May 10, 1964 – November 29, 2023

On November 29, 2023, Diane Marie Louise Whitmore passed suddenly in Kamloops, BC.

Those who knew Diane knew how generous she was with her time and resources for all her friends, family, and those in need. She was a true free spirit that made friends wherever and whenever. Diane was an animal lover and cared deeply for all her pets, including her cats and the visiting outside birds. She was always sure to have special treats for all of them.

She is already tremendously missed by surviving members of her family, including her husband Ted, her son Bradley (Sylvie) and their children Julian, Brielle, Shawn, Ciera, and Alexie; her daughter Heather (Andreas) and their children Bentley and Ivy; and her sons Julian and Kristopher. As well as her mother Emma (105 years old), and siblings Paul (Bernice), Irene, Valerie (Albert), Clifford (Diane), Denise (Doug), Doris (Terry), and Peter (Caroline).

She will truly be missed by all of her Whitmore family, Fred (Vicki), Ed (Lena), and Gloria (Dale), as well as all the numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She had so many cherished friends, too many to name, but Karen, Marcel, Cindie, and Dwayne were a few of those outstanding special friends in her life (The Riding Crew).

Diane had so many hobbies in life; she loved to belly dance and made some wonderful friendships with that group of ladies. She loved to garden, diamond paint, draw, and ride her Harley with that wind blowing through her hair.

Diane was greeted in heaven by her dad, Julien Carrier, and her siblings George and Theresa. Also waiting and holding the door wide open are her in-laws, Fred and Shirley Whitmore, playing your favorite Elvis tune.

Our Diane loved her family, cherished her friends, and fought a hard battle. The family would like to thank everyone who assisted in Diane’s journey, which began last spring. Those people (you know who you are) and the 8th Floor RIH Cancer Clinic were absolutely outstanding in various ways of helping her through the transition.

We will always cherish the times we had with you. We hear the roar and see your beautiful smile, one last time as you ride away from us way too early. Goodbye, Diane.

Please share your stories and memories of Diane at her Celebration of Life, taking place on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 12:00pm-4:00pm at Cottonwood Centre.

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

Olive Jasmine Raven Azak was born on November 25, 1987, in Terrace, BC, and passed away on November 17, 2023, in Kamloops, BC.

Olive is predeceased by her father, Elmer; sister, Falon; and uncle, JB. She is survived by her mother, Fern; brother, Isaiah; grandmother, Heather; uncle, Corey; nieces, Khyna and Hope; and nephews, James and Drake.

What made Olive memorable was her love. Her love was always ‘complete’, and she was passionate about expressing it. Olive loved without barriers—no one felt “left out,” no one felt “alone.” Indeed, if this eulogy ended right here, everyone would agree, ‘Yes, that’s the Olive I knew and loved.’

Olive always loved spending time with friends and family. Be it good times or bad, Olive wanted to be there. She loved giving and receiving big hugs and laughing with everyone. She’ll be remembered for her full, signature laugh and smile.

I believe Olive saw everyone as the same, “we are one.” Maybe this is why she expressed concern for the injustices and suffering she saw for those who didn’t “fit the mold”—like the homeless, as well as others rejected by society. And why she referred to friends as family, calling friends mother, sister, brother, etc. We could all benefit from loving the way Olive did.

If Olive witnessed an injustice, she spoke out about it. And where she could, she did something about it—one of her favorite things was distributing her grandma’s homemade food to the homeless. Love through action.

Memories:

Olive’s childhood memories were of being involved in church and of the extended family we came to love. She would tell me that even though she couldn’t sit still in church, she was still listening. Olive loved the Lord Jesus, and it was evident in the love she had for so many.

One of her favorite things to do was to play music for us, some new and some old, for Mom and me. She cared about our individual likes so much that she would make song picks just to make us happy. We will miss this.

Memory from Uncle Corey: “What I loved about Olive was how excited she always was to see me—which is the way she was with everyone. And how easily I could make her laugh—I’ll miss her laugh and smile.”

There will be a viewing for Olive Saturday, December 2 at 12:30pm in the Kamloops Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will follow in the Kamloops Funeral Home Chapel, Saturday, December 2 at 2:00pm.

