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.
Evelyn Helen Peterson
1928 - 1999
Evelyn Helen Peterson, longtime resident of Bonanza, Alberta and more recently, resident of Peace River Haven in Pouce Coupe, passed away at Dawson Creek Hospital on Tuesday, Oct 19, 1999 at the age of 71.
Evelyn was born on October 17, 1928 at Cereal, Alberta to Emma and Elmer Iverson.
She was baptized in the Lutheran church in Sedalia and in 1943 was confirmed at the Grace Lutheran church in Dawson Creek. The Iverson family homesteaded in the Bonanza area, where Evelyn grew up and attended school.
In 1947, Evelyn met Clifford Peterson in Dawson Creek, and they were marriage on April 23, 1948. The newlyweds spent part of their first year of marriage in the Yukon and Northern B.C., and in 1951 moved to their homestead at Bonanza.
Evelyn and Cliff were marriage for over 51 years, during which time she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Evelyn worked hard to make the homestead into a home. She spent many long winters alone with the children, no power, running water or indoor facilities while Cliff worked as a catskinner to finance the operation.
Evelyn was a master of knitting, crocheting, and quilting which she sadly missed when her hands became crippled.
Having come from a musical family, music was always a large part of her life and she always enjoyed singing, whistling, dancing or just listening to it.
Every year in June Evelyn would be on the hunt for the first wild strawberries. She was always looking for the best patch and would be extremely upset if they were driven over by a tractor or anything else.
Evelyn's other interests included playing cards, bridge with neighbours until the wee hours and whist at family gatherings. Curling was a favourite winter pastime of Evelyn and she also enjoyed being a member of the Pouce Coupe Legion. She kept a diary for almost 50 years, writing in it religiously every day until she became too ill.
Everything Evelyn did was done to perfection, whether it be knitting a sock, baking a pie or making a bed. During the last few years she became crippled with debilitating arthritis but was never one to complain. Her strength gave us all strength.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Emma Iverson, sisters Mayme and Agnes, brothers Marvin, Steven, Emmett and sister-law Julie.
Evelyn is survived by her loving husband Cliff, children Maxine and husband Don Perry, Marvin and wife Jean, Mavis and husband Bill Melnyk, Marty and Verna Charlton, sister Donna and husband Bud Porada, 12 grandchildren, one great grandson and numerous other relatives.
Funeral services for Evelyn were held on Friday Oct 22, at 2 p.m. from the Bonanza Hall in Bonanza, Alberta. Rev. George Bullen officiated. Interment was at the Hill Haven Cemetery.
Funeral Services were under the care of Reynar's Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Gladys Ruth Catherine (nee Grant) Phillips
1910 - 1999
Gladys Ruth Catherine (nee Grant) Phillips passed away peacefully on the morning of Nov. 4, 1999 in Vancouver after a long struggle with cancer.
Gladys was born in Penticton in 1910, educated at Magee High, Vancouver Normal School, and UBC.
She was a pioneering teacher in the Peace River Country, beginning her teaching career in a one-room log schoolhouse in Tupper.
Married to Art Phillips (died 1989), they farmed near Rolla and worked in the construction of the Alaska Highway.
She lived and taught in Dawson Creek for 20 years after the Second World War, later moved to Lillooet from where she retired to Summerland in 1969.
Gladys had many good friends, travelled widely and lived a full life, loved by her family.
She is survived by her brother, Eric Grant of Saskatchewan, and her son Grant, daughter-in-law Agnes and granddaughters Robin and Jaclyn.
An informal reception was held at 5708 Alma St. in Vancouver on Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the B.C. Cancer Society in her name would be appreciated.
Irene Alberta Pillsworth
July 23, 1916 - April 29, 2001
Funeral services for the late Irene Alberta Pillsworth were held on Thursday May 3rd, 2001 from Reynar's Funeral Chapel. Interment followed in the Gordondale Cemetery. Irene Alberta Pillsworth was born on July 23rd, 1916 to Joseph and Tilly Farnsworth in LeGlace Alberta. On February 11, 1936 Irene marriage Fredrick Pillsworth and later moved to the farm in Baytree where they raised their 4 girls and 3 boys. Irene lost her husband Fred in 1986 after 50 years of marriage. Irene spent her closing years in the Hythe and District Pioneer Home in Hythe, Alberta. She passed away on April 29th, 2001 in the Beaverlodge Hospital.
Irene
She rose up early with the sun
Each day was precious and a treat
But a rousing game of hand and foot
Would make her dullest day complete
Many knocked upon her door
In search of shelter, food and more,
And those that asked were sure to find
Her helpful, giving, warm and kind.
