November 19, 1935 – March 2, 2019
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Robert Jennings on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at The Hamlets in Kamloops, B.C.
Wayne, an only child, was born in Antler, Saskatchewan. He felt lucky to grow up with his mother Freda, on the farm near Gainsborough, Saskatchewan belonging to his Aunt Greta and Uncle Coral Fisher and their two children Audrey and Maxine.
Predeceased by his mother, Freda Jennings (nee Cowan), his father Robert John Jennings, his favourite aunt Greta Cowan Fisher, his cousin Maxine Mains, his uncle Ken Cowan and many other aunts and uncles; Wayne is survived by his good friend Jo Chipperfield, and his cousins Audrey Fisher of Waterloo, Ontario, Terry Mains (Louise) of Peachland, B.C., Bonnie Freitag (Mel) of Carlisle, Saskatchewan, Valerie Mains Roy (Marcel) of Gatineau, Quebec and their families.
Wayne didn’t care for farming, so at the first opportunity he boarded a train for Vancouver, B.C. to attend the University of British Columbia. He was forever grateful to his Uncle Ken Cowan (Burdina) for providing a home during his years of study at U.B.C.
Wayne taught English literature at the High School Level in Edgewater, B.C., Nelson B.C., Golden, B.C., finally settling in Kamloops, teaching at Norkam Secondary, Westsyde Secondary and St. Ann’s Academy.
He had many interests, was a member of The Kamloops Naturalist Club, holding many positions within the club and monitoring a Bluebird Route for over 26 years. Always with a loyal dog at his side, Wayne enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing. He also golfed, curled, downhill skied and enjoyed travelling to many countries. Following Heart Surgery, Wayne volunteered with the Vascular Improvement Programme enjoying the nursing staff and patients.
Wayne was a true character and his many friends and family will miss his stories and love of a good laugh. The family would like to thank the Staff at the Hamlets and his fellow residents there for their kindness and care. The Fisher and Mains families would also like to extend thanks to Donna Edwards and Jo Chipperfield for their gentle care and kindness over these many months. A special thank you to Dr. A. Cribb for her wonderful support.
Donations may be made to the Kamloops SPCA or The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, April 15, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Dr., Kamloops, B.C. Phone: 250-554-2577.

It is with saddened hearts that the loved ones of Deane John William Wright announce his passing on Friday, March 15, 2019 on his 75^th birthday. He has joined his parents Lorraine and Douglas.

Deane leaves behind his loving wife Patricia, daughter Laura (Jim), sons Troy (Loretta), and Patrick; grandchildren Spencer, Brock, Brianna (Randy), Leslie (Juan), Tyson, Rafael and Shirlita. He will be dearly missed by his brother in-law Burt (Brenda) and sisters in-law Joy and Dorothy; nieces and nephews – Deana (Lyle), Crystal, Wanda (Rene), Garry (Kim), and Dustin (Lauren), and many great nieces and nephews. He will be forever remembered by numerous extended family and dear friends.

Deane worked for almost three decades for the City of Kamloops, of which he was quite proud.

We`ll miss you, “Garbage man from hell!“

He had many interests including antiques and history, beautiful fast cars, and gardening. He loved getting his hands dirty and creating something wonderful. But his greatest passion was his family. Whether it was large gatherings or intimate one-to-one conversations, he cherished every moment. He loved having the kids running around, teaching something new, and teasing anyone who would listen.

We will always remember his booming voice, “My way is the right way!“

big bear hugs, grumpy, gruff and gentle heart.

A family gathering will be held at a later date.

Dora Marie Deslaurier of Kamloops BC passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 88 years of age, surrounded by her family.

She was predeceased by her husband Albert of 42 years in 1991.   She is survived by her children, Robert Deslaurier of Kamloops BC, Bernard Deslaurier of Kamloops BC, Florence (Lorne) Bunn of Edmonton AB, Denise Beenen of Kamloops, BC, Richard (Connie) Deslaurier of Chilliwack BC, Carol (Rob) Graham of Edmonton Ab, and Doris (Tom) Brugger of Chilliwack; sister Rita Brad of Shellbrook Sk., sisters in-law Agnes Watier of Kamloops BC, Tina Watier of Prince Albert, SK and Jean DeCock of Lloydmiinster AB.

She was also predeceased by her daughter Mary Deslaurier, son Raymond Deslaurier, son Maurice Deslaurier, grandson Bradley Graham, grandson Ryan Deslaurier, son in-law Rick Beenen and daughter in-law Bev Deslaurier.

