It is with heavy hearts that the family of Leslie Van Dyke announce her passing. She was born in Vancouver, BC on April 2, 1955 to parents Roy and Beverly Langham and passed away September 17, 2023 in Kamloops, BC.  She moved around a lot as a child, but her fondest memories were those of living in Ocean Falls, BC. Her family moved to Kamloops when she was a teenager, here, she settled and lived the remainder of her life. At Norkam Secondary, she met Gary Van Dyke and they married in 1975. She had 2 children and enjoyed every minute spent raising her family.

She leaves to cherish her memories, Daughter, Stefanie (Rob), and Son, Scott (Erica) along with beloved grandchildren Brianna and Nathan Howell.  She also leaves a Sister, Tracey Abramson, her treasured cats Misty and Betsy, and close friends.

Leslie is predeceased by her Husband, Parents, and many adored cats and dogs that she dreamed of reuniting with when she left this earth.

Leslie was passionate about her love for all animals. Before her health declined, she spent her days doting on her cats, grand-dogs and grand-cats and delighted in watching the deer in the yard. She always had a cat on her lap while watching favourite shows such as The Walking Dead, MASH, and SpongeBob SquarePants. When not snuggling animals, Leslie enjoyed coffee/tea dates with friends, and shopping for treasured trinkets and knick-knacks. She especially loved every minute spent with her kids and grandkids. Leslie had a generous and loving heart, and always saw the good in everyone. Her humour was one of a kind, and her positive outlook always made a bad day better.

The family would like to thank Dr. Howie and the staff at Gemstone Care Centre for their care and compassion in the final year of Mom’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Leslie’s name to an animal rescue or charity of your choosing.

Honouring Leslie’s wishes, there will be no formal service.

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

Our Dad, Hector Matheson Embree passed away September, 18, 2023 at Kamloops Seniors Village.

Dad was 96 years old, born November 11th, 1926 in Sydney,  Nova Scotia, the third of six children. Dad left home at an early age and joined the Air Force. Throughout dad’s travels and postings, one of them took him to Comox, BC. That is where he met mom, Maryanne and met the Truth. Dad and mom were married March 28th, 1959. Dad made his choice to serve God the same spring and often spoke with thankfulness that mom changed his life with showing him the Truth.

In 1969, Dad got employment at Vancouver International Airport where he worked until his retirement, in 1990. Dad thoroughly enjoyed his job and frequently told us he loved going to work. In 1994 mom and dad moved from Ladner, on the west coast, up to Salmon Arm and enjoyed just over 26 years there.

Due to age and declining health, dad and mom graciously accepted the move to assisted living in Kamloops, February, 2021. It has been a beautiful privilege to witness in dad the last 2 years a softening child like humility, to accept the changes age brings and the plans he has not made.

Dad was predeceased by his wife Maryanne in August, 2023 and grandson Dalton in 1997. He is survived by his Daughter Janet and Bill, Son Kenton, Shirley, Daughter Laura and Ken, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the special friends in Kamloops who took time to fill dad’s days with visits and drives. They would also like to thank the staff at Kamloops seniors village who lovingly cared for dad.

There will be a Funeral Service, Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:00am in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. For those who cannot attend, you may join virtually at this link: https://ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47 Please email: kfhome@shawbiz.ca or call us at 250-554-2577 for the PIN.

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

Marie Thompson, 96, went to be with the Lord on July 30, 2023. She passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Marie lived a life of unwavering faith and spent many years involved with her church community.  Her light shone so brightly. She was warm, quick witted, spunky and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She always found an opportunity to share a good laugh.

Born July 6, 1927 in Portland Oregon, Marie spent the majority of her life in Penticton and then Kaleden where she ran her own hair salon and worked full time while raising her children.

She spent her final years in Kamloops where she was well cared for at Berwick and then Pinegrove.

Marie was predeceased by her siblings and her husbands, Harold Foreman, Harvey Murfitt, and Ruben Thompson as well as her son Mark Foreman (Kathy) in January 2023.

She is survived by her children Donna Foreman (Peter), Brad Foreman (Deb) and step children Sharon Edwards (Bill), Gregg Thompson (Judy) and Linda Neilson (Jamie) Grandchildren: Theresa, Stacie, Colleen, Chrystal, Jen, Colin, Ryan, Michael, Sydney as well as many step grandchildren.

