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Jessie Alice (nee McKinnon) McLeod
July 18, 1917 - August 1, 2001
On Wednesday, August 1, 2001, Mrs. Jessie McLeod, formerly of Dawson Creek, passed away in Edmonton at the age of 84 years.
She is survived by nine children, Ian (Lora) of Mackenzie, B.C., Archie (Leona) of Sherwood Park, Alta., David (Andi) of North Vancouver, B.C., Donna (Don) Alexander of Dawson Creek, Doreen (Randy) Hadland of Flat Rock, B.C., Shirley (Clint) Rothrock of Camrose, Alta., Bob (Lizanne) of Grande Prairie, Alta., Pat (John) Harper of Dawson Creek, B.C., Mark (Sharon) of Kamloops, B.C.; 23 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters.
She was predeceased by her husband, Earl McLeod, in 1969 in Dawson Creek, two bothers, Mason and Bill (Kit) McKinnon and one sister-in-law.
Mom was born in Alderson, Alta. on July 18, 1917, the eldest of nine children. She met her future husband, Earl McLeod, in 1941 and marriage Dec. 25, 1945 after he returned from the war. Mom and Dad moved from Pontrilas, Saskatchewan to Dawson Creek in December 1953. She made Dawson Creek her home for 33 years.
After Dad died in 1969, she carried on looking after her family as there were still six children at home. She was very creative and playing the piano was a great pleasure to her and the family. She later studied piano tuning and became a qualified technician in tuning and repair. There were many days that we would find her totally absorbed in the workings of her own piano and very happy.
She also loved having her grandchildren visit and crocheting and knitting for them kept her very busy.
After she moved to Edmonton in 1986, Mom pursued creative writing and took many art courses. She always loved to be learning new skills. She also made many friends through these activities.
Mom was a quiet, proud person. She read a lot and had a very strong connection to her religion and her convictions of how things should be. She encouraged us to be independent in our thinking. This set the stage for many debates! We loved her for all that she was and she will be in our hearts forever.
A memorial service was held August 4, 2001 at the Strathearn United Church in Edmonton.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 11560 University Ave., Edmonton, Alta., T5G 1Z2 or St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital, Palliative Care, 10707-29th Avenue, Edmonton Alta. T6J 6W1.
Anton Rolf Melsness
1911-2001+
Anton Rolf Melsness, better known as Tony, was born September 24, 1911 in Crookston, Minnesota. He was the fifth of eight children born to Ole and Anne Melsness.
In the summer of 1913, his family moved to the Peace River Country and were part of the first settlers in the area they named Valhalla. In 1930, Tony met Norene Robertson on the steps of his father's store, the Melsness Mercantile, in Valhalla. They were marriage July 15, 1940 in Vancouver, BC. Their daughter, Charene (Chamie), was born in 1946.
While in Vancouver Tony had many jobs, from mechanic to stockbroker and then gasfitter. It was his career as a gasfitter that in the fall of 1965 brought him back to the Peace River Country to work on the Bennet Dam. When the dam was completed Tony and Norene moved to Chetwynd where they managed the Country Squire Motel and also the Pine Cone Motor Inn. In the early 1980's, they came to Dawson Creek.
On May 10, 1997, Tony's beloved wife Norene went to be with the Lord. In the years to follow, he remained active and those who knew him were aware of how much he loved to drive. He would often drive to Alberta just to pop in on family for coffee or drive friends to their appointments or to Church. He was a blessing and a help to others until his death December 6 of this year.
Tony is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Charene and Bob Pekrul, granddaughter Kyla Mattson, great grandchildren Yeva, Pippin, and Ilia Mattson; grandson Trevor Pekrul, Kim and Nathan. Tony is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services for Tony were held on Tuesday, December 11 at 11 a.m. from the Rolla Baptist Church. He was buried in the Valhalla Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium
A poem written by granddaughter Kyla Mattson:
It isn't easy being left behind, loved ones go away from you
And all you have is time.
The times you spent together, the times you laughed or cried
And now, just time to remember, his life before he died.
Time is all that stands between my grandfather and I.
The time from now til God decides its time for me to die.
And when that day does finally come, once more I'll see his face
And we will be together then, thanks to God's good grace.
For God has made a promise, and this my grandfather knew,
That if you believe in Jesus, eternal life He'll give to you.
So even tho my heart is aching and my grandfather is not around,
I know that he is not gone forever, but one day will be found.
