Jessica Marion Phillips
On December 22, 2011, Jessica Marion Phillips passed away suddenly at home in Kamloops, BC, following a recent respiratory illness. She was 34 years old.
Jessica was born in Penticton, BC and raised in Oliver, BC. She spent several of her adult years in Victoria, BC, where she graduated from Camosun College before moving to Kamloops in recent years.
She is survived by her loving parents, Ernest and June Phillips of Kamloops, sister Rachel Phillips-Johnston (Brent) and niece Olivia of Victoria, older brother Jonathan, grandfather John Price of Kamloops, and Frank and Frances Phillips of St. John’s, Nfld., along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Her unexpected passing just before Christmas was hard to bear but in so many ways Jessica personified the Spirit of Christmas with her spontaneous giving, her kindness, compassion, and countless acts of service. She was truly our angel, will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.
A private viewing was held for family and close friends on Dec. 27th, 2011 at Schoening Funeral Home in Kamloops, BC. A funeral and Celebration of her Life service was held on Wednesday, December 28th, 2011, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints in Kamloops.
Families Are Forever
Amelia Maria Rowe
AMELIA (Emily) ROWE
(nee Filek)
Amelia, also known as Emily passed away at the Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops on January 16, 2012 at the age of 95 years.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Leonard Rowe of 53 years, June 28, 1995; special sister Margaret Forde, May 6, 2007; her dad Joseph Filek Sr., November 9, 1918; her Mum Maria (nee Sroba) (Filek) Frolek, October 12, 1975; step father John S. Frolek Sr., June 1970; one sister Anna J. Filek, two brothers Joseph (Joey) Filek Jr. and Johnny Filek; one step sister Catherine Ward; three step brothers, John Frolek Jr. Joseph Frolek and Robert (Bobby) Frolek.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.
Amelia was born February 12, 1916 in Fernie, British Columbia to Joseph and Maria Filek. Amelia’s love in all her years was for old time music, country music and songs. She loved to sing, yodel and play her piano and banjo. At the age of 14 Amelia played her first dance with her brother Johnny. After that Amelia played in many country school houses in the thirty’s and forties. Some of the schools she played at were Edith Lake, Long Lake, Pinantan, Pritchard, Pemberton Range and many more. She played in the Happy Gang Band with her brother Johnny Filek and sister Margaret Forde and whoever wanted to join in. Later she played, sang and yodelled in the Bud Miller’s Old-timers Band. Some other bands were the Banjo Band, Rays Lamplighters and Heritage House Old-timers. She started to play with the Rhythm Mountaineers and in September 1996 with the Golden Serenaders. Country Music and singing was her life.
We all love you Aunty Amelia and we will miss you. A lady who touched the hearts of many, with her country songs, piano and banjo music and her wonderful sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and remembered her as a strong ,loving person who was always there for whoever needed her.
Funeral Service will be held at Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street, on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Inland Hospital (Paediatric Ward), 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1 in memory of Mrs. Rowe would be appreciated.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Kamloops Seniors’ Village, the nurses on 6 South, Royal Inland Hospital and to Dr. G. Schumacher for all their gentle care.
Fortunato Ernesto (Ernie) Mazzardis
Fortunato Ernesto (Ernie) Mazzardis, age 76, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2012 with his family at his side.
Ernie was predeceased by his wife Ina in 1997; parents Giovanni and Rosa; and sister Pia.
He leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories his daughters Joanna and Freda; siblings Anita (Mario), Giannina, Maria and Renzo; brother-in-law Giuseppe; grandchildren, Jess (Sean), Mike, Matt (Jessica) and James; great grandson Michael; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ernie was born in Motta di Livenza, Italy on September 22, 1935 to Giovanni and Rosa Mazzardis. Upon graduation from school Ernie went on to become a carpenter. At the age of 21, looking for new adventures, he emigrated to Canada, arriving in this country on April 22, 1956. Ernie settled in Vancouver where he met his future wife, Wilhelmina (Ina) Walker in 1958. They wed on August 22, 1959. Ernie and Ina later welcomed two daughters, Freda and Joanna. In 1975 Ernie and his family moved to Kamloops where they had spent many previous summers vacationing. He was a passionate man who loved his family, his job, soccer, hockey, fishing, hunting, making wine and gardening. He also loved opera music, regaling his not so always receptive family members with his renditions of various arias. Ernie continued working as a carpenter until Parkinson’s disease forced him to take early retirement in 1994. He took a lot of pride in his work and he was a fantastic craftsman. The homes he built over the years for his family still stand strong today serving as a testament to his skills. In his years at Kamloops Seniors Village he ensured that the building was in good order, conducting regular inspections.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Kamloops Seniors Village and in particular the staff of 1C, Nurse Next Door and Doctors Schumacher and Wiedrick for their loving care of Ernie over these past several years.
