Growing up in the motel business in Hope and Kamloops we learned by example. We learned that you work then play, we learned that reasoning and compromise always had a better outcome and because we could never have summer holidays that family time was precious.

Growing up we never heard of the Internment or the baseball part of Dad’s life. No wonder he could always throw the ball into my glove at home, but I could never catch a ball at school!!

He was always a quiet man but when it came to watching or discussing anything to do with sports it was like a switch had been turned on! He lived for his sports and baseball was his game of choice.

We learned of his Asahi years after Pat Adachi’s book was released. It was then that we learned of his years in East Lillooet and how he was instrumental in bridging the gap between the Japanese and local community.

He was thrilled when Josh Coward suggested the idea of the Shin Asahi and Emiko Ando and her Board of Directors, John Wong and Tomio Fukumura carried the Legacy forward. He was eager to represent his team whenever there was event.

We have Grace Thomson to thank for creating her exhibition, “Levelling the Playing Field”.  It travelled across Canada and introduced many people to the Asahi story. In addition, we must thank Mr. Norio Goto’s for telling the Asahi story in Japan with his book “The Story of the Vancouver Asahi – A Legend in Baseball”.

Dad has had the honour of representing the Asahi in many ways with many accolades, the latest being Mayor Sim, proclaiming January 11, 2024, as Asahi Day. He always said “O Ka Ge Sa Ma De” which means “it is thanks to others that I am here” when accepting the awards.

Dad enjoyed his meals, his all-time favourites being hot dogs, French fries and chocolate bars! He wasn’t too fond of sushi, saying that he had it everyday for many years while he was being educated in Japan.

As a family we see him joining and enjoying being with his teammates, cheering them on! He was of the generation that made life much easier for us and for that we will be eternally grateful.

Play ball wherever you are Dad!

A funeral service will be held at the Kamloops Buddhist Temple on October 24^th at 1:00PM.  A Celebration of Life will be he held at the Nikkei Centre in Burnaby on a date to be announced on this site in the near future.

In lieu of flowers or koden please consider donating to one of the following:

Kamloops Buddhist Temple – 361 Poplar St, Kamloops, BC V2B 4B9
Nikkei Museum – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Asahi Baseball Association – 2712 Trinity St, Vancouver, BC V5K 1E7
or the charity of your choice

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

June 14, 1929 – September 29, 2024

Sandor Nagy, born on June 14, 1929, in Romania, passed away on September 29, 2024, in Kamloops, BC, at the age of 95.

In 1951, Sandor immigrated to Canada in search of a better life. Over the next few years, he worked determinedly to bring his mother and three sisters to join him. He made Kamloops his home, where in December 1963, he brought his beloved Maria to Canada, and they were married in January 1964. Sandor built a successful career in forestry and was known for his generosity and willingness to help others.

He is survived by his children, Viktoria and Laszlo (Lisa), and his cherished grandsons, Kendall and Kenyan. Sandor was predeceased by his loving wife, Maria, and his siblings, Rosalia, Maria, and Juliana.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 1:30pm at Hillside Cemetery in Kamloops, with Pastor Steve Filyk officiating.

The family extends special thanks to the staff at The Hamlets at Westsyde for their compassionate care.

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

November 6, 1994 – September 22, 2024

It is with broken hearts we share the news of the sudden passing of our beloved Colton.

Colton was born in Kamloops on November 6, 1994, and grew up here. He attended St. Ann’s Academy and then Valleyview Secondary School, from which he graduated.

Wherever Colton was, there was life, laughter, and maybe a few shenanigans. Spontaneous, fun-loving, mischievous, and fearless, he was always game to take on anything, especially when it came to his passion, snowmobiling. Colton had his very own snowmobile at six years old, and that’s when his love of racing began.

His courage and resilience became evident when he survived a cougar attack at 12 years old, earning him the nickname Colton “Cougs.” He was featured on national TV and had hockey stars visit, yet even at that young age, he voiced his love and appreciation for his family.

As Colton grew up and spent more time with his friends, he always had a special place in his heart for his mom, Lisa. She will miss his big hugs, always with a smile that lit up her world. He will always be her beautiful boy.

Thanks to his dad, Robin, Colton became a gifted mechanic and could operate almost any kind of machinery, whether he had a license for it or not! He started spending time in his dad’s shop as early as two years old and naturally worked for him on and off for most of his life. He also operated heavy equipment in Alberta.

He loved boating in the summer with his friends and family, sitting around a fire, fishing, going to concerts, and, of course, big snowmobile weekends.

