It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Anne Connolly who died peacefully in Royal Inland Hospital on May 17, 2021 aged 77 years. She is remembered with love by her partner Gabriel Connolly, daughter Connie Connolly (Ireland), son Corey Andersen (Kamloops), step daughter Lisa Connolly (Kamloops), step son Dave Connolly (Calgary), daughters-in-law Lynne and Trish, son-in-law Eddy and grandchildren Evan (Natalia), Jonathan, Abby, Brady, Ryder, Joshua, Brandon, Taylor and Davey Jr. Anne was predeceased by her parents Abram and Marie Kehler, husband Rick Andersen and son-in-law Dermot Connolly.

Anne was born in Langevin District (Altona) Manitoba January 25, 1944. Anne moved to Kamloops in 1971 with her husband Rick Andersen and owned and operated Thompson Drywall and Enderby Hockey School. Rick and Anne were lifelong supporters of hockey in Kamloops and hosted billets from the Kamloops Rockets and Chiefs for many years. Anne was a lady of deep faith who worked tirelessly as a hairdresser in salons and later in the homes of her clients as well as being a very talented baker and seamstress. Anne maintained her links with her many cousins in Altona Manitoba and never forgot her Mennonite values and traditions. In recent times, Anne and Gabriel enjoyed retirement and spending time with their many friends and proudly following the activities of their grandchildren in Ireland and Canada.Read More & Leave Condolences »

JANUARY 25, 1930 – MAY 5, 2021

John Strecheniuk of Kamloops, BC passed away on May 5, 2021 at 91 years of age. He is survived by his loving wife Birdie-Ann Strecheniuk, children Joan, Terry, Shelley, Spencer and Vernon, grandchildren Darby and Gregory, great grandchildren Darby Jr., Tanaya and Destiny, sisters Marie and Jean, brothers Fred, Sarge and Peter all of their husbands and wives as well as many nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his father Sergie, mother Anna, brothers George and Bill and his sisters Eula and Vera.

John immigrated to Canada with his parents, brother George and sister Marie when he was just 4 months old. They all arrived in the port of Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 21, 1930 to begin a new life in Canada. In August of 1952, John officially became a citizen of Canada. He spent the majority of his life working as a locomotive engineer for CN and later VIA Rail. From the early days driving steam engines to the later years of operating diesel engines, John always had impressive stories to tell and he even survived some incredible railway accidents. But work wasn’t everything, John also enjoyed playing pool, gardening, fixing up vehicles and he was an impressive jack-of-all-trades when it came to home repairs and renovations. Those who were closest to him would often hear him say “Big respect!”. If you heard that phrase, you knew that you were loved by him.Read More & Leave Condolences »

Glennda Yvonne Kathleen Varney passed away in Kamloops BC, on March 26th, 2021 early in the morning at the young age of 45.

Glennda is predeceased by her Grandparents Leigh (2017) and Barbara Whalley (nee Lamb) (2011), Father Alfred Leroy Glenn Varney (2016), uncles Grant (2001) and Duncan ( January 2008) and Aunt Deborah (June 2008).

Glennda is survived by her common-law spouse Peter Duggan, Mother Susan Yvonne Swartz (nee Whalley) and husband William. Glennda is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her amazing children: Son Kevin, fiancée Christina (granddaughter Rylie [Mother Kim] ) (and baby #2 on the way), Daughter Kayla, spouse Raymond (grandchildren Serennity, Hannah, Brooklyn, Jordan, Hope, and Sophia), Son Keegan, Son Kyle, wife Courtney (granddaughter Lily), Son Tyren-keefer, Daughter Tatianna, Daughter Isabella, Daughter Amenetta, and Stepson Bryson.Read More & Leave Condolences »

Gerald (Gerry) Kuffler passed away on May 3^rd with his wife and daughter at his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Dianna and Daughter Tiffany (Chad) to whom he dedicated his entire life. His sister Marilyn (John), Nieces and Nephews Kim (Dianne), Nicki (Grant), Leane (Richard), Sherry (Art), Nicole (Mike), Christina (Anders) and Alanna (Kris) along with many cherished great nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents George and Annie, in laws Kevin and Elsie, sister in laws Carol (Larry) and Shirley as well as Nephews Jody and Skip.

