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Gary Blaine Simmonds
May 27th 1963 June 21st 2001
Gary Blaine Simmonds was born on May 27, 1963, in Dawson Creek Hospital.
He was the youngest of five children born to Cecil and Helen. He had one brother, Brian, and three sisters, Debbie, Karen, and Rhonda.
At age two, it was discovered that Gary had asthma. This asthma bothered him all through his life. Gary never complained or fussed. He always said, "Just give me some time -- and I'll be okay." He never used his asthma as an excuse not to enjoy life to its fullest.
Gary learned about the Great Outdoors at a very early age. A basket for his bed and the running river as his lullaby -- most every weekend the family would go camping and fishing. Through the years, these weekends gave the family memories of their happiest times. The Sukunka River was their favorite place, as well as all along the West and East Pine River.
As a youngster Gary participated in little league ball and minor hockey. Gary started school at Tremblay Elementary, went on to Central, and in 1981 graduated from South Peace.
In July of 1980, Gary lost his sister Rhonda in a fatal accident. This was a terrible time for him and his family but through love and support they all moved on.
In 1981, Gary's parents bought a farm in the Tupper area, and new friends and adventures began. Cows to chase, horses to ride, and cut lines to explore.
After graduating, Gary worked a short time on the oil rigs, then for an electrical contractor out of Calgary. When this job ended, he went to work for Northland Machine. Gary worked there for several years and made many lasting friendships.
Gary bowled, played golf, enjoyed skiing, fishing, hunting and Monday night pool with the guys. On one of his hunting trips, he bagged a record deer and had his "15 minutes" of fame when his picture and a write up was printed in the "Big Buck" magazine.
Gary never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anybody as long as the beer was cold and the food plenty, because we all know how Gary could eat.
In the spring of 1998, Gary went to work for Wayne Swift. After working there a year, Gary started his electrical apprenticeship and over the next two years, he attended courses at New Caledonia College in Prince George. On June 21st, Gary put in his day and gave it his best.
He was a loving son, brother grandson, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend. His laughter, wit and at times his quiet ways endeared Gary to all who got to know and care for him. Gary leaves to mourn His parents Helen and Cecil, brother Brian, sisters Debbie, Karen (George) and his grandmother Irene Anderson. A memorial service was held for Gary at Reynars Funeral Chapel on June 27th at 11 a.m
Funeral arrangements under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Frank Simms
1907 - 2000
Frank Simms was born April 16, 1907.
He passed away March 23, 2000 in the Dawson Creek and District Hospital after suffering a stroke. Frank was predeceased by his wife Bernice in December 1993. A beautiful life came to an end.
He died as he lived, everyone's friend. Frank was always thoughtful, loving and kind. What a precious memory he left behind.
Frank will be sadly missed but always remembered by his many, many friends and neighbors throughout the Peace River area. Frank had no funeral by request.
Donald Allan Simon
1938-2001
Don Simon, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away on September 18, 2001 in Dawson Creek, at 63 years of age. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2001 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, officiated by Reverend John F. Klassen. Interment followed at the Brookside Cemetery, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Don was a quiet man of few words who let his actions do most of his talking. He was a loving husband, a proud father and a loyal friend to those who had the fortune of being included in his circle of friendship.
Don was born on April 23, 1938 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to parents Mary Anna and Peter Simon, the youngest of six children.
He attended school in Tweedsmuir until Grade 10 at which point he decided to attend technical school to study the trade of automotive parts.
Don was a real handyman, skilled in much more than the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles. He moved to Dawson Creek in the spring of 1957, where he first worked at pouring cement for the power generator plant. He began working in the motorcar supply business that same year.
It was also in 1957 that he met his future wife Arla McDonald. They marriage on July 2, 1960. The first of two daughters, Ann, came into Don and Arla's life on July 21, 1962. A little more than two years later, on Nov. 9, 1964, Don and Arla were blessed with a second daughter, Karen.
