June 22, 1926 – September 19, 2024

With hearts full of love and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Alexandria “Elsie” Zachary. Elsie, the middle of five children, was born in Kelowna. Shortly after her birth, the family returned to their homestead in Cowan, MB, where all four of her brothers were born.

Elsie married Bill in 1946, and while pregnant in the summer of 1947, they moved to Vernon, where their four children were born in the Okanagan. Sixteen years later, the family relocated to Kamloops, where Elsie worked in the laundry department at Royal Inland Hospital for over 20 years. Following Bill’s passing in 2016, Elsie found joy and comfort living with her daughter Cathy in Kamloops.

Mom loved her garden and always preserved produce for the winter. In her later years, she found great happiness helping in the kitchen, where perogies were always lovingly made for all visitors.

She greeted everyone with a cheerful smile and never had a harsh word for anyone. Her last words over the phone to her family were a simple yet profound reminder: “Love each other.”

Elsie is lovingly remembered by her daughter Cathy Forsythe, grandson Jason (Vanessa) O’Brien, son Don (Mars) Zachary, and grandchildren Alysia (Liam) MacInnes, with great-granddaughter Sloan; Kristina (Savonn) Sam, Lucas, and Mikayla; son Steven (Jennifer) Zachary, with grandson Dustin; and daughter Maggie Zachary and Mike Godfrey. She is also survived by her brothers John Romak and Mike Romak, brother-in-law Terry Zachary, and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Elsie was predeceased by her parents, Alex and Pauline Romak, her beloved husband Bill Zachary of 70 years, and her brothers Joe and Dmetro Romak.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Wege, Dr. Hopp, and the doctors and staff at Royal Inland Hospital. A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Andrzej for his monthly visits and chats over tea and cookies.

Memorial donations in Elsie’s memory may be made to the Royal Inland Foundation.

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

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Donald Gordon Holt, who left us on September 19, 2024, at the age of 73. Born on October 7, 1950, Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Jean; daughters Susan (Tim), Robyn (Steve), and Sherrie (Marc); sister Mavis; and cherished grandchildren Kayla, Austin, and Liam. Donald will also be deeply missed by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Don was a passionate sports enthusiast who loved hockey and golf. He was particularly grateful for the camaraderie he found with the Chase Heat Hockey Club, where he created lasting memories and friendships.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at the Sunshore Golf Club on Saturday, October 5, from 12pm-3pm, at 929 Hysop Road, Chase, BC. Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring a remarkable man who brought joy to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jumpstart Canada in Don’s memory. His spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.
https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/donate

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

March 7, 1943 – August 29, 2024

John Laing Sheppard passed away peacefully at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice with all the family around him. He had been transferred that morning from Royal Inland Hospital where he had been for four months following emergency brain surgery while on holiday in Mexico.

John was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Jacqueline Dawn (March 23, 1968 – April 7, 1984), his parents, Fred Sheppard (1907- 1990), Roie Sheppard (1912 – 1995) as well as in-laws George Flannery (1915 – 1973) and Norma Flannery (1921 – 2004).

John leaves to cherish amazing memories: his wife of 58 years, Sheri Sheppard (née Flannery), sons Aaron Sheppard (Kadia), Christopher Sheppard (April), daughter Alexandria Muir (Mark), and step grandson Jade Muir. The immense joy in his life were his grandchildren, Parker Sheppard (14 ), Hannah Muir (13) and Levi Muir (12).

He always talked about the trips to Mexico and Vancouver Island with the grandchildren. John was filled with love for his family, never complaining, never saying unkind things about others and always grateful for the wonderful family we raised.

John is survived by brother, Rick Sheppard (Barb) and sister, Catherine Piotrowski (Dan), brother-in-law, George Flannery (Steph), sisters-in-law, Jennie Darche (David) and Susan Cairns. He also leaves to mourn him 11 nieces and nephews (+10 spouses).

John (16 years) met Sheri (15 years) at Burnaby South High School in October 1959. Their first date was November 3, 1959 where they saw the movie, “It Started With a Kiss.” They dated on and off during the next six years. John went to University of the Pacific in Stockton, California on a track scholarship. (1962-63). After that year, he returned home and went to work in the grocery business. Sheri went to University of B.C. where she became a teacher.

John had many close friends: some from Elementary and High school, others from our years living in Terrace, B.C. and Arizona as well as close friends through years of working in the grocery business. The groups he golfed and skied with kept him busy after retiring in December of 2003 from Ralston Purina. Other companies over the years were Dominion Stores, Consolidated Grocers, Kraft Foods and Oppenheimer Bros. John often reminisced about how lucky he was to have such extraordinary friends! John was known for his “fun” personality where he loved to tease. He had many silly sayings: “Ace is the Place” (Ace is the Muir’s cat), “Indubitably”, “You got her Cotter”! and “As Aaron says Holy Moly.”

John’s kind, caring ways made him easy to live with. He was always willing to help around the house but drew the line at changing diapers! I countered with drawing the line on cutting the lawn. Neither of us backed down! We lived in 16 homes including the one in Arizona where we spent eleven winters in the sun. After that, John and Sheri holidayed in Mexico going to “all inclusive” hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias.

John loved sports! Skiing in the winter, playing baseball in Arizona and golfing in the sun. He also enjoyed watching football, hockey, golf and baseball.

Taking in his grandson’s hockey games and granddaughter’s soccer, volleyball and basketball were high on his list. Pure joy! Of course, visits from our son Chris and grandson Parker from Oregon were always looked forward to. Chris, April and Parker would meet us in Mexico. So important to have family time!

John was a humble, gentle man with a sense of humour and thankfulness during the four months in Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops. We are filled with gratitude for the loving care he received from doctors, nurses, care aides, and all staff working on GT8. We also thank the doctors and nurses in Mexico who removed the tumor from John’s brain giving us a five month gift of time. The whole family will be eternally grateful. No service at this time.

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

With deep sorrow and sense of loss, our family announces the peaceful passing of our mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Georgette, on August 21, 2024.

Mom was the 6^th child of 11 children born to Jerald and Yvonne Larose in Dryden, Ontario.  She worked as an LPN until she met our Dad who worked for the CAF.  They traveled to many places due to work assignments in Canada & abroad, US, Bermuda, Inuvik, Holberg, BC to name a few, before settling down in Kamloops.  Mom was very busy raising her 5 kids but eventually went back to work as a Care Aide at Ponderosa Lodge for another 15 years before her retirement. Family was always her number one priority and her pride and joy.  Later becoming a loving  grandma to many and great grandma (Nana) to 5 five more.

She will be forever remembered by her Children, Joanne, Lisa (Gino), Cheryl (Mark), George, and Natalie (John).  Her Grandchildren, Ashleigh (Kevin), Quinton, Bryce, Zachery, Jarod, Jacob, Joshua, Jaden. Her Great Grandchildren, Aliyah, Brooklynn, Jasmine, Mitchell and Lucas.  She is also survived by her sister Gisele and Brother Jacques, as well as many other relatives, too many to name.

Mom is now reunited with our dad, Edward, her little dog Rocky, and many other predeceased friends and family.

Mom loved all her Family to the fullest and was kind to all those who knew and met her.  She loved Gardening, flowers and outings to the markets, for coffee and road trips.

Cremation took place at the Kamloops Funeral Home.  As per the request of our mom, there will be no service.

Our family wishes to express our gratitude to numerous Doctors/ Nurses/ Caretakers/ Staff,  at Royal Inland Hospital and Kamloops Hospice.

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