She mothered seven healthy kids
With patience, and then chose
At times to take in just one more
If ever need arose.
She was grandma, mother, sister, friend,
But fate is cruel, and in the end
Her welcome smile, though not in doubt,
She found it hard to sort us out.
She loved to plant and watch things grow
But in the end she didn't know,
Or wasn't sure which seeds were hers.
While some of us find strength in God,
And others aren't so sure,
We share the comfort of her love
To help us to endure. Irene was pre-deceased by her parents Joseph and Tilly Farnsworth, husband Fred, brothers William, Johnny, Douglas, Dan and sister Mary.
Irene leaves to mourn her brother Tom Farnsworth, sisters Jean Cramer, Lorna Rowand, Dorothy Heglund; children Edna (Bob) Vandemark, Vern (Hazel) Pillsworth, Doreen (Ray) Vandemark, Pearl (Thor) Lien, Albert (Joyce) Pillsworth, Shirley (Steve) Brlic, Joe (Pat) Pillsworth; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements in the care of Reynar's Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Joseph Gaston Fernand Pinard
1922-2001
Joseph Gaston Fernand Pinard, or Fern as many knew him, was born on a sunny morning Feb. 26, 1922 on a farm five miles south of Girouxville, Alta. He was the fifth child born to Theo and Amanda Pinard. A beautiful, bouncing boy, blonde haired and blue eyed.
it was no lie he was a pretty boy, three sisters raised him, so he sure was cuddled and spoiled.
Fern had his schooling in two country schools in Girouxville and Pelltier, Alta. The Pinard children would travel to school by horse and buggy, Fern would be the driver and loved to give everyone a rough ride, but especially loved to give all the girls a ride home. He became very popular.
As a young man, he came to Dawson Creek to work on the Alaska Highway and when the war ended he moved to Falher, Alta. where he met and marriage Annette Roy.
One of the jobs he took was with Imperial Oil, working in camps in northern Alberta with Annette by his side as the camp cook.
After 10 years of marriage, his son Ron was born in Falher and three years later his girl Giselle came along in Dawson Creek where the family had settled.
Over the years, Fern worked in various shops as a heavy-duty mechanic.
Fern was always "the life of the party". Everyone knew if he was there they would be entertained by his stories and antics, to which, at times, there seemed to be no end.
His weekends and holidays were mostly spent camping and fishing. Being in the outdoors was where he was happiest.
His children will always carry with them the lessons of how he taught them the meaning of a handshake and the value of keeping your word.
He made many friends and his buddies at McDonald's are sure to miss him.
His family will cherish his memory.
Fern was predeceased by his parents, Theo and Amanda Pinard; two brothers, Rolland and Lionel; and one sister, Lita.
Fern is survived by his wife Annette, his children Ron (Pat) and Giselle (Alan); five grandchildren, Matthew, Amanda, Jeramy, Jesse and Jake, and two sisters, Blanche and Rhea.
Everyone who knew Fern will forever cherish his memory and their stories of him. Lorraine Collins, his niece has such memories, that her brother and sister, Richard and Lise, share.
"It is difficult for us to think about Uncle Fern without a smile. There are many fond memories we share, his love of nature and the way he felt about the beautiful outdoors. As young children, seldom a weekend went by that we didn't spend together, all of us at secluded lakes, fishing, catching frogs, sitting around bonfires where Uncle Fern would tell stories. . . . One that particularly stands out in our minds is the time that we were in Lac La Hache. Uncle Fern was famous for telling bear stories and stories about scary Wapuss just before bedtime, waiting till we were almost asleep then begin shaking or scratching the tent, watching us scream and yell, then he would laugh.
This particular night we were in the tent and heard scratching, thinking we would finally outsmart Uncle Fern, we all sat very quietly, not uttering a sound. Unfortunately, we did not realize that there really was a bear until we heard everyone yell "bear". We are still not sure who left the tent first, but I'm sure that the dust could be seen for miles.
Uncle Fern was like a magnet with young children, we all loved him and after we grew and had families of our own, our children soon loved him too, fished with him and enjoyed countless camping trips with him. Thank you, Uncle Fern, for those memories.
May you be fishing in a lake with an endless supply, telling stories about the one that got away and smiling like you made us do for so many years."
Memorial arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron's Funeral and Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek.
Debra Lynn (Minall) Pool
Debra Lynn (Minall) Pool, after a brief illness, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2001 in Chilliwack, B.C.
