Canadian Obituaries Forum
Share and search for your Canadian obituaries for genealogy research!
The search engine for this forum is optimized for SURNAME research primarily.
Esko Esa Salo
1936-2001
Esko Esa Salo, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia passed away on January 27, 2001 at 64 years of age. A memorial service was held at 2:00 pm on January 31, 2001 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, with Reverend Alexis Saunders officiating. Esko's cremated remains were interred in his father's grave in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery.
Esko was born in Kemio Finland, schooled in Vestaros Sweden; then immigrated to Canada in 1957. Arriving in Winnipeg he worked as a machinist, underground miner, and began his career as Denturist.
In 1963, he moved to Edmonton working for Mayfair Dental Lab. In Edmonton, he met Yvonne, they were marriage in 1970 and moved to Dawson Creek where they began his business and their family.
Esko was a champion boxer, golfer, skier and he loved to curl. Esko belonged to the Rotary Club for many years. He was a skilled craftsman who worked with wood, silver and gold; making gifts for family and friends. His abilities served him well in his 35 year career in the dental field. Esko was a family man; his wife, children, brothers and sister meant the world to him. He inspired great loyalty in his close friends because they knew he would always stand by them.
Sisu is a Finnish word that in loose translation means 'guts'. It is more than that, it is the intangible quality of courage and fierce bravado in the face of all odds. Esko had 'Sisu' and he battled his cancer with strength and courage. His battle was not fought alone. Our family will never forget Esko's home nurses, 'The Girls"; Sheri Murphy, Marilyn Alexander, Sandy Armitage, Pollyanne Moorman, Barbara Glasier, Charlotte Luetkehoelter and Donna Paradowski. We thank them for their extraordinary compassion, care, knowledge, and for the dignity, respect and hope they brought to our home. We would also like to thank Dr. R. Newman, Dr. D. Boorman, Dr. M. Nagra, and Dr. D. Morris (Calgary, Alberta).
Esko was pre-deceased by his mother Laimi Salo and his father Vilho Salo. He will be forever loved by his wife Yvonne, daughter Adrianna (Kris Howie), son Eric, brothers Osmo (Patricia) Salo of Calgary, Alberta, Gordie (Inez) Salo of Calgary, Alberta, sister Tarja (Graham) Scoles of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and nephews Brian (Kerri) Salo, Jason and Michael Scoles.
In memory of Esko, donations may be made to:
South Peace Hospice and Palliative Care Society
# 208-816-103rd Avenue
Dawson Creek, British Columbia
V1G 2G1
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Tony Sander
1928-2001
Tony Sander, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away suddenly at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital on Sunday, July 8, 2001 at the age of 73. A prayer service was held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, a funeral service was held at 10:00 am on Thursday July 12 at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church with Father Chris Lynch officiating. Tony's cremated remains were interred in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery at 10 am on Friday, July 13.
Tony was born April 11, 1928 on a farm near Revenue, Saskatchewan, where he was raised, and lived up until the age of 15, when he moved northwest to Dawson Creek. His first job in the area was working in a logging camp.
Following this, Tony worked in various jobs including for the U.S. Army as a parts person, the 4X Bakery as a baker, a delivery person with Royal Fruit, then for the Northern Alberta Railway, in the express department.
On May 1st, 1954, he marriage Maureen McKellar, and they had three children. He went off to school to obtain his barber license in 1963. After barbering for a few years, he opened 'Tony's Barber Shop' in 1979, where he remained until his retirement in 1993.
Tony kept very busy camping, and quad-ing with family and friends. Some of his hobbies included skating, and horseback riding. With bowling, yard work, and frequent coffee outings. Tony really enjoyed retirement.
Tony was predeceased by: his sister, Margaret; father, Ben; mother, Mary; stepfather, John Scheck; sisters, Betty Hall and Viola Wilke; brother-in-law, Everett Hall; mother-in-law, Hilda McKellar; and father-in-law, Howard McKellar.