That same year Don went into partnership in McIntyre's Automotive.
After 33 years in that business, Don sold the store and retired, although he continued to help out and work in the business, lending a hand whenever it was needed.
Lending a hand whenever and wherever it was needed was Don's way. He helped Laura and Angus McDonald - his future in-laws - on the farm when Angus was sick. He was also very involved in the Paradise Valley Snowmobile Association, helping build and maintain trails and the club's second cabin on Bear Mountain.
Helping out like that was one of the many ways Don gave back to the people and the things he loved. He truly loved the outdoors; his happiest moments came when he was camping, snowmobiling, fishing or riding down an ATV trail.
Don was pre-deceased by Lena Selander, Mary Stene, Edmond Simon, Mary Anna and Peter Simon.
He is survived and his memory is cherished fondly by his wife Arla, his daughters Ann Marie and Karen Lynne, their respective spouses John and Randy, and his beloved grandchildren Rachel Ann and Jonan Allan.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Gerry Smith
1952-2001
A memorial service for the late Gerry Smith of Chetwynd was held on Friday, November 2, 2001 at 2 p.m. from the Cottonwood Hall. The service was led by Brent Hofferd.
Gerry, the man I knew was a simple and unique man. He was a big, strong, lovable guy.
He was a man who loved his family above all else. He would do anything for us; all we had to do was ask.
Gerry lived his life the way he wanted to live. He didn't follow the rules, he made his own along the way. With Gerry, what you saw was what you got.
You were always welcome at Gerry's house. You were not judged on age, race, sex or bank account. He loved to sit around and tell stories, making jokes and reminiscing about the good old days. Many great adventures were formed sitting around Gerry's table.
If you needed a place to stay, Gerry's was the place to go. It didn't matter why you needed to stay, the couch was yours for as long as you wanted. Oh the faces that coach has seen !
Gerry was always a well-liked man, but I did not realize how much people loved him. He was a steady, comforting fixture in so many of our lives. We will all seem a little lost without him.
I take great comfort in the fact that Gerry will live on in our hearts. Each of us has our own memories of Gerry and the more we share those memories the closer he will be. We need only to close our eyes to see him again.
Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek.
Oliver James Smith
1914 - 2002
Oliver passed away quietly in the Peace Lutheran Care Home, Thursday, Jan 10, 2002 at the age of 87 years.
Oliver was born June 28, 1914 in Wilkie Saskatchewan. He had two older sisters, Grace and May. He grew up on the family farm in Wilkie and attended the local school there. Oliver, affectionately called Bobby or Bob, lived with his parents helping with farming and working for local farmers during the busy seasons. He also worked as a carpenter's helper, supplementing the farm income.
Oliver marriage Margaret Ens, the morning of Dec. 18, 1940 in Wilkie Sask.
They continued farming on the family farm for 10 years. During this time, Oliver and Margaret started their family, Bernie born Sept. 12, 1941, Dian born Feb. 7, 1944 and Neva born Feb 18, 1948.
Farming in Saskatchewan was difficult due to the drought and low farming income. In the fall of 1949, Oliver ventured to the Peace River Country in search of farmland. He located a homestead in the Golata Creek area. Oliver and his family lived on the Wally Newman farm for a short time. He worked for Wally while preparing his own land for production. In time he built a new rough lumber home for his family. The tarpaper roof leaked and the cracks in the walls let in the mosquitoes, but it was their very first home. Oliver kept very busy farming and working for the Department of Public Works at Clayhurst. He drove gravel trucks and operated a road grader. It wasn't all work. Oliver took time to enjoy life, attending local dances and ball games. He played the violin for dances and house parties. This was one of his greatest enjoyments. Oliver semi-retired in 1970 and sold the farm to son Bernie and moved to Fort St. John.
During his retirement, Oliver had time to take up woodworking, tin can art, traveling, fishing and a lot of violin playing. He entered many violin competitions in the Peace Country, bringing home numerous trophies for his expertise in this field.
