, grandson Ryley Smithard. He is survived by his children, LeRoy (Linda), David (Margo), James (Marissa), Mary Ann (Ray Smithard), Kenneth (Beth) Robert (Brenda) . Grandchildren: Andrew, Tammy, Brandon, Matthew, Michelle, Amie, Marion, Danica, Gerad, Delacey, Caitlin, Chance, and Jessica. Great Grandchildren: Dylan, Kaiden, Lucus, Zowie, Haili, James, Christopher, Makaila, Braeln, Khylar, Kourlynn, Evan, and Kale.
A Funeral service was held on February 2, 2009 at The Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, BC, Conducted by Bishop Allen Hills. Interment followed in the Sunset Prairie Cemetery, Sunset Prairie, BC
Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Raymond by way of a donation to the Parkinson Society – British Columbia” Suite 600 – 890 W Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1J9.
Michele Piccinin
1940-2009
Michele Piccinin, better known as Kelly was born August 20, 1940 in Campbell River, BC. to Giovanni and Maria Piccinin. Kelly was educated and began his career in Powell River, BC. In 1960 he transferred to Kamloops, BC as Meat Manager with Overwaitea where he met Vivien Marshall. They were married in Kamloops, followed by the birth of first son Mark in 1962. Kelly transferred with Overwaitea to William’s Lake in 1963 and second son Mike was born. Kelly junior was born in 1964. In 1965 Kelly packed up the family and transferred as Meat Manager to Dawson Creek. When it was time for a change Kelly worked at Lawrences Meat Packing for several years before teaming up with Bryan Chamberlain in the music store. At the same time he worked for Mutual Life. In 1976 Kelly moved his family to Fort St. John to open Red Rooster Food Store. From there he partnered with Rudy Klawon to open a chain of Red Wood Food Stores. Vivien passed away in 1987 due to complications following surgery. When the economy crashed in the 80’s Kelly moved to Creston BC and opened Creston’s Own Pizza Factory. Kelly’s tireless support of the Creston Valley Thunder Jr. A Hockey team won him the ‘Best Supporter’ award one year for doing all the cooking at the training camp & the year end banquet. He ran the time clock during the games, travelled to all of the out-of-town games and he opened his home to any player from out of town who needed a place to stay. During the 1997/98 season, 27 players came through the house from Sept – Feb. He was the first recipient for the award & I believe it was created because they were looking for a way to acknowledge him. Over the years Kelly was an avid pool player, bowler and active with the Kinsmen club. His love of playing pool led his team in Creston to win the league three times which allowed them to travel to Vegas for international tournaments. Kelly loved to travel and he made friends wherever he went. When Kelly was around there was never a dull moment, lack of a joke, or a laugh. In 2003 Kelly started camp cooking. He worked for several companies and in many locations from Edson to Fort McMurray to Helmut and all over the Northern BC and Alberta Peace. After a brief illness in 2005 Kelly came to live with Mike’s family and then to his own apartment at Trembley House in Pouce Coupe. Kelly recovered and resumed his work as camp cook/manager until November of 2008. During this time Kelly became involved in the Seniors Hall and the Anglican church where he met many new friends and reacquainted with some old ones. Kelly really enjoyed this phase of his life, he loved to go out to work and he loved to come home and play bingo, cards and socialize with his friends. On January 4 Kelly was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his battle was short but was blessed with the visits and support of many friends. On January 26 Kelly passed away peacefully in his sleep. Kelly leaves to mourn his three sons, Mark, Mike and Kelly, their families, his step-daughter Colleen and her family and his brothers, Dominico and Babe and their families.
Expressions of Sympathy may be made in memory of Kelly by way of donation to: Canadian Cancer Society 1000-105 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2B9
Hannah Emily Treasure Marie Bunnah - Haddock
In loving memory of Hannah Emily Treasure Marie Haddock
Jan 3, 2009
Hannah is survived by her parents Morgan Haddock, Shelly Bunnah and loving big brothers Kaden and Jaden.
Hannah’s loving grandparents, Lorraine Bunnah & Maureen Haddock (Bill Haddock, deceased) will always treasure her.
Hannah has many loving relatives who never got to meet her, but would have adored her as much as those who did get to meet and hold her.
You are our precious angel baby, we wonder who called you into Heaven, but whomever did, must have really needed you more than mommy, daddy and your brothers. We have lost several loved ones but we are comforted by knowing that your with grandpa Bill Haddock, your Chapan and your great grandparents. You also have many relatives to love and hold you where you are, and we just know that they are all loving and cherishing as much as we would have
Every time we close our eyes, feel the wind blow by us, you are saying you love us, and you’re our little Hannah Banana.
A private memorial service was held at Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, BC Reverend Marilyn Carroll officiated.
Ada Marie Matthews
Ada Mary Matthews, resident of Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek, BC and former resident of Port Alberni, BC passed away on December 22, 2008.
