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Fredric Oscar Nellis
1948 ~ 2001
A memorial service for the late Fredric Oscar Nellis of Dawson Creek B.C. was held on Monday, August 27 2001 at 2 p.m. from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Reverend Gary Henderson officiated.
Fred was born on April 11, 1948. Fred was a joyful child, and grew to become a great protector and peacemaker for the family.
He met his wife Eva in the summer of 1969 and they marriage on September 12 the same year in Kingston, Ontario. Short romance, she was a winner, so he kept her! Fred decided to move her west, much to her mother's dismay. They arrived in Cultas Lake, B.C. and started their life together, working with his father, logging.
After a few short years they then moved to Dawson Creek in 1974. Fred then started working for North West Woods, until it closed, then went to work for the City of Dawson Creek for 18 years. During these years they were blessed with two children, Blaine in 1979 and Tina in 1982.
Prior to his passing Fred worked for Mirage Trucking.
Each year Fred looked forward to planting and harvesting with his dear friend Nello Ravelli and his son Ross.
Fred's hobbies were hunting, fishing and camping. The stories that he would tell about these adventures were good and full of laughter.
Fred also enjoyed taking his family camping and fishing. Blaine & Tina would usually each bring a friend or two along for the weekend. Blaine would bring his best friends, Satchel and Tasman. Tina would bring Danielle or Pam.
Fred was involved in kids sports taking them to hockey, lacrosse, swimming, ice skating, bowling and baseball. He also coached bowling and lacrosse. While coaching lacrosse his team became #1, and took first in White Rock, B.C. in the year 1993.
Fred also enjoyed darts, where he received many trophies and according to his sisters he was very good at targets.
Fred was a good husband, excellent father and grandfather. He was a God-sent to his family.
We will miss him and he will be forever in our hearts.
Funeral Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Isabella Jane Ness (nee Doonan)
1906 - 1999
Isabella Jane Ness, nee Doonan, long time resident of Doe River and Dawson Creek, went home to be with her Lord on Dec. 8, 1999 at the age of 93.
Isabella was born in Yorkton, Sask. on June 17, 1906. At the age of 20, she marriage Hjalmer Ness at Gull Lake Sask. and they farmed and started their family in Codette.
In the mid thirties, they moved to the Fraser Valley in B.C. and added two more little girls to their already existing four children, three boys and one girl.
In the fall of 1940, Belle, as she was known to her family and friends, moved north to the Peace River Country with her family where she and Hjalmer farmed for several years in the Doe River and Dawson areas. It was here that their youngest son Jack joined the family unit.
Hjalmer died in a truck accident in 1950. Belle stayed on the farm with her children and took care of the cows until the youngest was 16.
She was known as "Gramma" to many families where she babysat and did housework. Belle was also very active in the Nazarene Church and was a member of Doe River and Kilkerran women's institutes. Belle did many acts of kindness left undone by others. For the past 10, years she has been a resident first of Rotary Manor, and then of Pouce Care Home.
Isabella was predeceased by her husband Hjalmer and two sons, Charles in 1950 and James Robert in 1991. She leaves to mourn, two sons, John (Pat) and Wilbert, and three daughters Elizabeth Turner, Genevieve Smart (Walter) and Jean Smart (John), 19 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Saturday Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. from Reynar's Funeral Chapel in Dawson Creek with burial in the City Cemetery. Warren Brower officiated.
Funeral services were under the direction of Reynar's Funeral Home and Crematorium.
Wilbert (Buck) Dalton Ness
1933 - 2001
Wilbert Ness, better known as Buck, resident of Hythe, Alberta and formerly of Dawson Creek, B.C. and Anchorage, Alaska, died in Beaverlodge Hospital June 8, 2001 of a heart attack.
Wilbert was born in Saskatoon, Sask., grew up in the Peace River area and served in the Canadian Armed Forces (Private Ness SN18121). He served in Korea with the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry from 1952 - 1955. After his return to private life, he worked on oil rigs, on the Alaska pipeline and as a cat operator.
