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Clifford Clair McAvany
August 10, 1929 - June 4, 2001
passed away at the age of 71 in Chetwynd General Hospital after a long hard battle of lung cancer with his family at his side. He now rests peacefully and will be lovingly remembered by his family, relatives and many friends.
Clair was born as the fourth child of nine to Clarke and Mary McAvany on the farm near Freemont, Saskatchewan.
During Clair and Jeannette's 49 1/2 year marriage, the last twenty-two years have been spent in Chetwynd where they have accumulated many dear friends and precious memories.
Clair is loved by many and is survived by his wife Jeannette, sons - Cliff (Nada), Stuart (Andrea), and daughters - Betty (John), Ellen (Rodney), and Elaine (Ken) (Elliot). Brothers - Edwin, Len and Keith and Sisters - Pearl, Rose and Pat. Grandchildren - Curtis, Jennifer, Sarah, Blair, Tristan and Tanner. Aunt Joyce and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by, his Father and Mother Clarke and Mary McAvany, his sisters Margaret, Louise and Irene.
~ This is our message to our Dad ~
We believed a cure would come one day, but that cure would come too late for you. You fought so hard and were so strong - you stuck to the fight when you were hardest hit - you never gave us...You suffered so much in silence. Your spirit did not bend. The Lord seen you getting tired, so he wrapped you up in his blanket of love and kept you warm. Now you will watch over us from far above. God has taken you home and has freed you from all pain.
Goodbye Dad, until we meet again...
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
Helena Josephina McCaffrey
1930 - 2001
In loving memory of our mother, Helena Josephina McCaffrey, who peacefully passed away on January 7, 2001 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
A kind considerate person with a keen sense of humor and wit, Helena will be missed by all who knew her. She was a traveler of the world who touched everyone she met.
Helena is survived by her sons Roland and Sean, and daughter Leona (Scott) Hender. Nannie will be especially missed by her granddaughter Rebecca.
Helena was always concerned about animals. Donations in memory of her may be made to the local SPCA.
Final arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Ted Eugene McConnell
1945-2002
Ted was born on July 14, 1945 at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He passed away on March 6, 2002, at Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 56 years. A graveside service was held on March 13, at 1 p.m. from the Brookside Cemetery.
Reverend, David Roch officiated.
Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Irene Eva Tremblay McClarty
1922-2001
A memorial service for the late Irene Eva Tremblay McClarty of Chetwynd B.C. was held on Friday, September 14, 2001 at 11 a.m. from Reynars Funeral Chapel Dawson Creek, Interment followed in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery in Chetwynd, B.C.
Irene Eva Tremblay McClarty was born on May 31, 1922 at Pouce Coupe, B.C. she was the first of ten children born to Mary and Bob Tremblay. Irene grew up on a farm in a valley out of Pouce Coupe.
Her parents had a trading post and post office. People came to collect their mail and often brought food and stayed to enjoy Uncle Emil Leduc's fiddle music. Dancing was enjoyed by all. Irene thoroughly enjoyed music and dancing.
She spent a lot of her childhood with her Grandma Olsen and Jack. This is where she stayed to attend school. Irene met her husband, Jim, when she was fourteen and marriage him when she was eighteen. They moved to Kilkerran to farm. They sold cream for cash and in 1952 they started a dairy farm.
Irene's four oldest children, Jim, Kerry, John and Mary were all born at Kilkerran. When Mary was two weeks old, the family then moved to Taylor. Two years latter the family moved to Chetwynd and started Jim's Confectionary, which they ran for a year. Irene then joined the Little Prairie Ladies Club. In 1959 books were sent to Chetwynd from the Dawson Creek Library Commission this started Irene's career as a Librarian. In 1962 Irene had one more child Laurie, thus making her family complete.