At the family’s request there will be no funeral service.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to “Parkinson Society BC.”
Linda Catherine Romanin
LINDA CATHERINE ROMANIN
(nee Comazzetto)
191 9 – 2012
On Thursday, January 12 in the arms of an angel, our most precious Mother, Linda Romanin, at the age of 92 years, began her journey to Heaven.
Forever loved and deeply missed by her daughter Lorraine and son Donald (Janet), grandchildren Amanda (Chad), Janice (Shaun) and Kevin; great grandchildren Molly, Jacob, Alondra and Parker. Linda is survived by her siblings: Gino (Vera), Bruno “Bob”, Reno (Stella), Elsie, Enes (Henry), Emma and many close relatives. She was predeceased by her loving husband Aldo in 2006 and her brothers Lindo and Mario.
Mom was a warm and generous person, gentle of heart, and a shining example of extraordinary generosity to others. She always had a beautiful garden, took pride in all that she did and was extremely proud of her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. One of her greatest joys was traveling to the birthplaces of her Mother and Father and to meet her family from abroad in both Italy and France with whom she remained in contact with for years.
Prayers will be recited on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Parish Church, 2797 Sunset Drive, Valleyview. The Reverend Father Fred Weisbeck will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at the church on Saturday, January 21 at 1:00 p.m.
Entombment will follow at Evergreen Mausoleum.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to her physicians, especially Dr. Tracey Smillie and Dr. Scott Montgomery and the nursing staff on 6N for their extreme kindness, special care and compassion in caring for our Mom.
Should friends desire, donations to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1 in memory of Linda would be appreciated.
Ross Emil (Bing) Gunnarsen
BING GUNNARSEN
January 27, 1941 to January 8, 2012
Ross Emil Gunnarsen, known by all friends and family as Bing, passed away peacefully in Kamloops at the age of 70 on January 8, 2012 after a short, courageous battle with cancer. He will be fondly remembered by many for his wonderful humour and caring nature. We rest easy knowing that he is off telling one of his many jokes with great finesse in heaven.
After moving countless times with his family for career purposes, Bing finally settled in Kamloops in 1974. Although Kamloops was his home, he maintained strong ties to his birthplace of Revelstoke, BC. Born on January 27, 1941 to Gunnar and Louise Gunnarsen (deceased), and married to Bernice (deceased) in 1964, Bing is survived by daughters Leanne (in home care) and Lesley (Richard) Sakaki, grandchildren Ryan and Kristen, brothers Jim and Sandy, sister-in-law Lorna Hutchinson, and brother-in-law Art Olson. He is also survived by his cherished life partner Marlene Gizikoff.
Bing will be remembered as the best dad ever, a kind and generous life partner, a dependable and considerate brother, a loyal and caring friend, a wise and professional financial planner, and an outstanding golfer and lawn bowler. In his younger days, he was an active member of the Kamloops Central Lions Club and the Elks, and volunteered with North Shore Community Policing. He was president numerous times for Riverside Lawn Bowling Club and he enjoyed many BC campsites with Bernice and his Juniper Good Sam’s friends. While his interests also included fly-fishing and of course the Kamloops Blazers, his greatest life-long passion was by far golfing. He had very fond memories of the golf trips he took with Jim and Sandy to the States, as well as the sun-filled holidays he took with Marlene in the past few years. Whenever he was in Surrey visiting his grandchildren, he proudly cheered them on at many soccer fields, ball diamonds, and hockey arenas. And, his favourite Monday afternoon activity for many years was bowling with Leanne at Bowlertime.
A service in remembrance will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2481 Sunset Dr. Kamloops, BC on Saturday January 21, 2012 at 1:00 pm with reception following. Pastor David Schumacher officiating.
We wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional support he received from the nurses and doctors at RIH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kamloops Community Living Society or RIH Foundation for ICU.
Ivy Annie Arishenkoff
IVY ARISHENKOFF
Aug 27, 1923 – Jan 7, 2012
We are deeply saddened at the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother and G.G.
