December 11, 1950 – June 01, 2020
With sadness, we announce the passing of Frederika (Freda) Van Evelingen. Freda passed away peacefully on June 1, 2020 at the Royal Inland Hospital.

Left to mourn are her sister, brother, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and many dear friends.

The family would like to thank all the staff who have helped in so many ways at the Kamloops Ponderosa Lodge as well as the doctors and nurses at the Royal Inland Hospital.

Due to COVID-19, a celebration of Freda’s life will be held when it is deemed safe for all to congregate.

“No time to cry. Don’t shed a tear. I am with God; I have kept the faith, fought the good fight and am now at peace.”

November 14, 1933- June 12, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Sanesh Higgins on Friday, June 12, 2020 at Kamloops Hospice after a sudden stroke.  Elizabeth was born in Yellow Creek Saskatchewan November 14, 1933.  She moved to Vernon and then Kamloops where she enjoyed operating Coffee Shops, the last of which was the Sandwich Tree. Elizabeth could be found serving her customers with a smile and a kind word.  She is predeceased by her parents Steve and Katie Sanesh and son Dale.  She will be dearly missed by her loving husband of forty years, Bob, daughter Marcey (Marty), sons Chris, Jeff, and Robert (Holly), sisters Rose and Katie, brothers Steve and Bill (Karen), grandchildren Steven, Jamie and Dustin, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. 

In respecting Elizabeth’s wishes, she was cremated and a private family service was held in Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her amazing doctor, Dr. Mavis Hollman as well as all the employees and volunteers at Kamloops Hospice.  Your attentive care to our loved one was greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Kamloops Hospice, 72 Whiteshield Cr. South, Kamloops, BC V2B 2H7.

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.