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.
Callin Boucher
1942 - 1998
Callin Boucher passed away in Dawson Creek, British Columbia on Jan. 6, 1998 at 55 years of age. He was born August 3, 1942 in Tisdale, Saskatchewan to his parents Edward and Margaret Boucher.
A memorial service was held Friday, Jan. 9, 1998 at 3 p.m. at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek with President Jeremy Harris officiating.
Callin was born in Tisdale and spent his early years in the area. In 1959, work moved the family to North Battleford, Saskatchewan. It was at that time Callin developed a life long interest in cars and love for the music of Elvis Presley. He was a talented artist, his natural ability showed at an early age. Callin finished high school and entered the workforce while still in North Battleford. In 1962, the family moved to Dawson Creek. Callin was employed at the Chetwynd sawmill for a short time before becoming ill, and spent the next 15 years in and out of hospital. Once Callin returned to Dawson Creek, he lived and learned lifeskills from Sandy and Dave Dunne. In 1990 he joined the Community Living family.
Callin had many employment accomplishments, on farms as a field hand, and was welcomed as a regular crew member at Central Middle School. He worked at Far North Greenhouses for two years and, as at all jobs, he was hard working and very cooperative no matter what task he was given.
Callin was a quick learner, a talented artist, and a generous person. He loved to socialize and spend time with his girlfriend Wanda. Callin enjoyed the outdoors, animals, collecting things and recreational activities, such as walking, shooting pool and bowling. His love of Elvis showed in his enjoyment of Elvis movies and his personal retro fifties style of dress. Callin was an intelligent, generous and insightful person. He also had a great sense of humour.
Callin was predeceased by his parents Edward and Margaret Boucher, his sister Elaine Boucher and niece Yolanda Boucher. Callin was fondly remembered as a loving brother to Maurice and Sylvia Boucher and Bill Boucher and uncle to Michelle Boucher.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services and Crematorium, Dawson Creek.
Franciszek Andrew Chmielewski
1912 - 1998
Most commonly known as Frank Chmielewski was born Dec. 4, 1912 in a small house in Sacred Heart, Alberta. He passed away in Pouce Coupe, Jan. 8, 1998, at the age of 85.
Frank's father Joseph Chmielewski was born in Poland on July 4, 1879 and came to Canada as a young man of 25 in 1904. He marriage Anne Litke on Nov. 3, 1910. Anne was born in Little Falls, Minnesota on Dec. 7, 1890. After their wedding in Roundhill, Alberta, they moved to Saddle Lake where their first son Paul was born Dec. 4, 1911. One year later to the date, Frank was born Dec. 4, 1912. After Frank arrived sister Albina in 1916 followed by brother Martin in 1918, brother Peter in 1921, sister Julia in 1923, brother Lawrence in 1926. The family then moved to Holden, Alberta. There brother John was born in 1930. the family then mover to the great Peace River country and arrived in Sweetwater and then to their homestead in Farmington on June 6, 1930. On Aug. 11, 1935 the last of nine children was born, another sister, Victoria.
Frank was known throughout the community as a hard working young farmer, a great dancer, a super card player and the luckiest fisherman ever known. His love for cards and especially fishing and camping will be remembered by all who knew him. Frank enjoyed fiddle music and sitting with friends and family shooting the breeze (so to speak).
Frank marriage Jeanette Garvin and raised four children on Hillcrest Rd, mile 10.5 of the Alaska Highway. The children being Ronald Frank, on April 20, 1960, Raymond Albert, on June 29, 1964, Wendy Anne on July 27, 1963 and Wanda Elaine, on April 24, 1968. There he farmed and worked for the department of Highways until retirement.
Frank was predeceased by his Father Joseph, mother Anne, brother Paul and son Daryl who passed on as a baby. He survived by his brothers Martin, Peter, Lawrence and John as well as his sisters Albina, Julia and Victoria. He is also survived by his children Ronald, Raymond, Wendy and Wanda and their mother Jeanette, as well as eight grandchildren, two step-sons and their four children.
Frank passed away at the Pouce Coupe Care Home Jan. 8, 1998 at the age of 85. By Frank's request, funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services and Crematorium Ltd. Frank's request was to be cremated were honored and a funeral service will be held in July so as to allow safe travel to those family and friends who are so far away. A funeral notice of the date and time will be made public at that time. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Kenneth "Little Kenny" Edward George Courtoreille
1975 - 1998
Kenny Courtoreille was born April 14, 1975 in Dawson Creek, B.C. He is the son of Kenneth Courtoreille Sr. of Dawson Creek and Rose Laboucan who resides in High Prairie, Alberta.