In time to come Irene took her G.E.D. and correspondence courses, to become a qualified librarian, she served as Chetwynds' librarian until 1975 at which time she then retired from the library and was named Chetwynds' Citizen of the Year. A title well deserved, for many years of service to the community. During this time Irene spent time in the school doing story hour with the children. Everybody loved to have a story read by Irene, as her wonderful expression instilled the love of books and reading in many people.
Irene was always helping someone or somebody with something, she interviewed people and wrote a lot of the family stories for the History Book in Chetwynd.
Irene loved to sew and crochet. She spent many hours making tablecloths, bedspreads etc.
She also crocheted and knit mitts, hats, scarves, toys and Christmas decorations for family and friends. Irene was very crafty and could always make something out of nothing innovation came naturally to her (costumes, school projects).
Irene knew her way around the kitchen, and no matter how many unexpected guests arrived she would miraculously build a dinner plus a dessert from what appeared to be nothing. Her homemade root beer was known to be the best this side of A&W.
Every chance Irene got she read Harlequin Romance books. They were her escape from the real world and her busy life. Irene wrote and enjoyed poetry. In her later years, she enjoyed bingo as much for the game as for the socializing. Each and every one of her grandchildren have spent quality time with Grandma and Grandpa.
No matter what hand life dealt for Irene I can never remember a time when she wasn't cheerful.
Irene was predeceased by her son Jim in 1998, her loving husband Jim in March of 2000. She leaves to mourn her passing her children Kerry (Eric), John, Mary (Egon), and Laurie, thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, her brothers and sisters, numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends. Irene will be missed by all the hearts she touched over the years.
Arrangements were under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
James Alfred McClarty
1912 - 2000
James Alfred McClarty was born on the farm near Wynyard, Saskatchewan, February 17,1912. As a young boy Jim spent some time in Toronto with his mother and brothers, Fred, Jack and Mac. Jim often talked about playing ball and going to school as a youngster in Toronto. The boys and their mother moved back to Wynyard and came to the Peace River area in 1930.
Jim worked a couple of homesteads and opted for trying to find a job. Paid work was not plentiful and in 1938 and 39 Jim spent time riding the rails, picking up work where he could. That pretty well ended when he was quite seriously injured hitching a freight.
On June 28,1940, Jim marriage Irene Eva Tremblay. He never did ask Irene to marry him. He did give her fair warning when she was younger. He said, "Im going to marry you but you better darn well grow up first!" When Irene was 18, Jim announced at the dinner table, "Irene and I are getting marriage a week from Friday..."and he went on eating. Jim and Irene lived on a farm East and North of Kilkerran Hall until 1956. They ran a dairy and farmed the place with Jims horses. They started their family there.
Jim, Kerry, John and Mary were born on that farm. Mary just two weeks before the family started off on a holiday that ended up in a move to Taylor as Jim took a job working on the McMahon plant. They were two years in Taylor, during which time Jim built a small house while the family lived in a tent well into the fall, Nov. 4th to be exact. Kerry and Irene remember moving in before the door was on the house.
That house followed them to Chetwynd where the family relocated in 1958. When they left Taylor there was talk of going further west, maybe as far as Hazelton. Irene realized at one point that they were in Chetwynd to stay when she found out that Jim had purchased a mailbox shortly after arriving in Chetwynd and had not informed her he had done so. Apparently this was far enough west. Jim bought a lot, cleared it and moved the house from Taylor to Chetwynd.
Jim took a job with Highways and in 1961 he bought the acreage south of Chetwynd and gradually put another house together. Jim built all the houses that he and the family lived in. Laurie was born September 10th, 1962.
Jim retired from Highways in 1976 and they moved into the house on the Sukunka Road in 1977. After retirement, he ran the steamer for Highways but was only allowed to do so for 6 weeks.
Jim and Irene sold the acreage in 1990 and moved to the seniors complex in Chetwynd. In 1993 they moved into the in-law suite with Laurie and subsequently to Heritage Heights in 1996.