Thomas A. Meyer
1923 - 2000
Thomas A. Meyer died with dignity in Victoria General Hospital on Aug. 19, 2000. He was born in Florence, Alabama on May 18, 1923. He is survived by his loving wife Anna; brother-in-law Ejner (Carla) Hansen; sister-in-law Bernice Lowney; several nieces and nephews in California and Montana and cousins in Alabama.
He was a Master Mason of Lodge No. 161, A.F. & A.M. in Denver, Colorado and a Nobel of Gizeh Shriners Temple in B.C.
Tom and Anna immigrated to Canada in 1963, living in Dawson Creek until retirement in 1987, then moved to Sidney, B.C.
He was a vintage car enthusiast, having restored several cars. He was known by all as a perfectionist, master machinist and designer.
Tom's career included an airline pilot and the commander of Civil Air Patrol Search and Rescue in five western states. He designed and built mining equipment for the Union Carbide Co. and a motor home for himself.
He also served as an alderman on the Dawson Creek City Council, a member of several car clubs and an uncle to many. There was no service by request.
A celebration of Tom's life was held Aug. 26, 2000 in Sidney. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to the Greater Victoria Hospital Foundation for the purchase of seven foot beds or diagnostic equipment or to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Tom will be ever loved and sadly missed by those who knew him.
Samual 'Sam' Michalski
1927 - 2000
A beautiful life came to a sudden end
He died as he lived, everyone's friend
He was always thoughtful, loving and kind
What a precious memory he left behind.
He left us suddenly, his thoughts unknown
But he left us memories we are proud to own
Treasure him, God in your garden of rest
For in our world he was one of the best. Sam Michalski, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away in Dawson Creek, B.C. on February 7, 2000 at 72 years of age. Sam was born on August 17, 1927 in Vernon, British Columbia to Pete and Marie Michalski.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, with Reverend Warren Brower officiating. Cremation followed.
Honorary pallbearers were Ron Crum, Rudy Mayer, Frank Wagar, Walter Kaftan, and John Paskiewich.
Work was what Sam knew best - going from fruit farming to railroad work and finally the love of his life; the graders. He got to be known to many people as 'Sam the Grader Man'.
Sam loved fishing, berry picking and playing cards. He loved relaxing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and helping home-schooling kids.
Sam was predeceased by his father Pete Michalski.
Sam is survived by his mother Marie Michalski; sister Emily Danielson; one son Bill (Debbie) Mazanek; two daughters Ivy (Rob) Ross, Julie (Ray) Chmielewski; seven step children Darlene (Reg) Beaulieu, Terry Anderson, Butch (Wanda) Schwieger, Linda (Gary) Young, Janice (Wally) Eckert, John (Beth) Schwieger and Lucy Brausse. Sam was a very loving grandfather to 28 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Sincere thanks are extended to Dr. Newman, Dr. Nagra, and Dr. Hargreaves. Special thanks to the hospital nurses, 'Linda' and 'Susan' for their gentle, loving care for him.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
David Middleton
1912 - 1999
David Middleton, resident of East Pouce Coupe, British Columbia passed away on December 6, 1999 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia at the age of 87. He was born on February 27, 1912 in Montreal Quebec.
David was a World War II veteran, he served as a medic overseas in Holland and Normandy.
He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He loved to play cards with his grandchildren and was an avid reader.
David was predeceased by his parents James and Elizabeth Middleton, his brothers Thomas and James, and James' wife Irene.
David is survived by his wife Phyllis; his children Wayne (Kathy) Middleton, David Middleton, and Heather Miller; his grandchildren Troy (Robin), Scott, Kim, David, Tina, Stephanie, and Anthony; his great-grandchildren Erin, Benjamin, Bree and Britney; and Thomas' wife Joy.
"Missed by his family and friends."
At David's request, he was cremated and no funeral service was held.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Carl J. Miller
1914 - 2000
Carl Miller, a resident of Pouce Coupe, B.C., passed away on July 22, 2000 at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Carl was born May 29, 1914 in Kingsley, Minnesota, U.S.A.
His career life was assistant director of research at Smead Manufacturing Co. in Hastings, Minnesota.
In 1974, Carl and his wife Anna immigrated to Canada. He was manager of the Panorama Place in Prince George, B.C., until 1985 when he retired and they moved to Pouce Coupe.
He was a well-loved and respected person, focusing his life on the Lord. He was a member of the Gideon Society and loved ministering to prisoners in jail.
