June 17, 1955-May 12, 2020

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Ross Elliott Speller on May 12^th, 2020 at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops at the age of 64.

Prior to his retirement, Ross was employed by CN Rail in various capacities and was a strong advocate for his brothers/sisters in the United Transportation and Teamster Unions.

Ross was a voracious reader and loved to learn.  He would frequently be found engrossed in an informative book, collective agreement, or instruction manual.  He could also repair anything he put his mind to.  He had a love of music and when he wasn’t playing his electric guitar he was listening to good old rock and roll on his beloved stereo.

He is survived by his wife Wendy, daughters Raylene, Erin, and Samantha, grandchildren Taylor and Riley, and sister Carol.

We will miss his strong spirit, sense of humor and self described dynamic personality.

We wish to express our gratitude for all the care and compassion given from all the nurses and support staff on 4North and Drs. Paul Dickinson, Meghan McDonald, Brad Proctor, and Mariya Wege.

September 26, 1922 – June 10, 2020

John took his last breath and went to be with his Lord on June 10, 2020.

Born in Coalisland, Northern Ireland, John immigrated to Canada with his parents and siblings to homestead in Paradise Valley, AB in 1930. The family of thirteen was particularly hit hard by the Depression and the death of his father, two years after their arrival in Canada. The family eventually settled in Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. John enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a pilot in World War II, flying combat missions in the European theatre.  After returning to Canada in 1945, John returned to farming and other business ventures. 

John married Rita in 1958 and they had eight children while living in Indian Head, SK. Like his father thirty years before, he felt that there were better opportunities for his family out West so they relocated to BC in 1974 and lived in various cities in the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan. He was active as a trustee in the Catholic School system and was a strong promoter of Catholic education. John was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Knights of Columbus. In retirement, he began pursuing an interest in thoroughbred horse racing. This hobby became a passion that turned into a three-decade adventure, successfully breeding, training, and racing horses at tracks throughout Western Canada and various locations south of the border. He also enjoyed playing cards, socializing with friends, travelling, and watching his family grow, being blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Predeceased by his parents, Mary Jane and John, his sisters Margaret, Anne, Bridgit, Molly and Kay along with his brothers Peter, Owen and Joe, John is survived by his sisters Helen and Teresa.

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rita, and their children John (Karen), Shannon (Rick), Carleen (Myles), Shawn (Carrie), Sheila, Tim (Lori), Nancy (Andy) and Daune (Neil). He will be sadly missed all, including his grandchildren (Brenda, Arlee, Alanna, Kara, Courtney, Caileigh, John, Brendan, Teresa, Michael, Sophie, Erin, Gracie and Matilda) and eight great grandchildren.

Special thanks to the nursing staff at Gemstone Centre, who went above and beyond in their care of John in his final years.

Thank you to Fr. Paul and Fr. Vijay for providing pastoral care to John during his time at Gemstone.

Due to the current pandemic, there will be a family Funeral Mass on July 2, 2020. At a later date, John will be interred in Qu’Appelle, SK where he will be laid to rest beside his Mother.

June 21, 1931 – June 7, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother & great-grandmother, June Burrows.

June was born in Vancouver and moved to the Salmon Arm area in her early teens.  She met our father, John Mikalishen and was married in 1949.  They had seven children together, but then tragedy struck, and John died at work 3 weeks after our youngest brother was born in 1960.  Mom was left with 7 children, ages 10 and under and she raised us on her own for 5 years with the help of family and friends before meeting and marrying Norm Burrows in 1965.  We moved to Savona where Mom spent the last 55 years.  Norm died in 1987 and Mom was left on her own once again.  Tragedy struck again in 2012 when Edward, June’s second oldest child died at the age of 61.

