- British Columbia, Canada, Marriage Index, 1872-1935 -
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Oko, Garth
It is with profound sadness that the family of Garth Wallace Oko announce his sudden passing on October 8th, 2012 at his home in Erickson, BC as a result of a stroke.
Garth’s warm heart, loving smile and tremendous sense of humor left us all so unexpectedly, that words are inadequate to express the family’s grief and loss as he leaves us to embark on his new journey.
Garth passed into the loving arms of his beloved wife Carrie, who predeceased him in January 2012; his father Peter Oko; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Linda Maguire and sister-in-law Joni Maguire.
Garth was born on December 10th, 1944 in Westlock, AB to his loving parents Hilda and Peter Oko. His early years were spent in Westlock before moving to Edmonton, AB in 1951. After graduating from Ross Shepherd High School in Edmonton, Garth went to work in the office of the Canadian National Railroad.
Garth met his future wife Carrie in Edmonton, and in 1969 they married in the Creston Vally. In 1973, Garth and Carrie relocated to the valley to start their life together. Garth first apprenticed as a plumber and soon thereafter as an orchardist on the Oko fruit farm in Erickson. Garth was blessed to have his mother and father, Hilda and Peter Oko, join him in Creston in 1975, also establishing their home on the Oko orchard. Garth’s passion for his orchard was evident to all that knew him and he quickly became a respected orchardist, raising some of the finest fruit in the valley. Garth was amazingly patient, kind and exceedingly honest and fair with everyone he dealt with, neighbor, friend, fellow orchardist or the pickers he employed each season. The loyalty of those who were fortunate enough to have worked for Garth is a real testament to his fairness and strength of character.
While Garth tended to the orchard, together with Carrie they raised their two sons, Chad and Kory, who Garth loved unconditionally. When not tending to the orchard or packing fruit at the packing shed, Garth could be found on the golf course, a hobby that he was passionate about and which brought him much satisfaction mixed with only a small degree of frustration! Garth was never happier than when his grandchildren, Caiden, Chantelle and Connor arrived, which made his life that much more complete.
Garth is survived by his loving family who are left to mourn his passing including his mother Hilda Oko of Creston; son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Amy of Vancouver, BC and grandchildren Caiden, Chantelle and Connor; son Kory of Victoria, BC; sister Carolyn Oko of Galiano Island, BC; brother and sister-in-law, Kurt and Darlene Oko of Country Harbour, NS; niece and nephews Nahanni, Emma, Liam, Leanne, Pam, Kelly, Dean and Shawn. Garth had a large circle of friends in the valley including his very dear friend George Korman with whom Garth shared many good times, especially on the golf course.
A service of love and remembrance will be held Thursday October 18th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Creston & District Community Complex in the Creston Room with Pastor Harry Haberstock officiating. All who knew and loved Garth are invited to attend.
The family is especially grateful for the love and support of the many close friends in Creston, Alberta, Vancouver and Victoria, who have been kind enough to call or come by the orchard and for the donation of food and flowers. Your kindness has made this difficult time so much easier to bear. Thank you!
Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution in Garth’s name may do so to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC – 200 – 1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V2.
Those we love don’t go away – they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, always missed and very dear.
Ted Domke
Ted Domke a resident of Creston, BC passed away on October 23rd, 2012 at the age of 84 years at the Creston Valley Hospital. Ted was born to Wilhemina and Adolf Domke on November 25, 1927 at Slocan City, BC, where he received his primary education.
Ted married Margarete Buge in Nelson, BC on December 10th, 1955. He was a member of the Creston Valley Rod & Gun Club, enjoying many hours of fishing and hunting in the valley.
Ted is survived by his wife Margarete, brother Eric Domke and numerous family members.
Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service to be held at a later date.
Friends wishing to make a memorial tribute in Ted’s name, may do so to the Swan Valley Lodge – Equipment Fund PO Box 1880, Creston, BC V0B 1G0
Wachter, Louie
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Louie was born on his parents' homestead near Macklin, Saskatchewan.