He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by: his wife, Maureen Sander; his daughter, Wanda (Clarke) Bedell and their children, Amanda and Cody; his son, Ben (Linda) Sander, and their children, Nikki and Ty; and son, Darren (Andrea) Sander, and their children, Adam, Kate and Jack; sister, Vicki (Bill) Wedmedyk; brothers, Ed (Gladys) Scheck, and Glenn (Marie) Scheck; brother-in-law, Don Wilke; sisters-in-law, Alice (Dave) Soligo, and Susan (Tony) Marjanovic; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation.
May God who called Tony home suddenly, grant him peace and rest. Give us strength and faith to say that He indeed knows best.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Fred Sandy
1916 - 2001
Fred Sandy was born in Burdett, Alberta on Nov. 19, 1916. He farmed with his father in the Pincher Creek and Diamond City, Alta. area for many years. He marriage Martha Langhofer on June 15, 1941. In 1943 he and Martha moved to Dawson Creek. He hauled freight for the U.S. Army during the building of the Alaska Highway and spent the next 32 years living in the Dawson Creek area.
Fred owned a highway construction contracting business and was always involved in his main love - farming - at various locations in the Peace River area.
He retired from farming in 1975 and he and Martha moved to Penticton. He spent his remaining 26 years doing the things he loved most: working in his vegetable garden, fishing, travelling in his motorhome with his trusted co-pilot Martha by his side and visiting his many, many friends.
He will be forever missed by Martha, his wife and companion of 60 years, and his four children; three sons, Lyle (Carol) Jeffry and Megan of Surrey, B.C.; Duane (Blanche) Matthew and Errol of Dawson Creek, B.C.; Bruce (Ellen) Tanya and Raymond of Sydney, B.C.; and his only daughter Lorna Foster (Dave) Michael, Daryl and Shauna of Penticton, B.C. He also leaves his younger sister Myrtle Jackson of Lacombe, Alta., numerous nieces and nephews, five great grandchildren and many friends and acquaintances.
He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Alice, his brothers Delbert and Ray and his sisters Gladys, Edith, Grace and Julia.
Fred will always be remembered as a man who gave more than he took, always willing to lend a hand and help someone out. He touched the hearts of those who knew him and will continue to live on in their memories.
Funeral to be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2001 at 11 a.m. from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2946 Main Street, Penticton, B.C. Interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Penticton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to the Penticton Regional Hospital Medical Foundation.
Virginia V. Scanlon
Virginia V. Scanlon of Rimbey, Alberta passed away at her home on Sept. 8, 2000 at the age of 75 years.
Virginia will be lovingly remembered by two sons, Roger (Margaret) Scanlon of Fort St. John, B.C.; Roland (Vicky) Scanlon of Dawson Creek, B.C.; two daughters, Ruth (Darrell) Barker of Fort St. John and Roxie Scanlon of Fairview, Alta. as well as eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She will also be lovingly remembered by three brothers, Fred Bengtson of Rimbey; Stan (Cecile) Bengtson of Calgary; Cody Bengtson of Rimbey; four sisters, Norma Bunch of Red Deer; Thelma Murray of Camrose; Eleanor (John) Komonosky of Calgary and Sylvia Bengtson of Rocky Mountain House. Virginia was predeceased by her husband Ernie and one sister Ruby Farrell.
Funeral services will be held at the Rimbey Church of the Nazarene on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2000 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Anthony Manswell officiating. Cremation will follow. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alberta Lung Association, Emphysema Program, Box 4500, Stn. S, Edmonton, Alberta, T6E 9Z9. Condolences to the family may also be expressed by e-mail to special_reflections@telusplanet.net.
Loise May Schobert
1916 - 2000
Loise May Schobert, passed away in Pouce Coupe, British Columbia on November 15, 2000 at 84 years of age. A memorial service was held 11 a.m. on Nov. 18 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, with Reverend Judy Hare officiating.
Loise was born in Palmer, Saskatchewan on May 11, 1916; the fifth-oldest of 12 children born to Lottie and Claude Morse. Her family made several moves before settling at Beaverlodge, Alberta in 1939. At the age of 23, she began visiting her sister, Thora and brother-in-law, Charlie Schobert, who lived at Doe River. There she met Charlie's brother Joe. This relationship continued for five years and they were marriage in May of 1942.
