It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William  “Willie”  Wilkinson on May 25, 2024, in Kamloops B.C. He was predeceased by Shirley, his wife of 66 years, in April of 2024.

He is survived by son Mark (Brigita) and granddaughters Nicole & Stephanie; and daughter Terri (Kelly) Low and their children Andy & Melissa and families. Also remembered by brother Elmore (Inez) Wilkinson and nephews Glen Wilkinson and Rick (Nancy) Parkman and niece Wendy Galbraith. He was predeceased by sister-in-law Patricia Parkman and brother-in-law Layton Parkman, nephew Grant Parkman and nieces Vonna Neal and Wendy, Gwen, and Sherry Wilkinson.

Willie was born in 1935 to Roy and Isobel Wilkinson. He grew up in the Merrit and Princeton areas, spending most of his youth in Princeton. He started work at a young age, working at the Princeton Power Plant shoveling coal, moving onto logging, as a faller, and finally joining Tom Stout and Les McKenzie to form Tri-Valley Construction (still operating in Princeton) in 1964. Willie and Shirley partnered with Dennis and Bonnie Cook in a few hairbrained schemes, including the operation of Gibson Pass Ski Hill the first year it went private.

Willie married Shirley in 1958 in Princeton where they raised their family. Willie was always active and involved with his children including Nancy Greene Ski League, Minor Hockey, and Junior Curling. Willie had a variety of hobbies, but placer gold mining was perhaps his favorite. His early placer mining was influenced heavily by Bob Thomas, who was a great teacher and mentor. Willie would spend most summer weekends on his claims and Mark would almost always tag along.

Willie and Shirley spent the past 30 years in Kamloops, where they enjoyed their strata community. Willie was active in the carving community in Kamloops. His carvings, along with Shirley’s water colour and oil paintings, are proudly displayed in the homes of family and friends. They also enjoyed travelling to warmer climates with their travel trailer and spending time at the family cabin they built in Tulameen.

Willie will be greatly missed by all.

Willie will be greatly missed by all.

No service will be held as per his request, donations in his memory can be made to Heart and Stroke foundation.

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

It is with deepest sorrow we announce that Kenneth John Sawka, 85, of Kamloops, BC passed away on May 12, 2024 as a result of a stroke.  He was pre-deceased by his parents, Jack & Annie, his wife Pauline and his daughter Milynda.  He is survived by his son Andre (Jessica), granddaughter Addisyn, brother Mel (Elaine), sisters Jane (Frank), Alice (Ludwig), numerous nieces and nephews, and his good friend Velma who was a comfort in later years.

Ken was born on May 28, 1938 in the Tisdale Hospital, in Saskatchewan.  In 1955 he headed west landing in Clinton, BC, before making Kamloops his home.  In 1957 he started his forestry career at the Mill in Savona becoming a member of the IWA, the majority of his career working as a night foreman with never missing a day of work.  He married the love of his life, Pauline Bloski in 1962 after meeting in Melfort while home helping his dad on the farm.   They had two children Milynda in 1971 and Andre in 1974.  Ken was a faithful parishioner of the Ukraine Catholic Church (The Holy Trinity) as well as being heavily involved with the Ukraine Orthodox Church.   When the kids were young Ken spent many hours driving his son Andre and his soccer crew to games home and away, never missing a game.  He was the first to call bingo at the hall and volunteer time at local community events in the city he loved.

After Pauline’s passing, Ken stayed active by volunteering at the Kamloops Senior Centre, spending many weekend nights dancing, bartending as well as calling bingo.   Ken was an avid lottery player always hoping his numbers would win big.  He would make yearly trips to Calgary to visit his family never wanting to miss his son and granddaughter’s November birthdays.  A family man first Ken always took care of everyone he loved especially his granddaughter who made his hazel eyes sparkle whenever he saw her.   He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Viewing will be held at the Kamloops Funeral Home (285 Fortune Drive) on Monday, May 20^th, at 7pm.  Prayers will be at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church (118 Don St / 109 Tranquille Rd.) on Tuesday, May 21^st at 11 am followed by a short lunch and funeral procession to the graveside service, where he will be laid to rest with his beloved Polly (Pauline). Celebrant, Rev. Andrze Wasylinko.

If you wish to send flowers please send to the Kamloops Funeral home or in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

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

April 19, 1934 – May 7, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and very peaceful passing of our Mother.

Even though we will all miss her terribly, we know that she’s back where she was the happiest,

by dad’s side. Dad (Kenneth) passed away in February of 2002.