Jim was predeceased by his son Jim, his brother Allan, his sister Alice and his sister Peggy. Jim is survived by his wife Irene who was part of his life for 65 years, by his children Kerry, John, Mary and Laurie. By his brothers Fred, Jack and Mac, and by 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren who he delighted in so much.
Jim loved his family and enjoyed being around them. He took great pleasure in bouncing the young ones on his knee, or chasing them around. He always had time for the kids. Jim always enjoyed helping others although he hated to ask for help. He loved the game of baseball from the time he was a boy. He liked to arm wrestle and foot race. He enjoyed horses, gardening and odd jobbing around his places. He loved raspberry sandwiches with lots of sugar. He loved Irene most of all, and truly appreciated her for the strength she brought him and their family. Jim was a steady, strong, wise man who enjoyed and valued what life brought him. The day before he died he made a point of verbalizing his feelings to Irene. He told her how she was his rock and how she was always there for him for all those years. Irene talked about how that took her off guard. What modeling that represents. Thanks for that Jim, and from your family, a prayer of thanks for having known you.
Funeral services for Jim were held on March 8th at Reynars Funeral Chapel with Judy Hare officiating.
Ruby Bernice McDonald
1917-2002
Ruby Bernice McDonald (née Cundy), retired school teacher, and long time resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital in the early morning of Monday, January 14, 2002 at the age of 84 years.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2002 at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, with Father Chris Lynch officiating. Cremation followed.
Ruby was born on November 14, 1917 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, the daughter of Mary McCandless of Ireland, and Frederick Cundy, of England. Her family settled in the Okanagan area, where she grew up.
After finishing her high school, she attended Normal School in Victoria, where she qualified in June 1938 as a school teacher. She started her teaching career at Castle Rock School in the Caribou backcountry in September 1938, at country schools near Horsefly and The Chasm, BC.
At the time she was hired to teach in the Caribou, the only transportation across the mighty Fraser to her teaching post was by basket suspended precariously over the river. Anytime Highway 97 took our family past the site of that old Castle Rock basket ferry, she would tell us stories of the exciting, hair-raising trips across that raging river in that tiny basket.
Ruby was a true pioneer, and was the original career woman long before it was fashionable. She moved north in 1940, teaching in country schools at Rolla, Sweetwater, Doe River, Arras and Devereaux.
She taught in the South Peace School District for over 44 years returning at age 66 at the end of the 1983-84 school year. She taught primary school at Dawson Creek Elementary School (later renamed O'Brien) from 1953 until her retirement at age 66 in June 1984.
Ruby was pre-deceased by her husband, Angus Daniel McDonald, who passed away in Dawson Creek on November 13, 1973, and by her beloved daughter, Valerie, who passed away in Abbotsford, BC on May 20, 2001.
Ruby is survived by her children, Angus McDonald (Sonja Bishop), Bernice Wood and Dorothy McDonald (Brian Robertson); grandchildren, Matthew and Miranda McDonald, and Ashley and Daniel Robertson; brothers, Harry (Joan) Cundy and Stanley Cundy. Ruby was truly loved, and will be sadly missed by all of her family and friends.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd. Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Agnes McGowan
1912-2001
Agnes McGowan, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away on September 10, 2001 in Dawson Creek, at 89 years of age. A memorial mass was held Monday, September 17, 2001 at 2 p.m. at Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, Dawson Creek, with Father David John officiating.
Agnes was born on April 15, 1912 to John and Bridjet Goodwin in Newton, Cambuslang, Scotland. Agnes lived in Scotland with her family until she was 16 years old. At 16, she and her 21-year-old sister Francis, moved to Vancouver, B.C.
Being the depression years, it was not easy to find work but Agnes did find jobs babysitting for families, working in hotels, cooking and waitressing in restaurants.
Shortly after arriving in Canada, Agnes became seriously ill and was near death. After recovery, her sister Francis decided to join the Sisters of the Precious Blood Convent, where she remained until her passing several years ago. Agnes was very close to Francis and visited with her as much as possible.
