Bob Hockley
1929 – 2016

With full hearts, the Hockley family announces the passing of Bob Hockley on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 in Calgary with his family at his side.

He is survived by his loving wife Lolly, children Dennis (Aldie) Hockley, Louise (Lorne) Derkach, Debra (Ron) Omelusik, Myrna (Lorne) Bailey, Sharon (Al) Nuspl and Kevin (Brenda) Hockley and many, many grandchildren.

Born in Fernie, February 17, 1929, the Kootenays were always his home. It was in Fernie where he met the love of his life, Lolly. They shared 65 years together. Bob’s exuberance for life was contagious; he was always telling jokes and teasing those around him. Bob was always an active member in the community, as a businessman and volunteer. He enjoyed watching and participating in sports, especially hockey and ball. As a pitcher, he won gold in the BC Seniors’ Games and just last year he pitched in the annual 5 Generation Hockley Family ball game. Above all things, Bob was a family man. He loved spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and great-great grandkids.

Come honor his memory on Monday, March 14, at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in, Cranbrook, BC. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2. Due to severe flower allergies, the family request NO FLOWERS PLEASE.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Levi Mackay Roberson
1996 – 2016

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Levi Mackay Robertson, on Friday, March 4th 2016.

Levi was born on March 30, 1996 in Cranbrook, BC. Levi had a passion for life. Everything he did was an adventure. He took something positive from every person he ever met. He loved his family and friends, his redneck sports, camping, fishing, hockey and working on his truck. Levi was excited about completing his millwright program and starting his journey as a tradesman.

He is survived by his loving family, father George Robertson (Ginger Lamb) mom Leona Holborn, sisters Jeanette Kathleen Robertson and Holly Sheree Robertson, his girlfriend Madeleine May John as well as lots of relatives and friends.

Come gather with us to celebrate the life of this incredible young man, at the Royal Alexandra Hall on Saturday, March, 19, 2016 at 11:00 am. Memorial donations to the Jump Start Program would be appreciated.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Lane Stacey George Willumeit
February 17, 1970 – March 8, 2016

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, son-in law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Rockyview Hospital in Calgary after succumbing to a sudden illness.

Lane had an avid love of the outdoors all of his life; fishing, hunting, hiking and just being outside. He was a proud family man and family meant everything to him. Those who knew Lane will forever miss his jokes and big heart.

Lane leaves behind the loves of his life; his wife Amanda, daughter Demijalyne, and sons Torrin and Teague, his mother Phyllis Willumeit, mother and father-in-law Dwight and Lucille brown who welcomed him into their family, 4 sisters Sheila Halisheff (Patrick Wedel) Gail (Keith) Dean, Lorie (Bob) Parsons and Ronda (Ron) Palmer, sister-in-law Llana Brown (Matt Kelder), nieces Tabatha (Steven) Pelkinen, Amelia Halisheff, Nolla Dean and Harper Desrosiers, nephews Richard (Brittany) Salekin, Scott (Brianna) Salekin, Nikolaus Dean, Riely Palmer and Reid Palmer, many aunties, uncles, great nieces, nephews, cousins and all of his brother friends that meant the world to him. Lane was predeceased by his father George Willumeit in 2005.

A celebration of life for Lane will be held at the Cranbrook Alliance Church on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 1:00 pm.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Lane is invited to attend and share their stories.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Cameron Ratcliffe “Cam”

On March 9, 2016 the world lost an amazing soul. We all lost an amazing man.

Cam Ratcliffe was a man who loved simple things. He walked his dogs and loved to read books. All through his life he was an athlete, a redneck philosopher, an outdoorsman, an artist and a dreamer. Above all else he was gracious, loving and had a sense of humour like no other. If you are one of the fortunate ones he called his friend, you are blessed and have felt the power of his gentle touch.

As demonstrated in Cam’s own words no other has accepted his destiny with such grace and integrity. “It is coming up on seven years that I have been living with my cancer now. I’m thankful to be alive. I am thankful to have learned to live more bravely. I look forward to whatever time I have left, and believe each day will be more fulfilling than the last if I continue to learn, be accepting, and try my best. Enjoy this little insight into the things that excite me and touch me in all the ways that life can.”

