AVTAR SAMRA 1971 — 2026

AVTAR SAMRA

On December 29th, 2025, Avtar Singh Samra, a loving father of 4 passed away unexpectedly at home in Kamloops, BC.

Avtar was born March 24, 1971 in Domeli, Punjab, India to parents Ajmer Singh Samra and Gurmeet Kaur Samra. He immigrated to Canada in 1998 to create a new life full of love, new experiences and opportunities.

He was a loving father, a devoted family man, and a kind soul whose presence touched everyone who knew him. He was a proud father of his four daughters Shayleen Samra, Preet Samra, Ekam Samra, and Harit Samra. His love for his daughters was at the heart of everything he did. He worked hard to give his family the very best life possible, and never hesitated to put their needs before his own.

Every sacrifice he made was done out of love, and he took great pride in ensuring his children always felt supported, protected, and unconditionally loved. His devotion was shown not only through his words, but through his actions each and every day. He was known for his incredible work ethic. He took every opportunity presented even if it meant working three jobs at once just to give his family a better life. Avtar believed in showing up every day and giving his all. No matter how hard he worked, he always made time for his family. He was loving, funny, and full of warmth, creating countless beautiful memories with his family and friends. Memories that will be cherished forever.

He loved going out for dinner, trying new things, and sharing those experiences with the people he loved most. These moments, big or small, brought Avtar happiness and became cherished memories for his family. Traveling and going on trips with his family brought him joy, and those shared adventures became some of the most meaningful moments of his life and to his kids.

Despite all the obstacles he faced in life, Avtar was kind, loving, and thoughtful. He had a way of making others feel seen and cared for. His legacy lives on through the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the unforgettable memories he created with his family. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The funeral service was held at Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive, Kamloops, BC, followed by a prayer service at Kamloops Sikh Temple, 700 Cambridge Crescent, Kamloops, BC on January 17, 2026.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh

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RAY MAHER 1948 — 2026

RAY MAHER

 Ray was born in Port au Choix, Newfoundland and Labrador, on February 17, 1948, and passed away on January 18, 2026 at the age of 77 following a long journey with dementia.

He is survived by the love of his life, Jamie. He is also survived by his son, Dean (Treena); Jamie’s sons, Grant and Bryan (Jocelyn); and his cherished granddaughters, Kaileigh, Natasha, Ayden, Brynna, Sienna, Kierra and brother Bill Gould. Ray will also be deeply missed by many cousins, nieces, and nephews from coast to coast.

He was also predeceased by his parents Albin and Anne Maher. Brothers and sisters, Sylvia Smith, Caroline Maynard, Lloyd Maher, Grace Gaslard and Lorne Maher.

Jamie’s family will also greatly miss Ray’s quiet respectful nature, sharp methodical wit and unwavering love and support for her.

Ray’s career as a millwright spanned more than 40 years, beginning at Afton Mine and continuing at Domtar, Kamloops Pulp Mill in BC, where he retired at the age of 70. He took great pride in his work and in the life he built through dedication and quiet strength.

A true gentleman best describes Ray. He was a man of few words, with a kind and compassionate nature, whose steady presence was comforting to all who knew him.

Some of the things that gave Ray great pleasure were road trips with Jamie. Whether for a day or two or a week or two with no set plans, he truly loved to drive. He enjoyed reading the newspaper from front to back, keeping up with the news and current politics, and taking regular walks in the park. Most afternoons would end with Star Trek and a couple of “dusters,” along with one of his favourite beverages.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Marino and the caring staff at Kamloops Seniors Village for their compassion and dedicated care.

Rest in peace, gentle soul.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

 

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JODIE LYNN BEAULIEU 1977 — 2026

JODIE LYNN BEAULIEU

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jodie Lynn Beaulieu, age 48, of Kamloops, BC, who left us way too soon on January 15, 2026. Born on February 22, 1977, in Geraldton, Ontario, to Patsy Skene and Rene Beaulieu, Jodie could always brighten a room with her dazzling smile.

Jodie arrived six minutes after her twin brother Jonah, shocking everyone in the delivery room—because no one knew she was there! At just 3.5 pounds, she was a fighter from the very beginning: feisty, resilient and determined, traits she carried throughout her life. Patsy and Rene were overjoyed to welcome both their baby boy and their tiny little girl.

Jodie spent most of her youth in Geraldton before moving to Winnipeg in 1999 to attend university. She remained there for many years before eventually relocating to Kamloops, where she built the next chapter of her life.

On January 12, 2026, Jodie suffered a medical episode and tragically fell into a coma from which she was unable to recover. On Thursday, January 15th, surrounded by her family, she was taken off life support. In her final act of kindness, Jodie was able to help many others through organ donation. Her family found comfort and peace in knowing that even in their loss, her legacy carries on through the lives she touched.