While living in Vancouver, Agnes met her future husband Danny McGowan. They were marriage on February 10, 1941 in Vancouver.
As Danny was in the Army at this time, they traveled and lived in many different cities throughout Canada, which included Ottawa, Ontario, Sydney, Halifax, and Debert, Nova Scotia. From Debert, Danny was shipped overseas. Agnes remained in Canada waiting for his return from the war. Upon his return, he and Agnes lived in Ottawa for a period of time. They then returned to Vancouver.
In the early 1950's Agnes and Danny moved to Dawson Creek as they thought there would be more job opportunities here. Agnes again found work babysitting for many different families. Through these relationships she made many friends. She was always an active member of the Notre Dame Church.
In the early 1960's, Agnes and Danny discovered their love of camping. In 1977, Agnes and Danny retired to Kamloops, and were able to fully enjoy camping, some trips would last from May until September.
After Danny's passing in 1988, Agnes moved back to Dawson Creek as she wanted to be close to her friends here. Over the next 13 years, Agnes devoted much of her time to the church and developed many cherished friendships through the church and community.
Agnes was a very vibrant person, having a positive outlook on life, and was always quick to give an encouraging word and let you know she was proud of you. She loved doing arts, crafts, and crocheted many beautiful tablecloths, giving many to friends and charities.
She enjoyed singing and dancing, and was an avid walker. She enjoyed visiting, and especially loved to make people laugh, she always had joke to share. Agnes was a warm, loving person who touched many lives and will always have a special place in our hearts, thoughts and memories.
Memorial Arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
Ivor Foster McKay
1938 - 2001
Funeral services for the late Ivor Foster McKay were held on Saturday August 18 2001 from the Alliance Church in Dawson Creek at 1 p.m.. Rev Roy Hubert officiated. The Interment followed in the Beaverlodge Cemetery in Alberta following the service.
Ivor Foster McKay was born June 21, 1938 to William and Mary McKay in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland.
In 1957 Ivor and his brother Hugh emigrated to Canada, arriving in Beaverlodge, Alberta where they stayed for a short period of time with Uncle John and Aunt Flora. These two Irish lads were hard workers and it was not long until both had full time jobs. Ivor was very active in the area soccer league and was known by his teammates as "Cannon McKay". Whether it was work or play, Ivor was very competitive.
In 1958 Ivor met a very attractive young lady named Delrose Maile and on the 17th of August, 1962 they were marriage. Ivor and Delrose started their marriage life near Beaverlodge where their first home was an old converted garage, complete with an air-tight heater and a less than air-tight building. There were many stories and jokes about that first house.
Ivor began working for Foster 's Seed and Feed Ltd. and in 1964 he was transferred to Fort St. John, B.C. where he managed the seed cleaning plant. In 1974 he moved to Dawson Creek, B.C. to manage Foster 's plant there. Ivor worked for Foster 's until 1982 when he started out on his own. He resided in Dawson Creek, B.C. until his death on August 13, 2001.
Ivor loved his family and especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. The silver-haired grandpa would spend hours with them on his knee, entertaining them with his make-believe stories. Ivor was a kid at heartâ and that's why the grandchildren loved him so much. He will be deeply missed.
Ivor was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Hugh and Bill, and his sister Mavis. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Delrose, his children Wade (Denna), Duane (Laurie), Daraleah (Ed), and his grandchildren, Ivan, Court, Brendin, Tony, Kyle, Brandon, Stephanie, Kristin, Tanner, Brenna. He is also survived by two sisters, Pat Goodman and Irene Surgernor of County Antrim, N. Ireland, his uncle John Foster of Grande Prairie and Aunt Anne Gowdy of Belfast, N. Ireland as well as many cousins both in Canada and N. Ireland.