He is survived by his loving wife and soul mate, Anna; two daughters, Marjean Kay Smolik and Cheryl Alicia Dunlop; three sons, Donavon, Timothy and Cameron Miller; sisters, Sharlene, Betty and Jackie; and stepchildren Niklaus and Michael Ponomareff and Tami McCarty; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Cremation was under direction of Reynar's Chapel and Crematorium on June 23, 2000 in Dawson Creek.
Chadley John Miller
1974-2002
Chadley John Miller, of Tower Lake, British Columbia, also known to family and friends as 'Chadders', 'Chaddyman' and 'Buddy', passed away on January 26, 2002 at home. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on January 30, 2002 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, with Reverend Victoria King officiating. Cremation followed.
Chad was born July 31, 1974 in Dawson Creek to his parents Doug and Darlene Miller. Chad was the eldest of four children and is survived by brothers Blaine and Cple, and sister Kaylie. Chad lived a lifetime in the first nine years of his life. He liked the farm, the animals, country life, family gatherings and sleepovers at his grandparents' homes.
Chad loved to skate and play hockey in his younger years, snowmobiling and three wheeler rides. He loved music and dancing, and his three-wheeled bicycle. The last few years his favorite pastimes were going for rides in the car, swimming, camping, riding in the boat and fishing. Chad loved money, and holding babies, and visiting the horses in the pasture.
Chad taught us love, patience, understanding, hope and courage. He gave us the strength to carry on. He was a real soldier of life and faced many swords. Chad touched many peoples' lives; indeed there was a purpose for his short life.
He is also survived by his grandparents Dennis and Wilma Miller, grandmother Monyeen Ollenbeger, as well as Randy, Charlene, Tyler and Krystal Miller; Gerald, Darlene, Lee Ann and Jeremy Miller; Calvin Ollenberger; Brian, Marlene, Farrell and Brett Backus; Terry, Brenda, Abby and Wes Fraser.
The family at this time would like to thank everyone who stood by us, and were there for us over the years, in the good times and also the hard. Our heartfelt thanks to family and friends, and a special thank you to Chad's caregivers these last few years, Derek Mead, Majorie Hall, Don Jobson, Valerie Ghostkeeper and Brianne Dutton.
God Bless you all.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Beatrice Mae Minall
Beatrice Mae Minall (nee Cottier), aged 64 years, a long-time resident of Tupper, B.C. and Demmitt, Alberta, left us to walk in God's garden on Dec. 13, 2000 at the High River Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Bea is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Reg, her daughters Debbie (Colin) Pool of Chilliwack, B.C.; Patty Minall and Terri (Ron) Perrin of Calgary and her son Keith (Bev) Minall of Fort St. John, B.C.
Bea will also be missed by her grandchildren, Sean, Carmen, Korey and Angela, her sisters Caroline, Margaret and Wanda and their families as well as many dear friends on Vancouver Island and in the Peace River Country. Bea will be lovingly remembered for her love of gardening, her flair for cooking, and her kindness and generosity.
Bea died peacefully surrounded by her family. Her last wish was that everyone who loved her knew that she had lived a good life and was at peace.
On the Minall memorial stone this verse will appear:
We shall pass through this life but once.
Any good, therefore that we can do or
any kindness we can show to any fellow creature,
Let us do it now
Let us not deter or neglect it
For we shall not pass this way again. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Thursday Dec. 28, 2000 at 10 a.m. at Snodgrass Funeral Chapel, High River, Alta. If friends so desire, donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215-12th Ave. SE, Calgary, T1G 1A2.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Home Ltd., High River, Alta.
Helen Ann Mitchell (nee: Kuenzl)
1953 - 2000
Helen Ann Mitchell, long time resident of Grande Prairie, Alta., passed away at the age of 47 years.
She is survived by her two sons; Troy and CpleMitchell of Grande Prairie, parents Anton and Eleanora Kuenzl of Dawson Creek, B.C. Brothers Eric (Sheri) Kuenzl of Tomslake, B.C.; Glenn (Karen) Kuenzl of Williams Lake B.C.; as well as fiancee Ed Blew and numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen is predeceased by uncle and aunt Willibald and Ann Kuenzl, Grandparents; Franz and Franziska Kuenzl, and Valentine and Barbara Dittrich.