Deb is survived by her loving family: husband of 24 years, Colin: son Korey: father, Reg Minall; sisters, PPatty Minall and Terri Perrin; brother, Keith Minall; nephew, Sean; nieces, Carmen and Angela, and many other relatives and friends.
She is predeceased by her mother, Bea, in December 2000. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2001 in Chilliwack United Church. Reverend Doug Ireland officiated. In lieu of flowers, and at Deb's request, a trust fund has been established for Korey's education. Contact Patty Minall at (403) 247-6083 for deposit information.
Arrangements were handled by Personal Alternative Funeral Services (604) 793-2222.
Ruth Naomi Potter 1918-2001
Ruth Naomi Potter was born on August 10, 1918, at home in Sunnyslope Alberta. She and her family lived for three years in Dallas Oregon in the early 20's but moved back to Sunnyslope and then to Banff, Alberta.
In 1928 they moved to Grande Prairie where they lived for three years before moving to this area. In 1931, Ruth and her sister Elamite, with their Dad, Peter Derkson, moved to Sunset Prairie, in a 1928 Chevrolet one ton truck. They built a house and then Ruths mother, Susie Derkson and the two younger children, Conrad and Earl, came to join them at the homestead.
Ruth went to school in the one room log school house which is still standing today. There were eight grades and one teacher. The school was right on the corner next to their property. Ruth completed her education at grade eight as that was as far as most children could go in those days.
After finishing her schooling, Ruth went to Grande Prairie to work. Here she met her future husband, Roy Potter. They were marriage and raised a family of six children, two girls and three boys. The three eldest, Linton, Darlene and Bruce were born in Grande Prairie, and Joyce and Terry were born in St. Joseph's Hospital in Dawson Creek.
Ruth was a hard working and dedicated community member. She worked for the Kiskatinaw Fall Fair for many years.
Besides working in several capacities for the fair, Ruth also submitted many prize winning entrys. She had many interests which include Women�s Institute projects, judging at fairs, sewing, gardening, feeding her feathered friends, and raising beautiful flowers.
Ruth had a large extended family which includes 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She had a great love for her grandchildren, making things for them and teaching them hobbies and skills. She also taught them baking and spent as many hours with them as she could, never tiring of their company.
Ruth was a member of the South Peace Horticulture Society, and helped every year taking entries for the Dawson Creek fall fair. She had a horticulture judging certificate and has helped with judging at the local competitions.
Ruth was a member of the Peace Mission Chapel and sang in their choir. Her lovely singing voice has also been heard in the Kiwanis voice choir.
Ruth joined the Sunset Prairie Women's Institute in 1935 and was one of the youngest members.
She dropped her membership in 1937 but rejoined in 1942. She has held many positions in her branch and has served as delegate to district and provincial conventions. She attended district board meetings on behalf of her branch and was honored with a life membership. Ruth was also recognized by the district with a service pin. She sent district news to the provincial news letter faithfully for many years.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Roy Potter, a baby boy, Norman Potter, brother Conrad Derkson, father, Pete Derkson, daughter-in-law, Barbara Potter her sister Gloria Culham and her mother Susanna Derkson.
Ruth is survived and sadly missed by sons; Elroy (Alma ) Potter, Bruce Potter, Terry (Heidi) Potter. Daughters; Darlene Potter and Joyce (Wayne ) Preete. Sister Elamite Day and brother Earl (Martha ) Derkson. Granddaughters Donna Helmus, Trina (Chris ) Jolie, Kori (Jim ) Ashley, Chrissy (Jay ) Potter, and Cindy and Shary Potter. Grandsons Doug (Yvonne ) Preete, Shaun (Cecelia ) Potter, and Joey and Kai Potter. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Funeral services for Ruth Potter were held on July 31st >from Reynars Chapel with Rev. Lee Stephenson officiating. Interment was in the Willow Valley Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the care of Reynars Chapel and Crematorium.
Gordon Robert Powell
On Friday, Oct. 27, 2000, 51-year-old Gordon Robert Powell, beloved husband and father, died suddenly in a tragic accident 16 km east of Fernie, B.C. A newcomer to the Elk Valley area, Gordon, along with his wife and their daughter Sarah had just relocated to Sparwood following a move from Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
The oldest of seven children, Gordon was blessed with the ability to nurture those around him with a patient, natural ease. He grew up in the arms of a close, loving family environment where he embraced responsibility and loved his role as the supportive "big brother" who loved to tease his siblings, Gordon was extremely intellectual and possessed the talent to share his wealth of knowledge with others in a simple and uncomplicated manner. Whoever turned to Gordon for help received it completely and unconditionally without judgment. Gordon also had a wonderful sense of humour and enjoyed playing practical jokes on his family and friends, somehow always managing to keep a straight face while he convinced them into believing his tales.