In 1992 as Oliver's health began to fail, he moved to the Lutheran Care Home. He felt very secure and happy there and was able to call this home.
Oliver was predeceased by his daughter Neva Emond and wife Margaret. He leaves to mourn son Bernie (Jean) Smith; daughter Dian (Bob) Kettner, Ken Beres; grandchildren Duane (Marg) Kettner, Yvonne (Lorne) Hussey, Kevin (Lezlie) Smith, Daryn Smith (Debbie Hallick), Carrie Smith (Tim Kurtenbach), Brenda Emond and Dean Emond (Kim Blais); great grandchildren Ward and Daneka Hussey, Zachary, Quinn, Garrette and Kareigh Smith, Travis, Devon and Emma Smith and adopted family Fred, Louise, Amanda and William Logue, as well as many relatives and friends.
Geoffrey Smithard
1918-2001
Geoffrey Smithard, resident of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, former resident of Sunset Prairie, passed away on September 15, 2001 in Pouce Coupe, at 83 years of age. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on September 19, 2001 at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, with Father David John officiating. Interment followed in the Sunset Prairie Cemetery.
Geoffrey Smithard was born to Gertrude and John Smithard on August 13, 1918, in Belper, England. When he was nine, he came to Canada with his mother to meet up with his father at Coronation, Alberta. They lived there for a short time then moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta.
In September of 1930, the family moved to Sunset Prairie; Geoffrey went to school in Willow Valley and Sunset Prairie. He later took up a homestead and over the next 60 years made it into a farm.
The only interruption in those years building the farm was four years service in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the war. Geoffrey used his skill with his hands working as an aircraft mechanic. While he was stationed in Lethbridge, he met his wife-to-be Marguerite Belliveau who was a registered nurse.
They were marriage on October 1, 1945 at the end of World War Two. Geoffrey brought his bride back to Sunset Prairie to raise a family of four children - which was no easy challenge - and very much proof that he was a very patient man. His patience also showed when he was working with his animals.
Some of his other interests were: playing baseball, horseback riding and hunting; he loved the outdoors.
He also showed his love for music by playing the harmonica. Geoffrey was very gifted with his hands and made a lot of things as they were required on the farm. In later years these skills became his hobbies. He did wrought iron work, leather craft and woodwork. He firmly believed that if it was at all possible to make something yourself, you should never buy it.
He was well thought of in the community, and his honesty and loyalty showed whenever he was asked for a helping hand. The community missed him when he moved to Dawson Creek in 1998, and later to Pouce Coupe's Peace River Haven. He passed away there on September 15, 2001.
Geoffrey was predeceased by his mother, Gertrude, his father, John, his only sister, Margaret, and grandson, Riley Nicholas Smithard.
He will be missed and fondly remembered by: his wife, Marguerite, and children, Stanley and Shirley Smithard, Dorothy and Jim Parfrey, Irene and Gerry Neufeld, Ray and Mary Anne Smithard, and their respective families.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Agnes Somers
1905-2002
Peacefully in Carman Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family, Agnes Somers passed away February 21, 2002 at the age of 96.
Bron in Carman on December 25, 1905, the fourth daughter of Robert and Lucy McQueen, she lived there for six years before moving to Stephenfield with her parents. Agnes attended Stephenfield School and in 1924 she marriage Hugh John Somers and moved back to the family farm at Carman.
Agnes raised a family of nine children. She was predeceased by her husband Hugh in 1965; two daughters, Elizabeth in 1926 and Florence in 1939; one son Bill in 1995; one grandson Robert in 1999; one granddaughter Wendy in 1999; one great-grandson Gary in 1990.
She is survived by three sons, Donald (Rose), Bert, Allan (Ethel), three daughters Mabel Ginter, Doris Cummer, Bernice Fry; one daughter in law Eva Somers, 34 grandchildren, 64 great grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren, one brother Jim and his wife Linda McQueen of Dawson Creek B.C.