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

Richard Alan Farmer, born on August 15, 1953, peacefully passed away on November 23, 2023. He spent his formative years in Bayside, Ontario before finding his place in Kamloops during the 1980s, a city he called home for the remainder of his life. His impactful contributions include co-founding the N/A Narcotics Anonymous, an endeavor he passionately dedicated himself to during his midlife. Even in the face of health challenges like a stroke and heart attack, Richard displayed unwavering resilience, overcoming numerous obstacles with remarkable determination.

In 2013, a beautiful reunion unfolded as Richard welcomed his younger brother, Jeff, into his home, bridging a three-decade gap with warmth. Their shared time was filled with profound moments, and Richard generously imparted his wisdom, leaving an enduring mark on Jeff’s life. In a heartfelt message, Jeff expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you, bro – love Jeff.”

Richard is survived by his loving brothers, Jeffrey Farmer, residing in Kamloops, BC, and Bruce Farmer from Wasaga Beach, ON.

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

Gregory “Greg” Alan Willson, a beloved husband, father, son, and friend, passed away on November 8, 2023.

Greg led a life filled with boundless love and passion. His charming demeanor and ever-present smile remain cherished memories for all who knew him. He had a kind word for everyone and was embraced by the love of many.

Throughout his journey, Greg embraced various professions, dedicating 30 years to the road as a commercial truck driver. His love for motorcycling spanned over five decades, a passion that brought him immense joy.

Family and close friends were the heartbeat of Greg’s life, and his love for them knew no bounds.
To his wife, he leaves behind an eternal message: “I love you, honey – always and forever.”

Greg is survived by his devoted wife, Mindy Willson of Kamloops, BC, his cherished children Kevin Willson and Jesse Willson of Calgary, AB, his loving mother Isabelle “Ruth” Willson of Campbell River, BC, and siblings Brent Willson of Chilliwack, BC, Brenda Willson of Campbell River, BC, Grant Willson of Spain, Mark Willson of Rycroft, AB, and Elizabeth Delmar of Campbell River, BC.
He was predeceased by his father, Mackenzie Willson.

Greg’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives, but his spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts forever.

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

In loving memory, Mabel “Willie” Walker, born on March 1st, 1935, in Trail, B.C., peacefully departed from this life on November 12th, 2023. Willie was the cherished first child of Carl and Anna Wagner and a devoted sister to her sibling Martin Wagner.

The Walker family’s relocation to Campbell River in 1945 marked the beginning of their meaningful presence within the Willow Point community, where they became integral members. Willie, a graduate of Carihi in 1953, embarked on her journey by moving to Vancouver to pursue her education in psychiatric nursing—an endeavor that spoke to her compassionate nature.

It was in Vancouver that Willie encountered her former husband, William “Bill” Walker, through the connection of her best friend and Bill’s sister, Yvonne Walker. Their union blossomed, bringing forth the joy of parenthood with the arrival of their beloved sons, Rick Walker on April 13th, 1956, and Shawn Walker on February 3rd, 1959.

The family’s path led them from Vancouver to Prince George for seven years before finally settling in Kamloops in 1967. Willie dedicated herself to her profession at Kamloops’ Tranquille psychiatric facility, leaving an indelible mark through her service. After Tranquille’s closure, she worked in the retail jewelry industry, where she discovered a passion for engraving. This passion culminated in the establishment of Walker Engraving on Victoria Street—a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication.

In 1992, Willie retired, closing the doors of her business to return to Campbell River, where she lovingly cared for her aging mother, Anna. Her unwavering commitment to family was a hallmark of her character. In 2017, Willie relocated to Kamloops to be near her sons, demonstrating her enduring devotion.

Unfortunately, Willie faced the challenge of vascular dementia, and over the subsequent six years, her health declined. Yet, her spirit remained resilient, a testament to her strength and fortitude.

Willie leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion as a cherished grandmother to Ryan Walker, Kyle Walker, Laird Walker, and as a great-grandmother to William Walker, Thomas Walker, Caleb Walker, and Elliot Walker. Her memory will be forever treasured by those whose lives she touched with her warmth, compassion, and unwavering love.

In honoring Willie’s life, may we celebrate the love she shared and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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