For the next 28 years, the two sisters and two brothers joined their energies to create a mixed farming operation that earned them economic and social stability. Loise was a significant co-partner of that endeavour.
In 1970, due to Charlie's health challenges, the partnership was dissolved and he and Thora retired to the Okanagan. Joe retired about three years later, and he and Loise continued living on the family home-site. Joe passed away In 1979. In 1987, Loise moved to Langley to live with her older sister, Thelma. She returned to Dawson Creek in 1993 and took up residence in Spruceland Manor.
In November 1999, after a month of hospitalization, she lived with Sheila and Allen in the Landry district. This past spring she moved to the Peace River Haven care home at Pouce Coupe, where she passed on quietly in her sleep on Nov. 15.
Loise left a legacy. She set an example of values and lifestyle to emulate, and she would be the first to deny it. She had her own sense of time and how to spend it. Reading and studying her faith took priority every day. She always had/took time to spend with children. She'd read and sing to them, play her piano and teach them to love one another.
She was active in family and community affairs but chose to work quietly in the background, warding off praise and recognition by pointing out what others did. Even up to the day before she passed away, when in conversation with family members, she was disbelieving that she had so many friends. She couldn't understand what she did to deserve them.
Loise loved humour. She wasn't one to tell many jokes, but she would laugh at them and especially her own follies and foibles. Her laugh is hard to describe. Some folks giggle and can be heard above the clamour in a busy assembly. Loise's laughter was an internal force that she tried to contain which only brought a stronger need to laugh, ending in tears. Most people, seeing this happen, were also moved to laughter, which just kept the thing increasing.
Her pastimes and hobbies included: reading for self reflection, playing piano for her own enjoyment and for children. She was self-taught in this, yet composed a piano solo for which there is printed music. She also wrote words and music for a special birthday song which she dedicated to, and would play and sing to her grand and great-grandchildren. The last time she played this song was last November for Josef's first birthday. She spent hours producing articles, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, macramé, quilting, tatting and ceramics. She did all these with infallible patience, persistence and attention to detail with near perfection.
Over the years she was active in the Christian Science Church, Order of the Eastern Star and the Doe River Women's Institute.
Loise lived her life on her terms. The demonstration of love, faith and humility were her goals. She displayed these with strong actions and gentle words, yet allowed with acceptance and understanding for each of us to follow our own path and make our own decisions.
Loise is survived by loving children: Sheila (Allen) Watson and Mervin (Urmila) Schobert; grandchildren: Kevin (Marianne) Watson, Wade (Molly) Watson, Dwayne (Shelly) Watson, Nathan, Andrew and Jared Schobert; great-grandchildren: Kristopher and Andrew Watson, Melvina, Josef and Nikita Watson, Ashley and Courtney Watson; brothers Arland Morse, and Leroy (Dotty) Morse; as well as sister-in-law, Hazel Brooks, and extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by husband Joe; brothers Ron (Margaret), and Lyle; sisters Thelma (Percy), Thora (Charlie), Develda, Alice (Jonas), Verna (Ken), and Lillian (Les).
Funeral arrangements and cremation were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services and Crematorium Ltd. of Dawson Creek, B.C.
God saw you getting tired,
And the cure was not to be
So He wrapped you in His loving arms
And whispered 'Come with Me'
You suffered much in silence
Your spirit did not bend
You faced your pain with courage
Until the very end
You tried so hard to stay with us
Your fight was all in vain
God took you in His loving arms
And saved you from all pain.
Goodbye loved one, until we meet again.
George Schreiber
1933 - 2000
George Schreiber, resident of Sunset Prairie, British Columbia, passed away on July 6, 2000 in Sunset Prairie, at 67 years of age. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on July 12, 2000 at the Multi-plex Centre, Chetwynd, British Columbia, with Pastor Bill Evans officiating. Interment followed at the Willow Valley, Cemetery, Willow Valley, British Columbia.