Those left to mourn Mom are- Sharon (Art) – Wayne (Sherri) – Sandy (Al) – Cathy (Bill) – Faye (Wes) – Bill – Barb ( Peter) Calvin (Cathy) – Gary (April) – Tom(Noni) – Keith. ALSO – 27 Grandchildren – 41 Great Grandchildren – 3 Great Great Grandchildren.

Mom was born in Edam, Saskatchewan on April 19^th 1934. She moved to BC at around 16 years old, where she later met and married Ken. She went on to raise a large family, while gardening, canning, sewing and baking (best potato buns ever).

Mom prepared every meal with love and was an amazing cook.

She never backed down from a challenge and was very determined. Mom loved spending time with all of her family. She enjoyed the outdoors, and being with Dad at Adams Lake,

hunting and trapping. She loved animals, especially her Yorkies. Mom was a huge Canucks fan… until she moved to Alberta, and had to finally give in and cheer for the Oilers. Mom was a great Cribbage player and loved to whoop anyone who would play a game with her.

Short and Mighty and always a LADY
We all Love and Miss you everyday.

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

December 20, 1960 – April 28, 2024

Bernard ‘Lynn’ Oster was born on December 20, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan.  He passed away on April 28, 2024, in Kamloops, British Columbia at the age of 63.  He battled cancer for just over a year and is now at peace. He was a man whose life was defined by love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for family, friends, and the great outdoors.

Lynn leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness that will be cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Oster, with whom he shared countless cherished moments and adventures.

He will also be deeply missed by his step-children Andrew, Ashley (David), Felicia, and Jerry (Hailey). Lynn’s grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he adored his three beautiful granddaughters: Emily, Adelina, and Navaeh.

He is also survived by his siblings, Catherine, Mary, Margreth, Geraldine, Leo, and Daniel, along with their families.

Lynn was predeceased by his beloved parents, John Joseph and Gena Oster, and his siblings Josephine, Jane, Donald, Jack, Michael, and Patrick. Though they have passed on, their memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved them.

Lynn’s career as a foreman at Green Road Recycling was marked by dedication, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. He approached each day with a sense of purpose and commitment, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

Outside of work, Lynn found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid outdoorsman, finding solace and inspiration in the beauty of nature. He enjoyed camping, hunting and sitting by a crackling fire. He cherished the blisses of the open road, often embarking on spontaneous adventures with his wife Nancy and his friends. He loved stopping at destinations to enjoy the scenery and for lunch at a pub, along with crisp cold beer along the way. His love for riding his motorcycle brought him great joy on the highway.  He enjoyed watching sports with the company of his closest friends, especially hockey playoffs and the super bowl. Lynn cherished the time he was able to spend with his siblings and the great adventures they shared together.

Those who know Lynn will remember him for his infectious humour, his soft-spoken demeanour, and unwavering loyalty. He was a pillar of strength and a source of comfort to all who knew him.  You can always count on Lynn to make a witty joke to lift the spirits around him.

Lynn’s faith in God was central to his life, guiding him in all that he did. He was a devoted Christian who found peace and fulfillment in his spiritual journey.

In addition Lynn was a supporter of causes close to his heart, namely the National Rifle Association and the Canadian Tax Federation. He believed strongly in their mission and values.

Lynn’s presence brought light and laughter to all who knew him. His warm personality, great sense of humour, and comforting presence will be dearly missed by his friends and family. He was a source of strength and support; always there to lend a listening ear or share a hearty laugh.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Lynn’s life will be announced at a later date.

May he rest in peace, knowing that he was dearly loved and will never be forgotten.

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

James (Jim) Olver of Kamloops passed away May 7, 2024 at age 98.

He was predeceased by his wife Janet, his sister Flora Brokenshire and his grandson James. He is survived by his son Glen (Colleen) of Terrace, daughter Sharon of Ottawa and granddaughter Angela of Terrace.

Jim was born in Killarney, Manitoba in 1926 and moved to Vancouver in 1942. In 1944 he joined the army and went overseas with the Canadian Scottish Regiment and returned to Vancouver in 1946.

Mom and Dad were married in 1951 and moved to Port Hardy where he worked as a radio operator for 3 years, then moved to Ashcroft. In 1966 the family moved to Kamloops where he worked at the Kamloops airport as a flight services specialist until he retired in 1986.

The family would like to offer a special “thank you” to the staff at Royal Inland Hospital and the staff at Chartwell for the excellent care he received.

In Jim’s memory donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

There will be no service.

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