Kenny passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of Jan. 14, 1998 at his father's home. He will be sadly missed by the apple of his eye, his small daughter Denisha Dawn Courtoreille, his father Ken, mother Rose and his sisters, Carol and Evalyn. Also mourning his passing are his half and step sibling: Nadine, Vicki, Shelly, Brett, Dirk, Keith and Tim Willier. Others left shocked and grieving are his maternal grandparents Nellie and Marshal Laboucan, many aunts, uncles and cousins and close friends. Meeting Kenny on the other side will be his paternal grandparents Hardy and Helen Courtoreille.
Kenny Jr. is best remembered for his excellence in sports. He loved kick boxing, boxing, hockey and baseball. Excelling in all sports, he was seen by all team mates and those who opposed him in the ring as a fair and honorable opponent and team mate. Although Kenny excelled in sports, his first love was his daughter, Denisha. Nothing could cheer him more than a visit, no matter how brief, with his beloved daughter.
In the field of work, Kenny preferred to work with his hands out in the forests. This past summer he worked for the Ministry of Forests on a fire fighting team.
A traditional Wake was held for Kenny at the Nawican Friendship Centre the night before being laid to rest Jan. 9 in the Brookside Cemetery. His funeral service was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, President J, Harris officiated. At the service his hockey coach, Dave Macdonald, gave the eulogy and Rose Mary Mcleod sang Amazing Grace and a song she chose especially for him. At the graveside his close friend Mark Maltais spoke to him, saying the final good-byes. President Jeremy Harris dedicated hid graveside. Following the graveside dedication the pallbearers and close family members lay yellow and red roses on the casket. His beloved daughter, Denisha, lay a symbolic pink rose.
A poem sums up many peoples' feelings for Kenny.
"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, 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."
Isobel L. Fynn
1912 - 1997
Isobel (Biddy) L. Fynn, resident of the Pouce Coupe Care Home, formerly of Dawson Creek passed away Dec. 28, 1997 in Pouce Coupe. Isobel was cremated and a family memorial service will be held in the summer of 1998. Interment of her cremated remains will be in the Pouce Coupe Cemetery at that time.
Isobel (Biddy) was born June 24, 1912 to Sarah and Andrew McClarty in Wynyard, Saskatchewan. She came to Pouce Coupe with her family in 1931.
She marriage George (Buster) Fynn in 1935 and resided in the Peace River area until her passing.
She was predeceased by her husband, George (Buster) Fynn, in 1975; her father, Andrew McClarty, in 1960; her mother Sarah McClarty in 1954 and her brother Theodore McClarty in 1960.
Isobel (Biddy) Fynn is survived by her son Larry and wife Dolly and grandchildren, Carol Yaeger of Fort Worth, Texas, Robert Yaeger of Vancouver, B.C., Dan skinner (Cheri) of Stony Plain, Alberta, Marg Duperron (Aaron) of Fort St. John, B.C., Brad Drott (Barb) of Dawson Creek, B.C., Lori Fynn (Dwayne) of Whistler, B.C. and Lisa Fynn of Chetwynd, B.C., as well as seven great grandchildren.
She also leaves to mourn one sister, Geordie Petrick of Dawson Creek and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Biddy will be remembered by her family and friends for her quick wit and sharp comments.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral services and crematorium.
Robert Bernard Lauder
1919-1998
Robert Bernard Lauder passed away in Dawson Creek, B.C. Jan. 14, 1998 at 78 years of age.
Robert Bernard was born Feb. 10, 1919 in Huxley, Alberta, second child of eight born to Tom and Goldie Lauder. From the very beginning, Bob's life was a whirlwind of excitement and action as he grew up in the era of stampedes and chuckwagon racing. The whole family was involved and everything stopped at the ranch when a rodeo was on. He was born to this life: the horses, teams and the challenge.
