June 16, 1940 – October 14, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the unexpected passing of Jean Tash (née Lukaz) on October 14, 2026, at the age of 86.
Jean was born in Kamloops, British Columbia, to immigrant parents, Jack and Sophie Lukaz. From a very young age, she often acted as their interpreter, developing an early understanding of communication, negotiation, and business — skills that would serve her well throughout her life and career. She grew up alongside her older brother and sister on a farm in North Kamloops, where the family tended crops, raised a few cows and sheep, and grew vegetables for market. Their home also served as a boarding house, welcoming many people over the years. These early experiences helped shape Jean’s resourcefulness, independence, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
By her mid-twenties, Jean had already enjoyed the opportunity to travel, including one particular adventure with friends to Europe and Paris that she loved to talk about. We can only imagine that this trip helped spark the travel bug that stayed with her throughout her life.
Jean met the love of her life, Stan, in 1960 while working at The Kamloops Daily Sentinel, a local newspaper. Their meeting marked the beginning a new chapter filled with marriage, family, and many adventures together. Family was always at the heart of Jean’s life, but she also built a successful career and devoted countless hours to helping others in her community.
Jean enjoyed a rewarding 35-year career with the Royal Bank, where her dedication, outgoing personality, and ability to connect with others made her a valued colleague and friend. Even after retirement, she maintained close connections with a special group of retirees, meeting regularly for lunch until only recently.
Jean’s generosity extended well beyond her working life. She volunteered with organizations including the Red Cross, the Lions Club, and the BC Wildlife Park, always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Thoughtful, dependable, and generous with her time, Jean was often the first person to step in and take action. Whatever needed doing, she found a way to make sure it was taken care of.
Travel remained one of Jean’s great passions. She and her late husband, Stan, explored the world together, visiting Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, China, India, Panama, England, Greece, Poland, Russia, the Caribbean, and many other memorable destinations. Some of these adventures included two very lucky young “tag-alongs” — her grandchildren, Benjamin and Carley. Whether discovering somewhere new or revisiting an old favourite, Jean treasured the experiences, laughter, and memories they created along the way.
Jean was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved gardening, painting, skiing, and curling, and she had a special gift for crafting. In the last decade of her life, Jean made staying active a regular part of her routine. She could often be found zipping off in her car to go swim laps at the TCC and do workouts at Planet Fitness. There was also always something creative in the works, often a unique, handmade treasure that she lovingly shared with others on special occasions.
She was also a wonderful entertainer who delighted in bringing people together. Her home was always open to family and friends, and gatherings were filled with laughter, conversation, and good company.
Jean had a special place in her heart for the animals that shared her life, including dogs, cats, and even birds. Their companionship brought her great happiness. In more recent years, one of her favourite pastimes was driving to Pioneer Park with her grandson’s dog, Delilah. The two could often be found enjoying the beach together as Jean threw Delilah’s toy into the water again and again. Regular visitors to the park came to recognize this familiar duo and would happily stop to say hello.
Jean will be remembered for her tenacity, spirited nature, creativity, abundant generosity, and the love she shared so freely. She would often say, “I’ve had a good life” — one filled with love, travel, laughter, friendship, and, above all, family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured time with those she loved and was deeply appreciative of the care, support, and companionship others brought to her life.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and entire healthcare team on 7 North at Royal Inland Hospital, who did all they could to support Jean’s recovery. We are deeply grateful for their kindness, compassion, and care during this difficult time.
Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, Stan Tash; her son, Jack; her parents, Jack and Sophie Lukaz; her brother, John Lukaz; and her sister, Fran Kopec.
She leaves behind her loving son, Michael Tash (Julie Hall); her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin (Chantelle) Tash and Carley (Izaak) Patjas; her beloved great-grandchild, Macie Lee; a large extended family; and many dear friends, too numerous to name.
Though Jean will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in her family, the friendships she nurtured, the places she explored, the things she created, and the many lives she touched.
Prayer service will be held on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., October 28th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Parish, 635 Tranquille Road (north shore) Kamloops, BC.
A Memorial Funeral Mass will take place Thursday morning at 11 a.m., October 29th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Parish, 635 Tranquille Road (north shore) Kamloops. Immediately after, there will be a luncheon held in the hall/gym.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kamloops Wildlife Park on behalf of Jean Tash are appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Kamloops Funeral Home, 250-554-2577
Condolences may be emailed to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com