It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Grace Amy Hoglund of Kamloops, BC on January 18,
2021 at the age of 93.
On August 20, 1927 in Torquay, SK, the youngest of 8 children, Grace was born and forever changed the farming family
of The Hill’s. Working the farm in the 1930’s instilled a remarkable work ethic in Grace, that lasted her entire life. Being
the youngest, Mom had to her speak her mind, often creating strong opinions on how she thought things should be
done. Through her life she crafted the technique of taking charge of the moment.
In the summer of 1945 at age 17 Mom met John Eric Hoglund, a WWII veteran, he swept her off her feet and on
November 2, 1945, at 18 she married the love of her life. They soon move to BC and settled in the Clayton Hill area
where they raised their family. Mom never worked full-time outside the house as she preferred to be at home raising
her kids. When we got a little older, she enjoyed some interesting part-time jobs. She volunteered for the Cloverdale
Branch # 6, Legion Ladies Auxiliary & Canadian Order of Foresters, holding many positions, including president, within
each organization. She was given an honorary life membership in Branch #6 Cloverdale for her service.
They enjoyed their life together raising their four children and watching them start families of their own. Her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. Mom navigated, then took over the driving
of the motorhome to family camping and fishing holidays that were part of her life well into her 70’s.
When John retired in 1982, they moved to Kamloops. This was the start of many years as snowbirds, heading south to
Arizona. Mom loved Arizona, she and Dad met many long-time friends, who they played cards with and traveled
extensively. In addition to her time, Mom’s love of crocheting, knitting, and baking was a big part of her volunteering at
Desert Gardens Senior Centre and The North Shore Community Centre. Mom and Dad shared a love of music and
dance. At any family or social event, you could see them float across the floor enjoying the music. Mom always said,
meeting Charley Pride was a highlight in her life. As Dad lost his sight to glaucoma in 1997, Mom became his eyes and
guide. She was a devoted companion to her husband and best friend until his passing in December 2016.
She is predeceased by her parents William and Amy Hill, husband of 71 yrs John, seven siblings, son Eric Hoglund and
granddaughter Lisa Hoglund.
Grace is survived by her children Dwight (Linda) Hoglund, Brenda (Calvin) Lindberg, Dairel (Jody) Hoglund (Judy) Hoglund, five
grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the staff at Overlander care facility. From her first day there, with blood pressure through
the roof, you calmed her down. During COVID-19 isolations from family you kept her busy, folding laundry at her
request. And to those there on her last days, you kept her comfortable. We are especially grateful to the staff in
Orchard, Elm, Willow & the recreation staff who cared for her during her year there, listening to her many life stories
she liked to share. Thank you to NP Navy Sahota and the Dr’s and staff at the Kidney Clinic.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions a celebration of life & internment, of Grace & John, will be held later in 2021 at Shepherd
Memorial Gardens in Surrey, BC.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to the Kidney Foundation in memory of Grace.

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness and regret to announce the passing of our beloved, Robert Russell, on Monday, January 18, 2021, at the age of 79.

Robert is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Vivian, his daughter Bonnie Drysdale and husband Rob, his daughter Roberta, his brother Gordon and his special friend Lillie.  Also left to cherish his memory are cousin and best friend, John Bowman and wife Rhonda, dear friend and neighbour Betty Heron, sister-in-law’s Donna, Catherine and Mary Smith, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and long-time friends.  Robert is predeceased by his parents, Charles (Bob) and Albina (Pat) Russell and his siblings David, Edward and Viola.

Born January 10, 1942 in Mission, BC, Robert moved to Kamloops as a child and made Kamloops his home, making many friends along the way. He worked for 10 years with Van Kam Freightways and received a 25 year Service Award working for BC Corrections; the majority of that time spent outside as a Gang Officer and later a Transport Officer.

Whatever Robert chose to apply himself to, he mastered. He was a talented artist, a fabulous dancer, and loved to sing, even throwing in the occasional yodel for fun.  He was a spirited and competitive individual, with a witty sense of humour who reveled in teasing and playing games.  A long-time member of the Kamloops Dart League, Robert was the man to beat at the dart board or on the pool table.  Since there wasn’t a secret fishing hole or a hot hunting spot he didn’t know about, Robert thoroughly enjoyed to outfish and outhunt his friends with a trusty Labrador by his side.

Always providing for the table, he took great pride in his robust vegetable garden, his fruit trees and his coveted smoked fish recipe.  Whatever the season, he loved to be in the bush with his family and life-long friends, including many years sledding with the Kamloops Snowmobile Club.  Robert lived life to the fullest, even traveling to England, Scotland and Mexico.  Anyone lucky enough to have met Robert would certainly remember him and his cheeky smile.  He will be dearly missed, never forgotten and forever in our hearts.

Many heartfelt thank yous to all of Robert’s care givers over the last years and much gratitude and special thanks to the Reverend Ray Parker, Dr. Chip Bantock and Carrie Smeaton.

A celebration to honour Robert’s life will be held once we all can gather again and embrace, hopefully this fall. Should friends desire, a donation in his memory can be made to the Kamloops Wildlife Park.

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March 28 1981~ January 9 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Glen Thio Watts announce his passing on January 9, 2021 at his home in Sun Peaks, Kamloops BC.

Michael was born in Winnipeg Manitoba on March 28, 1981 living his infancy in Coral Harbour NWT, preschool years in Fort St John and elementary through high school years in Prince George BC, graduating at PGSS. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta followed by a gratifying engineering career in northern AB & BC and many years travelling internationally. He recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Business at Thompson River University in April 2019. Michael’s passions included world travel, fishing, hiking, boating and family time at Bednesti Lake cabin. His love for down-hill skiing led him to reside at Sun Peaks Mountain ski resort. Michael is survived by his father Glen Watts (Peggy) of Sherwood Park AB, his mother Marlene Thio-Watts, sister Janet McLean (Ryan), nephew Jack, niece Peyton, his Grandmother Gladys Thio of Langley BC and a large extended family.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the University of Alberta -Alberta  Diabetes Foundation https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/3248/donation

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On Sunday, January 17, 2021, Jeff Kayne, loving husband and father of two, passed away suddenly at home at the age of 69. Jeff was born June 13, 1951 in Vancouver, BC to Harold and Connie Kayne. He was part of a military family and lived all across Canada and in Germany for four years. He met his wife, Kerrie, in Tauranga, NZ, and married in New Westminster, BC on February 21, 1987. They raised two sons, Fraser and Gabriel.

For Jeff, working with his hands is what he loved most. There was always an aspect of the house that he felt he could fix or improve. He shared decades of knowledge in home improvement that was greatly admired by friends and family. He was a frequent source of advice for many neighbours and was extremely generous with his time. Being a relatively private person he liked to spend most of his time in the workshop tinkering on projects. Other pursuits he enjoyed were traveling, gardening, political discussions, music and old movies. He was known for his easy going nature, positive attitude and patience with others.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Harold, his mother, Connie, and his brother, Jim. He is survived by his wife, Kerrie, his two children, Fraser and Gabriel, his sister, Lori, and her partner, John. He will always be remembered by his extended family in New Zealand.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of father and husband Don Powell, January 12, 2021. 

Dad was born in Goderich, Ontario and he and mom (Wilma) moved to BC in 1957 to start their newly married life.  Sadly Mom passed away in 1984 and Dad met Helen Samila in 1987.

Dad is survived by his two daughters Betty-Lou (Gary) Ohashi, Linda Fowles (Nick Decicco), Steve Fowles and of course Helen.  He is also survived by his three grandsons Gregory Ohashi (Robbie), Jason Fowles and Justin (Chelsea) Fowles as well as Helen’s children Nadine, Brian, Dave, Dean and their children.  Don is survived too by his brothers Graham (Brenda), Gene (Rita) and his sister Muriel McGuire along with several nieces and nephews.  Dad was predeceased by his sisters Marion Covey and Marg Norris and by his brother Gordon. 

Dad began his career on the oil tankers in Ontario.  He continued working in the oil industry in BC for many years where he worked at the oil refinery here in Kamloops until 1995 when he retired from the distribution terminal.

Next to his family the outdoors was Dad’s passion.  Often accompanied by Helen’s grandchildren Jake, Cassidy and Payton, Dad and Helen could be found on any lake in BC sharing their love of the outdoors and fishing with the kids.  Coupled with a few ‘cold ones’ if there was a fish to be found Dad was determined to find it not caring about the number of hours spent to do so.  When Dad wasn’t fishing he enjoyed ‘monkey-wrenching’ with either his brother Graham or son-in-law Gary.  There wasn’t much Dad couldn’t fix or at least try his best to fix.  We will miss our “Mr. Fix-it” also know as our Dad, dearly.

Due to the restrictions of COVID in place, there will be no service at this time – it is our hope we can hold a service for Dad later in the spring.

 In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations are made to the Royal Inland Hospital in Dad’s memory.

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www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com