Buck's fondest memories were of the years he spent in Anchorage, Alaska. He loved family outings and barbecues. He also loved ocean fishing for Alaska King Salmon and digging clams along the shore.
In his retirement he liked to hobby farm, planting gardens and flowers. He also enjoyed making home-made raisin and dandelion wine to share with his friends.
He was the step-father of Donna Marie Meise and Robert (Bob) William Dafoe and was a devoted husband to Doreen Ada Ness. Wilbert was predeceased by his father Hjalmer in 1950 and his mother Isabella J. Ness in 1999; two brothers, F.O. Charles E. Ness in 1954 and Robert James Ness in 1991; his wife Doreen A. Ness in 1996 and one grandson Trevor L. Meise Marion in 1994.
He will be sadly missed by his daughter Donna Meise (Allan Shuman) and his son Robert Dafoe (Cindy March); one surviving brother John (Pat) Ness; three sisters Betty Turner, Jenny (Walter) Smart, Jean (John) Smart, several grandchildren, one great grandson and numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Funeral services by Olivers Funeral Chapel, Grande Prairie were held in Hythe Thursday June 14 and officiated by Rev. Warren Brower.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hythe Pioneer Home, Hythe Legion (Branch 93) or the Beaverlodge Hospital.
John Neufield
1920-2001
Family and friends of the late John Neufield of Dawson Creek, B.C. gathered at Reynars Funeral Chapel on Monday, November the 5 at 1 p.m. to say good-bye and to celebrate the life of a wonderful husband, father grandfather, great grandfather, friend and soldier. Reverend Judy Hare Officiated, Interment followed in the City Cemetery.
John was born on June 25, 1920 in Lost River, Saskatchewan to Gerhardt and Mary Neufield.
He was the seventh of eleven children. John came to the Peace River country in 1939 to visit his two sisters Mary Nickel and Annie Cathcart and their husbands.
In 1939 he rode the trails to Edmonton where he joined the Canadian Army and was assigned to the Governor General's Horse Guards. In 1941 he went overseas for 4 and 1/2 years where he fought in Africa, Italy and Holland. His time overseas was kept very close to his heart and he found it difficult to talk about in recent years. John returned to the Peace River country in January 1946 where he homesteaded in Bonanza.
John met Blanche Cameron while she was waiting for the mail van at the Bonanza Store.
John was wearing a set of toe rubbers and standing in deep snow. Blanche thought what a crazy man. They were marriage on May 14, 1948. While living on the homestead their first child Gilbert Alexander was born on May 5, 1949. Three years later their second child Gloria Dianne was born on February 2, 1953. In 1955 John and Blanche moved to Dawson Creek where John worked in numerous businesses as a mechanic. Shortly after moving to town their third child Gary John was born on December 7, 1955. Much to their surprise on April 23, 1962 Glenn Raymond arrived. It was such a surprise that John had his first heart attack in December of that year. Because of the heart attack John was unable to work as a mechanic and went to work for the automotive department at the vocational school. He retired in 1985.
He was predeceased by his daughter Gloria. John and Blanche then took on the responsibility of raising Gloria's children Darren and Dawn-Louise.
Throughout his life John loved hunting, camping, boating and fishing. While living on the homestead John and Lyle Burns often supplied the residents of Bonanza with moose meat. John shared his love of hunting with his boys as they grew up. He was an avid baseball fan. Any kid that walked in front of the TV during a game was yelled at.
John was very proud to have served in the Canadian Army. Throughout his life he was active in the Legion having served a term as President of Branch 141 where he was awarded a life membership in 1982. November 11 was always one of the most special days of the year for John he wore his uniform with great pride.
John enjoyed his retirement and loved to travel in his motorhome with his wife and dog Coquette. They traveled across Canada twice where they visited with his war buddies in New Brunswick. John and Blanche also traveled to Arizona where they took the role as snowbirds for two winters.