Colton had a special bond with his siblings, Krystal and Kristopher, and lots of great memories were made throughout his life with them.

Colton literally had hundreds of friends but, of course, a smaller group of lifelong friends that were like siblings, including Larah, Tyler, and Levi, just to name a few. Someone else who was extra special in Colton’s life was his Papa. He was everything to Colton, always there for him, and Colton was devastated when he passed away in 2011.

We know you’re up there fishing now with Papa.

In 2021, something wonderful happened: Colton became a daddy and absolutely adored his sweet little Charlotte. He loved spending time with her more than anything and would do anything for her. We know he will be watching over her.

Aside from leaving his sweet girl behind, Colton is survived by his mom, Lisa Osaduik; his dad, Robin Reeb; siblings Krystal Reeb (Shane Scharfl) and Kristopher Reeb; nieces and nephews Isabelle, Cameron, Kiera, Devon, Cassidy, Racer, Gunner, and Shay; as well as his Uncle Lanny Reeb, his Nana Dolly Osaduik, his Auntie Bonnie (Rick) Gladu and cousin Sierra Gladu, his Auntie Julie Kutschker and cousins Kristen Melnyk, Angela Sisco, Hayley Lane, and Melissa Peitzsche. Last, and definitely not least, he leaves behind his beloved and constant companion Diesel, his devoted dog.

Colton was predeceased by his grandparents Gordon and Vivian Reeb, and his Grandpa (Papa) Thomas Osaduik.

Colton, there are no words to express our grief. You will be so greatly missed by all your family and friends. You will forever be that light in our hearts that will have to sustain us until we are together again on the other side.

We will love and miss you always.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 12th, at Kamloops Funeral Home.
Casual dress.
Family viewing from 10:00am to 11:00am
Public viewing from 11:00am to 12:45pm
Service commencing at 1:00pm, with a luncheon to follow downstairs. 

For those unable to attend, the Service will be available via online link at https://ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47
The PIN to view is 1993.

In lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness in Colton’s name or make a donation in his name to the SPCA.

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

September 9, 1928 – October 3, 2024

Bill was born September 9, 1928, in Portland, Oregon.   He was the 11^th of 12 children born to Daniel and Odelia Campbell.  The family moved numerous times throughout the Pacific Northwest before arriving in Vernon, BC where he met the love of his life Johanna (nee Thaller).

Bill and Johanna married in Vernon on July 21, 1952.  They moved to Kamloops in the early 1960’s where he worked for their local parish church before starting a career with BC Tel.

Bill was an active member of his community as a Boy Scout leader and within his church as a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Bill was an avid oil painter and loved to travel.  Bill and Johanna went on numerous bus trips and cruises in their retirement.  They also enjoyed wintering in Arizona and summers up at Sheridan Lake.

Bill is survived by Johanna his wife of 72 yeas and their 8 children:  William (Bill) Jr. (Francoise), Maria, Walter (Laura), Stephen (Monica), Johanna (Kerry), Dorothy, Michael (Jennifer) and Sheila (Todd).  15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Prayers and a viewing will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive, starting at 5:00pm. To be followed by a reception in the lower level of the Kamloops Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held on Friday October 11, 2024, at 11:00 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 635 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC. Interment will take place at a future date.

If anyone wishes, in lieu of flowers, a donation in Bill’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Wynne and the staff at Kamloops Seniors Village for the loving care that they gave dad for the years he was with them.

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

Gemma Fidanza (née Ramunno), born February 22, 1935, in Celano, L’Aquila, Italy, passed away at Overlander Residential Care on September 30, 2024. She was predeceased by her parents, Antonio and Gaudenza Ramunno, her husband Pierino, her daughter Giovanna Jurista, and her brothers Pasquale, Giovanni, and Domenico.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Domenico (Lianne), Antonio (Leslie), and Pasquale (Kathie), along with 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Mario (Frances), sisters-in-law Costanza, Theresa, and Maria, and many nephews and nieces.

Gemma and Pierino left Italy in 1963 and emigrated to Canada, where they made Kamloops their home. They raised their family in the city they loved. Gemma worked at Whiteway Laundry for many years, making lifelong friends. Her wit, laughter, and singing will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to experience them. Gemma cherished family above all else. She found joy in cooking for her loved ones, tending to her large garden (which she generously shared), and spending time with friends. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense happiness.

A special thank you to Dr. Kip for your years of excellent care, and to the staff of Evergreen Overlander for the kindness and compassion you showed Gemma. We appreciate you all.

A service will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 635 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery, with a reception to follow at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.

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