One of Cam’s goals for those left behind was not to feel the sadness of his death, but rather to remember the lessons that he leaves behind, to be accepting, loving and to show kindness always. In his passing at the age of fifty, Cam came to completely accept his cancer diagnosis – he left this world with great peace and utter joy in his heart. His last hours were spent laughing, reminiscing, joyously crying and sharing this with those he loved most.

Cam will be remembered by the loving members of his family: Bonnie (wife); Cody, David and Lynden (sons); Bernie (dear friend); Heather (mother); Kelly, Marnie [Clifford](sisters); Spencer (nephew); Delainey (niece); Mae (grandmother); aunts, uncles and cousins. Cam was predeceased by Robert Wayne Ratcliffe (father) and Gordon Rice (step-father).

His service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Laura Ellen Millar
1951 – 2016

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Laura Ellen Millar on Sunday, March 6th, 2016 in Radium Hot Springs at the age of 64 years.

Laura was born in Brandon, Manitoba on November 2nd, 1951. Laura is survived by her husband Craig, son Graham (Lori) and granddaughter Taryn. Laura also leaves behind her brother Angus (Debbie), nephew Eric, brother-in-law Iain (Margaret) and niece Erin.

A Service for Laura will be held on Wednesday, March 16th, 2016 at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Memorial donations in memory of Laura may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, #202, 105 – 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2M1.

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Edgerton “Edge” HALLADAY

September 20, 1937 – March 5, 2016

Edge Halladay Sr

Gjertsen, Joyce Elizabeth (nee Wright)

Jul 29, 1925 – Mar 7, 2016

On the evening of Monday, March 7, 2016, JOYCE ELIZABETH GJERTSEN passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Joseph Creek Care Village at the age of 90 years.  Joyce was born on July 29, 1925 in Vernon, BC to the late Arthur and Lucy Wright.  She married her husband, Harlen Gjertsen in 1945 and enjoyed 66 years together.

Joyce was a very devoted mother, grandmother and great  grandmother.  She was a very kind and gentle soul and had a loving and generous heart and was always giving to others.  Joyce loved her family very much and was always worried about them and their well-being.  Some of her favorite activities were curling, camping, gambling, playing bingo and cooking.  The family has many fond memories of family dinners with mom’s good cooking.  She loved to host her friends in her home and the hospitality from her was second to none.   She was a member of the Eastern Star and served in the Creston Chapter for many years.

Joyce leaves to mourn her passing her children; Barb (Dave) Lougheed, Darlene (Martin) Thiessen and Ken (Kari) Gjertsen as well as 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  Joyce was predeceased by her husband, Harlen in 2011.

A small family celebration for Joyce will be held at a later date.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com

William Charles Franson
“Willy”
1956 – 2016

It is with heavy hearts that we must say good-bye to Willy. He passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 10th, 2016.

Willy was the loving husband of Emily, brother of Arnie (Cindy), Randy (Stephanie), Norma (Lawrence) and Roger (Arly) and uncle of many nieces and nephews. Willy was predeceased by his mother Dorothy in 2002 and his father Norman in 2003.

A Celebration of Life for Willy will be held at the Invermere Royal Canadian Legion Branch #71 on Saturday, March 19th, 2016 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the: Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, Okanagan/Kootenays Area Office, #4, 1551 – Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9M9 in Willy’s name.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Beek, Cornelis Neill

Apr 16, 1927 – Mar 12, 2016

Cornelis Beek (“Neill”,”Kees”) passed away in the early hours of March 12, 2016, one month shy of his 89th birthday. He is survived and mourned by his wife of 59 years, Laura (Joyce) Beek (nee Lee); daughters Lesley (Winston) Adams of Regina Sk; Lynne (Ernie) Lalonde of West Kelowna, BC and family Kyle Lalonde (Piper) of New Westminster, BC and Danielle Lalonde (Anders) of Melbourne, Australia; and son Kees (Louanne) Beek and family Alex, Noah and Maddie, all of Cranbrook BC.

Dad was predeceased by his parents and his two brothers Frans and Jacobus, both of The Hague, Netherlands.

Kees Sr was born in The Hague, Netherlands, April 16, 1927.  The eldest of three boys, he grew up in the family’s flower shop until the onset of WWII.  After the war, he emigrated to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in March, 1952.