John will be sorely missed by Blanche and the boys and his eight grandchildren, Darren, Dawn-Louise, Trina, Alison, Jennifer, Ryan, Cody and Tyler and his three great-grand kids Wayde, Andrew and Christian. He will also be missed by surviving brothers Henry and Pete and sisters Betty and Susan and all who knew him.
Funeral arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Philip Walter George Newman
1905 - 2000
Philip Walter George Newman, resident of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, former resident of Bay Tree, Alberta, passed away in Pouce Coupe on August 9, 2000 at 95 years of age. A funeral service was held on August 14, 2000 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, with Reverend Marilyn Carroll officiating. Interment followed at the Briar Ridge Cemetery, East Pouce Coupe.
Philip was born on May 11, 1905 in London, England to Kate and George Newman. In 1907, his parents, along with Philip and his siblings, sailed to Canada to begin a new life. He always said, jokingly, that he came to Canada on the 'Mayflower', but after a bit of research, it proved to be the 'Empress of Ireland' that brought them to the port of St. John, New Brunswick. From there they traveled across Canada by train. They spent one year in Wilcox, Sask. where his parents learned the 'art' of farming. In May, 1908 they moved to Glenbush, Sask., which was to be their home for years.
The cultural shock must have been devastating, coming from a good home in England, complete with servants, to a sod roofed, log shack on the prairie. The hardships were great. In the early years the best crops seemed to be rocks and gophers. Drought, prairie fires and illness took their toll. In 1920, his father passed away, leaving the responsibility of the family to Philip and his younger brother, Cecil.
Hauling hay, railroad ties, selling gopher tails, and herding cattle, were ways they supplemented their income.
It was during this time, that Philip met and marriage Alice Scott, who was to be his partner for 58 years.
In 1928, the couple and their first born, Donald, then made the big move to the Peace River country. They traveled by train to Spirit River (which was the end of the steel) and stayed at a stopping place on the outskirts of that town. Philip traveled from there, via horseback, and filed on a quarter-section of land, in Bay Tree, Alta. that became home for 66 years.
While at the immigration hall in Spirit River, a fire broke out and many of their precious belongings were destroyed. Those which were left were freighted by horses and wagon over the old Spirit River Trail, crossing creeks with no bridges, fighting mosquitoes and going very hungry at times. A neighbour loaned them an old shack to live in until Philip was able to gather logs to build a small house, complete with sod roof. This building was expanded and improved on from time to time.
In order to feed his little brood, which eventually numbered five, he worked out a great deal, but during the winter months, not a day went by that he wasn't hauling firewood, hay, making ice on someone's scoop-out, or going hunting to bring some wild game home to eat. They also boarded the school teachers for six years. To say that 'times were tough' was an understatement! In those days there were many temperatures of -60 F and many winters of deep snow. Snow ploughs were a scarce commodity!
Life went on, and in October of 1985, his wife, Alice, passed away. Philip stayed at the farm until May 1994, and then moved to Tremblay House in Pouce Coupe. In May of 1995, his 90th birthday was celebrated with a big party, something he said he always deserved, and his family all agreed! In January 1997, he became a resident of Peace River Haven, until March 2000, when he was transferred to the Pouce Coupe Care Home.
Philip was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Several of his grandchildren spent many days at the farm with Philip and Alice, learning about the great outdoors, caring for the farm animals, cooking, hunting, and in general always knowing that their grandparents loved them and loved to have them around.
He always thought highly of his 'fellow-man' and was a good community worker - always helping a neighbour when needed. He helped build the local church, the community hall and made many trips from school to hall, etc. transporting the school children for various activities such as Christmas concerts.
Although he had very little education he was an avid reader. He was very proud of the extensive collection of books he acquired over the years. He also enjoyed music, particularly Old Time and Country Western. While still able, he also enjoyed taking a walk each day and contributes this activity to his longevity. He never refused a game of crib and was well known for his sense of humour and his great outlook on life. He enjoyed nothing better than a ride in the country, especially in the spring and autumn, when nature's beauty was at its best.