Many out of town guests attended the funeral service for Ivor including his sister Pat Goodman, his niece Louise Goodman and her son Hamish McIlwee from County Antrim, N. Ireland.
Funeral arrangements under the care of Reynars Funeral Chapel & Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.
Doris Margaret McKenzie
1929 - 1999
Doris Margaret McKenzie passed away on Nov. 22 1999 at Kelowna Genera Hospital. Doris was born in Tisdale Sask. in 1929.
Her family moved to Vancouver for a short time then proceeded to Prince George in 1945.
Doris moved to Dawson Creek in 1961 where she met Bruce. She resided there until they moved to Nelson in 1979.
For the past seven years, Doris and Bruce resided at Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna B.C.
Doris will be lovingly remembered by her Husband Bruce, Sons Graham (Roxanne), Rob, Kurtis, Wade (Barb), Daughters Cathy (Glen), Lisa (Manley), Heather (Rob), Sister Helen(Ted), Grandchildren Logan, Paige, Dustin, Cody, Ashley, John, Kim, Trevor, Melissa, Robin and many great grandchildren.
Doris was predeceased by her Brother Bill and Grandson Richard.
Services were held at the First Memorial Funeral Chapel in Kelowna on Nov. 25 1999. Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Grace Evelyn McLean
1938 - 2001
Grace Evelyn McLean, resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, passed away on January 9, 2001 in Dawson Creek, at 62 years of age. A memorial service was held at 2:00 pm on January 13, 2001 in the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek with Reverend Judy Hare officiating. Grace's cremated remains will be interred at a later date in her mother's grave in Saskatchewan.
Grace was born the fourth daughter to Florence and John McLean on July 11, 1938 at Bellshill, Saskatchewan, a rural farming community. Later joined by a sister and a brother making a family of six children. She lived with the family on the farm from birth to the summer of 1955, when the family moved to Canal Flats, British Columbia. In 1961, the family moved to Dawson Creek, it was here, Grace resided until her death.
Grace was a happy special sister. She had a mind of her own, an infectious giggle and hearty laugh. Grace's room was always organized and tidy, she was proud of her possessions and took very good care of them. Grace loved nice, colorful clothes and jewelry. She loved to dress up, put on make-up and nail polish and have some place to go. She took very good care of herself.
During Grace's time on the family farm, she became accustomed to having animals as pets. After leaving the farm, she always made sure all family pets were comfortable, fed and well petted.
Grace loved music of all kinds and enjoyed family gatherings large or small. She had a keen sense of humor and a wonderful memory of birthdays, names and happenings, often reminiscing abut people and events that others had long forgotten.
Grace really enjoyed her years at "The Place", the handicapped workshop. It was at this workshop that she helped make prize ribbons for fairs and other events. She also learned to do many crafts while there.
Her 12 years at Rotary Manor were also enjoyable. The Manor was truly her home, she participated in the many events and activities. The caregivers, support staff, residents, and long-time friend Mae Anderson were her extended family, enriching her life. Grace enjoyed her Senior League bowling, where she made many friends, and won some trophies.
Grace had many health challenges in her life, but met each challenge with courage and strength. She was a very strong lady.
Grace was predeceased in 1955 by a niece, Janice Markling, in 1973 by her father, John McLean and in 1983 by her mother, Florence McLean.
She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Mae (Louis) Markling, Bernice (Burt) Nelson, Joyce (Wallace) McPhee, Shirley (Dale) Ostlund, and brother, Don (Irene) McLean, nieces and nephews, Mervin (Tamara) Markling, Cheryl (Jack) McDonald, Faye (Paul) Geist, Ross (Joanne) Nelson, Blaine (Nancy) McPhee, Wendy (Mark) Sheppard, Sherry (Ed) Travenut, Kevin Ostlund, David (Carla) McLean, Brandy (Mark) Burden, and Angela McLean, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, and her many friends.
She will be greatly missed but always remembered.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services and Crematorium Ltd., of Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