George was born June 3, 1933 on the homestead in Rockbottom, Sask. George was the sixth child of 13 born to Peter and Katrina Schreiber. He attended Rockbottom school, and completed his schooling with grade 8 at Frenchmen's Butte school. He then went to work on other people's farms. It was here that George learned to have a strong work ethic.
Although there were hardships in these early days, George remembered and spoke of these times often and fondly.
George came up to the Peace country in the fall of 1951. He worked in the sawmill camps, skidding with horses first, then falling. George met Ardy in 1953. Amazingly, they met on the same quarter of land that they currently call home. George and Ardy marriage in 1956, and after several tar paper shacks in logging camps, they settled in Chetwynd, then called Little Prairie.
George had a few passions in his life. Without a doubt one of his biggest was hunting. He enjoyed hunting trips with his friends and family. Another passion of George was his baseball, he helped coach in little league and pony league. George also loved horses, when anyone started to talk horses with George, he would light up.
By far one of George's greatest passions were his children. He dedicated a majority of his time to coaching, playing in ball games in the yard, or mini-Gymkhanas, taking them to events like ski races, rodeos and ball tournaments. George always was around the children, his or anyone else's. Where George was, there were usually children.
George and Ardy and their six children lived in a home that truly was a home, and one that anyone felt welcome and comfortable in. Looking back at the old home movies, showed a family very happy and very active outdoors.
George started working for Canfor in the winter of 1964. He worked first as a carpenter and then as a millwright until he retired in 1998. George took pride in doing a good day's work and in doing the job right. George could fabricate anything, he had the gift of being able to see something before he had built it. George's co-workers respected George for his physical strength, his work ethic, and his experience. Most of all George was respected for his strength of character.
George was always smiling and loved to tell or hear a joke. He loved to laugh and you always felt better after being around him.
Recently, George's health had begun to challenge him. He didn't complain and maintained his cheerful disposition. That was George, when the world gave him lemons, he made lemonade. George was not a big talker, but when he spoke people listened.
George's greatest legacy was his greatest passion, his family. He was proud of all of his children and his wife, for their character, values and accomplishments. He loved all of them with all of his heart.
George is predeceased by his parents Peter and Katherina; his step-mother Katherina; an infant sister Katherina, and his brother Peter.
George is lovingly remembered by his loving wife Ardy; his children, Rick (Laurel), Ed, Lane (Bob), Susan (Les), Ardeth (Brian), Karen (Darren); his grandchildren: James, Robyn, Danae, Mitchell, Neale, Connor, Cple and Keagen; his brothers and sisters: Lydia, Annie, Mary, Christine, Irene, Ray, Ken, Fred, Floyd, Andrew, and Dorothy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, B.C.
Robert Henry Schwartz
1948 - 2000
Robert Henry Schwartz, resident of Tomslake, British Columbia passed away on February 28, 2000 at 51 years of age.
A funeral service was held on March 4, 2000 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, B.C., with Reverend Warren Brower officiating. Cremation followed.
Robert was born the third child of Robert and Beryl Schwartz, in Vernon, B.C. on September 28, 1948.
Their family farm was on the Shuswap River, so you could say he was born with a fishing rod in one hand and a rifle in the other. His love of the country was always in his life. He knew every creek and river between here, the Menashee, and the east and knew exactly where the best fishing and hunting spots were.
Robert moved around a lot, he was a dreamer and dreamt of traveling the country. He saw most of it, including getting lost in the O'Hare Airport in Chicago, turning on all the sprinkler. After that, he knew where he was in a matter of minutes!
If you needed a strong back, he was there, or if you needed a soft shoulder, he was there. He had a wonderful sense of humour that he let everybody see, and a wonderful laugh that he let everybody hear. He could make a joke out of most anything and yet he could be very serious when he needed to.
He never forgot his love of family and home, and always kept in touch with all. We will miss him in our lives everyday.
Robert was predeceased by his parents Robert and Beryl Schwartz, his brother-in-law Dawson McDonald and his nephew Brian Wilson.