Philip was predeceased by his parents, all of his siblings, a daughter-in-law, June and his loving wife, Alice.
Left to mourn his passing are his five children and their spouses: Donald (Bill) and Marge Newman, phyllis and Nick Czaban, Earl and Dee Newman, Joyce and Jack Pfau, Philip and Marguerite Newman. As well as his grandchildren, Brent (Lesley) Newman, Brenda (Rick) Noll, Darrell (Ellen) Czaban, Susan Czaban (Alan Rosie), Shelley (Dan) McPhail, Cathy Shilson, Tracey (Tim) Nugent, Mitch (Marsha) Pfau, Shane (Tammy) Newman, Juanita (Greg) Stickley, Debbie Czaban, 13 great grandchildren, as well as several step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marjorie Newman of Hope, B.C.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., of Dawson Creek, B.C.
George Henry Nielson
1932 - 2000
George Henry Nielson, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away on July 19, 2000 in Dawson Creek, at 68 years of age.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 22, 2000 at 2 p.m. at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, with Brent Smith officiating. Interment of George's cremated remains followed at the Montney Cemetery, Montney, B.C.
George was born in Murdale, B.C. on Feb. 2, 1932 to George and Elzora Nielson. George was the only son born to the family and was soon known as Sonny.
George was raised in Montney and attended school there and went halfway through grade 12, which means he completed grade 6. Life taught him many more experiences so he decided to learn them with his brother-in-law, Ray Hubbard; hence he became the truck driver we know today, spending 30-plus years on the Alaska Highway.
He also spent many years driving in the interior of B.C.
George encountered numerous people throughout his career and made many long-lasting relationships. There are many truck drivers who have benefited from George's knowledge of truck driving and his respect for others on the highway.
As he told his children over and over again, he had backed up more miles than they had driven ahead.
George enjoyed watching many sports; he also enjoyed playing pool and bending his elbow. Playing his guitar was one of his favourite things, either at home with his family or at a party outdoors. He was usually the life of the party - first on location and the last to leave (happy), doing his favourite sport; bending his elbow.
George also had a real good connection with animals and children. They seemed to trust him and always would find him in a crowd, and they could bring out the gentleness in him. George and his wife Nola had five children: Larry, Charlene, Kathy, Robert and Douglas. George and Nola lost Charlene at the age of one and their son, Douglas at the age of 15. Douglas and George passed on the same day, July 19, exactly 15 years apart.
George was preceded by his father, George; mother, Elzora; four sisters; and children, Charlene and Douglas.
George leaves behind: his loving wife Nola; his sons, Larry (Irma) Atkinson, Rob (Sandy) Nielson; daughter Kathy (David) Thorbergson; nine grandchildren, Douglas, Kasity, Daniel, and Leigh-Ann Atkinson, Erik, and Trent Nielson, Karrlee, Tyler, and Brad-Lee Thorbergson; sisters, Lois Hart, Eloise Readman, Beryl (Ray) Hubbard, and Eleanor (George) McGinnis; sister-in-law, Joan (Joe) Hawkins; brother-in-law, William (Linda) Atkinson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many, many friends.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, B.C.
Helvi Maria Niemi
November 11, 1931 - March 13, 2001
Helvi started her life on November 11, 1931 in true Finnish form, being born in the family sauna in Meadow Portage, Manitoba to Herman and Anna Wauhknonen. She was the youngest of nine children.
There are many things that made Helvi a very unique person. Her spontaneity, humour and mostly her independence. She was always young at heart and had great fun dressing up in her bunny, clown and santa suits, giving pleasure to both young and old. Her grandchildren were truly special to her and she was so very proud of them.
Helvi was multi-talented to say the least. She loved and participated in musicals such as Brigadoon and Oklahoma, many dance recitals and in all the activities of her children and foster children. She opened her heart and home to many people, any time of the day or night. She presented a challenge. Everything from playing Scrabble with her daughters to hunting and fishing with family and friends. She also presented the opportunity for everyone to develop their talents and desires.
