On November 6, 2024, Heaven gained a new star while the world was left a little less bright.  Elizabeth (but I answer quicker to Betty) Nystoruk (née Pape) passed away unexpectedly.

She was born on November 2, 1941 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan.  In 1958, the family moved West and settled in Kamloops.  Betty worked in the laundry department at Royal Inland Hospital for many years until her retirement.  She married Steve in 1974 and they shared several adventures together until his death in 2016.

Betty always found the positive side to every situation.  Her cheerfulness attracted company and you would soon find yourself smiling and laughing at some silly thing she would say.  She was fiercely independent and did as much as she could by herself, she never wanted to bother anyone.  Betty had incredible luck. It seemed she was always winning at bingo, or the slot machines, she even won $10,000 twice on lotto scratch tickets!  Family meant the world to her and she looked forward to each gathering to catch up with everyone.

The family would like to say thank you to Dr Montalbetti for taking care of her for so many years, she was always so happy to see you.  Additionally, the many nurses who cared for Betty at 1 South, the clinic or in her home.  We appreciate your kindness and for making sure she had everything she needed.  Also, the staff at Chartwell for the excellent care and attention you gave her, and for “treating her like a queen”.  She was truly happy in her new home, we wish she would have had more time with you.  And to Josey, Betty called you “another sister”.  Thank you for the many years of friendship, her visits to you were the highlight of her day.

Predeceased by her husband and best friend Steve, her parents, John and Barbara, and her sisters Lena, Rose and Kathy.

Betty is survived by her brothers John (Annette), Tony (Anne) and David and by her sister Mary (Victor). Also missing her are numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A private service will be held for family on November 23, 2024.

Death is not extinguishing the light.

Perhaps the stars in the sky are loved ones letting us know they are near.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Vincent Strum on October 30, 2024, at the age of 87. Donald was born on April 1, 1937, in Truro, N.S.

Don grew up on the family dairy farm, where he learned the value of hard work, honesty, and loyalty.

In his teenage years, his love for motorcycling began and lasted throughout his life. He participated in many biking events, including the Rose City Grand Tour, 3 Flags, and 4 Corners. Over his journeys, he accumulated over a million miles, visiting every U.S. state except Hawaii.

As a young man, Don moved to Edmonton, where he drove a truck for Esso before eventually owning his own truck and driving for Tri-Mac.

He met Mary and her three children, and they moved to Kamloops, where he drove trucks for Arrow. He bought a house on Dallas Drive, where they raised the children, and when time allowed, went on motorcycle trips. Mary eventually went her separate way.

After a few short-lived relationships, he met Cheryl. Their friendship blossomed into a lasting love for the next 17 years.

Don was sadly diagnosed with dementia and spent the past eight months in Overlander Residential Care, where he was lovingly looked after.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Cheryl Robinson, as well as his friends and stepchildren Barry, Ron, and Trina.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Manor House, located at 360 Battle St. in Kamloops, on November 17, 2024, at 1:00pm.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

Rioh passed away suddenly in his home on Saturday, July 6, 2024. He was 81 years old.

Rioh is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lillian; his son, Darren; daughter-in-law, Rhonda; and grandson, Cisko. He will be fondly remembered by his brothers Hoberly Hove (Maureen), Rhico Hove (Penny), and Philo Hove (Pavaro Bhikkhu), as well as by many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends throughout the Interior and Kootenays.

Rioh was born in Penticton, BC, to Helen Hove and Bennett Hove. He enjoyed many summers working on the family farm in Grand Forks, BC. Countless days were spent swimming and fishing with his brothers at the Kettle River. In the late ’60s, he was introduced to the love of his life, Lillian from Kamloops, and the rest, as they say, is history. Lillian and Rioh enjoyed a fulfilling life in Kamloops, where they raised their son, Darren.

Rioh was a Cub Scout leader for Darren’s troop in the ’70s and ’80s, and he loved skiing and camping with his family. He worked as a Power Line Technician throughout the region for Kootenay Power and Light and BC Hydro. During his career, he contributed to major power infrastructure projects, including Mica Creek Dam, Brenda Mines, and others.

Later in his career, his focus turned to workplace safety, a high priority for him as a Power Line Technician. Rioh was the recipient of the first-ever BC Hydro Safety Award. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and was proud to present several workshops on safety throughout British Columbia. As a dedicated leader, he was known for being meticulous with his crew’s gear and for demanding precision on job sites.

Rioh was very proud of his Norwegian heritage and was a member of the Sons of Norway. He was also an active member of the Masonic Lodge, where he served as a Grand Master, and a Shriner, helping raise funds for various children’s charities in the area. Rioh had an artistic side and was a talented calligrapher. His works of art showed great care, detail, and creativity. A voracious reader, he was knowledgeable on many topics. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling and often went RVing with family and friends. He especially loved visiting Vernon to watch Cisko’s basketball and football games.

Most recently, Rioh was honored to celebrate his grandson Cisko’s graduation and acceptance to McGill University, where Cisko committed to playing football for the McGill Redbirds.

