November 2, 1936 – April 2, 2016

Irene passed away peacefully at the Overlander Residential Care Home in Kamloops, BC.  Irene was born in Perdue, Saskatchewan and spent her school years living with her family on the homestead in Perdue.

In August 1958, she married Bruce Clifford, a pilot in the Canadian Air Force and began her new life with her husband.  While they were living in Ottawa their eldest daughter (Zelda) was born in 1959 followed 2 years later with their son (Clark) being born in Red Deer, Alberta.  Up until 1966, she lived in many rural towns close to the Airforce bases in Alberta before the family moved to Dorian, Quebec when her husband’s career as a pilot with Air Canada began eventually moving to Brampton, Ontario.  After a few years living in Brampton the family moved to Richmond, BC followed by moving to Ladner, BC where their third child a daughter (Heather) was born in 1974.

In addition, to raising her family Irene had a career at The Royal Bank of Canada.  After retiring they lived in Abbotsford for a number of years followed by White Rock, BC finally settling in Kamloops where their youngest daughter lives.  Irene loved travelling, reading, dancing, watching football, curling and ice skating together with spending time with family and friends.

Mourning her passing is her husband of 58 years (Bruce), her children Zelda (David), Clark (Donna) and Heather together with her 1 grandson Matthew (Shilo), and 3 granddaughters Kerri (Mike), Cayla and Camryn and 2 great-grandchildren, Grei and Liv (children of Mike & Kerri).  Irene is also survived by her sister, Trudy of Calgary and her two brothers Gerald (Esther) and Ron (Donna) of Perdue.

The last few years Irene was a resident at the Overlander Residential Care Home.  We would like to thank the staff for the great care and love given to Irene (Mom).

Nels Edward Saemerow

Nels was born in Kamloops on September 16, 1947 to Melvine and Mona (Chester) Saemerow and passed away March 30, 2016.

He came home as a baby to Knutsford but soon moved to the Heffley Creek area. The family move to New Westminster where Nels received his schooling. After high school, he lived in the Kamloops area and then in Peace River, Alberta. He married Helen on May 1. 1979 and they returned to Kamloops in 1990. Although he worked in construction, trucking and agriculture, at heart he was always a cowboy.

The Saemerow stubbornness stood him in good stead as he battled first multiple myeloma for ten years and then lung cancer.

He is predeceased by his parents and many beloved uncles, aunts and cousins.

Family was of paramount importance to Nels

He is survived by his loving wife, Helen(Humphrey), his sister Brenda Wiss (Jimmy) her children Kelli  and Jason and their families and Helen’s siblings, Moe, George, Mike, Steve, Christine and their families as well as much-loved cousins and many dear friends.

The family wishes to thank Doctors Kip, Beaton and Avanessian who began the cancer journey with Nels and the countless other caring medical professionals he encountered on the way and the friends and family who provided so much support.

A gathering to remember Nels Life will be held at the Knutsford Community Hall on Saturday April 9, 2016  at 1:00 PM.

If friends so desire donations  to the Kamloops Cancer Centre At RIH would be appreciated in Nels memory.

A Celebration of Sawyer’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 2, 2016 in the Kamloops Convention Centre, 1250 Rogers Way with Pastor Andrew Picklyk officiating.

Judith (Judy) Lynn Kerr (nee Boyle)

August 29, 1947 – March 29, 2016

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Judy Kerr passed away peacefully on the afternoon of March 29^th.

Judy is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 40 years, Ed Kerr. She is also survived by her son, Mark McVittie (Cecile) and daughter, Melanie Barnes  (Gareth). Judy will be fondly remembered by her step children Dan Kerr (Julie) and Daryl Kerr (Sandra), grandchildren Rob, Catie, Tyler, Cody, Mikaila and Riley. Also grievingher loss are close family Diane Poitras (Ed), Amber Rosencrans (Trevor), and Curtis Buvyer (Kait). Judy is survived by her mother Vivian, brother Brent and is predeceased by her brother Earl and brothe Laurie.

A Celebration of Life  will be held at the family  home on Saturday April 2,2016 at 2:00 PM.

Alvin “Al” Wilfred George Smith

December 12, 1927-March 22, 2016

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Alvin “Al” Smith passed away on the evening of March 22, surrounded by his family.

Al is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Dariel Smith, as well as daughter Susan Smith Alexander (Doug), son Jim Smith and many other dear relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Edith and Alfred Smith, sister Dorothy Starke and brother Robert Smith.

Al was born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta, the middle child of English immigrant parents.  He carried many wonderful memories from his childhood there, including his young adult years spent at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, working at the local theatre, and becoming an uncle to nephews Rick and Don and niece Dawnalda.  He visited family on Vancouver Island over those years and was drawn to the West, eventually heading to Vancouver to study Engineering at UBC.  In 1954, he accepted a position with the then “Department of Highways”, which was the beginning of a fulfilling adventure surveying a burgeoning infrastructure as new highway routes were being created in almost every corner of the province.  Early in his role, Al found himself in Penticton, enjoying coffee at the Commodore Cafe when his eyes met with the woman who would become his wife.  Dariel and Al married in 1956 and whole-heartedly embraced the frequent moves to small communities throughout B.C. that Al’s job provided;  they moved 10 times the first year they were married!  After some nomadic years, they were transferred to Kamloops in 1962, where they settled more permanently and in the years shortly thereafter, started a family.  From surveying the Stewart-Cassiar and the Rogers Pass in the early years to survey and design work on the Coquihalla Highway, Al truly loved his 36 year career with the Ministry of Highways, both the work itself, as well as the people,  and ultimately, friendships developed there.

Al’s life away from work was equally (or more!) fulfilling.  He loved regular fishing trips with his buddy Eddie Rozander to one of his favourite places in the province, Bella Coola.  He had a lifelong passion for golf and was a long-time member of the Kamloops Golf & Country Club, where he sat on the board of directors in the 1980’s; his golf buddies were his friends until the end.  During winters, he was an avid curler and was a member of the Kamloops Curling Club.  This fall, he was extremely proud when the Freemasons presented him with a medal, acknowledging his 50 years as a Mason.  But what Al loved most, were his family and friends.

Al was admired by many for his honesty, warmth, generosity and sense of humour.  He was bright, with a wide knowledge that was a resource to many. He showed us what strength and determination looks like. He was the best husband, dad, father-in-law, uncle, son, nephew and friend anyone could ask for.  He was the “real deal”, a true gentleman and he will live on in our hearts forever. He was so very much loved.

The family would like to thank the staff of Overlander Extended Care for their compassionate care for Al during his later years and the support they continue to show Dariel and family.

Please join us for a celebration of Al’s life on Wednesday, March 30th at 2:00 pm at the Kamloops Golf & Country Club.   In lieu of flowers, please help a friend, be a good neighbour, make time for someone, volunteer or donate to something you care about, and think of Al.