Agnes was a very active person in the Albert district as well as the Carman community. At the age of 10 years she played the organ in the Presbyterian United Church and at one time sang in the United Church choir. She was a member of the Albert Cooper Club, president of the U.C.W. Ladies, president of the Hospital Auxiliary, Grand Mistress of the Loyal Orange Lodge for Manitoba Division and president of the Parkview Manor.
Agnes lived on the family farm northwest of Carman where her son Don now resides. Agnes and Hugh moved to Carman in 1952. Hugh passed away in 1965 and Agnes moved to Parkview Manor in 1974 where she resided until her death.
Funeral Service were held from the Carman United Church in Carman, Manitoba on Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Catherine Waldie officiating. Interment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery, Carman.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Carman United Church Building Fund, box 1177, Carman, Mb, R0G 0J0 or to a charity of one's choice.
Doyle Funeral Chapel of Carman in care of arrangements.
Ledvina Soucie
1921 - 2000
Ledvina Soucie resident of Dawson Creek, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2000 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. A prayer Service was held on Thursday Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in Dawson Creek, with Father Chris Lynch. A Funeral Service was held on Friday Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church in Dawson Creek, B.C., officiated by Father Michael Dechant, with an Interment in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery following the service.
Ledvina Soucie was born July 9, 1921 in the tiny community of Friedenstal, three miles from Fairview, Alta.
Her parents, Anna and Joseph Krapp, had immigrated from Russia with a group of people including the Schneider, Dechant and Kuntz families, first to Kansas, USA, and then to the Peace River country, where they settled in 1915.
Ledvina grew up working on her parents' farm and went to Craddock school near Bluesky, Alta.
As a young woman, she worked as a nursing aide in the Fairview Hospital. In the summer of 1946, uncle pete Fisher came up from Kansas to visit and Ledvina went back with him to visit the relatives that had remained there. When she returned by train to Edmonton, Ledvina got a job at the Miseracordia Hospital. Later she returned home to help her parents and took a job in Loggie's Dept. Store in Fairview.
Ledvina was working there in the fall of 1949 when she met Erwin "Ed" Soucie. He and his dad, and two cousins had come out west from Mattawa, Ontario to work the harvest. After the harvest, his dad and cousins returned to the east but Ed stayed. Ed and Ledvina were marriage the following spring. This past May they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Shortly after they were marriage, the couple moved to Mattawa, Ont. where their son Leo was born in September 1951. Right on his heels came little sister Linda, born in November 1952.
In the spring of 1953, the family moved back to the Peace River country. Ed and Luddy spent most of their marriage life in Dawson Creek.
In the early '60s, with both kids in school, Ledvina took a job in the kitchen of the Notre Dame School. Later she got a job as a sales clerk at the Hudson's Bay Store and after that she worked in Ladies & Children's Wear at the Co-op store. Ed and Luddy moved to Grande prairie in 1973 where she worked in the Ladies department of the Grande prairie Co-op until they returned to Dawson Creek in 1977.
We all know Ledvina as a kind and gentle person but she did do some gutsy things in her quiet life. At the age of 47, she decided she would learn to drive. Unbeknownst to Ed, who was working out of town, Linda and Luddy discovered the keys to the Oldsmobile in the glove compartment, a mistake he would never make again. Under Mom's guidance, Linda, just 16 and with a brand new driver's license herself, backed Ed's prized possession out of the garage. She drove her Mom over to the newly paved parking lot of South Peace School, where Luddy drove around and around and around, These nightly lessons continued for several weeks, then Ledvina enrolled in formal driving lessons and got her driver's license.
Ledvina was an example of gentleness and humility. She was a sweet and loving person, and one of her greatest gifts was her hospitality. Her joy was in keeping her home spotlessly clean. And even though her floors were clean enough to eat off, you always felt comfortable and welcome. If she knew you were coming, the table would be already set, if she didn't, it was set immediately. There was no such thing as just coffee, you got the whole nine yards! She loved visitors.