In 1939, Bob was one of many young men who joined the forces during the Second World War. He became a military policeman and while stationed in Calgary, he met and fell in love with Eileen Slack. She was equally smitten and they were marriage in May of 1940. In 1943 Eileen and Bob joined his parents in Dawson Creek where the excitement of the building of the Alaska Highway brought a boom and a promise of jobs to this quiet prairie town. Bob drove a truck on the Alaska Highway and he and Eileen both helped with the Lone Star Dray Team driven by the Lauders to deliver water and supplies in the area. The tales that Bob would later tell of times hauling on the Alaska Highway could keep a visitor to his home fascinated for hours.
In 1946 Bob and Eileen left the north and returned to the Huxley area, purchased a farm where they settled into the community and in 1949 they adopted their son Vernon. After 10 years on the farm in Huxley, Bob once again seized the opportunities offered by the North and returned to Dawson Creek to establish Regent Towing which was located where the Inland dealership is today. The stories of pulling vehicles from the clutches of the unforgiving Peace River gumbo could fill a book.
In 1962 Bob and Eileen once again realized their dream to own land after purchasing a quarter section in the Arras area where they ran cattle and kept a variety of animals. On the farm Bob was always trailed by an assortment of dogs and or young children who hung on his every word, although they could be few and far between, as he mended fences and corrals. He was in his element. During this time Bob also was employed as a brand inspector, a position he held from 1969 until his retirement. He never forgot a face, especially if it was the bovine variety.
Throughout his life, Bob derived great satisfaction in all things outdoors, hunting and fishing, working the livestock, snowmobiling in winter and taking off the hay in the fall. He was always ready to share his skills and to lend a helping hand or offer a neighbor a badly needed piece of equipment or a part. Countless numbers of nieces and nephews as well as neighborhood children learned to ride horses under his watchful eye. They also learned to appreciate the lifestyle he loved so much. His family and friends were most precious to him. In later years his greatest joy was to spend time with his grandsons, Burke and Brett, and visit old friends and reminisce. Bob was one of the last of the old cowboys, strong, silent, sometimes stubborn on the outside but with a big soft spot inside.
Bob Lauder is predeceased by his mother and father as well as brothers, Troy, Bill and Jack.
He is survived by his brother, Jim, and sisters, Babe, Iris and Kate. He leaves to mourn his passing, wife Eileen, son Vern (Echo), grandsons Burke and Brett, Dianne Lauder, numerous nieces and nephews and friends near and far.
A memorial service for Bob Lauder was held at Bergeron Funeral Home Saturday, Jan. 17, 1998 at 4 p.m.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services and Crematorium, Dawson Creek.
Olive Maud Leachman
1910 - 1997
Olive Maud Leachman, resident of the Pouce Coupe Care Home, Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, formally of Gibsons, British Columbia, passed away Dec. 22, 1997 in Pouce Coupe.
Olive was cremated and a family memorial service will be held in the summer of 1998 in Surrey, British Columbia. Interment of her cremated remains will be in the Memorial Garden Cemetery, Surrey, British Columbia at that time.
Olive was born June 29, 1910 to her parents George and Mary Butler in Bladworth, Saskatchewan.
Left to mourn are her son, Ron (Jane) Leachman of Dawson Creek, British Columbia; grandchildren, Cecil (Gertrude) Leachman of Harbour Breton, Newfoundland, Brenda (Shawn) Dicks of Springdale, Newfoundland and Amanda Leachman of Dawson Creek; seven great grandchildren; sisters, Gladis (Charlie) Mutch of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Minerva Smales of Saskatoon and Evelyn Davidson Smith of Sidney, British Columbia.
Olive was predeceased by her husband George (in 1974), brother Norman Butler and granddaughter Linda Baker. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services and Crematorium, Dawson Creek.
Michelene Tara Moorman
1972 - 1998
Michelene Tara Moorman passed away in Fort Nelson, B.C. on Jan. 8, 1998 at 26 years of age.
A funeral services was held Thursday, Jan. 15 1998 at 2 p.m. at the Bonanza Community Hall, Bonanza, Alberta with Pastor Dave Brisbin officiating. Interment followed in the Hillhaven Cemetery, Bonanza, Alberta.