He worked as a farm labourer, and then as a porter in the Brandon Mental Health hospital.  Dad’s life long love of singing led him to start a choir at the hospital, which was well-received by patients and staff alike.  He then completed training to become a lab and X-ray technician.  Dad met and married our mother, Joyce, the youngest daughter of his landlady(Elsie Lee) in Dauphin, Manitoba, Feb 9, 1957.  In Dauphin, Dad participated in church choir as well as musical theatre  (“Annie Get Your Gun”).

We moved to Yorkton, SK in 1967, where Dad pursued a career hospital administration.  In1971, the family moved to Regina, where he worked until his retirement.  He was very proud of the Diabetic cross-matching protocols he helped to develop.

In 1999,  Mom and Dad followed their son, Kees, to Cranbrook, BC, where they set down new roots and enjoyed a warmer clime in their retirement years.

The church was always very important in his life, sitting on church councils, participating in bible studies and singing in choirs. During their years in Regina, Dad very much enjoyed singing under the direction of Jack Partridge in the choir at Regina First Presbyterian.

To say that Dad was definite, about almost everything, would be an understatement.  He didn’t believe in grey, only black and white.  Although he sought out solitude, he was always sociable and charismatic in a crowd. Everyone always remembered the tall Dutchman, who walked with purpose.

Funeral service will take place Saturday March 19th, 2016,11 am at Knox Presbyterian Church, 2100 – 3rd St. S. Cranbrook.

The family would like to thank staff members of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

http://www.markmemorial.com/

In Loving Memory of Patricia Jean Mulholland
(nee Durning)

Patricia “Pat” passed away at East Kootenay Regional Hospital on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 after a courageous two year battle with cancer. She was 74.

Pat is survived by her loving daughter Corine (Rick) Armstrong, her greatest joy’s in her life, her three granddaughters Kerisa, Jessica and Natalie Armstrong, her step son Rod Mulholland, brothers Rolland (Betty) and Ronald (Chris). Pat had many nieces and nephews; those close to her heart were nephew Steven Stefanuk (Trish) and children David, Aaron and Dayna and niece Patti Grady (Dave) and children Nicholas Grady, Kyla Brass (Greg) and baby Ethan.

Pat was born in Truro, Nova Scotia in 1942. She moved to Cranbrook in 1960. She began her career with BC Tel as a telephone operator in 1966, where she held a 30 year career retiring in 1996. Pat was a life time member of TWU/Telus Communications Workers Union and was also a member of the Telus Community Ambassadors since 2000; working within the community raising money for different charities. During her retirement Pat volunteered at Key City Theatre for four years. She was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24, and she was always very proud to march in the parades.

Pat had a zest for life and loved to play golf with her dear friend Betty and “in the day” belonged to the Cranbrook Parachute and Skydiving Club. She loved all of her “Telus” girls who all had a special place in her heart, as well as her neighbour Jackie.

Pat was predeceased by her mother Phyllis Durning, father Carl Durning, sister Joyce Stefanuk, sister Geraldine Golden & brother Doug Durning.

A service for Pat will be held at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 1:00 pm followed by a toast at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24 in Cranbrook.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Carole Burwash
1943 – 2016

Carole was born on December 23, 1943. She was Irish by heritage, English by birth and Canadian by choice.

Carole was one of a kind, compassionate and generous to a fault. She was the first to volunteer when anyone needed anything at all. Carole was kind and adored children, especially her own: Kim (Marc), David (Sherri) and Chris (Chelsea) as well as her precious grandchildren Charlie and Alyssa. Carole’s passion was travel, so it’s fitting that God chose to call her home while on vacation. She will be missed by the countless people who loved her, both here and abroad, we are comforted in the knowledge that she is with her one true love, David Burwash Sr., who predeceased her in 2009 and whom she missed terribly. Carole passed on February 23, 2016. Carole was fond of saying your reward will be in heaven, she surely is there now. Rest in peace Mom ❤

A funeral mass for Carole will be held at Christ The Servant Catholic Church in Cranbrook on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please give generously, with love and kindness, to those around you.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Lillian Patricia Chilton
December 27, 1927 – March 13, 2016

It is with great sadness and sorrow that the family of Lillian Chilton announce her passing at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook with her family at her side on Sunday, March 13, 2016.

