January 24, 1923 – February 4, 2020

Archie passed away peacefully at the age of 97 in the care of Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops BC.  He was born into a family of eight children in the townland of Gloonan near Ahoghill, County Antrim, Northern Ireland where he was also raised.  In his youth Archie worked picking potatoes and vegetables for local farmers, often transporting goods with his donkey, Nellie hitched up to a cart. He contributed his earnings to the welfare of his large family.

 Around the age of seventeen, he moved with his family to Gracehill, where he studied and apprenticed to be a mechanic.  During the Second World War, Archie worked on the dry docks of Belfast building engines for gun boats and submarines. He was also a mechanic in the British Navy for three years until he suffered a bullet wound to his leg. In 1944 while he was living in Belfast, Archie met and married the love of his life, Jean.

 Archie immigrated to Canada via New York in 1955 then on to the province of Alberta where there were more opportunities for work. Once settled there, Archie sent word to Jean and she came over to Canada by ship. He landed jobs as a mechanic at Calgary Motor Products (7 years) and Mannix in Drayton Valley. Also worked for Majestic and Marine Pipeline Companies and many others throughout the years, some lines still in use today. With his skills and knowledge of repairing many types of engines Archie was in great demand, also working for CP rail and on the Tans-Canada highway from Yoho National Park to Field, B. C., as well as the Revelstoke Dam. Archie joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 in 1956 and was a member for 64 years. Archie was a great problem solver for his employers when it came to getting equipment and vehicles working that no one else could. He helped many stranded people in his travels. Archie made many friends throughout his career.

In the early 60’s, Archie and Jean moved to B. C. and settled in Kamloops where Jean gave birth to their son, Stanley. In 1973 Jean and Archie attained their Canadian Citizenship as they decided Canada was a safe place to live compared to where they were from.

Predeceased by his wife Jean in 2016 and grandson, Kevin in 2017, Archie is survived by his younger sister Maudie who still resides in Ireland, living in Kamloops his son Stanley, his partner, Michelle Jacques, granddaughter Ashley Carson, grandson Roland Carson, his wife Katie and their son Sebastian, Archie’s great-grandson.                      

Archie enjoyed telling stories of his many work experiences and travels. He loved to sing Irish tunes to himself and to the entertainment of other Chartwell retire home residents within hearing.  In his last few years Archie visited the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge and rode on the CN Heritage Train with the enactment of the Billy Miner Train Robbery. He really loved those outings and was just grinning! He loved spending time with his three grandchildren, often taking the boys fishing.  He was just getting to know his great-grandchild. We will all miss Archie and remember him as a wise, kind, simple man, respected and loved by many.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our mom, Grandma Veronica, she was taken by the angels to heaven Feb 5^th 2020 at the age of 77 to be with the lord.

Veronica Mary -Ann Sperling

She passed away at the Marjorie Willoughby hospice house in Kamloops, B.C.

Born in Unity, Sask. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Leo Sperling and two daughters Michelle Heibein and Sheila Sperling, and her grandson Travis Durieux and best friend Emil Quechuk.

She is survived by her two sons Gordon Sperling (Sandra McKenna), Joe Sperling and son in law Michael Heibein of Kamloops, B.C. and three daughters Leona Sperling (Martin Mueller), Belinda Sperling (Shaun Barrett), both of Kamloops, B.C. and Tammy Allaire (Brock Allaire) of Calgary, A.B.

Also survived by her six beautiful grandchildren that meant the world to her Austin Peel, Carington Peel, Kyle Sperling-Mueller, Tyler Sperling-Mueller, Brayden Allaire, and Izabella Allaire.

Her life was all about her family, friends, and devotion to the catholic faith.

She was an active member of the C.W.L in Kamloops for many years.

She was loved by all who knew her and will be dearly missed.

