Remembering Jack Buchanan

Jackie Alexander Buchanan passed away peacefully on October 21st, 2026 at Royal Inland Hospital. His wife Gerry and daughters Stacy and Allison were by his side. Jack died from complications due to occupational pulmonary fibrosis. He was born February 5th, 1945 to Ruth Ellen Buchanan and Thomas Alexander Buchanan and was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, eventually moving to Kamloops, BC.

He was husband to Gerry, father to Stacy and Allison, and cat dad to Coco. Jack spent the last few years caring for Gerry as she navigated Parkinson’s disease, before facing his own health challenges.

Anyone who knew Jack knew how much he loved hockey. He played hockey throughout his life, from minor and juniors to rec and, eventually, old-timers’. He coached minor hockey in Kamloops and was a lifelong Chicago Blackhawks fan. His contributions to hockey in Kamloops earned him induction into the International Hockey Hall of Fame as a COHA builder. He loved Mexico and travelled there many times with family and once for a hockey tournament in Guadalajara sponsored by Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts. It was a trip he talked about for years. What could be better than combining his two favourite pastimes — playing hockey and floating in the pool.

Jack worked at Lafarge for most of his career, where he made lifelong friends, including Hal Richardson, Joe Laramee, Gordie Blundell, Paul Calibaba, Andy Davidowski and many others. Making friends was his superpower, and he knew someone everywhere he went.

Following his retirement, he became heavily involved with the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge no. 1552, helping relocate it from Fortune Drive to the Cottonwoods. He played a key role in setting up and overseeing its operations for many years before handing over the reins to Crissy. Some of Jack’s proudest moments came from his work with the Moose Lodge and knowing the difference they made through the many charities they supported. A meticulous record keeper and stickler for details, Jack was the kind of person who arrived at the airport at least five hours early… just in case.

Despite his outgoing personality, Jack was a private person who rarely shared his personal struggles or complained, even as pulmonary fibrosis took an increasing toll on his health. Earlier in life, he faced some difficult times. During those years, his friend and mentor Keith Wallace was an important source of support and someone Jack continued to speak of with great respect.

A larger-than-life personality, a dad, a husband and a friend to so many, Jack will be remembered for his love of hockey, his humour, his unmistakable laugh, his dedication to work and the Moose, and his contributions to the Kamloops community. He will be missed by so many.

Please join us for a Tribute to Jack’s life Friday, November 13th from 1pm to 3:30pm in the Dogwood Room at The Kamloops Seniors Community Centre, 730 Cottonwood Avenue, Kamloops, BC. There is parking at the back and on the side streets. We encourage everyone to wear a hockey jersey or their loudest shirt and to join us at the Moose Lodge for drinks afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations can be made to the BC SPCA in Jack’s memory.

Condolences may be emailed to the family at:
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Grace Bartlett, who passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, at Royal Inland Hospital.

Grace was born in Cedarvale, BC, on June 24, 1935, the seventh of eight children. Raised in a humble home, she faced early hardship with the loss of both of her parents at a young age. In her teenage years, Grace bravely endured a long battle with tuberculosis at a hospital in Vancouver. Following her discharge, she remained in the area for ongoing medical care and went on to build a fulfilling career as a talented hairdresser, a profession she truly loved. Later in life, she worked as a traveling hairdresser, assisting clients with appointments and shopping, forming lasting friendships along the way.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Jim; her grandson, Beau Wargovcsik; her beloved brother Harry, & Herb, Harold, and Henry; her sisters Beatrice and Margaret; and her parents, Frederick and Matilda Burke.

Grace is survived and dearly missed by her daughter, Debbie Wargovcsik (Brian); her special niece, Linda Bolton (Terry); her sister, Edith Beck; her sister-in-law, Dode Burke; and many extended family members and friends. She will always be remembered for her quiet presence, loyal friendship, and the meaningful lessons she imparted to us all.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Servaas Swart and the staff on 5 South at Royal Inland Hospital for the extraordinary kindness and care they provided to Grace.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday,  November 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive.

Condolences may be emailed to the family at:
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

My beloved passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, leaving us all shocked and devastated. He was only 74 years young.

Though heartbroken, it’s calming to know his death was immediate, with little suffering.