Lillian was the beloved mother of Randy (Bev), Kim (Darlene), Laurel (Steve Emann), Barbara (Daryl Warner) and loving grandmother to Colby and Courtney Emann, Jesse and Lucas Chilton and Keira and Kaitlin Warner. She also dearly loved her cat Tigger. Lillian was predeceased by her cherished companion Fred Chapman, her devoted son Randy, her parents Maggie and Fred Koshman, brothers Bill and Andy, sisters Marie and Nancy and former husband Bill Chilton. Surviving siblings are Metro, Nick, John, Sandra, Doris and Katharine as well as several nieces, nephews and relatives.

Lil was a very dedicated employee in the dietary department at the St. Eugene Hospital and the Cranbrook Hospital. She was a 48 year member of the L. A. to F.O.E., a 20 year member of the Health Care Auxiliary and received a gold pin for her volunteering at Key City Theatre.

In earlier years, Lil and Fred enjoyed dancing, especially square dancing. They attended many jamborees and curling bonspiels in and around the area.

Lillian requested no funeral service. She would like to be remembered as the woman she was throughout her life time.

We will remember her as a kind, loving, caring, intelligent, strong, determined and very spunky individual. She brought up her four children on her own and we will be forever grateful to have had the BEST MOTHER EVER.

In honour of our mother Lillian and her kind thought and thoughtful ways, memorial donations can be made to the: Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, Okanagan/Kootenays Area Office, #4, 1551 – Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9M9 or the: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Of Canada, BC/Yukon Region, Suite, #310, 1682 – West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 4S6.

The family would like to thank Drs. Sawatsky, Aleem, Allen, Wik, and Simons, nurses Trish, Nancy, Julie, Carly, Cory, Leigh and Marianne and care-aides Patty and Nonnie. Thank you so much to everyone involved in our mom’s care.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Van Velzen, Ruth Elizabeth (nee Gidman)

Nov 22, 1952 – Mar 18, 2016

In the early morning hours of Friday, March 18, 2016, Ruth Elizabeth Van Velzen passed away at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital at the age of 63 years.  Ruth was born on November 22, 1952 in Prince George, BC to John and Elizabeth Gidman.

Ruth leaves to mourn her passing her two sons; Eric and Paul; her husband, Wayne as well as one brother, Greg and one sister, Allison.  Ruth leaves behind her beloved granddaughter, Isabel.  She was predeceased by her parents John and Elizabeth.

A Celebration of Life for Ruth will be held on Monday, April 4, 2016 at the Heritage Inn, 803 Cranbrook St. N. at 12:00 pm.  If friends desire, memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital, 13 – 24th Ave. N., Cranbrook, BC  V1C 3H9.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com

Your humble loving hands

Soothing voice, assuring smile

Carried us through our days

A legacy you leave behind

as the men we are today

So proud of you we are,

You raised us with such poise

You loved us more than anything

We are so glad to be your boys

You always knew the secret

Of what life is about

Experiencing first hand

This world that God laid out

But the most memorable of all

The time we spent together

Your loving sons, Eric and Paul

Sleep tight mom, rest well

www.markmemorial.com

Jacobus Dirk Boon
“Jack”
1920 – 2016

Jack passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, March 31, 2016 in Cranbrook at 95 years of age.

Jack was born on October 25, 1920 in Holland. He married Helena de Kruijff on April 9, 1948. In 1954 they immigrated to Canada with four children. They resided in the Burnaby and Abbotsford area where they had four more children. Jack owned a family plumbing business for over 40 years. For 10 years he had a chinchilla farm. In 1992 Jack and Helena moved to Fort Steele. Jack was passionate about his family, his faith and nature. He advocated for preserving the environment for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jack was always ready for a new adventure or a relaxing visit.

Jack is survived by his eight children Adriana (Dirk) Van Tongeren, Gina Blake, Andrew (Dawn) Boon, Peter (Tina) Boon, Jim (Barb) Boon, Martin (Bev) Boon, Helen Boon and Ken (Arlene) Boon. He was a loving Opa to 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Jack was predeceased by his wife Helena in 2006, his brother Cornelius (Janny) Boon and his sister Hendrika (Arie) Van Dermeer from Holland.

