Doreen passed away December 10, 2024 at Ridgeview Lodge Sienna Senior Living in Kamloops, BC at 89 years of age after a short illness. She was predeceased by her mother Mabel Thompson (1994), husband Arthur (2008) and sister Sybil (Jerry) Perkin (2019) but is survived by 3 sons Alan (Meg), Derek, Ivan (Jacqueline) and 2 grandchildren Allison and David (Nicole).

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on November 14, 1935, Doreen lived her early childhood years in Londonderry with her mother, grandmother and sister during the Second World War. Her father David Thompson passed away before her birth, which motivated her to train as a midwife and registered nurse, completing her education and residency at Royal Victoria Hospital (Belfast, N. Ireland) and Queen Charlotte’s Maternity Hospital (London, England). She emigrated to Vancouver, Canada soon after her sister in 1958 where she met and later married Arthur in 1960. Soon after their marriage, they moved to the southern BC interior and after a brief time at YD Ranch near Barnes Lake, they settled in the village of Ashcroft. Alan was born in 1961, Derek in 1963 and Ivan in 1965, making her life busy with childrearing in the early years. Doreen employed her nursing skills and expert care at Lady Minto Hospital in Ashcroft and in 1972, became a Home Care Nurse, managing community based care for patients in Ashcroft and surrounding areas. She continued with her nursing career until retirement in 1989 and in 1996, Doreen & Arthur moved to a newly built home in the Pineridge area of Kamloops to spend their retirement years.

Doreen enjoyed various community activities, including involvement in the United Church, Choral Choir and Order of the Eastern Star. She was a prolific knitter, talented baker, watercolour painter and loved classical & choral music, often playing piano in her free time. She regularly travelled to Ireland to visit her mother, and in later years travelled to Costa Rica, Hawaii and several western US states.

No public service is planned, but the family request expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Royal Inland Hospital Foundation (Kamloops) or the Canadian Mental Health Association in honour of Doreen.

https://www.rihfoundation.ca/donate/

https://cmha.donordrive.com/?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=561&language=en

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

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norman Orlan Johnson. Norman passed away at the age of 89 years at the Overlander Care Home in Kamloops, BC, on December 6, 2024, after a lengthy illness with dementia.

Norman was born on November 15, 1935, in Canwood, Saskatchewan. He was the fourth of seven children born to George and Lucy Johnson (née Head). He lived on the family homestead, helping to run the farm until he was about 20 years old, when the mountains and lakes of British Columbia called to him. He moved to Port Alberni, BC, where he worked at the Somass Sawmill as a carrier driver and eventually earned his millwright ticket.

In 1958, Norman met his future wife, Lena (née Ethier), whom he married on January 31, 1959, in Port Alberni, BC. Together, they had four children: Wanda, Darrel, Karen, and Brent.

In the spring of 1974, Norman and his family moved north to Houston, BC, where he worked in the sawmills and later co-owned a sawmill with other family members. They cut various sizes and types of lumber, with railroad ties being the most lucrative product. While the men cut the ties, the kids peeled them for 25 cents apiece.

Over the years, Norman became a skilled carpenter and built many houses for family and friends. He also worked on major construction projects, including the mines at Equity Silver in Houston and Bullmoose and Quintette Mines in Tumbler Ridge, BC.

Norman was an avid fisherman, both in the ocean and on lakes. He loved hauling in giant halibut and salmon, and his family enjoyed many feasts of crab, shrimp, and other seafood he caught. Camping was another of Norman’s passions, and he and Lena spent many happy years “boondocking” in the Arizona deserts with friends and family.

Norman retired at the age of 64 and enjoyed many years pursuing the activities he loved. In 2001, he and Lena fulfilled their dream of traveling across Canada in their motorhome. They especially cherished the atmosphere and friendliness of Newfoundland, stopping in small towns and enjoying lobster dinners in church basements. Over the years, Norman and Lena lived in several places, including Parksville, Qualicum, Nanaimo, Drumheller, and finally Kamloops, BC.