He is survived by his wife Estelle, his children Wyatt (Tammy) Schwartz, Boyd (Sonia) Schwartz, Troy (Tammy) Schwartz; his stepchildren Brian Lyster, Amber Lyster, Ebony Lyster, Thoreen (Chris) Schippmann and Robert (Sherry) Stredulinsky; his grandchildren Conrad, Damian, Desirae, Brandon, Brodie, Bryton, Riley, Sydney, Hailey, and Jordan; his sisters Carol McDonald and Ada Mills (Gus Lukat), his cousin Vernon (Velma) Schwartz; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, B.C.
Audrey Luella Scott
Dec. 20th, 1930 - Feb. 17th, 2001
Audrey was diagnosed with cancer in March of 2000 and was in good spirits until she peacefully passed away Feb. 17th, 2001.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 21st, 2001 at 1 p.m. from Reynars Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Gary Henderson officiated. A memorial service was then held on Feb. 26th, 2001, in Lyon's Funeral Chapel in Westport, Ontario. Interment of Audrey's cremated remains followed in the Westport Presbyterian Cemetery.
Audrey Luella Scott was born on Dec. 20th, 1930 in Kingston, Ontario and was one of eighteen children born to her parents, Idella and William Scott.
Audrey enjoyed life. She enjoyed bingo, fishing, camping, bowling, shopping, and every minute she had with her grandchildren. She always had treats and cookies for them. No one ever walked away from Audrey's house with an empty stomach. She was a great cook.
Audrey loved to play cards and as we all know, if you were her partner you were sure to win.
Audrey always thought of others before herself. She was a great grandmother and a wonderful friend. She will be dearly missed by all.
Audrey is survived by: two sisters Isabelle and Nettie, three brothers Ernie, Larry, and Don, ten children Elwood, Annie, Randy, Willie, Suzanne, Tim, Danny, Wonieta, Harold, and Eric, and also numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Audrey was pre-deceased by two of her children: sons Ronnie and Roger.
Funeral arrangements under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and crematorium.
Julie Scott
1916 - 2000
Julie Scott, resident of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, formerly of Bay Tree, Alberta, passed away on July 22, 2000 in Pouce Coupe, at 83 years of age.
A funeral service was held on July 26, 2000 at 2 p.m. at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, with Reverend Judy Hare officiating. Cremation followed.
Julie Scott was born Sept. 10, 1916 at home, in Millet, Alberta. She was the second youngest of ten children born to Joe and Lou Cox. At the age of twelve, Julie with her parents and five of 10 children, moved to the Peace River Area. They lived in the Bay Tree and Landry area where she attended school.
In 1934, she marriage Ernie Scott at Hythe, Alta. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Vancouver, where Jean and Doreen were born. Mom helped support the family cleaning fish and working in greenhouses.
In 1937, Mom and Dad moved back to the Peace River area, purchasing the Bill Paige quarter. Two more daughters, Lorna and Gail, were born to the family. Last year Mom and Dad celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
She will be remembered as a hard-working person who liked to dance, play cards, bake, garden, sew, play softball and curl. She liked to whistle, and would often whistle when annoyed. She temporarily lost her ability to whistle when she contracted Bells-Palsy, but was quite excited when she realized she was improving and could whistle once again. She was never afraid to be different, as was evident when she showed up at the community picnic wearing shorts so she could play ball.
Mom was a very supportive parent in all her children's activities.
Mom and Dad liked to watch the ladies fastball games and sometimes she was very vocal when she disagreed with the umpire's call. Mom loved company and always had baking ready for when someone dropped in for a visit, and there was always room for another plate at the table. In later years, she remarked to Dad that no one stopped by for a visit anymore, and his reply was that their friends had either moved away or passed on.
She would always take extra baking to the Bay Tree card parties, as there were several bachelors in the area that didn't have anyone to bake for them.
She liked to enter baking at the local fairs and the baking had to be perfect, so fair time was a good time to visit our farm as there were lots of discards! She raised a large garden that supplied our family with vegetables for the whole year. When the peas were ready, we picked, shelled and froze tubs full. Her seven grandchildren were always welcome at the farm. They all have fond memories of her baking, especially pies, chiffon cake, waffles and bread.