Brian lived a wonderful life filled with sports and travelling. He loved both, but these didn’t compare to his immense love for his 2 daughters and son: Wendy (Jason), Crystal (Robb), Brian (Jessica), and 7 grandchildren: Aidan, Tate, Saige, Elias, Aubree, Vivien, and Emma. Nothing was more important to him than family get-togethers.

There are too many friends to name, but I hope you know how much he treasured you all. A special mention, though, to John and Yvonne, with whom we travelled through life together for over 50 years.

Brian is survived by his brother Lloyd (Maureen), sister Susan (Robin), sister-in-law Barb, brother-in-law Ray (Pam), and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Brian had a long career in the hospital system, starting as a truck driver in the distribution department and moving up to manager. He worked at VGH, Shaughnessy, and RIH, looking after Children’s, Women’s, and UBC’s supply needs.

In his off time, he played men’s fast pitch with Hy’s Cowboys, holding many Golden Glove titles for his work at 1st base. He also loved the dart tournaments he and his close friends and family would have, as well as hockey, football, and baseball pools. Loved sports!

He also loved going to Loon Lake and spending family time there fishing, partying, and telling the young ones ghost stories in front of the bonfire.

In 1993, we moved to Kamloops and, finally, to his favourite home in Tobiano, on Kamloops Lake.

During the more than 30 years in this area, we were blessed with our 3 children marrying and having children of their own. What a blessing! And we were lucky enough to take many trips abroad and to the United States, including many road trips with the dogs. Indio, California, became a favourite meeting spot for visits with my relatives there and in Arizona. Such fun times that he cherished.

Brian loved spending time talking with his children. Wendy remembers many conversations about politics and work strategies. Brian Jr. shares his dad’s love of sports and has many memories of time spent fishing together and watching hockey games in front of the TV. Crystal and Wendy will always cherish the many trips taken with the grandchildren to Disneyland, Vegas, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios, and even Hawaii.

The grandchildren were his true loves; he watched their hockey and baseball games, dance recitals, and enjoyed fishing on the Hummingbird pontoon boat.

After retiring, Brian took up fishing wholeheartedly! Thankfully, he had great friends in the neighbourhood who shared that passion, and you would find them out on the lake most days or just down at the marina, chatting with the crew there. We are hoping to get a bench in his name so everyone will remember him and know how much we loved him.

Thank you to so many who have reached out to us by cooking meals, sending flowers, and offering condolences. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming. A special mention, though, to David Beck, who tried to save our beloved that fateful day. We will never forget all you’ve done for us.

To commemorate his life, please consider sending donations in Brian’s name to the Pacific Salmon Foundation or the SPCA. Thank you so much.

Condolences may be emailed to the family at:
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

In Loving Memory of Antonio Ramunno

September 22, 1961 – October 15, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Antonio Ramunno on October 15, 2026, at the age of 65.

Antonio was known for his honesty, generosity, and outgoing nature. He made friends wherever he went and valued the people in his life.

Born and raised in Kamloops, BC, Antonio spent much of his childhood on Clapperton Road. He attended John Todd Elementary School and MacArthur Park School before pursuing a career as an automotive mechanic. In 1996, he opened Ramunno Auto, which he owned and operated for nearly three decades. He took great pride in his work and the relationships he formed with his customers, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Outside of work, Antonio loved spending time at Shuswap Lake, especially out on his boat. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hiking with his dogs, Hank, Rio, and Louie, and spending time with family and friends.

Antonio will be deeply missed by his daughters, Caitlin Ramunno and Francesca (Tony) Rome; his parents, Mario and Francesca Ramunno; his brothers, Sandro (Connie) Ramunno and Bobby (Sandy) Ramunno; his nieces and nephews, Jessica (Jordan) Bley, Mario Ramunno, Alexandra Ramunno and Vincent Ramunno; his great-nephews, Austin and Maverick Bley; and his extended family and friends in Canada, Italy, and Australia. Antonio was also soon to become a grandfather to Ellis Rome, expected in December 2026.

Also mourning his passing is Carol Ramunno, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage.

A Celebration of Antonio’s life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Colombo Lodge, 814 Lorne Street, Kamloops.
A private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honour Antonio’s memory to consider making a donation to the Centre for Suicide Prevention.

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

June 16, 1940 – October 14, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the unexpected passing of Jean Tash (née Lukaz) on October 14, 2026, at the age of 86.