Mikey will be fondly remembered by her companion of the last three years Mickey Smale; her parents, Durrell (Dianne) Moorman and Bonnie Andres; brothers, Matt (Shelley) Moorman, Graham Moorman, Tom Davies and a sister Mary (Ken) Evans; nieces, Janine, Alyssa and Shanae Moorman; grandmother, Mary Moorman, grandfather, Mike Kennedy, great grandmother, Margaret Kennedy and aunts and uncles, Alvin (Dorothy) Moorman, Ellen (Allen) Fletcher, Sherry (Peter) Kennedy, Shaun (Debbie) Kennedy and Thad (Tracy) Kennedy. Michelene was born Jan. 1, 1972, a very special New Year's baby, to proud parents Durrell and Bonnie Moorman in Fort Nelson, B.C. Michelene moved to Fairview, Alberta with her parents in 1974 where she welcomed a baby brother, Matthew Courtney, on August 28.
At the age of four, Michelene, or "Mikey" as she was known, and her brother Matt went to live with their grandparents Clarence and Mary Moorman in Bonanza, Alberta.
Mikey started kindergarten in Bonanza Elementary School and continued her education there until grade 8.
As a child, Mikey could be seen spending many hours with her cousins playing around the farm, tobogganing or going down to Braden's Crossing.
Mikey was very proud of her Barbie collection. She would spend a lot of time dressing them or brushing their hair. Her brother Matt remembers that if he wanted attention from her, he would have to sit and play Barbies.
She also enjoyed singing and listening to music. Her favorite bands included the Bay City Rollers, ABBA, The Beatles and Duran Duran. She attended Forest Wardens, Young People's and summer bible camps. She also swam with the Seals Swim Club in Dawson Creek. She loved to read and had a large Archie comic collection.
Her aunts remember that sometimes the simplest things would bring a smile to her face, such as putting pigtails in her hair or going shopping.
On April 9, 1980 she welcomed another brother Graham Durrell. Her friends recall that growing up so close to Mikey was like having a sister. Her friends remember sleeping in her tent in the backyard, reading comics, giggling and talking about all the changes in their lives.
She had a gray poodle named "Scruffy Ruffy John Silver". To her this dog could help her fix anything. She'd cuddle him when she needed comfort and played with him and brushed him when she was happy. As a teenager, Mikey moved to Fairview to live with her dad and Dianne and attended high school at St. Thomas Moore High. She had an opportunity, with her high school class, to see other parts of the world by traveling to London, England.
Most often you would see her swimming at the outdoor pool or working at the Pizza Haven where she met Richard Fudge, later marrying in 1992.
Over the last few years, Mikey worked at various places in Fort Nelson where her compassion warmed hearts all around her. She could strike up a conversation with anybody and always had an open ear for her family, friends or acquaintances.
She loved being around children and had a very special bond with her three nieces. If a conversation came up about children, Mikey made sure to brag about her special little nieces.
Mikey will best be remembered by her willingness to give and her outstanding imagination.
Funeral services were entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services and Crematorium.
Irving Albert Charles Sketchley
1922-1997
Irving Albert Charles Sketchley passed away Dec. 2 1997 at Langley, B.C. at the home of his daughter, Sandi, at the age of 75.
Irving was born in Pouce Coupe Sept. 13, 1922.
A military funeral was held at the Houston Community Centre Tuesday Dec. 9, 1997 at 2 p.m. with Rev, David Walford from the Anglican diocese officiating. Cremation followed.
Irving's ashes will be placed in his mother's grave at Sunset Prairie, B.C. later this summer.
Irving Albert Sketchley was an honorable man. It was evident by the steadfast way he carried himself when he walked. You knew he was sincere when he looked you in the eye and shook your hand with an iron-clad handshake. He was patriotic in the defending of our freedom in W.W.II and he was proud of his family and his life.
His life began Sept. 13, 1922 at Pouce Coupe, B.C., the third son of Sidney James Sketchley and Daisy Eleanor Groves. Irving and his three brothers, Harold, Dennis and Percy, were raised on their homestead in Sunset Prairie, west of Dawson Creek.
Their's was not an easy life with the passing of their mother when Irving was only 10-years-old. Much to their father's credit, they endured the "hungry '30s". Moose meat and potatoes were always at the top of the menu and cutting firewood for the -40 degree winters was never ending. The schoolhouse was three miles away and, yes, Dad said it was uphill both ways.
The late Ō30s brought on World War II and Irving enlisted in Dec. 1941 when he was 19-years-old. A naive youngster, he looked forward to going to war. It was a chance to see the world- a new adventure and a chance to get off the homestead. It was, however, a rude education that stayed with him for life. He saw action in North Africa, Italy, Belgium, France and Germany until warÕs end when he was on the front lines in north Holland. He returned to Canada in 1946, honorably released.