Ledvina had a circle of dear, lifelong friends that coffeed regularly. Her son Leo and his travelling family dropped in at all times of the day and night. She was always so happy to see them. They could be sure of a big hug, a great meal and a warm bed, no matter what the hour. And Leo wasn't above phoning ahead to let her know when he would arrive and sweet talk her into making him a big batch of cheese dumpling. When her brothers and sisters came to visit - man could they talk! as Ed often would say "I'm going to bed, those Germans will talk all night!"
What a wonderful cook she was. Her daughter Linda has surely inherited her mother's gifts of home and hospitality. She is carrying on her mother's tradition in fine style.
Ledvina leaves to mourn, her husband Ed; son Leo; daughter-in-law Shannon; granddaughter Alaina Soucie and husband Ryan Thomson; granddaughter Laurisa Cripps, husband Colin and great-grandson Cale; her grandson Devin Soucie; her daughter Linda, son-in-law Glen Jensen; granddaughter Nicki Rowley, husband Jason and great-grandson Brandon; her granddaughter Renee Jensen and Kelly Emlyn; her brothers Adolph Krapp, Bernard Krapp and wife Madeline; her sisters Katie Schnieder, Martha Frank and husband Johnnie; her brother-in-law Tony Dechant; her sister-in-law Estelle Bergeron, brother-in-law Edwin Soucie; her many nieces, nephews and friends.
Ledvina is predeceased by her parents Joseph and Anna Krapp, her brother Florian and wife Eileen, her sisters Emma and Annie (Sister Mary Celestine), sister-in-law Mary Krapp and nephew Hubert, her brother-in-law Adolph Schneider, her father-in-law Alec Soucie, mother-in-law Irene and brother-in-law Harold.
We will miss Ledvina until we meet again in our Father's House. But we can be sure of one thing, she will have His table set, the noodle soup and the dinna kouga will be ready and waiting for us.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., of Dawson Creek, B.C.
Ben Soucy
1938 - 2000
Ben Soucy was born a twin from a large family of 12 in Stratton Ontario on August 26, 1938 to Joe and Elizabeth Soucy. At the age of 16, he moved to Turner Valley, Alberta working any odd jobs he could find.
Two years later he moved to Dawson Creek where he spent time running cats and clearing farm land. In April 1962, he marriage Hattie Kasprow and six years later they adopted a four week old baby girl, Brenda Lee. Ben took off with his trucking business and seemed to really enjoy it. He worked hauling logs, gravel, fuel and ran other equipment such as cats, loaders, bobcats, grades and backhoes.
Ben and Hattie were separated in 1974 and Ben moved to Fort St. John where he continued to truck and resided for 10 years.
In 1984 he moved to Stony Plain, Alberta and continued his love for trucking there. In 1986 Ben bought a quaint home on Edmonton Beach outside of Stony Plain, until his untimely passing.
Ben loved to travel and seek out new places. He loved meeting and talking to people and he seemed to always know someone whether they'd be down the road or across the country.
Ben is remembered for his sense of humour. One story quite interesting is the time Ben was required to take a computer course. Knowing absolutely nothing about computers, Ben found he had to spend time after class with the instructor, replacing files he deleted by using the trash bin in the corner of the screen, It's hard to believe it, but he passed the course!
He is always remembered for his vehicles and how he loved to put as many lights, fans, and accessories as he could on them. Speaking of fans, Ben put an old fan on the trunk lid of his car, causing many people to ask questions about the purpose of the fan. Ben would reply, smirking, it gave better gas mileage and a turbo boost.
Another memory is Ben and his twin Larry tricking people by switching their identities. For example, they traded their hats making people think Ben was Larry and vice versa. This gave people a good laugh.