Louie’s younger years were hard; growing up fast - at age 9 losing his father, then the loss of his mother six years later.
Louie as a young child worked the farm, enduring the Dirty Thirties.
In his twenties, Louie moved to BC, where he met and married Greta, his beloved wife of almost 61 years.
Louie was employed in the mining industry for 33 years; working at the HB Mine in Salmo, the Blue Bell Mine in Riondel (where they raised their four children) and the Sullivan Mine in Kimberley.
After retiring from the Sullivan Mine in Kimberely in 1981, Louie and Greta moved to Creston and lived a very active life, fishing, camping, dancing, gardening and most of all travelling. Louie always enjoyed visits with friends and family Louie was predeceased by his beloved wife Greta; his daughter Dorothy Dilling and his son-in-law Bruce Anderson.
Louie is survived by his two daughters, Margaret Corner (Roger), Cranbrook, Joan Anderson, Creston, and one son Raymond Wachter (Peggy), Elkford.
Louie is survived also by his grandchildren, Bryce Corner, Cranbrook; Tracey Corner, Port Alberni; Scott Corner (Lisa), Cranbrook; Christine Anderson (Erik), Kamloops; Valerie Nielsen (Yari), Sooke; Sarah Serl (Kevin), Calgary; Dana Greene (Shawn), St Peter’s NS; Kim Ingham (Jay), Cranbrook; Shane Dilling (Stephanie), Kamloops; Laura Nelson (Brian), Cranbrook; and Arron Wachter, Elkford.
Louie is also lovingly remembered by his fourteen great-grandchildren.
Family and friends were most important in Louie’s life and he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his home.
At Louie’s request there will be no Service.
The family will scatter his ashes alongside the Greta’s at a later date.
[Published Oct 23, 2012]
Matras, Bolestaw (Bill)
Bolestaw (Bill) Matras passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer on October 19, 2012 at the age of 83 years. Bolestaw was born to parents Maria and Wxadystaf Matras on November 27, 1928 in Poland. He received his education and was married to Jadwiga Zurawik in Poland before immigrating to Creston in 1962.
Bolestaw was employed by Crestbrook Forest Industries and spent many many years fruit farming in the Creston Valley.
Bolestaw had a large part in his heart for animals of all types. He had numerous horses and dogs and he raised dozens of Pigeons throughout his life. He loved the outdoors, specially being in his garden, and camping or visiting various hot springs with his family.
He was predeceased by his mother and father; brother; sisters and grandson.
Bolestaw will be dearly missed by his wife of 56 years, Jadwiga; daughter Halina (Ernie) Lambert; sons Chris Matras and Ed (Evelyn) Matras; granddaughters Robyn Langenhan and Amanada Matras; grandson Joey Matras and great granddaughters Kayla and Scout Langenhan.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday October 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Tom Kakkaniyil celebrant.
Any friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Canadian Cancer Society – c/o Bambrick & Associates – P. O. Box 999, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0
Simmons, Bernice
Bernice Evelyn Simmons passed away peacefully on December 12, 2012 at the age of 75 years, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bernice was born on January 17, 1937 in Shaunavon, SK. She moved to Creston in 1946 with her family and graduated in 1954. She then started her thirty-four year career with the school district as a secretary. Bernice loved her job and really enjoyed the kids.
Bernice liked knitting, was an avid curler, enjoyed visiting with family and friends and loved spending time with her pride and joy – the grandkids.
Bernice was predeceased by her father Bert and mother Margaret Mellen; brother Clifford Lawrence and sister Beatrice Skilling.
She will be dearly missed by her loving husband of fifty-one years, Don; daughters Margie (Jim) Edmondson, Karen (Les) Brown, grandchildren Brayden and Alyssa Brown and brother-in-law George Skilling.
A Memorial Funeral Service will be held Monday December 17, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Harry Haberstock officiating.
Friends wishing to make a memorial donation in Bernice Simmons’ name may do so to the Transplant Research Foundation of BC – West Tower, 3rd Floor, 555 West 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC,V5Z 3X7.