Jodie leaves behind her mother, Patsy Skene, her brother Jonah and his children, Corey (Kevyn), Logan and Boady (Olivia); her stepmother Annie; her siblings Cody and Jessica (Mike) and their children, Jakob and Maxwell; Uncles Bill, Ron, Gaetan, Norm, Great-Aunt Joan, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins in Kamloops, BC, and Thunder Bay, ON.

Jodie is predeceased by her father, Rene (2016); Grandma G (aka 2-cents), Grandmere and Grandpere, and her uncles Hughie, Daniel, and Jean.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Emergency, Trauma and ICU at Royal Inland Hospital and the BC Transplant Team for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held in honour of Jodie’s vibrant spirit, kind heart, and unforgettable presence on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, from 2:00–4:30 p.m. at 177 Tranquille Rd (Anavets).

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

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DARLENE FORBES 1943 — 2026

DARLENE FORBES

February 2, 1943 – January 11, 2026

On January 11, 2026, Darlene passed away peacefully at Overlander Extender Care in Kamloops at the age of 82.

She was born and raised in Halifax, NS. She married Dave Forbes in 1962. They moved to Edmonton and then settled in Kamloops in 1965 when Dave got a job at Weyerhaeuser and she was so proud to be employed at Woodward’s in the Men’s Department. She often spoke of beautiful memories there.

Darlene was very outgoing and social right till the end. Darlene’s empathic nature made people feel safe and loved in her presence and she could make anyone smile. She loved to travel with Dave, particularly in their motorhome to Harrison Hot Springs. She also loved bingo and crochet and would crochet anything she could.

Her family was one of her biggest passions. She loved animals, especially her beloved dogs. She always looked forward to her daily visit with her son James and his furry pup.

She is survived by her sons James and Michael, her grandchildren, Aurora, Shaina and Liza, great grandchildren and numerous extended family.

She was predeceased by her husband Dave on July 17, 1998.

We would like to say a special thank you to Betty Wood, Charlene Fowler and Cheryl Robinson for their love and support over the years.

We would also like to thank the Overlander family as a whole for the love and care they provided to mom over the last 5.5 years. It would be impossible to put into words how grateful and blessed we are for how much you loved and cared for in her final years. You not only provided love and support to our mom, but to us to and we will always hold you in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to a charity of your choice may be made in mom’s memory.

Kamloops Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.
Condolences may be expressed to the family through their website at:
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

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JAMES EDWARD WHITMORE 1956 — 2026

JAMES EDWARD WHITMORE

It is with deep sadness. We announce the passing of James, Jim, Jimmy, Zim, Dim on January 15th. 2026, in Kamloops British Columbia, with his daughter and son by his side in his final moments.

James was born November 16th, 1956 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the first born of eight to James and Claire Whitmore. Soon after he was born, the family moved to Kamloops to build a big beautiful life.

James will be lovingly remembered as the best Grandpa, father, uncle, brother, cousin, and friend. Growing up in Kamloops his whole life provided the opportunity to create flourishing friendships and memories throughout his years. Many of those memories were made alongside his lifelong best friend, Jim Mobley – thank you to Cheryl for putting up with their shenanigans all these years. James loved driving and a good chunk of his career was long haul trucking. James later began working at Costco where he made even more friendships and very quickly was recognized as the Costco gas bar guy. James was certainly well known here in the loops. He was always cracking many jokes, impersonating Donald Duck for the grandkids and was always a really good time to be around. Thank you to the Kami crew for enriching his life for all these years.

He was pre-deceased by his parents James and Claire Whitmore, son Donald Whitmore, sister Blanche Buchner and brother Patrick Whitmore.

Left to mourn his loss, daughter Leanna Alford (Brett), son Brandon Whitmore (Nikki) grandchildren, Hailey and Elijah Whitmore, Ryder and River Whitmore, Trae and Casey Alford, sisters Ellen Whitmore (Sharon), Suzanne Huber (Brian), Carolyn Bilkey (David), brother Paul and Andrew Whitmore. Also left to mourn James, many nieces and nephews, along with very dear friends and co-workers.

The family would like to thank all of the many visitors who came to see James in his final few days. In keeping with James’ wishes, no memorial service will be held. Family and friends will gather in the spring to spread his ashes at one of the many lakes he and Jim frequented.

The family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Royal Inland Hospital Cancer Clinic and the staff at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness during James’ final days. Thank you to Dr. Mavis Hollman for taking such good care of James for many years before retiring.

James will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who loved him.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

 

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