In the early hours of November 27, 1966 Steven Hawker was welcomed into the world. He was the youngest son of David and Emilie Hawker.

His mother Emilie and older brother Dave welcomed him into heaven on November 26, 2020.

Known to most as “Hawker”, he was a gentle giant always ready for an adventure. He loved and laughed with his whole self. His beautiful soul touched innumerable lives and his sudden loss has shaken the lives of his family – biological and chosen alike- to their core. Among his many interests were hockey, dirt biking, ice racing, all things mechanical, river boat racing and spending time with his many friends. He was available to help anyone at anytime with a ride, a big bear hug, a shoulder to cry on. While he may have had a small biological family he was “Uncle Steve” to many of his chosen family. He travelled and worked all over Canada and the United States as a Boilermaker including spending time in Boston during 9/11.  Being a boilermaker was more than a career to him, it was a way of life. He made a permanent mark on this world and will be missed.

He is survived by his father David Hawker (Leona); His sister Cindy (Shane) and her children Jerran (Renee), and Kris; His niece Gina (Josh) and their son Wade.

He is predeceased by his mother Emilie; his older brother Dave; his paternal grandparents George and Eunice Hawker, and maternal grandparents Joe and Agatha Lacombe.

Due to COVID-19 there will not be a service immediately. A celebration of life will be held as soon as we are able to safely do so. We look forward to sharing our crazy stories with you then.

In lieu of flowers a donation to The Canadian Cancer Society, the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice can be made. 

                                                                    Ride on Hawker.

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

It is with great sorrow that the family of Vivian Hansberry, of Kamloops, announces her passing on November 28, 2020 at Royal Inland Hospital at the age of 88.

She is survived by her companion John, nephew Steve (Roccio), Richard (Trudi), David, Donald and a number of great nieces, nephews and many cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Matthew and Marie Anna Swanston, brother Donald and sister Roberta. Those who knew Vivian knew her to be independent, determined and full of life.  She was born in Alberta in 1931 and the family moved to Vancouver BC when she was 10.  At age 26, she made her way to Australia where she lived until moving back to Canada in 2009.Read More & Leave Condolences »

Lorraine “Trudy” Pizak, of Kamloops, BC passed away on October 10, 2020 at the age of 89.  Trudy was born to Frank & Leona Amor in Semans, Saskatchewan.

Trudy is survived by her Son, Michael Pizak; Daughter, Michelle Henry; Grand Daughter, Hannah Gemignani; Great Granddaughter Madison & Great Grandson Mathew, whom she loved with all her heart.

Trudy loved a good adventure, a good laugh, but most of all she loved music.  She was raised the youngest of 11 children and most everyone played at least one instrument and would sing together.   

She moved from Saskatchewan to Santa Barbara, California following her good friends & God Parents to her children, Donald & Penny Rehmke.  There, she started a family with her husband Danny (deceased) and would spend time at the beach digging clams & teaching her children to swim.  She also enjoyed camping, boating, hiking, fishing and always playing music & singing with friends and family around a campfire or living room or wherever.  She attended The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) where she earned her CPA degree, graduating at the top of her class.

Trudy then relocated with her children to Nelson BC where she opened a small accounting practice and helped her brother Art Amor (deceased) at his hotel/bar – The Civic Hotel aka The Zoo.  You would often find her sitting in with local musicians there or hosting jam sessions in her living room on weekends or camping, fishing, hiking, or hunting.

Years later, Trudy moved to Kelowna and then ultimately Kamloops to be closer to her sisters Marg Haynee (deceased) & Alice Berner (deceased).  There, she continued her accounting practice and was a long-standing member of the Old Time Fiddlers Club along with her sister Alice.

Trudy was a powerful, loving, intelligent woman who always had a twinkle in her eye and a warm hello for anyone she happened across.   She will be sorely missed.

~ In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations, in her name, be sent to the SPCA Canada ~

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Shari Lynn Voll. Shari leaves behind Scott Leask(spouse) Maddie (loving dog ) and many other loved ones both family and friends. Shari brightened any room she walked into. Anyone who knew her knows how much Maddie meant to her.

She will be forever missed and never forgotten. We like to think she’s having tea with our Dad as she was always a helping hand in his final days .

Love Always,

The Leasks

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

Heaven gained another angel. Dennis Douglas Austin passed on November 3, 2020 at the young age of 77 where he peacefully passed away in Kamloops, British Columbia.  Dennis was born on August 12, 1943 in New Westminister  BC to Douglas and Geraldine Austin.

Dennis was an amazing father, family member, friend to all he knew throughout his life including his military family, and as a Scout Leader to mentor young boys in many Beaver activities. Dennis went to school in Vancouver and joined the military September 1, 1960 where he specialized in the transportation trade with numerous postings across Canada. He spent 4 years in Europe, 5 years in Germany, one year in Egypt, and continually travelled the world returning home with the most amazing stories which made all of us so proud.  Our father retired from the forces on September 1, 1992 then stayed in Calgary for a couple of years and moved to the Shuswap in 1994. Started working again driving (logs, dump, long haul) and retired again in 2002 to Kamloops. He proudly served our country as Master Warrant Officer for 33 years where not only was he admired for his loyalty and dedication but also for the many certificates and medals he received which included “Peacekeeping, UNEF, NATO-OTAN, and the Canadian Forces Decoration”.

Dennis had an incredible passion for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, Harley Davidson motorcycles and vintage automobiles. He also enjoyed reading various Tom Clancy novels, trivia, keeping up with current events, various social programs, playing a ruthless game of crib, and helping anyone in need, whether it be an organization, a neighbour or just a stranger on the street. 

Dennis loved attending the local pub to eat a saucy rack of ribs. Or at his favorite place, A & W burgers to enjoy a teen burger,  onion rings and a hot cup of orange pekoe tea. Let’s not forget about Dairy Queen blizzards and an endless supply of “tic tac’s” and lip balm which seemed to be in every pocket.

Dennis is survived by his son Jon, daughters Darlene, Amanda, Sheryl, and their extended families. Also leaving behind are 3 grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His sister Faye and especially his brother and best friend Ray and his supportive wife Lynda.

There will be a gathering of family and friends next year when appropriate to remember Dennis and to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local SPCA or any other animal shelter as he had the biggest heart when it comes to his love of animals. 

Arrangements entrusted to

Kamloops Funeral Home

250-554-2577

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com