A visitation for Jack will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Cranbrook on Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. His service will follow at 11:00 am. Jack will be interred in the Fort Steele Cemetery.

www.mcphersonfh.com

LaVern Hutchinson
“Gram”
1919 – 2016

It is with deep sorrow that the family of LaVern Hutchinson announces her passing on Friday, April 1, 2016 in Fernie, BC at 96 years of age.

LaVern was born on November 19, 1919 in Calgary, Alberta. She was a happy and caring woman whose best times were social gatherings of family and church, enjoying laughter and good conversation. LaVern married her late husband Bob and lived on the farm in Fernie where she loved her life best, raising chickens, gardening, canning and cooking. LaVerne had 3 children from her 1st marriage and 10 given children from her 2nd marriage after Bob passed. LaVern found Jesus and became a devout Christian, leaving behind a bible well read. She was prepared to meet her loving Saviour at the nice age of 96. LaVern’s expression of love to all were the ‘hugs’ she gave and received.

LaVern we all love you and miss you so much more than words can express. Until we meet again – blessings from your very very large large family.

A memorial service for LaVern will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook at 1:00 pm. Her interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to the Campbell Family Medical Fund gofundme.com. Jackson Campbell is LaVern’s great great grandson.

www.mcphersonfh.com

Hofmeister, Gunter Paul

Sep 24, 1932 – Apr 4, 2016

Gunter Paul Hofmeister passed away peaceful at the age of 83 years at the Ivy House in Invermere, BC on Monday, April  4, 2016.  Gunter was born in Berlin, Germany on September 24, 1932.

Gunter came to Canada and settled first in Regina as a young man.  He married his loving wife and best friend Joyce on June 17, 1960 and they were blessed with five children.  In 1971, Gunter and Joyce moved to Cranbrook and made this their home.  Gunter was well known for his love of the outdoors and his enjoyment of fishing, hiking and skiing.  In later years, his greatest joy came from his 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  They were his pride!

Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife, Joyce and his children; Heidi (Wayne), Glenn (Nancy), Roy (Toni-lynn), Marty and Joey (Jackie) as well as his beloved 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  He also leaves one brother, Kurt Hofmeister and one sister, Annelies Kories, both from Berlin.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Mount Zion Lutheran Church, on the corner of 11th St. and 11th Ave. in Cranbrook at 1:00 pm.  If friends desire, memorial donations may be made in Gunter’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4 – 1551 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC  V1Y 9M9.

www.markmemorial.com

Henry Philip Kennelly
“Harry”
1933 – 2016

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Henry “Harry” Philip Kennelly. Harry passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the age of 82. Harry was born on May 11, 1933 and lived all his life in Cranbrook.

Harry was married to Lois Nanette, the love of his life for over 62 years. They had 11 children together. Harry is survived by his wife, Lois Nanette, his children, Lori (Ian), Martin (Lisa), Linda (Brad), Lois (Kerry), Lisa (Murray), Sandra (Derrick), Sharon, Heather (Brian) and Paul. His 21 grandchildren, Douglas, (Heather), Andrew (Alicia), Tamara (Richard), Joshua (Robyn), Jasmine, Samantha (Eric), Brandon (Lisa), Chad, Aaron, Ryan (Megan), William, Sheldon (Caroline), Logan, Danielle (Andrew), Stephanie (Adam), Tyler, Brittany (Matt), Emily, Ashley (Tyler), Chelsea, Brett, his 14 great grandchildren, his brother Jim (Delphine) and many nieces and nephews.

Harry was pre-deceased by an infant son, daughter Nancy, father Martin, mother Myrtle, sister Doreen (Owen), brother Pat (Donna) and his grandson Zachary.

Harry spent most of his life working, mainly with his dad and brothers in the lumber and contracting business and his own septic tank cleaning/sweeping business.

Dad was passionate about the lodge and property at White Swan Lake and loved spending many days there with family and friends.

The funeral will be held on Friday, April 15, at 11:00 am at Christ The Servant Catholic Church in Cranbrook with a reception to follow. Interment will follow at Fort Steele Cemetery.

Donations in honor of Harry’s memory can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, Okanagan/Kootenays Area Office, #4, 1551 – Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9M9 or the B. C. Canadian Lung Association, 2675 – Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 2K2.

www.mcphersonfh.com