Dora was born in Leask, SK and loved to work outdoors on the farm with her Dad and Brothers.  After she left Leask she worked in Prince Albert, SK, then North Battleford, SK where she met Albert. Their journey together began in North Battleford where they started their family and had 4 of their 10 children.  Then their journey took them to Lloydminster where they had another 5 children, but that was not the end of their family.  Their final destination took them to Kamloops in 1965 where they had one more child for good luck.  Mom worked part time while raising her big brood, taking care of a large garden and a beautiful loving home. The family continued to grow with the addition of 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Read More & Leave Condolences »

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Hessel, 69, of Kamloops.  Shirley passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at the Royal Inland Hospital, in Kamloops, after a short battle with cancer.

Shirley will always be remembered and loved by her family and friends.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband Roman, daughter Stacey A. Willis of Kamloops, BC, son Stewart J. Wunsch of Golden, BC, grandchildren Delray, Alexander, and Margaret-Jean, sisters & brothers: Barbara Petit (Mickey Pozdzik), JoAnn Coates, Mary (Brett) Hartshorne, Donna (Bob) Cave, Nancy McMillan (Gary Gardner), Ray Stewart, Charles (Kathleen) Stewart. Other Relatives; Mary Simpson (aunt), several nieces, nephews and cousins.

 She was predeceased by her father, Donald Stewart, her mother Elizabeth Shepherd, stepmom Lucienne Stewart, father & mother in-law,  Roman & Ursula Hessel, and her mother in-law O’Linda Hansen.

 Shirley was born in Victoria, BC to Donald & Elizabeth Stewart. Shirley lived in Victoria until 1954 when the family moved to Whitehorse, YT. Shirley moved to Calgary, AB where she worked at a local construction firm. She met her husband Roman in 1974 and they were married for 40 years. Shirley and Roman moved the family to Kamloops in 1981 to be closer to her mother. Shortly after moving to Kamloops, Shirley started working at a local tv/radio station and was still working for the same company when she passed away. Her greatest passion was her family, with her kids grown she became involved with her grandkids’ sports, she could be found keeping score at their baseball games and supplying snacks for the team.  She also spent her time attending school functions, volunteering on committees, baking, knitting, sewing costumes for all occasions and attending Sunday service at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

 The MemorialService will be held on Saturday, April 6^th at 2:00 pm at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2481 Sunset Dr. with Reverend Andrew McDonald officiating.

 The family would like to express a very special thank you to Royal Inland Hospital Intensive Care Unit nursing team for all the care and compassion extended to the family.

 Memorial donations in memory of Shirley can be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation or the BC Cancer Society.

Howard Baker,  October 22, 1923 – March 11, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a great husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, uncle and friend.

Howard was born in Wapella, Saskatchewan into a large loving family before moving to BC where Kamloops became his home.

After various odd jobs at age 18 he signed up for military duty, as many young men did at the time.  He served as a gunner in the 14th Field Division, Royal Canadian Army and was active from 1941 to 1945.  Upon his return he married his wife, Agnes, of 40 years.  They raised four children in Dallas.  Howard retired as a conductor for CP Rail.  He made many life-long friends there and saw them right up until his passing.

Howard had many hobbies, reading, gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, travelling and walking, to name a few.  He was very active in his retirement years:  walking along Rivers Trail at Pioneer Park and MacArthur Island.  He rarely missed a day of walking and in his 90’s he was still walking at TCC and using resistance machines.  He always said “you have to keep moving”.  Howard was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan and rarely missed a game.

He had a gentle understanding way about him and made those close to him feel special.  Family was everything to him.  He regularly had visits with his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends.  Howard had a great sense of humour and enjoyed a long life.  He never complained about anything and made the best of everything.  Dad always saw the good in people and was non-judgemental.  He was humble and thoughtful of others.

Predeceased by his wife Agnes in 1992 and siblings Eva, Francis, Hazel, Ethel, Margaret,  Ted and Tom and is survived by his siblings Bunny James, Pat Price and Bob Baker and numerous nieces and nephews; his children:  Louise Christie(Mark), Vickie VanJoff(Jeff), Brenda Edgeworth(Ron), Bruce Baker(Nancy);  grandchildren: Mandy (Grant), Tara (Brent), Ben (Penni), Cheryl (Jen), Jodi (Dan), Megan (David), Jennifer (Chris), Tyler and Maya; great grandchildren:  Cole, Emily, Noah, Travis, Linden, Lucas, Grace and Zack.

Service to be held at Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive on Monday, March 18th at 11 am.  Flowers graciously declined.  Donations can be made to Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 52, Kamloops https://www.legionbcyukon.ca/content/give-legion-foundation

A special thanks to Dr. Frankie Mah, staff at Chartwell (Renaissance) and Trinity Palliative Care and Agnes Owens for their loving and compassionate care.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  Goodbye Dad, you were such a gentle loving man with a great smile and a bit of stubbornness.  Mom and Dad, you will forever be  in our hearts