Ben came to Dawson Creek quite often to stay with is daughter Brenda and husband Gary. In June of 1997 a grandson was born, Dillon Chase, and Ben became the world's greatest grandpa. Ben and Dillon shared a lot of precious memories together that will never be forgotten. He loved to play guitar and Dillon would dance and dance.
Ben was famous for phoning Brenda and asking to talk to Dillon first, this always made Brenda laugh, but proud. There was no doubt that when Ben and Dillon got together, they would rule the roost. Brenda will never forget the summer of 1999 when Ben stayed with them for three weeks. He babysat Dillon one afternoon and when Brenda got home Ben looked like he was worn out, and was glad to see her. He was more than happy to be relieved of his duties.
Ben passed away at the age of 61 of a massive heart attack in Stony Plain, Alberta on March 7, 2000. He is survived by his loving family. Daughter Brenda (Gary), grandson Dillon, brothers and sisters, twin Larry (Jean), Lorne (Jean), Danny (Norma), Davy (Sandy), Claire (Jim), Teressa (Jim), Dale (Arden) and many nieces and nephews.
Ben was predeceased by his mother and father, brothers Ray, Ed and Bud and sister Illeen.
Ben was loved by many and will be sadly missed. Thank you dad and grandpa for unconditionally loving us and spreading sunshine into our lives. You have left a great deal of unspoken example and advice that will live in our lives until we meet again. We will remember you for your smile, your tender heart and comforting presence. We hold our memories of you in our hearts. Love and prayers, your family.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 20, at Bethel Pentecostal Church, Dawson Creek at 2 p.m.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. of Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Walter Mike Srala
1933 - 2000
Walter was born on August 25,1933 at home on the family farm in Dixonville, Alberta. Walter was the last of nine children born to Lawrence and Franceska Srala. He had three brothers Mike, John and Jack, five sisters Marie, Jean, Sophie, Kathy and Phyliss.
He grew up on the family farm and help to work the farm with his father. At a very early age he became interested in mechanics and loved to work on vehicles. When Walter was 16 his father bought him his first pickup truck.
In the early 50's he came to Dawson Creek to be near his sister Marie and her family. Walter started his working career as a mechanic and truck driver.
In 1957 he met a widow with two young children and became "Dad" to Rod and Roxy when he marriage Lois in 1957. Walter was very proud when his "Patto" was born in 1958, then along came Bruce in 1959, Cindy in 1960, and Perry in 1961.
In those early years Walter and Lois would load the whole crew in the vehicle to go camping or to a picnic at Pouce or Kiskatanaw.
During these years Walter worked at many different jobs driving truck and working as a mechanic. In his later years, he enjoyed going for coffee or breakfast at the Co-op, and visiting with anyone who wanted to talk. He also loved to go over to Walt and Marie's to debate any subject with Walt, leaving in a bit of a huff but always returning for another round. He truly loved these times. Walter loved animals and would go without for himself if it meant feeding them.
We will miss Walter's beautiful smile and his love of talking about the past . We are comforted to know that he is now at peace. Walter leaves to mourn his passing Lois Srala, Ron Radke, Roxi Grant (Ross); Patty Srala (Billey Reay); Perry Srala (Tannia) all of Dawson Creek. Bruce Srala (Angi) of McBride and Cindy Bergeron (Dennis) of Kamloops, 12 grandchildren; Charles Radke; Brandon, Aaron, Danny and Staci Grant; Nikki, Blake and Bekki Srala; Chante, Cheriese, and Tyson Bergeron and Laura Srala. His sisters Marie Holden (Walt) of Dawson Creek; Jean Steele (Frank) of Chilliwack, Sophie Walsh (John) of Toronto and Cathy Arnold (Tom) of Colorado. He also leave to mourn many nieces , nephews and friends.
A funeral service was held on Sunday, April 2nd at 11 a.m. at Reynars Funeral Chapel and Interment took place in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