Mom was Dad's best hired hand. She worked along side him in the fields, and when he was 75 years old, mom said she had enough of farming, so they rented out the farm land but continued to live in the house until they moved to the Peace River Haven in 1997.
She was predeceased by her five brothers and four sisters.
She is survived by her husband, Ernie, daughters, Jean (Lyle) Braden, Doreen Forsyth, Lorna Scott and Gail Scott. She was "Granny" to her seven grandchildren, Terry (Gary) Odynak, Debbie (Dan) Coates, Randy (Maria) Braden, Shelley (Greg) Middlemass, Jim (Denise) Braden, Brit (Cathy) Forsyth, Jolene Scott, her16 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. She also leaves one brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, B.C.
Max Scott
Nov. 12, 1916 - Feb. 12, 2001
Funeral Services for the late Max Scott, who passed away on February 12, 2001, were held on February 14, from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Rev Judy Hare of the South Peace United Church officiated.
Max Scott was born on Nov 12, 1916 in Northern Valley Alberta where he lived with his family until a severe flu epidemic claimed the life of both of his parents. Max was left to care for his younger brother and himself at the extremely young age of seven or eight. Max learned at this very tender age how to fight for survival. As he grew he developed a love for animals especially horses and dogs. He had an affinity and gentleness when he worked with them.
In 1936 he marriage Mildred Lewis in Marwayne, Alberta. They had two daughters, Luella and Georgina. They lived on the farm in Marwayne until 1942 when Max bought a truck and moved his family to Dawson Creek so he could work on the Alaska Highway Project. He never left. With only a grade three or four education Max moved into running his own business, became a mechanic, trucked for the oil patch, hauled logs, ran the Alaska Highway, and farmed. Max had two wonderful grandchildren, Brad and Julie, and followed them with a loving watchful eye.
Max lost his loving wife, Mildred, in 1985. Some time after the loss of his wife, Max joined with his companion Ada. They traveled to Alaska and enjoyed exploring many places while he was trucking. He and Ada traveled to Arizona during the winter. Max loved it there. Max had good times with Ron, Judy, Cindy, Wade, Clint, and family. Coffee time at the co-op, his dog Skippy, and his horses brought him great enjoyment also.
Max's last years were spent at Peace River Haven where great care and support was received from the staff there. He was then moved to Pouce Coupe Care Home in Sept 2000 until his passing. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff of both facilities as they are truly wonderful and dedicated people.
Personal Tributes:
A Dad is someone who gives you the tools you need to build your life and the knowledge you need to use them successfully, the encouragement to overcome obstacles, and the confidence to take pride in a job well done. A Dad is someone who gives you living model of excellence to follow. That Dad was Max Scott.
Max was a special kind of man for it takes a special kind of man to set a course in life and follow through no matter what. It takes a special kind of man to aim for the best, be the best, and to pursue his goals with passion and enthusiasm. It takes a special kind of man whose faith inspires faith, whose determination leads to admiration, whose perseverance always makes a winner.
It takes a special kind of man. That man was Max Scott.
Max was pre-deceased by his parents.
Max is survived by his daughters Georgina (Kent) Crump, Luella (Jim) Peacock, and two grandchildren Brad Peacock and Julie Peacock.
Funeral services under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Elsa Seidl
1908 - 2001
On June 23, 2001, our loving mother and wife, Elsa Seidl of Lacombe, previously of Dawson Creek and Tupper, B.C., passed away peacefully at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre at the age of 92 years.
Elsa was born Sept. 20, 1908 in Graslitz, then Austria, but after W.W.I became part of Czechoslovakia.
In 1939, the start of W.W.II, she escaped on the last train out of the Czech Republic with only a backpack, going through Poland, Sweden, England and then settling in Canada with her husband Carl, homesteading in the Peace River District at Tupper, B.C. Not an easy feat as she had always lived in the city, working at her own business as a dressmaker and designer.