Jean was born in Kamloops, British Columbia, to immigrant parents, Jack and Sophie Lukaz. From a very young age, she often acted as their interpreter, developing an early understanding of communication, negotiation, and business — skills that would serve her well throughout her life and career. She grew up alongside her older brother and sister on a farm in North Kamloops, where the family tended crops, raised a few cows and sheep, and grew vegetables for market. Their home also served as a boarding house, welcoming many people over the years. These early experiences helped shape Jean’s resourcefulness, independence, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

By her mid-twenties, Jean had already enjoyed the opportunity to travel, including one particular adventure with friends to Europe and Paris that she loved to talk about. We can only imagine that this trip helped spark the travel bug that stayed with her throughout her life.

Jean met the love of her life, Stan, in 1960 while working at The Kamloops Daily Sentinel, a local newspaper. Their meeting marked the beginning a new chapter filled with marriage, family, and many adventures together. Family was always at the heart of Jean’s life, but she also built a successful career and devoted countless hours to helping others in her community.

Jean enjoyed a rewarding 35-year career with the Royal Bank, where her dedication, outgoing personality, and ability to connect with others made her a valued colleague and friend. Even after retirement, she maintained close connections with a special group of retirees, meeting regularly for lunch until only recently.

Jean’s generosity extended well beyond her working life. She volunteered with organizations including the Red Cross, the Lions Club, and the BC Wildlife Park, always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Thoughtful, dependable, and generous with her time, Jean was often the first person to step in and take action. Whatever needed doing, she found a way to make sure it was taken care of.

Travel remained one of Jean’s great passions. She and her late husband, Stan, explored the world together, visiting Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, China, India, Panama, England, Greece, Poland, Russia, the Caribbean, and many other memorable destinations. Some of these adventures included two very lucky young “tag-alongs” — her grandchildren, Benjamin and Carley. Whether discovering somewhere new or revisiting an old favourite, Jean treasured the experiences, laughter, and memories they created along the way.

Jean was a woman of many talents and interests. She loved gardening, painting, skiing, and curling, and she had a special gift for crafting. In the last decade of her life, Jean made staying active a regular part of her routine. She could often be found zipping off in her car to go swim laps at the TCC and do workouts at Planet Fitness. There was also always something creative in the works, often a unique, handmade treasure that she lovingly shared with others on special occasions.

She was also a wonderful entertainer who delighted in bringing people together. Her home was always open to family and friends, and gatherings were filled with laughter, conversation, and good company.

Jean had a special place in her heart for the animals that shared her life, including dogs, cats, and even birds. Their companionship brought her great happiness. In more recent years, one of her favourite pastimes was driving to Pioneer Park with her grandson’s dog, Delilah. The two could often be found enjoying the beach together as Jean threw Delilah’s toy into the water again and again. Regular visitors to the park came to recognize this familiar duo and would happily stop to say hello.

Jean will be remembered for her tenacity, spirited nature, creativity, abundant generosity, and the love she shared so freely. She would often say, “I’ve had a good life” — one filled with love, travel, laughter, friendship, and, above all, family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured time with those she loved and was deeply appreciative of the care, support, and companionship others brought to her life.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and entire healthcare team on 7 North at Royal Inland Hospital, who did all they could to support Jean’s recovery. We are deeply grateful for their kindness, compassion, and care during this difficult time.

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, Stan Tash; her son, Jack; her parents, Jack and Sophie Lukaz; her brother, John Lukaz; and her sister, Fran Kopec.

She leaves behind her loving son, Michael Tash (Julie Hall); her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin (Chantelle) Tash and Carley (Izaak) Patjas; her beloved great-grandchild, Macie Lee; a large extended family; and many dear friends, too numerous to name.

Though Jean will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in her family, the friendships she nurtured, the places she explored, the things she created, and the many lives she touched.

Prayer service will be held on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., October 28^th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Parish, 635 Tranquille Road (north shore) Kamloops, BC.

A Memorial Funeral Mass will take place Thursday morning at 11 a.m., October 29^th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Parish, 635 Tranquille Road (north shore) Kamloops. Immediately after, there will be a luncheon held in the hall/gym.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kamloops Wildlife Park on behalf of Jean Tash are appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to Kamloops Funeral Home, 250-554-2577

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