Left to cherish her memory are her five children: two daughters Gladys (Harold) Seeley of Kamloops and Patricia Newell of Prince George; her three sons Harvey (Sandy) Newell of Melfort, Sask., Murray (Linda) Newell of Hudson Bay, Sask. and Donald Newell of Star City, Sask. also a son in law Darrel Williams of Prince George; her eight grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She is also survived by her siblings Wilbert (Ellie) Baker, Inez (Ed) Melnick, Garnet (Ella) Baker, Karen (Nick) Wilson and Ken Baker, and by many nieces and nephews.
Ivy was predeceased by her first husband Alvin Newell in 1952, also her second husband William Arishenkoff in 1990, her parents Wesley and Gladys Baker, her daughter Marlene Williams, five brothers Harry, Jim, Everete, Allan, Robert and Gordon her two sisters Fay and Thelma.
Ivy was born in Ridgedale, Saskatchewan. In later years she moved to B.C. where she was employed with Woolco and Sears in Prince George. As time went by, she moved to Chase, B.C. then to Kamloops to be closer to doctors for William.
She was able to remain in her apartment right up until the last few days – living on her own and independent at 88 years old – she did very well.
She will be missed dearly by all her family and friends.
A family memorial will be held at a later date when her remains are laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Eileen Mildred Harrison
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Eileen Harrison on January 10, 2012. She is survived by her husband, Floyd Tompkins, her children Bob (Barb) Harrison of Pritchard, Allan (Jean) Harrison of Kamloops, Roberta (Will) Hartman of Surrey and Susan (Doug) Inkster of Chase, her eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren and her extended family, Harley (Glenda) Tompkins and Wayde (Rhonda) Tompkins. She was predeceased by her first husband Bob Harrison, her son Ken Harrison, her brother Fred Allan and her sister Myrtle Reese.
Eileen was born in Grand Prairie, B.C. now known as Westwold, to pioneer parents, Donovan and Susan Allan. She spent her childhood in the Westwold/Monte Lake area where many hours were spent playing on the log booms on Monte Lake with her brother and sister. Helping her mother in the kitchen of the logging camps came natural to Eileen. Her great love was playing back catcher for the Monte Lake Pirates softball team. She contributes her pudgy nose to the days of no protective gear. This love of sport continued throughout her life.
She left school at age 15 and moved to Duck Range to help her Grandmother. It is at this time she met Robert James Harrison on the dance floor. They were married in 1940 and moved to the Harrison Ranch. She took on the role of nursemaid to Bob’s invalid Mother and from there her nurturing ways began. Eileen was blessed with five children whom were raised on the family farm. She was famous for putting a meal on the table for whoever dropped by unexpectedly.
After Bob’s passing in 1971 she once again found love on the dance floor when she met Floyd and they continued their love for 40 years. In 1975 Eileen and Floyd moved to Chase and she pursued her love of sports by joining a bowling league, curling and could even be found on the golf course. Because of her strong love for family she became involved with the Heart and Stroke Foundation by canvassing and later was the District Coordinator. She developed many friends while canvassing the neighbourhood and valued the contribution she had made.
Eileen and Floyd started traveling by visiting The Elvis Mansion in Tennessee and attending the NFR in Oklahoma City. They developed travel fever and became snowbirds. They spent 14 winters in Desert Hot Springs and enjoyed living and sharing many stories of their adventures. They also had two trips to Alaska and drove across Canada. Having many laughs and fun was at the top of her list.
Even though Eileen enjoyed travelling, she never forgot about her family and stayed active in their lives. She had a great love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her tradition of cooking her wonderful meals for family and friends has been passed forward helping them understand the importance of spending time together.
She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. Our lives will all be richer because of the family traditions Mom has instilled in us.
Those wishing to pay their respects by viewing may do so on Friday, January 13, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street, Kamloops.
The Funeral Service will be held in the Chase Community Hall on Saturday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the family cemetery, on Duck Range Road in Pritchard, B.C.
Should friends desire, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 203 – 635 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3 in her memory would be appreciated.
Marie Constance Bertrand
On Saturday, January 7, 2012 Marie Constance Bertrand passed away at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home at the age of 89 years.
She is survived by her loving husband Laurie, son Michael (Laurie) of Vancouver, daughters Suzanne (Gary) of Abbotsford, Linda (George) of Kelowna and Wendy (Terry) of Kamloops; eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters Jean (Don) of Sorrento and Anne of England and numerous niece and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Dennis and sister Kay.
Marie was born in Blackpool, England on May 22, 1922. She came to Canada in 1944 and to Kamloops in 1946 and had made her home here since.
