April 23,1954 – October 26, 2023

It is with profound sadness that the family of John Dunford announces his sudden passing on October 26, 2023 in Kamloops, BC.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Charlene; their children Becky (Nathanael), Todd (Keely) and Ali and his grandchildren whom he adored; Brielle, Sophie, Tristan, Violet and Elias. He is also survived by his brothers Brian (Barb), Peter (Connie), Paul (Karen) and sister Anice (Mark). He was predeceased by his parents George and Doreen, and his beautiful daughter Jodi.

John loved being a forester and took great pride in the profession. He was well respected and well liked.  John worked for Tolko Industries for over 23 years. John was Professional Forester of the Year in 2010 (by the BC Association of Forest Professionals). He served a four-year term on the BC Forest Practices Board, three as vice-chair, where he was recognized as bringing a fair and balanced perspective to the Board. Nationally, for over a decade John served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Forestry Committee for the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC). He led the Woodland Caribou and Forest Certification sub-committees always bringing thoughtful solutions to these policy conversations. He was also a member of the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) Forestry Committee during this time. For many years John championed the importance of sustainable forestry. He served as Director and Chair of Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Canada, and represented PEFC Canada internationally on several boards and working groups.

John’s family, friends and coworkers will remember him as a genuinely kind, gentle and loving soul. He had a quick wit and great sense of humour. John touched the lives of many and left knowing how incredibly loved he was. He will be forever missed. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in May 2024 in Kamloops BC. Date and location to be determined.

Mona Jean “Hall” Giesbrecht, aged 86, peacefully passed away with her family by her side on Monday, October 30th, 2023.

Mona was born in Eckville, Alberta, on October 16th, 1937, to Gladys and Reginald Hall. She had four siblings: Bobby (Roberta), Dean, Keith, and Doug, along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. She had a close relationship with her Aunt Laverne and her sister Bobby’s eight children.

In 1954, at the age of 17, Mona took a train from Alberta to British Columbia, where she would spend the rest of her life.

In 1960, Mona met her husband Walter and married in 1961. They celebrated 62 years of marriage. Both of them enjoyed watching sports and shared a competitive spirit by playing backgammon every morning for over 40 years. They both volunteered for over 80 years combined at the Royal Canadian Legion branch 52.

In 1964, Mona and Walter welcomed their first son, Michael Dean, and in 1965, their daughter, Kathryn Laverne. Dean (Heidi) had two children, Hailey and Grayson, and Kathryn (Kevin) had two children, Keenan and Keanna.

Mona was predeceased by her mother, Gladys, father, Reginald, brothers, Dean and Keith, sister, Bobby, and, sadly, her son, Dean, in 2011.

Mona was a loving mom, wife, and thoughtful daughter, sister, and friend. She was dedicated to her causes and always put others first. Her thousands of volunteer hours were a testament to her giving character. She was very crafty and had a great sense of humor right to the end. Her career as a bookkeeper spanned over many decades.

Mona will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate, Mona had many favorite charities. The Canadian Red Cross, RH Foundation, War Amps, and TB Vets were just a few.

Mona’s Celebration of life will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion, 425 Lansdowne, Kamloops.

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

In loving memory of Gene: a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, who has passed away peacefully at Marjory Sowden Hospice, Kamloops.  At the age of 74, Gene’s spirit and unwavering courage shone brightly until the very end.

Born with a passion for culinary arts, Gene pursued his dreams and became a superb chef who was highly respected by his colleagues. He delighted countless palettes with his delectable creations. His culinary expertise was matched only by his soft-spoken, but warm and generous nature, as he shared his talents and love for food with all who crossed his path.

Gene’s greatest joy was his family. He leaves behind wife Kim, who stood by his side throughout his arduous journey, offering unwavering support. He was a devoted father to his son Dax, and his late daughter Sonia, instilling in them the values of kindness, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams.