June loved to travel but she loved her family more than anything and her home was always filled with family. She loved seeing all her children, Peter (Susie), Ed (deceased) (Diane), Brian (Darlene), David (Sandy), Carol (Mel), Kathy (Jim, deceased), Roger (Lynette), her 20 grandchildren (plus their spouses) and her 15 great grandchildren.  June is also survived by her brother, Ernest Colter and her brother-in-law, Michael Mikalishen. Mom loved the view from her living room and the hummingbirds that fed at her feeders.  June was able to stay in her home until the end which was her desire with her family by her side.  Mom’s faith in God helped her especially during her final days.  Thank you to all those who helped with her care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s Canada. Service to be determined. 

February 3, 1953 – June 3, 2020

We sadly announce the passing of Lois Canaday (nee Kennedy) on June 3^rd, 2020, at the Royal Inland Hospital, in Kamloops, B.C.  at the age of 67.

She will be greatly missed by her children Michelle (John), April, and son Robert (Ashleigh), her grandchildren Kohl, Raven, Dakota, Ayiana, Myla and Willow, her sisters Norma Cameron, Laurie Kennedy, her brothers Michael (Anne), Terry (Sherry), and Donny Kennedy, numerous nieces and nephews and her sisters-in-law Audrey Canaday, Mavis McTaggart and brother in-law Walter Fenton.

She was predeceased by her husband Allen Canaday, mother and father Teresa (nee Bob) and Donald Kennedy, her brothers, Rick, Danny and Gary Kennedy and her sisters Merle and Rhonda Kennedy.

Lois was born and raised in Ashcroft B.C. She spent her early married years to Allen, living in Cache Creek.  Then eventually moved with Allen and their children to Kamloops, B.C. where they continued to reside, work and raise their family.

Lois spent over 25 years working in various departments at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops and eventually retired to enjoy time with her family.  She especially loved the time she spent with her grandchildren. 

Lois was a strong, honest and kind-hearted woman who could be counted on when in need of support.  Additionally, one could always be assured that she would give you sincere straight-up advice, guidance and feedback.  But most importantly, Lois loved and had great pride in her family.  She will be sadly missed by all who were a part of her life.

An Outdoor Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 12^th, 2020 from 1:30-5:30 pm, at her home in Kamloops, B.C.  Burial of her ashes will follow on Saturday June 13^th, 2020at 11:00 am, at the Kamloops Cemetery with Monsignor Jerry Desmond.

September 7, 1940 – May 28, 2020

On the morning of May 28. 2020, Marlene Frances Allen passed away peacefully in her sleep.  She will be forever loved and missed by her husband of 62 years, Don Allen, and her six children and their spouses, Jeff (Norine) Allen, Kandy Allen (David Charnley), Jamie (Sheri) Allen, Penny(Herman) VandeGoede, Calvin (Anne-Marie) Allen, and Jill (Barry) Ewanyshyn as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne (Claudia) Moore, Frank Jarvis (Adriel Wilson), Bill (Carole) Jarvis, and Don (Sue) Jarvis.  

Mom was born on September 7, 1940 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.At a young age her family moved to Burnaby, BC. It was there that she met Dad in 1957 and they were married on April 3, 1958.  Just after they were married, they moved to Kamloops, where they raised their family.  

Mom enjoyed reading, gardening, singing, and crafting.   Singing was a great passion of Mom’s.  In the 70’s she was involved with the singing group New Century singers.  For many, many years Mom was involved with the choir at the Alliance church until her Alzheimer’s made that no longerpossible.   Mom loved all kinds of crafts, cross-stitching, quilting, and card making to name a few.  Throughout the years all the family and many friends had been grateful recipients of her wonderful creations.  

Mom had many wonderful attributes.  She loved to practice hospitality, had a generous spirit, wrote words of encouragementto many and was a loyal friend.  

Thank you to Calvin and Anne-Marie for your daily visits with Mom these past two years.  Not only did you brighten Mom’s day but also brightened the day of the other residents in her neighbourhood.    Thank you to the staff of Gemstone.  We will be forever grateful for the wonderful care that you provided Mom these past two years. 

Due to Covid19, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.