It was a fervent pursuit of his that younger people today realize the tragedies of wars and not forget the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom. Into his 74th year, Irving was a mainstay at our schools when Remembrance Day rolled around, speaking with an eloquence that held the youngest students' interest. A dedicated member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he held various positions during his 50 years of membership, a devotion of which he was very proud.
After the war, Dad returned home to saw-milling, drill-rigging, farming and to marry Dorreen Evelyn Graff in 1949. The fifties and early sixties would be spent on the farm raising crops and kids, picking roots and chasing those damn sheep.
Those years were golden to a youngster growing up; Saturday nights huddled around the radio with Dad, listening to Foster Hewitt on Hockey Night in Canada; Dad singing us to sleep with cowboy songs played on the old black flat-top guitar; his home-made beer that would blow up in the cellar; shoes shined to military excellence for tomorrow's church service. He was a demanding father, but he was fair - there was a time for work and there was a time for play.
In 1964, Irving moved the family to Houston. It was here he would find work and make many friends over the next 35 years. He worked as a faller in the Sam Goosley area followed by seven years as a mechanic for Buck River Lumber and Bulkley Valley Forest Industries. In this period he was active in the community as always, helping erect the A-frame hockey arena, coaching the Houston Hornets hockey club, serving as President of Branch 249 Royal Canadian Legion for four years, and participating as a member of the ambulance corp. and Elks. In 1967 he was awarded the Centennial Medal - a recognition of valuable service to the nation.
In 1973 he embarked on a business venture with his son Larry that would span the next 12 years. He still found time in his busy schedule to devote to erecting the new Legion building and serving as alderman for four years.
In 1986 Dad found himself waging a new battle - that of cancer. For the next two years he fought the disease and won from sheer determination and his own alternate cure, that of natural medicines. He then gave unselfishly of his time to those with similar aliments - a mentor and compassionate soul. In the final years of his life Dad devoted his time to researching and practicing healthy eating lifestyles. Never one to be idle, this led to a part-time business.
Music was always present in the Sketchley home. Irving and Doreen played in old-time music bands for over 40 years, he on guitar and fiddle and she on piano and guitar. This carried over to later years and they became devout members of the Bulkley Valley Oldtime Fiddlers.
Until his last day he was an avid reader. He scoured newspapers, books and magazines for articles he deemed relevant for our future and well-being. He was always looking ahead - he refused to let old age cloak him in memories and let the world go by. He said "you have to change with the times or be left behind". To be certain, Dad will never be left behind . He will always be in the forefront of our memories. Yes, Irving Sketchley was an honorable man. He would be honored at the respect bestowed upon his memory by his many friends who attended the memorial service. He would also be proud of those same friends who have demonstrated understanding and support for his family at this time. Long live the memory of Irving Albert Sketchley.
Left to celebrate his life are wife his Dorreen Sketchley; son Wayne and his family of Karlean, Josh and Jared; son Larry and his family of Lynne, Rory, Randy and Angela; daughter Lynn and her family of Brad and Kelli: son Vern and his family of Sheri; daughter Sandi and her family of Dwayne, Keenan and Brett; brother Dennis (Lucille) and family; brother Percy (Blanche) and family and sister-in-law Violet and family.
Irving was predeceased by his mother, Daisy Eleanor Groves in 1932, his father, Sidney James Sketchley in 1957, his brother Harold Sketchley in 1969 and nephew Brian Sketchley in 1994.
Ethel B. St. Dennis
Ethel B. St. Dennis passed away peacfully Jan. 12, 1998 aged 90 years. She now walks hand in hand with Roy, her loving husband of 55 years.
She was predeceased by Roy and grandson Michael St, Dennis. She is survived by her children: L. Roger (Bettie) St. Dennis, Ardath L. (Joe) Weiszbeck, Patricia L. Coutts, Patrick R. (Mary) St. Dennis, Marion K. St. Dennis and Inez A. St. Dennis.
She also leaves to mourn nine grandchilkdren and eight great grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate EthelsÕs life was held Saturday, Jan. 17, 1998 at 11 a.m. at Aberdeen Extended Care, Victoria, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donationa may be made to the Juan de Fuca Hospital Society, 1450 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8T 2B7.