Elsa, who for 90 years was never ill, had a passion for life. She was always an active person. In Europe she was a volunteer instructor of female athletes, going to many sporting events where thousands participated. She has a whole book of championship awards she won, mostly first place finishes, such as in gymnastics, five event and nine event, track and field, downhill and cross-country skiing, making it all the way to the Olympics. In Canada she also instructed, was one of the originators of the Bear Mountain Ski Club and Pine Pass, before the days of ski lifts at Powder King, climbing many hours carrying skis to the top of the mountain just to have that perfect ski run down.
She loved being outdoors and always found time while farming to go boating at Swan Lake, B.C. where her farm was bordering the lake, or go hiking and skiing in the mountains. At the age of 87 she was still cross-country skiing. She joined the Canadian Alpine Club of Canada, hiking and climbing B.C. and Alberta mountains, and the Naturalist Club in Dawson Creek. There were not many plants that Elsa did not recognize. They were her survival while growing up during W.W.I.
Her kindness and quick-witted humour will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Carl, her daughter Poldi Olafson and son-in-law Carl Olafson, her nephew and family Kurt Klier, Marianne, Gerd and Monica of Waldkraiburg, Germany. She was predeceased by her sister Giesi, her brother Anton and her parents Julie and Adolf Klier. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Elsa's life which will be held at a later date in July at Tomslake, B.C.
Erwin Seitner
1923 - 2000
Erwin Seitner passed away December 15, 2000.
Erwin was born on December 16, 1923 to Ida and Alois Seitner in the small village of Friedrichdorf, Czechoslovakia.
By 1938, Erwin's family was forced to flee from their homeland to refugee camps in England, due to Hitler's Nazi rule over his country.
From England, the Seitners moved on to make a new home in Canada. On June 16, 1939, along with many other Sudeten families, they arrived in Tupper, B.C., carving a farm out of the rough hinterland.
At 16 years of age Erwin began working for a farmer in Huallen Alberta. Eventually he made his way back home , working at various jobs on the way including Jorgensons sawmill, and later on in 1952, he was employed by Lawrence Meat Packing.
On December 2, 1961, Erwin and Berta were marriage and so began life together on the family farm.
On May 17, 1963 they were blessed with their only child Norman, who brought much happiness to his parents and grandparents, Oma and Opa Seitner. Erwin was a full-time farmer and chose to make his living solely by this means. He and Berta were kept very busy on their mixed farming enterprise which included dairy, beef, grain, hogs, poultry (chickens, geese, turkeys), sheep, vegetables, and bees. Erwin's family and farm were his life.
Erwin's hobbies included watching western movies and wrestling on TV, playing cards with friends, and tending to his flower and vegetable garden. He also loved wine-making, soon becoming an expert at it. It didn't matter what the initial ingredients were, the end result was always a very fine wine. Even the pigs and chickens benefited from Erwin's unique hobby. The mash, after pressing, was an excellent source of energy - not to mention entertainment - as the pigs and chickens could be watched in their inebriated stupor the next day.
Erwin liked to go to the Co-op on Thursdays and could easily be recognized when wearing his Lederhosen, Tyrolian hat, and a bow tie. Erwin was a sincere, genuine and hospitable man, carrying on some of the old family traditions.
1989 proved to be a very bad year for the Seitners. First, Erwin was diagnosed with cancer and spent six weeks in the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. His operation appeared successful and the cancer went into remission. Tragically that same fall, their son Norman passed away leaving a terrible void. The grief Erwin experienced had an enduring impact on him. In March 2000 the cancer had returned. The diagnosis was not optimistic, but Erwin accepted it saying "I lived my life."
It was with great reluctance and sadness that he decided to sell their remaining cattle. His farming days had come to a close yet Erwin has the dubious distinction of being one of the last genuine full-time farmers in the Tomslake/Tupper area.
Erwin was predeceased by his parents Ida and Alois Seitner, his son Norman, and brother Ozzie Endlicher Sr.
He leaves to mourn his loving wife Berta, sister Erica, brother-in-law Richard Gebhart, and sister-in-law Elfrieda Endlicher - all of Canada.