It was while working in Tumbler Ridge that Gordon met and fell in love with his best friend and soul-mate June Smallwood. On July 8, 1995 the Powell family welcomed June into their large family, loving her as one of their own and later celebrated the couple's joy with the birth of their daughter Sarah. With the long-term outlook of Tumbler Ridge uncertain, Gordon and June made the decision to move their small family to Sparwood with the anticipation of starting a new and bright future together. . . a dream that ended tragically on Oct. 27.
The pain of our loss is severe, bringing with it fear and uncertainty - but the memories we embrace as we remember Gordon's warmth and spirit will sustain us, providing us peace and comfort in the difficult times ahead as we give thanks for having shared his life.
Others sharing their sorrow with June and Sarah are an abundance of friends and family including his mother, Odette Powell; two sons and daughters-in-law: Andy and Theresa Powell, and Brian and Mary Powell; his daughter Christine; eight grandchildren; six brothers and sisters with their spouses: Linda and Butch Hinchey, Gary and Charlene Powell, Janet and Bryan Strang, Debbie and Marv Ketler, Randy and Jo Anne Powell, and Donna and Glen Bridal, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and relatives. He was predeceased by his father Robert Russell Powell.
Visitation was held at the Cherished Memories "Serenity Chapel" on Monday, Oct. 30, 2000 with cremation following. A memorial service celebrating Gordon's life will be held at the Trinity United Memorial Church in Abbotsford, B.C. on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2000 at 1 p.m.
Should friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Gordon's name to a scholarship fund for Sarah c/o J. Strang, 3633 Latimer St., Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 6X5.
Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services, Fernie, B.C.
Godfrey Howell Bence Powell
November 20, 1921 - November 17, 2001
A funeral service for the late Godfrey Powell a long time resident of Pouce Coupe, B.C. was held on Wednesday November 21, at 2 p.m. from the Christ Church Anglican in Pouce Coupe. Reverend. George Bullen officiated. Interment followed in the Riverview Cemetery.
Godfrey was born in Pennygraig Tonapandy (Rhonda Valley) South Wales, son of a dairy worker.
He lost his mother and sister when he was two years old.
Godfrey went to school in Wye Valley and at St Braivels until the age of fourteen. Then he went on to learn to be a machinist before he turned fifteen at Dersley Gloucestershire for seven years.
In 1941 he was in Home Guard and in 1942 he was in the Navy a petty officer, because of trade served as apprentice in a special branch of the Navy, to make parts in dock yards. He was in Mombass, building dock yard for three years. After the war he worked at his trade making Hydrolic Presses, pumps, and gas engines.
Godfrey marriage Dorothy Lane in 1947 and they immigrated to Canada in 1953 to Belloy, Alberta where they purchased a quarter section of Hudson Bay land. He worked at Scott's Garage until 1956. Then moved to the Pouce Coupe area and sold cream, wool and eggs, as well as working at Department of Highways. They left the farm in 1971 to live in Pouce Coupe.
Godfrey retired in 1985. A lot of miles were covered by his travels with Dorothy visiting family and friends. Gardening was another past time that gave them great rewards in flowers and produce.
Godfrey and Dorothy were involved a great deal in the running of the Christ Church Anglican in Pouce Coupe for many years.
Following the passing of Dorothy, Godfrey had a few health problems. Fortunately with the help of Home Support, Godfrey was able to stay at home until his recent illness.
Godfrey was predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy, sisters Peggy and Ann also his brother Bryn. He is survived by his daughters Pat (Dexter), Shirley (Dick) Hopkins, granddaughter, Nadine Bugden (Hopkins) grandsons, Vincent (Melanie) Hopkins, Kelly and Darcey Smith, brother David (Gwen) Powell in England, brother in-law Timothy (Cecile) Lane, Ivor (Aurora) Lane Australia, great granddaughters, Heather and Michelle Bugden, sister in-law Margorie Dickinson, Australia. Also numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Gary Lindsey Prince
1963 - 2001
A funeral service for the late Gary Lindsey Prince of Dawson Creek, B.C. was held on Saturday, October 27, at 2 p.m. from Grace Lutheran Church Dawson Creek, Pastor Alvin Oberhammer officiated. Interment followed in the City Cemetery.
Gary Lindsey Prince was born to George and Sophie Prince May 4, 1963 in Dawson Creek, B.C.
Gary attended school in Dawson Creek and Fort St John. He pursued a wide range of interests throughout his life from chess to yoga, from boxing to martial arts. Gary truly enjoyed the outdoors, which was reflected in his work as a Provincial Park Attendant for his brother Allen.