He will be missed by all who knew him.
A memorial will be held at a future date in Kamloops, BC

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

It is with love and fond memories that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Louise Larose, who left us on October 15, 2024, at the age of 100. Elizabeth was born in London, England, on April 16, 1924. In 1945, she came to Canada from England to join her husband, Kenneth Keith, settling in Edmonton, Alberta, where they raised five children: Kenneth “John” Keith, Gary Keith, Gwen Burgar, Lorne Keith, and Darryl Keith.

In 1973, Elizabeth moved to Kamloops, BC, where she became known for her dedication to volunteer work, her love of crafts, and her passion for dancing. In 1982, she married Peter Larose, with whom she enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with family and friends until his passing in 2004. Elizabeth continued to dance up until her 100th birthday, with her partner of nine years, Robert Irvine, embracing life with enthusiasm and grace.

Elizabeth is lovingly remembered by her children, John (Peggy) Keith, Gwen (Cary) Burgar, and Lorne (Pam) Keith; her grandchildren, Micheal Keith, Cory Keith, Shelly Pedersen, David Maertz, Kerry Burgar, Jesse Keith, Jordan Keith, Michelle Hannah, Trish Martian, and Alex Campbell; her 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Peter Larose; her sons, Gary Keith and Darryl Keith; and her sisters, Joan Patterson and Freda Calhoun.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 6, at Hillside Cemetery in Kamloops, BC, where Elizabeth will be interred and laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Peter. Her family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating a remarkable life well-lived.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

Wally was born on June 28, 1928, in Borodino, Bessarabia (then part of Russia, now Ukraine). At just two years old, he could not grasp the courage and determination his parents, Dan and Olga, displayed in leaving their families and post-revolution Russia. Together with his older siblings, Art and Irma, they sought a better life in Alberta, Canada.

The family’s early years were challenging as they moved between small Alberta towns, working hard for modest means. With no support programs for new Canadians at the time, families, neighbors, and communities relied on one another for assistance. During the war years, all able Canadians were expected to contribute to the workforce. Wally completed the ninth grade, and when his parents and younger siblings—Paul and Frieda—left the Hanna area, he followed them to Chilliwack.

Wally embraced hard work and explored many careers. After less than two years at Buckerfields, he transitioned to construction as an apprentice with Atkins Bros, earning 60 cents per hour—nearly 50% of the carpenter wage of $1.25 he’d set his sights on. Following a layoff a year later, he left the Fraser Valley for Vancouver, where his brother Paul and Irma’s husband, Vic Henry, helped him find opportunities. He soon added “trimmer at a Port Moody planing mill” to his resume.

During this time, he found a new reason to visit his parents on weekends—Clara Kautz. They married on June 28, 1952, just a day before his 24th birthday.

The couple settled in Vancouver, where Clara worked, and three years later, Wally shifted from the mill to a career in real estate.

Motivated to reclaim his weekends, Wally joined Norval Industries, a window manufacturing company, not anticipating that his career would last 19 years. When the company purchased a woodworking shop in Kamloops, he applied, and in 1967, the couple relocated to Thompson Country. Within two years, he became the manager, making Kamloops their home.

Wally and Clara shared a strong bond and embraced hard work together. With just a handful of skilled tradespeople, they built the houses they lived in—two in Westsyde and one in Dallas.

They were beloved surrogates to many nieces and nephews and were popular visitors during family trips to the Coast.

In 1997, Wally and Clara transitioned from their Westsyde home to condominium living at Cottonwood Manor. Wally served for many years on the Board of Directors, where his helpful nature shone through. He offered maintenance repairs at no cost, accepting only small tokens to offset the cost of materials. He used the shared workshop to build items for neighbors and generously donated the proceeds to the North Shore Community Centre.

The couple cherished countless camping and fishing trips in their motorhome throughout Canada and Washington State. They often ventured far from home, enjoying regional casinos or traveling to and from Reno, Nevada.

A memorable six-week adventure to Alaska and a journey to the Maritimes made Wally “proud to be Canadian.” Closer to home, their visit to the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii) was equally inspiring.

Clara’s health declined, and she passed away on March 2, 2015, after 63 years of marriage. Though Wally missed his beloved partner dearly, he continued to live at Cottonwood Manor, remaining active and finding purpose in helping others. On nice days, he enjoyed visiting the local casino. Wally lived independently until the end, recently making Overlander Extended Care his final home.

Wally was the man we all aspire to be. He worked hard, served others, and was grateful for his country and community. His warm smile, optimistic outlook, and hearty laugh reflected his generous spirit. He required little for himself but appreciated good humor, country music, and a fine glass of wine.

Wally leaves behind his brother Paul Mayer; sisters Anne Ford and Frieda Corradini (Elmar); brother-in-law Ed (Lynne); Clara’s nieces Coleen and Shelley; along with 20 nieces and nephews from the Mayer family descent, and dozens of great and great-great-nieces and nephews. He joins those who preceded him: parents Olga and Daniel Mayer, wife Clara, brother Art, and sister Irma.

He will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature.

Rest easy now.
We love you and will miss you.

The Mayer & Kautz families.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com