Ada was born on December 2, 1918 in Ohaton Alberta. She was the firstborn child of Sydney and Florence Murnane. Two brothers’ followed: Harold in 1920 and Clifford in 1925. The family moved to England and the comfort of relatives following the tragic death of Harold in a vehicle accident in 1926. They stayed in England for a couple of years and then returned to Canada, settling in Nelson BC where Ada’s father worked as an accountant for the Kootenay Oil Company. Ada enjoyed her early teenage years in Nelson. She loved Art, swimming and playing tennis. When her father accepted a job with Shell Oil in Vancouver, Ada attended Kitsilano High School, followed by secretarial (business School training. She belonged to the Anglican Church youth group and it was during one of the groups dances that she met her future husband Walter Edward (Ted) Matthews.
Ada and Ted were married in Vancouver on May 1, 1939. They moved to Nanoose Bay where Ted worked in a sawmill. In October 1940 they were blessed with twin boys Derryl and Dennis. A move to Port Alberni followed where son Gordon was born in 1946 and a daughter Faye was born in 1950. Ted became a foreman at the sawmill. These were wonderful busy times—raising the family going on fishing and camping trips, canning and preserving, sewing and visiting with many good friends. The only thing to mar this happiness was the death of Ada’s father who she was very close to, on December 22, 1953.
By the end of 1969 all of Ada’ and Ted’s children were married with families of their own and a new ere –
Grandchildren_ had arrived. Sweaters, toques and mittens were lovingly knitted and given, as well as afghans. With more time on their hands, Ada and Ted started taking trips in their motor home—north to Dawson Creek BC to visit daughter Faye and family; east to Camrose, Alberta to visit the many cousins living there and south to California. Ada started painting again, and Ted would frame the pictures before they were given to the family. On October 19th, 1983 — five days before his 68th birthday. Ted passed away following open heart surgery. It was Ada’s deep belief in Jesus Christ and her strength of character that carried her through. She joined a bible study group for fellowship as well as the Port Alberni Sunshine group. She played cards, learned to play bridge and took some trips with the group, and a couple of notable trips on her own. She went to England to meet the cousins she hadn’t seen since she was a child, travelled by train across Canada to Prince Edward Island (home of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables) and took a Caribbean cruise. She kept in touch with more than 50 relatives and friends, including sending out Christmas cards with handwritten letters. She became a shrewd business woman, looking after herself and her home.
In 1998 following a fall that resulted in a broken ankle, and failing vision and other health related problems associated with having diabetes for 30 years, Ada realized that she could no longer live alone and maintain her home. She moved into Fir Park Village. She had to give up her driver’s license and sell her car, which really upset her, as she love the mobility and independence the car gave her. She took to life at Fir Park with enthusiasm, taking part in their events and becoming a member as well as Chair, of their Residents’ Council. She even took computer lessons.
At the age of 84 Ada made a momentous decision—to leave the Alberni Valley, her home for over 60 years; and her three sons and their families; and move to Dawson Creek BC to be close to her daughter Faye. Her application to move into the brand new full care facility called Rotary Manor was accepted, and on March 18th, 2003 Ada with Faye by her side arrived in Dawson Creek. It was -28 degrees with lots of snow on the ground, a real shock for someone from the coast.
Ada really enjoyed living at Rotary Manor. She became a member of their Residents’ Council; took part in games; including spelling bees; skittles and bingo. She would sign up for country drives and picnics. She especially enjoyed the entertainment that would come in to the home and the Teas. Faye became a regular at the home.
During the past two years, Ada developed a few more health complications and her vision deteriorated even more. Her son Dennis and Daughter-in-law Clarene who had been coming to visit at least once a year, decided to make an extra trip in October 2008. An “almost 90” birthday party was held, which Ada enjoyed very much. However she made the comment that it was cheating because she wouldn’t be 90 until December 2nd. A few days after he party, she became very ill and was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and anemia. While everyone felt that this was the end, Ada insisted every day that she was going to get better, and she did! Her faith, her courage and sheer determination pulled her through.
Ada celebrated her real 90th birthday December 2nd 2008 with her friends at Rotary Manor; lovely black forest cake, flowers, balloons, gifts and beautiful cards made her day very special.
Ada loved her family and was a wonderful mother—thoughtful caring, understanding, giving and comforting. She was always well-dressed and strove her best. Her faith gave her strength and courage. Her hobbies included reading, embroidery, knitting, crocheting and painting.
Ada was predeceased by her husband, Ted, her mother and father, Florence and Sydney Murnane; and brother, Harold.
Ada is lovingly remembered by her sons; Derryl and his wife Norma; Dennis and his wife Clarene; Gordon and his wife Veronica and her daughter Faye Salisbury and her husband Oscar. Her grandsons Shane (Anne) Matthews, Lennard (Shelley) Matthews, Gene (Sandra) Matthews, Paul (Karen) Matthews, Bobby (Stephanie) Matthews, David (Kelly) Salisbury, Brian (Sonya) Salisbury and grand daughters Leslie (Darrell) Burnett and Delphine Matthews and twenty great grandchildren; and her brother Clifford and his wife Virginia.
A memorial service was held on January 16th 2009 at The Rotary Manor Care Facility officiated by Chris Broad.
A special Memorial Service will be held on July 4th 2009 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Church, Port Alberni, BC with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at 4:00 PM at Greenwood Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Ada by way of a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Rotary Manor Care Facility.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Service & Crematorium Ltd Dawson Creek British Columbia.