Helvi touched the lives of the many people she worked with, her co-workers at The Bay in Edmonton in the 1950Õs, driver training, the numerous private housekeeping positions she held, supervisory position at Schlage Lock in Vancouver and especially the people she worked with at Peace River Haven before her retirement. She was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Anna Wauhkonen, her brothers, Aale and Viljo Wauhkonen and her sister, Lempi Poultin.
Helvi is survived by her children, Maria (Lynn) Stonehouse, Marlene (Harry) Niemi, Russell (Lori) Niemi, Sandra (Lorne) Rodgers, Tamara (Jim) Niemi and William (Stephanie) Niemi; her sisters Sylvi Niemi, Elsa Johnson, Martta Arpin, Tyyne Ritche and her brother, Valte Wauhkonen; her grandchildren, Kory, Michael, Alecia, Robert, Alexander, Taylor, and Darby; special friends, Madeleine and Florence; many friends, and several nieces and nephews.
It was HelviÕs wish to be cremated without a funeral service. A Memorial Tea was held for family and friends at the Legion Coachroom on March 15, 2001. Expressions of Sympathy may be made in memory of Helvi by way of a donation to the: South Peace Hospice Palliative Care Society #208, 816-103rd Avenue Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2G1
ÔWhen I leave you donÕt weep for me Pass the wine around and remember How my laughing pleased you. Look at one another, smiling, and remember to be light-hearted. Sing the songs that I love the best and dance once time all together (we did). As for me, IÕll be dancing and singing; Somewhere, I am the soft star that shines at night. Remember, IÕll always be there Holding you all tight.Õ
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Cyril 'Cy' Victor Nobbs
1939 - 1999
Cyril Victor Nobbs, also known as 'Cy' Nobbs, passed away in Dawson Creek, British Columbia on November 10, 1999 at 60 years of age. Cyril was born July 10, 1939 in the old Dawson Creek Hospital to Victor and Olive Nobbs, the third of five children. He spent his early years in Rolla, British Columbia on the family farm. His schooling was in Rolla and Dawson Creek. After graduation he worked on the family farm and in the oil patch for a number of years.
In 1965 he left the farm to join the Operating Engineers Union and worked as a heavy duty equipment operator. His first job was on the the W.A.C. Bennett Dam in Hudson Hope. When the dam was nearing completion, he accepted a job as a loader operator for Dawson Construction. These jobs took him from Mt. Robson to Golden to Revelstoke where his son Lee was born. He went on to work in Kamloops, and to Cypress Bowl, where his daughter Lindsey was born, then to Burnaby, and finally back to the Peace country to Charlie Lake.
His dream of farming became a reality when he purchased a farm in the Rolla, area in the summer of 1974. He continued farming into the early 1990's at which time the travelling bug bit. He traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. His home base for travel became the Okanagan, area, where he bought a house on Okanagan Lake and indulged in his passion for gardening.
The old adage "Drink the water of the Peace and you will return" rang true as Cyril was drawn back again. He met Joy at this time, they were marriage and they purchased a home in Pouce Coupe. Cyril's other passion was dancing, which he indulged in at every opportunity. This is where he met his wife Joy. Though they only had a short time together they were able to enjoy life to the fullest.
People will have a variety of memories of Cy. Some of these memories are: his excitement when the Sunday school van visited Rolla in his early childhood, his love of curling which started at a young age, his love of animals, tinkering around, playing card games, dances at the Rolla hall, his ability to fix anything with haywire and duct tape, helping out with community projects while on the farm, and one of our last memories were his pleasure in the birth of his granddaughter.
Cyril was predeceased by his father Victor. Cyril leaves to mourn his loving wife Joy; his son Lee (Christine); his daughter Lindsey (Darren); his granddaughter Abbey; his mother Olive; brothers Bill (Aster) and Fred (Bev); his sisters Marlene (Ray) and Terry (Roger); numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. He will be dearly missed.