Norman is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lena; his children: Wanda (Rory) of Kamloops, BC, Darrel (Kim) of Prince George, BC, Karen (Brett) of Drumheller, AB, and Brent of Topley, BC; his grandchildren: Tanya of Kamloops, BC, Jason of Osa Village, Costa Rica, Serena, Ashley, and Ryan of Drumheller, AB; and his great-grandson, Jaxton of Richmond, BC. He is also survived by his brother, Ervin (Shirley) of Prince George, BC, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held privately by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norman’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

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

Barb was born on April 25, 1937, in Beaverbank, NS, where she spent a happy childhood. She married the late Russell Snyder in June 1956, and together they built homes in various locations throughout Halifax and Hants County. She graduated as a Personal Care Worker in July 1985. In November 2015, she moved to Kamloops, BC, to be with her son.

In her younger years, Barb worked in factories and retail alongside her sisters. Later, she pursued a career as a Personal Care Worker, serving both in nursing home facilities and private care until her retirement.

Barb is survived by her son John, and daughter-in-law Helen Gamueda. She will be lovingly remembered and cherished by her grandson Nick, her two great-grandchildren, Declan and Reya, her ex-daughter-in-law Cheryl Snyder, her brothers Peter (Chris) and Murray, her sister-in-law Paulette, her nieces and nephews who she dearly loved, and the supportive friends she met while living on the West Coast.

She was predeceased by her husband Russell, her loving partner and best friend of 25 years; her first son Gary; her granddaughter Lyndsey; her parents Lila and John Shore; her siblings Elaine, Doreen, Helen, Carol, Velma, Maryanne, and Ronald; and her dear friend Bill Shay.

Barb enjoyed getting together with her siblings and their families, celebrating Christmas and other holidays. She also enjoyed bingo nights, dancing, baking, and taking immense pride in her home and gardens. Barb’s greatest memories were of her time with Russell: sharing their life journey, building homes, taking family trips, and simply being together.

Cremation will take place on Monday, December 9th, as she wished. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Nova Scotia at a future date.

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

Joseph (Joe) Hank Maurer passed away peacefully in his sleep with his children Marie, Wayne, and David by his side at the age of 100 years, on November 23, 2024, at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, BC. Joe was born on September 8, 1924, in Salzburg, Austria.

Joe married Edna on April 12, 1950. Joe and Edna were happily married right up until Edna passed in 2015. Joe’s two oldest children, Gerry Maurer and Elaine Horning, predeceased him in August 2023.

Joe is survived by 3 of his children and their spouses: Marie (Rod) McCaskill, Wayne Maurer, and David (Andria) Maurer, as well as his 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Joe came from a large family of 3 sisters, 4 brothers, and 1 adopted brother. Joe is predeceased by 3 brothers, his adopted brother, and 2 sisters.

He was born in Salzburg, Austria, and moved to Canada with his mom and family when he was 3 years old. Joe had many jobs through his life, including horse logging, mining, construction, orchard work, and his longest time was spent as a Building Service Worker at Tranquille Tuberculosis Sanatorium and continuing when it transitioned to the Tranquille School until he retired in the ’80s.

Dad lived a very active and fulfilled life and loved hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. Joe spent so much time at Knouff Lake that he joked he should change his address. His 1987 Ford F150 truck and camper could do that trip on its own, it went so many times. He loved to travel—he went to Alaska and the Queen Charlotte Islands and had many trips to Smithers and Ontario to visit his kids and grandchildren.

Joe played crib with his family daily, always in search of the elusive 29 hand right up until he went into the hospital two weeks before he passed. He was never afraid to skunk anyone, and some of his best laughs were when he did.

A special thanks to the staff at Overlander Extended Care and the Royal Inland Hospital. Every nurse or care aide that met Joe said he was their absolute favorite patient and a pleasure to look after. Many even remembered him a year after he left the hospital when he returned and made special trips over to check on him. He was just that kind of man. Special thanks as well to Dr. Craig Montalbetti for his care and compassion.

There are not enough words to describe Joe, but a few would be: loving, caring, supportive, patient, devoted, and wise—and above all, the absolute best father!

Joe is cherished and loved by all who knew him and will never be forgotten.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Kamloops, with Fr. Thomas Arackal as the Celebrant.

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

Wayne “Dusty” Frank Maldidier passed away in 2024. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by those whose lives he touched.In keeping with his wishes, no formal service will be held. Until we meet on the other side—rest in peace.

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