Helen will be remembered as a special lady and a loving Mother with a strong and unique personality who had a great love for her family and her seven dogs, (Salina, Gypsy, Sultan, Yuki, Kato, Precious, and Kinda.) She was a long time employee of Weyerhauser Canada. She will be remembered by all.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 8, 2000 from the Notre Dame Catholic Church in Dawson Creek. Interment was in the Tomslake Sudeten Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy were to the Heart and Stroke foundation or to "The Jimmy with love fund."
Reynar's Chapel and Crematorium were in care of arrangements.
Helene Modahl
1898 - 2000
Our family lost a very special Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Great Great Grandma and friend. Helene will always be remembered as a caring and giving person whose greatest love was being surrounded by family and friends. She touched the hearts of many in some special way and we all have memories of her to cherish.
Helene was born in Ringerinke, Norway, on November 11, 1898 to Hans and Marie Borge. She had seven brothers and two sisters. In her younger years, she shared the responsibilities in running a family hotel. She became an accomplished folk dancer and won many awards in Norway and in Canada, dancing with a neighbour, Ralph Ivars.
She met and later marriage Nels Modahl in Knogsberg Aug. 18, 1923. A son (Henry) was born to them Jan. 6, 1926. Two years later, Helene and her son immigrated to Canada following Nels. Although not knowing any English, they traveled from Halifax where the ship docked, to New Westminster B.C., where Nels had a job working in a mill. Helene taught herself English. She had a very beautiful accent and could not pronounce J's. She would say yam for jam, udy for Judy and was always teased about her yellow for Jello.
They then as a family moved to Smithers and in 1930 to the Peace River Country where they homesteaded in the North Rolla area.
In 1936, Nels traded work for a quarter of land in Doe River. Helene worked very hard to make a home for the three of them. Surprise! Along came Mary in 1938 to brighten up their world. Life on the farm was not easy and they had many lean years. Helene made the most of it though. She sold milk, cream, butter, eggs, fryers, pigs, and fresh vegetables. Although when going to visit anyone, she would dress up wearing her going to town hat, brooch and pearls, when she was on the farm she would sport a pair of gum boots that had never seen the inside of the house.
On Feb. 14, 1952, Henry marriage Norma Kettner and they lived on a quarter of land one mile north of Helene and Nels.
The six children of this marriage loved to visit grandma. There was always the root beer, candy to be given out, and on trips to town, the odd coin would find its way into a child's pocket without mom or dad knowing.
Many times there was a grandchild who would run away from home but would have to stop at Grandma's house first to get something to eat. On Sept. 5,1959, Mary marriage Herb Rosin and they raised two children which Grandma loved to spoil as well.
In 1959, Nels, Helene and Henry had an opportunity to return to Norway for a visit - a dream come true for Helene. She was extremely proud of her heritage and passed a lot of traditions on to all members of her family. She was a life-time member of the Sons of Norway. Christmas was her busiest time of year with making all the favourite Norwegian dishes, cookies, bread, lefsa, and everyone had to have "just a little bit of lutefish" for Christmas Eve as well as all the Scandinavian customs to follow.
On Aug. 18,1973, Nels and Helene celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Doe River Hall with their many friends and family.
Three years later, they lost their home to a fire. They then bought a house trailer and placed it on Henry's farm. After Nels passed away in 1980, Helene divided her time between her two children's places. Winters in the south with Mary and Herb and the summers here with Henry and Norma where she enjoyed picking berries, working in her flower gardens and going on family picnics. Although in later years she spent her winters with Mary, she still loved the winter season the most. Her love of skiing which she was still doing in her early nineties and at Christmas time when all the knitting, sewing and embroidery she had made would find a home. (I think almost everyone she knew has an article that she had made.)
She was an overly generous person and got more satisfaction from giving than receiving. She always encouraged her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to always do their best and to always have hobbies and crafts to fill their idle hours.
Helene could have boasted about surviving three centuries of change. From the horse and buggy days to the space age, two world wars, and from no conveniences to the computer explosion. Her longevity proves to us all how healthy and strong she really was and just how vast a legacy she left us.
Helene was predeceased by her mother, father, all her brothers and sisters, her husband Nels, and son Henry. She will be missed dearly by her daughter Mary (Herb), daughter-in-law Norma, eight grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren, plus many friends. We will miss you dearly Grandma but we know that you are now our angel, watching over us.
Funeral services for Helene were held on Wednesday Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. from Reynar's Chapel with Rev. Kim Staus officiating. Burial took place in the Doe River Sorenson Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Reynar's Chapel and Crematorium.