Many thanks to the nurses on 7N, Royal Inland Hospital and also special thanks to Dr. Hamilton and the staff at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home.
A private family service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Schoening Funeral Chapel.
Donations to the Kamloops Hospice Association, 72 Whiteshield Crescent South, Kamloops, BC V2E 2S9 in memory of Marie would be appreciated.
Vance Joseph Wallace King
On December 27th, 2011 Mr. Vance J.W. King passed away at Royal Inland Hospital at the age of 72 years.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Geraldine, his son Vance (Karen) and his daughter Kathleen (Bob); his three grandchildren Dustin, Dakota and Brandi and his precious grand doggies Trina and Charlie.
Also left to cherish his memory is his sister Vancine Willson.
He was born in Vancouver, BC on August 19th, 1939, but was raised in Horseshoe Bay were his father was a Captain. When his father past away, he started working at the age of 15 with the Ministry of Highways on the early phases of the construction of the Upper Levels Highway to support his mother.
Then he continued on variety of locations including the Dease Island, Alexander & Yale Tunnels. In addition, he worked in the Kootenay, South Coast & Vancouver Island Regions, at the Second Narrows Bridge, on the Coquihalla Highway and in Northern British Columbia, then finally ending his career after 42 years in the Thompson –Okanagan Region.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Unit 111, 450 Lansdowne Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 1Y3 or the SPCA , 1211 – 8th Street, Kamloops, BC V2B 2Y3 would be appreciated.
Lionel Albert Chretien
LIONEL ALBERT CHRÉTIEN
April 13, 1936 – Dec 30, 2011
We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our dear father and grandfather, Lionel Albert Chrétien at his home in Kamloops, B.C.
Lionel (Nel) was predeceased by his wife, Agnes (Una) Brown Morrison on June 5, 2009, parents Hector & Irene, and older brother Hector.
He is survived by his 4 children, Jacques (Corinne), Jamie (Cathy), Andrée (Thane), and Jean-Paul, grandchildren Déja, Jelise, Cade, Hannah, Hailey, Joshua, Amanda, and Dustin, as well as siblings Gilles (Bune) Chrétien, Claudette Morrow, Margaret Coon, Olive Meyer, Gerald Chrétien, Dolores Mowry, extended family Barbara and Garth Carr, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dad was born in Sudbury, Ontario and raised in Peterborough, Ontario in a farming community. Later he attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, where he majored in economics, as well as Osgoode Hall law school, at York University in Toronto, Ontario. In Peterborough, he met the love of his life, Una, a young, vibrant redhead who had just immigrated from Scotland. After graduating, he moved to Vancouver for a fresh start, first selling vacuums and surviving on peanut butter sandwiches. He sent for Una shortly thereafter, and they were married on May 19, 1962, in Vancouver, B.C.
Dad continued on in business, soon managing trust companies in Vancouver, Abbotsford, Victoria, and finally in Kamloops, where he settled with Una to raise his family. Here, he opened his own mortgage company, Haliburton Mortgage, which he operated for over 30 years. Dad was involved in numerous building projects and real-estate ventures in Kamloops throughout his life, and retired a very successful businessman.
Dad loved to sing and had a deep appreciation for music. He played the banjo and the ukulele and would often break out in song with his tenor-like voice in public places. He sang from his soul. Dad loved getting together with friends and family over a bottle of red wine for some laughs. He was an avid hockey fan, playing into his late 30’s, and then continued to coach many rep. teams in Kamloops as his sons grew up. He was a true blue Habs fan. He was passionate about fishing, gardening and especially cooking; many will remember his Chinese food, ribs, and baked beans. In his retirement years, he and Una enjoyed summers at their cottage at Paul Lake, floating on the barge with their children and grandkids.
Dad was one of a kind. A loving father, quick witted, a philosopher, and a silent philanthropist. He had a huge heart, and was known to reach out to those in need, whether it was giving them money, an odd job, or a place to stay. He always had an extra guest at the dinner table. Raised a Catholic, Dad had a strong faith and trust in God.
Dad will be missed by those who knew him. Dad, it gives us peace to know you are finally with Mom again, and all your friends and family that passed before you.
A Catholic funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, 200 Chilcotin Way, Kamloops, B.C., on Friday, January 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.. Mass will be celebrated by Father Peter Nguyen. A reception will follow at 133 West Battle Street.
In lieu of flowers, Dad would appreciate an act of kindness or a donation to Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice.