It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shizuko (Susie)Tomiyama on August 16th at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her parents Shio and Tahei, brothers Hideo and Takeo and infant son Bobby. She will be dearly missed by her family: daughters, Janet (Ken) Robson, Jean (Tim) Swaim, son Bryan (Patsy) Tomiyama; grandchildren, Tomiko (Ty), Tadashi (Gina), Kiyoshi (Amanda) Kenjiro, David, Bradley (Keira), Derek; great grandchildren, Chizuko, Matsu, Blake, Elliana, Rylen, Kazumi. Susie was born in Vancouver on October 8th,1923. When she was a teenager, the family moved to Kamloops. She was an active member of her community and the Kamloops Buddhist Church, where she played the piano for many years. Susie will be remembered as a beautiful, hardworking, wise, compassionate and inspiring woman. She was a very talented seamstress and enjoyed crafting and quilting. She also took great pride in watching her grandchildren participating in sports and performing arts. She was also an avid fan of the the Kamloops Blazers. It was Susie’s wish that in lieu of flowers or koden, donations be made to the Kamloops Buddhist Church or the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation. Due to COVID restrictions, a small family gathering was held to honour Susie. We hope to have a memorial service at a later date. Her family wishes to thank everyone for all the support during this difficult time. A special thank you to the wonderful caring staff at Ponderosa Lodge and Pinegrove Center.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Valerie Adrienne Carey has passed peacefully into the next step of her great journey on August 15^th 2020. While her spirit moves on, she leaves behind her loving son Darren (Jody) Carey and her grandchildren Zachary and Kacey. Predeceased by her son Robert, father Lucien, mother Virginia and brother Lucien ‘Ted’, she will be greatly missed.

Valerie’s life was a dedication of peace, love and knowledge. After she retired from her role as a Library Technician at Thompson Rivers University, her commitment to find new ways to spread knowledge and encourage unity carried on while being politically active as a founding member of the Kamloops/Shuswap Peace Council and an organizing member of many International Woman’s Day events. When she was not participating in these and many other community events, she touched the lives and minds of people in her community by giving her time to the Walhachin Hall and Museum.

Due to the current issues surrounding COVID, a celebration of Val’s life will be held in the future. Please watch her Facebook page for an announcement.

Memorial donations in memory of Val can be made to the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge at 7877 Skimikin RD, Chase BC, V0E 1M1 by going to their website https://turtlevalleydonkeyrefuge.com

Alfred Napoleon L’Heureux of Clinton, BC passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 85 years of age. He is survived by his loving wife Sharon, children Randy L’Heureux of Clinton, Barbara West of Kamloops, Gerald (Myra) L’Heureux of Kamloops, Michael (Marge) L’Heureux of Medicine Hat, and Linda Brown of Kamloops, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Alfred was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Eddy, Larry and Don and an infant sister. There will be no formal service by request. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Cinton Paramedics and to the Doctors and Nurse at Royal Inland Hospital. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Alfred’s memory may be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.

It is with sorrowful hearts we convey the sudden passing of Marcel Lirette at the age of 89 on July 30, 2020.  Marcel left us doing what he enjoyed most fishing and camping with Susie, his dog companion, at his side. 

He leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years Cecile, daughter Pauline Peterson and her partner Don Blanchette, son Maurice and wife Debbie, son Emile and wife Trisha, daughter Marie-Lynne Negrey and husband Kevin, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Marcel will also be missed by his younger brother Remi and wife Paulette; family and friends.

Marcel was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Reine Lirette and brother Gerard.   

Marcel was a farmer, commercial fisherman, pilot, fire fighter, fire chief, airport manager and safety officer for Department of Transport.  He enjoyed hunting in Prince George and fishing for salmon in Bella Coola and Vancouver Island.  He never missed an opportunity to cast out a line for any kind of fish or to organize an expedition to the wilderness, family gatherings or a great game of bridge.  Marcel was very talented able to cook, make bread, produce exciting videos; sew, and he was known to knit a few rows too.  Marcel kept his mind young by taking on new challenges. He will be greatly missed.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 635 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC.

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Due to Covid 19, live stream is available at this link https://youtu.be/8rkf_gfNLhU

Ben Wortelboer of Kamloops passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 93 years of age. He is survived by his daughter Karen Selma of Red Lake, BC, son Rudy (Michelle) of Lillooet, BC, grandchildren Erica Wortelboer and Ryan (Lisa) Wortelboer, and great grandchildren Addy, Seth and Luccia. Ben was predeceased by his wife Lucia, sisters Marietje and Mini, and brothers Rudolf, Sjef, Edo and Gerard.

He was born on September 1, 1926 in Ootmarsum, Holland. Ben and his future wife Lucy grew up in Ootmarsum during WWII. He received the Croix de Guerre from Charles de Gaulle for his efforts in aiding Allied soldiers during the war. Ben and Lucy were married on April 7, 1953 and immigrated to Canada a week later. They settled in New Westminster, where Selma and Rudy were born. He worked at a sawmill and as a custodian for the New Westminster School Board until he retired in 1977. Ben moved to his property at Red Lake and built a home. After Lucy died in 1995, he moved to Kamloops, where he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Kamloops Hospice. If friends so desire, donations in Ben’s memory may be made to Hospice. A Celebration of Ben’s life will be held at a later date.