Great-Grandchildren: Tiago, Tavo, Mason, Owen, Lucy, Isla, Cassie, Dakota, Hayley, Payton, Lita, Briar and Great-Great-Grandson Zion.

Marie’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Pinegrove care team for all the love and care she received over the last 5 years..

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

Brenton James Worden “Uncle Buck” – our beloved brother, uncle and friend passed away in his sleep on September 8, 2023. Brent was born in St John, New Brunswick on May 30, 1963 where he resided for the first six years of his life. Brent as a young boy loved spending time riding his bike, swimming and playing baseball. The family moved to Sorrento in 1969 and then settled in Chase BC. Brent worked for CP rail for over 34 years where he made lifelong friendships. In his later years he enjoyed time with his friends, gardening and video games. He was an avid reader and enjoyed documentaries and old time TV shows. He loved children and his little sidekick Winston. Brent was so witty and funny; he could always put a smile on your face with his “Brent humor” – no matter how inappropriate it was.

Brent’s son Bryce passed away five years ago, his life and health were never quite the same after losing him. Even through his times of illness, his love for his family and friends always shone through. Brent is survived by brother Gary Melvin (wife Lynn, daughter Jennifer, son Christopher), brother Wayne Melvin (wife Diem, daughters Mackenzie, Rachel and Hannah), sister Heidi Markland (husband Graham, daughters Mandy (Cali), Ashley and Lindsey), sister Krista Pittendreigh (husband Fred, sons Curtis and Darren) and his CP Rail family and friends.

Rest in peace brother dear, Bryce and Winston are waiting at the pearly gates for you.

“Love you long time”

There will be a Celebration of Life held at The Coast Hotel in Kamloops, October 21 at 2:00pm.

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

Brenda Finch, age 49, of Kamloops, BC, left us on September 8, 2023, just one day shy of her 50^th birthday. She passed away at the hospital in Kamloops after being visited by many friends and while surrounded by family.

Brenda was born in Oshawa, Ontario, to Arthur Kirk and Susan Kirk “née Neate”. While two years old, the family moved out west to Calgary, Alberta, planted roots and was home for the next twenty plus years.

Shortly after graduating high school she attended SAIT and completed the two-year Business Administration Diploma program, then obtained her Fundraising Certificate from Mount Royal College (now MRU). Later in life, she earned a Master’s Degree (MBA) from Royal Roads University.

Brenda met Rob Finch in Calgary and together they moved to Salmon Arm, BC, where they married and shortly after, their son Matthew was born. The family moved to Kamloops, BC, and they were blessed with their daughter Cecilia.

After several years in Kamloops, the family returned to Calgary. Brenda and Rob became foster parents and shared their love with many children who came through their home. When their children were in high school, Brenda and Rob found great job opportunities in Kamloops and were ready to move back to BC. A few years later, Brenda and Rob separated but remained close until the end. Brenda went on to build a special community of housemates in her home and valued the good times they all had together.

Brenda’s work history was varied but it always involved taking care of people or animals. In Calgary, her first job was at Calaway Park looking after the petting zoo. (To this day she still could not eat lamb.) She also worked at Smitty’s where she loved serving the seniors and chatting with them. Brenda had a successful career working for public sector and non-profit organizations such as the University of Calgary, Finch & Co., Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, Boys & Girls Club (now BGC), Safe Haven, then in facility management with BGIS and CBRE. The one thing that was common with all these jobs was that she cared about taking care of her clients and making connections.

She is survived by her parents Arthur and Susan Kirk, her children Matthew and Cecilia (Jackson), their father Rob Finch with his parents and family, her sister Angela Pinette (Wayne) and her nephews Ryan (Selena) and Andy, as well as her sister Heather Kirk (Rick) and her niece Sarah and her nephew Joseph, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in Ontario, England, and Dubai.

She was predeceased by her grandparents James and Isabella Kirk, and John and Mary Neate, as well as her aunt Rosemary Neate.

Brenda frequently reminded herself and others that “when one door closes, another will open”. During the last day she was with us, she said she “was going through her last door”. We love you Brenda. May you find peace and happiness in your new journey.

A private celebration of life will happen at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity which speaks to your heart.

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