Gerry was born in Stettler AB in 1945. Moving to the hamlet of Forestburg as a teen, where he would eventually meet the love of his life. Gerry and Dianna were married in 1967 and shortly after made their way west to BC. The couple bounced around living in Prince Rupert, Kelowna and Merritt making many friends along the way. After receiving his journey man heavy duty mechanic ticket the couple set up roots in Kamloops and welcomed their Daughter in 1978.

When Gerry wasn’t on the road working he enjoyed hosting family and friends poolside, working in his backyard workshop and socializing at the newly opened neighborhood pub (Duffy’s). Gerry’s career and life on the road afforded the family many vacations in locations they would have never otherwise seen working on notable projects such as the construction of the Coquihalla highway and the Kicking horse bridge project. Yet even with being away from home Gerry never missed the important moments in life, flying in for dance recitals, driving cross province for holidays, always showing up for his family no matter what.

In the early 2000s after Tiffany graduated and Dianna retired the couple traveled on the road together from the far northern reaches of BC to the deep south of the Kootenay region and everywhere in between until Gerry reluctantly retired due to health issues.

After retiring they settled into a quiet life in Penhold AB. Gerry spent his days finishing his basement and tending flowers in the yard, enjoying movie nights with Kim and Dianne and visits from family, passing on his knowledge of mechanics, electrical, plumbing and carpentry… if it was broken or you needed to build something all you had to do was ask Gerry and he was sure to help you out.

Gerry and Dianna’s most recent move was to Kelowna BC where they spent the last 2 years living in a resort community. Gerry divided his time between his yard, chatting with neighbours, the wood working shop and visits to his Daughter’s house in Kamloops.

Gerry was a loving husband, devoted father and friend to all who crossed his path. He had a passion for life and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His big heart and warm smile will be truly missed and forever in our memories.Read More & Leave Condolences »

Bernard Donchi, our loving father, passed away on Monday May 3, 2021 at Kamloops Senior Village with family by his side.

Bernard is survived by his three daughters Linda (Randy), Debbie (Ernie), and Tammie (Randy); his grandchildren Shane (Kirstin), Randy (Chrissy), Devon, Ryan and Celine; great grandchildren Lyla, Weston, Arya, Alina, Scarlett and Louie; sisters-in-law Glenys Donchi, Sharon, Marie and Cathy Eckhart, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Giovanni “Bob” and Edith, his wife Merle and second wife Lois; brothers John (Annie), Ron (Arlene), Bobby (Lois) and Jim; sisters Mildred (Ken) Schneider, Laura (Bud) Wilson and Shirley; brothers-in-law Bruce, Darrel and Lorne Eckhart; sisters-in-law Blanche (Don) McKenzie, Doreen (Bob) Stittle.

Bernard was born in Kamloops on November 17, 1926 and was raised in Vinsulla on the family farm. After serving three years in the Air Force, he returned home and later married Merle Eckhart on February, 1956. They settled and raised their family on the ranch in Vinsulla for 38 years. Merle passed in 1994, and a few years later, Lois came to live with Bernard on the farm. They were married in July 2009.

Bernard was a lifetime rancher. He was always striving to make improvements on his beloved ranch and enjoyed riding the range. Throughout his life, Bernard enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting with his family and friends. He loved tending his garden and taking walks around his property. He was always “outstanding in his field”. He loved watching (and cursing) his Canucks and Blue Jays. In later years he was involved in darts, carpet bowling, the Barriere Snowmobile Club, and was a long-time member of the Barriere Legion.Read More & Leave Condolences »