There remains to mourn his sister-in-law Priska Becherer and brother-in-law Hubert Rebstock (wife Ursula), w4!peside in Germany, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who live in both countries. May he rest in peace.
Funeral services under the care of Reynar's Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
George Henry Sewell
1910-2001
George Henry Sewell was born in Margo, Saskatchewan on October 14, 1910. He was the third eldest of nine children born to Charles Eber Sewell and Elizabeth Ann Gibson. George attended school in Lodei, Saskatchewan and later at Saskatchewan Valley School in Lintlaw. Georges family lived on a farm where they raised cows, sheep, and chickens, grew grain, and gardened.
At fourteen years of age George left home to work on a farm just east of Regina. Later he moved to Camrose where he worked as a hired man. George quickly learned he liked being his own boss and in 1929 moved to the Peace River country to claim homesteads. The rest of the Sewell family soon followed. Two days after their arrival George and Norman helped build the Doe River Hall. When it burned to the ground they simply built another. This began Georges long list of community work. The family also brought a lot of musical talent to the Peace country. Charlie was a well known violin player. He even played with Don Messer. Ernest could play any instrument he picked up, Norman played violin, Millie piano, and George played banjo, mandolin, harmonica, and some piano and guitar. George and his family played for many a dance in community halls and country homes.
On November 26, 1937 George marriage Evelyn Dorothy Auton. Then in 1942 they built their dream home where they lived for 53 years before it burned to the ground in 1995. Here they raised seven children.
George believed in living life to the fullest. He claimed that what money he couldnt make during the week, he would not make on Sunday. Weekends were family and community time. He loved sports and played most of them. When he was older he coached kids in many different sports. Later he took up curling and golf and played both of these games himself up until 3 years ago. Its been twenty-nine years since George set up trophies for a Family Curling Bonspiel held every Boxing Day. George was there, right up to December 2000, to present the trophies. George also loved to play cards, teaching first his children and then his grandchildren to play with him. Any spare time was spent camping and fishing.
George was a community minded person. He was a member of the Farmers Institute, the 4-H, First Aide, Rodeo, Ball, and many more clubs and organizations. He claimed that he offered to join the Womens Institute but they would not have him. George also organized and rode in many trail rides, including the 1967 B.C. Centennial Trail Ride on the old Spirit River Trail.
In later years, George and his wife Ev traveled a great deal. They saw most of Canada, the US, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, England, and Ireland. After his wife passed away in 1996, George took a cruise through the Gulf of Mexico, the Panama Canal, and on to California on the Loveboat. His dream was to see the Amazon, so the next year he flew to Rio de Janeiro in South America and took a cruise along the Amazon, then the Caribbean to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Last year, he and his two daughters, Myrna and Esther, flew to Ottawa to visit his brother Ernest who was 92 years old at the time.
George Sewell was a man of strong principles. He was private about his feelings, but the rest of him was wide open. He was personable and sociable. George cared about people, enjoyed them and never passed judgement, thus he made friends where-ever he went. He strove to give his children what he never had: a good education and decent careers. Georges children saw him as kind and gentle - strong and determined. He possessed lots of common sense, a great sense of humour, and only gave his advise when asked. From him his children and grandchildren learned to live life to the fullest; to work hard and play hard, and to always treat people as if it were a Sunday.
Georges grandchildren pay special tribute as they write: "Yes, Grandpa, you have cut a wide swath in our lives. You were the ultimate role model. You touched us in a hundred ways. We deeply respected you, loved you, and will miss you everyday."
George was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and Charlie Sewell, his wife Evelyn, of 57 years, daughter Ethel, and son-in-law Charlie Roth. Also his sisters Myrtle Mitchell, Violet Cappis, Alice Sewell, and brothers Norman and Clifford.
George leaves to mourn his special friend Jessie Harrod, sisters Millie and Caroline, and Brother Ernest. Also, his sons Wayne (Shirley) and Garry (Dellene), his daughters Myrna (Paul) Gardner, Sharron (LeRoy) Sandness, Esther (Cliff) Supernault, Beryl (Erb) Dreidiger, son-in-law Sam Roth, plus many many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral arrangements under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