Prayers to be recited at OLPH Catholic Church Thursday Feb 13^th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated OLPH Catholic Church Friday Feb 14^th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. lunch to follow then a graveside burial at hillside cemetery. Celebrant Father Vijay Martin officiating.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mom,  grandma,  great-grandma, aunty and sister, Marie.  Born into the Ruddell family on May 14, 1928 in Calgary, Alberta, she moved to Kamloops a short time later. Graduating from Kamloops Secondary school, Marie attended Teachers College in Victoria and held her first teaching job in Chase.  She applied for a teaching position in Smithers and taught at Muheim Elementary.  While living in Smithers, she met her love and future husband, Lawrence Thistle. They were married for 59 wonderful years and lived in Smithers for 50 of them  where they raised their family. She loved teaching, and worked at St. Joseph’s Elementary school and finished her teaching career at Walnut Park Elementary school. Full of energy, mom would often ride her bike to school. While in Smithers, Marie was active in many community groups, the Catholic Women’s League, the Royal Purple and the Arthritis society. She always had a welcoming smile and a helping hand. She volunteered countless hours on numerous committees and held positions on their executives.

 Mom loved to garden and planted  huge vegetable and flower gardens. She particularly loved her flowers including the many colours of her pansies. She had many friends in the community, and enjoyed line dancing, being on a bowling league, and golfing with friends.  Marie was excited by adventure and the world and she and  Lawrence travelled extensively, seeing many different countries, and immersing themselves in many cultures. Marie, loved being a Grandma, often spending summers travelling around the provinces to see her grandchildren or having  grandchildren spend a couple of weeks visiting. They would be treated to swimming lessons, camping trips, summer activities, stories and of course, being spoiled. All of her children and grandchildren loved her cookies, squares and desserts. Many of them have her recipes and make them for those special holidays!

When Marie and Lawrence moved back to Kamloops in 1999, they lived in Westsyde. Never one to be idle, Marie, continued to be active in her community groups and joined a walking group who hiked all over the hills in Westsyde. Following the passing of her beloved Lawrence in 2010, Marie eventually moved to Kamloops Senior Village. While living there, she continued her interest in volunteering and for a period of time, was the President of the Residents society.

Marie will be deeply missed by her children, Laurie, James ( Francine), Patrick (Anita) Karen ( Bryan). Her 11 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren, numerous Nieces and Nephews and her brother,  John Ruddell. She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence, parents,  Alice and Harry Ruddell, brothers, Jim, Fred and Terry Ruddell.

Every day, our Mom demonstrated love and thoughtfulness to us all. She had a great sense of humour, loved a good laugh and had a wonderful sense of adventure. While she had high expectations for herself, she had nothing but tolerance, acceptance, and love for her family. We all knew that we were deeply loved. She will be greatly missed.

Friends and family wishing to pay their respects are invited to St John Vianney’s Parish for mass on Friday, February 14 2020 at 11:30 am. Following the service tea will be served at St John Vianney’s hall. There will be a second service in Smithers  and internment will follow in the Smithers Cemetery, Smithers BC. in March. Details to be announced at a later date.  . In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Royal Inland Hospital, 311 Columbia St Kamloops BC. The family is very grateful for the care and support from the staff at the Kamloops Senior Village, and the staff on 5 North at the Royal Inland Hospital, special thanks to Doctor Gorman for his excellent care and her many friends and community members.

We are sad to announce the passing of Esther Elsa (Krueger) Howard, 92, of Kamloops on February 4, 2020.

Esther is survived by one brother, John Krueger, her husband of 64 years, Lloyd Howard, her four children (Judy, Lloydene, David, Conrad), seven grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Esther always loved her family and her faith in her savior Jesus Christ made her a strong woman. She will be missed.

A family graveside service will take place now and a Celebration of Life in the spring.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Betty Bryant.  She came to this earth on January 31, 1921 and the angels took her January 31, 2020 at the age of 99.  We know that she is in peace and is playing her piano as this was one of her many musical talents.  She loved to sing dance and play the accordion, organ, and piano.  As this was a very important part of her life mom would love to play and put smiles on everyone’s faces as she sang at any event at Pinegrove. One of mom’s other talents was she was a fabulous knitter and enjoyed making sweaters for the family.

 She was very well liked by the staff and the residents at both Pinegrove and Rivers Bend.  She was always happy and never complained about anything.  She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children Wayne (Jan) Harper, Evans Harper, Anita Harper and Doreen Day.  She leaves 8 grandchildren, Clint, Blair, Kraig, Kallis, Ryan, Rhonda, Roxy and Kelly. She also was blessed with 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly.

Predeceased by her late husband James Harper and son Les Harper and all of her siblings.

We would like to thank the staff at Pinegrove for their loving care to our mother and to Donna who gave mom great friendship at the home. 

No service by request at this time