Gene’s presence was felt in every room he entered. He was genuine, never needing to be in the limelight, yet offered thoughtful messages from a unique perspective. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will forever be cherished.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marjory Snowden Hospice Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Alliance Church on Friday, November 10th, 2023 at 1:00pm.

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

Eleanor Louise Kratz “Klassen” passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Kamloops BC, on 24 October 2023. She was surrounded by family at her bedside while listening to her favourite 50’s music.

Eleanor was born 27 November 1937 in Flin Flon, Manitoba. She grew up in Saskatoon, raised a family in Kamloops and then back in Saskatoon, where she spent her later years among family, friends, and her church community.

She is predeceased by her beloved parents Hudy and Abe Klassen and siblings Joyce Buryj (Mike) and Dean (Verna) Klassen.

She is survived by her children Cassandra (Carmen) Turner (Peter Brown), Helen (Craig) Lamb, Krista Kratz, and Abie (Walter) Kratz.

She will be remembered by her grandchildren: Bradley, Brandon (Jamie), Andrew (Alice), Mikael (Emma), Alyssa (Brant), Steven (Ashley), Chad, Jasmine, Kristen, Stephanie, and Tiffany. Her memory will live on with many of her great-grandchildren as well, including Allan, Eliza, Jacob, Anna, Heidi, Zachary, Claire, Carter, Joshua, Isaac, Rachel, Cameron, Alexa, Beau, and Charlotte. She also leaves behind Trudy, Peggy, and many more friends who were like family to her.

Eleanor will be remembered for her remarkable way of finding joy in the simple acts of cleaning and organising, often referring to it as ‘poking’ things into place. Her boundless kindness and unwavering faith will be remembered as well. She never hesitated to lend a helping hand, whether it was through her skill in baking and serving, sewing, love for picnics and dancing, or dedication to preserving family history.

She will be laid to rest in Saskatoon, SK, the city where she spent most of her life, next to her parents. The graveside service will be held November 4th at 11:00 AM at Hillcrest Cemetery, followed by a light luncheon for family and friends at 1429 10th St. East.

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

It is with unparalleled sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Paige, who left us unexpectedly in her sleep while camping at the family RV on October 7, 2023 in Malakwa BC. Paige had a love and passion for camping, an activity she would often request.

Paige was a remarkable young lady, full of love and life, despite the challenges she faced over her life. Paige was born with Down Syndrome and had heart surgery at just 6 months old.

Paige was an inspiration, embracing her unique journey and achievements, big or small. She had an insatiable love for icy cold beverages (including going to “bucks’ for a strawberry frapp) Chinese food, chicken wings and fishy crackers.

Paige’s hilarious humor earned her an award at school, and her presence taught us love, acceptance, and the joy of sharing a meal.Her determination and pride in herself served as a lesson to us all, reminding us to embrace life with unwavering courage.

She is survived by her loving mother, Christina Keogh, and chosen father, Jon Mackintosh both of whom cherished her every day. Adoring grandparents Teresa and Jerry Keogh of Calgary Alberta, Edith and Dave Mackintosh of Nakusp BC, Auntie Connie Keogh from Calgary, AB, Uncle Eric (Darcie) from Nanaimo, BC, Auntie Fawn from Nakusp , BC, cousin Hayden and many other aunties, uncles, cousins and family that loved her dearly. She had a special place for her beloved cats Elsa and Catalina.

Flowers gratefully declined as Christina and Jon kindly request donations towards the purchase of a park bench in Paige’s name. That girl loved to take a break.

Share your condolences and memories at www., kamloopsfuneralhome.com as we remember and honor Paige.

Christina and Jon would like to invite you to Paige’s Life Party held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at St Andrews on the Square 159 Seymour Street. Mismatched socks are encouraged.

Paigester, you were loved. You will be loved. Forever. Forever and ever. We will love you forever.

In her memory, we invite you to take a moment to color, reflecting her love for this activity.

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