'When I leave you don't weep for me.
Pass the wine around and remember how my laughing pleased you.
Look at one another, smiling, and don't forget about touching. Sing the songs that I love the best and dance one time all together. As for me, I'll be off running somewhere on the beach,
And I'll fly to the top of the trees I always meant to climb.
When you're ready, I'll be there-
Waiting for you ... Take your time.' Memorial Service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 1999 at the St. Mark's Anglican Church, with Reverend Judy Hare of the South Peace United Church officiating. Cyril's cremated remains were interred in the Rolla Community Cemetery, Rolla, British Columbia.
Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek.
Dora Helene Norden
1913 - 1999
Dora Helene Norden, resident of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, formerly of Brooks, Alberta, passed away on December 30, 1999 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia at 86 years of age. She was born in Grosenaspe, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, to parents Ida and Heinrich Norden.
Dora was predeceased by her husband Herman Norden, and two sons, Harold and Karl Norden.
Dora will be lovingly remembered by her son Herbert B. (Doris) Norden, her daughter-in-law Francis Norden; her grandchildren, Rhoda (Colin), Myrna (Bill), Dorothy (Gerald), Danny (Wanda), Georgina (Colin), Penny (Ross), Herbert H. Norden, Lisa (Kevin) White; and by her 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews in Germany.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2000 at Smith's Memorial Chapel, Brooks, Alberta, officiated by Reverend Jim Krause. Interment follows in the Brooks Cemetery, Brooks, Alberta.
Funeral Arrangements under the direction of Smith's Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks, Alberta.
Vera (Pollard) Nystrom
1907 - 2002
Family and friends gathered at Reynars Funeral Chapel on Saturday, January 26, 2002, at 3 p.m. to celebrate the life of Vera (Nash), Pollard, Nystrom, Bev Dunsmore officiated. Vera passed away on January 21, 2002, at the age of 94 years.
Vera was born at Rotherfield, Sussex, England on March 16, 1907. She was the eldest of three children. Her parents were Maurice and Rosalind Nash. Her father was a tailor by trade. Her sister Babs was born shortly after their return to England from spending two years in South America. Her father loved the outdoors and often took the family into the forest on camping trips.
In the fall of 1919, the Nash's and their two daughters set sail for Montreal. They continued west by train to Spirit River and homesteaded in the Coleman Creek area. The family also spent several years in Cranbrook before returning to the Peace River country.
After the birth of their daughter Sylvia in 1929, Vera's mother passed away due to complications.
In April of 1932 Vera Nash marriage John Pollard. They had one son, Richard Laurence (Larry) and one daughter, Margaret Jean. Unfortunately Margaret died shortly after she was born.
After many years of marriage Wes Pollard passed away on August 29, 1966. Vera later marriage Carl Nystrom in 1970.
Vera enjoyed life on the farm. She always had many exciting stories to tell, such as raising an orphaned bear cub and how it liked to pretend to drive the tractor. Her greatest pride was her beautiful flower garden, in which she spent a great many enjoyable hours. Neighbours and friends came to admire her garden and often received plants and seeds from her. Vera loved to share her gardening knowledge over tea and cookies.
She also loved animals. She owned horses for a great many years and taught some of her grandchildren to ride. Vera was especially attached to her dog Misty who kept her company for many years.
Vera was a devoted member of the Doe River Woman's Institute where she contributed many hours making quilts, baking and raising money for various good causes.
She greatly enjoyed berry picking in the fall and would always comment on how she didn't like to eat berries until the picking was done. However, her partners would often notice the purple stains on her lips if they were in a Saskatoon patch.
Vera was adventurous, spending many winters in Hawaii where she enjoyed the warm weather, beautiful flowers and her special Freida.
Vera is survived by her youngest sister, her son and his wife, six grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Vera had a full and rewarding life. She has touched all of our lives and each of us will always have a special memory of her as . . . Vera, mom, grandma and great grandma.
Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek.