Gary also spent some of his time in the carpentry trade. He also worked in the logging industry briefly but his main career was with various seismic crews throughout B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Gary will be remembered for his interests in history and literature and his thoughts on the future, but mostly for his ability for story telling both written and verbal. While working at Liard Hot Springs he was able to share his stories and songs with his nieces who fondly remember his original 'Erasmus spiders' fur spider stories and the 'honey pot' song.
Gary lost his eighteen-month battle with cancer on October 24, 2001 at the Dawson Creek, Hospital.
He was predeceased by his father George Prince in 1983.
He was the youngest of six sons and is survived by his mother Sophie, brothers Clayton, Stanley, Archie, Allen and Bob; his sister-in-laws Rose, Valerie, Margie, Liz and Heather. Gary will be missed by his eleven nieces, five nephews, five grand nieces and one grand nephew, as well as many close friends.
Funeral arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
George Prystai 1916 - 2001
After a full and gratifying life, George Prystai passed away on Feb. 24, 2001 at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
He was born on Aug. 2 1916 in Yorkton, Sask. and was 84 years of age. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Peter. George is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mae, their five children Kevin (Judy) of Sicamous, B.C.; Janice (Dale) Gluszkowski of Sicamous; Christine Prystai of Edmonton; Peter Prystai of Surrey and Cathy (Carey) Halovich of Abbotsford, B.C.
'Grampa' will be sadly missed by his five grandchildren: Travis, Michael, Reid, Cple and Dane. George is survived by his two sisters, Mary (Duff) Andrews of Niagara Falls, Ont. and Stephanie (Tony) Fredo of Burlington, Ont. and three brothers Metro (Mavis) of Yorkton, Sask. and twins Harry (Stella) and Bill, all of Regina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family dog and George's faithful companion, Mitzi, will miss him dearly. George served overseas with the Air Force during the Second World War. He was a volunteer at the Vernon Legion until last year. He and Mae moved to Vernon following George's retirement from CNT in Dawson Creek.
He enjoyed playing bridge and gardening. He was an inspiration to his family, especially his children and grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 3, 2001 at 10 a.m. from the chapel of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home with Pastor Martin Payton officiating.
Friends wishing to make memorial contributions in memory of George may do so to the Baerge-McMurtry Cancer Clinic 2101-32 St., Vernon, V1T 9Z9 Arrangements are entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, 542-4333.
Harold Martin Pryke
1913 - 2000
Harold Martin Pryke, born Jan. 26, 1913, at Sintaluta, Sask., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2000 at Delta Hospital three weeks after suffering a stroke.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Dora (nee Spurling) in 1972.
He is survived by his daughter Lynette Harkness and son-in-law Barry; son Roger Pryke and daughter-in-law Sylvia; his grandchildren Darren and Susan Harkness, Graham and Colin Pryke, his sisters Amy Willie and Edith Moody and many other family and friends.
Harold left the family farm after high school, completed a business course at Alberta College in Edmonton and moved to the Peace River Country.
He first lived and worked in Hythe and then moved to Dawson Creek in 1937. All who met him knew of his love for the Peace River Country and its people.
Harold met Dora in 1937. She taught school in Dawson Creek and Kelowna prior to their marriage in 1942. Most of his working years were in the lumber business. He started his own business in 1954 and retired in 1972.
Harold had a strong sense of civic duty, serving on the School Board and the City Planning Commission in Dawson Creek for many years. In 1990, he moved to Tsawwassen. Harold had a lifetime thirst for knowledge of the world around him, a sincere interest in the people he met and an incredible ability to remember what he had learned. His friendships were many and varied, carrying on through the generations.
Harold's loyalty, integrity, compassion and love for his family and friends will always be remembered. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000 at St. David's Anglican Church, 1115-51A St., Tsawwassen. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C and Yukon would be appreciated.
Marjorie Jean Quaife
Marjorie Jean Quaife passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000 at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in her 95th year. Jean, beloved wife of the late John Wesley, loved mother of Stephen and wife Nancy and cherished grandmother of Wesley and Julie. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to the nurses at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital third floor east and Dr. W. Paul Rzepka for the loving care provided over the past few months.
A very special thanks to Chaplain Ms. Catherine Thompson who will preside at the memorial service to be held Aug. 16, 2000 at 1:30 p.m. at Knox Heritage Place.
In memory of Jean, donations may be made to the OTMH Charitable Corporation - Palliative Care Unit.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ward Funeral Home "Oakville Chapel".
