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

Olga Johanna McDonald
September 30, 1932 – August 26, 2023

How can someone summarize such an amazing woman? Olga McDonald wore many hats in her life, as well as survived many hardships, but still ended up the most loving, kind, and patient person one could have the honor of knowing. And as it is with us all, her story is one of hope for a better tomorrow, always. And it is that hope that she leaves behind with us as she left this world.

Olga is predeceased by her loving husband Angus and beautiful son Rory. She is survived by her children Aleta (David) of Kamloops, Walter (Cindy) of Vernon, Grandson Spencer McDonald Clark of Kamloops, Brother Eybie (Caroline) of West Virginia, Niece Jane (Brian) of West Virginia, Granddaughter Michelle (Quinton) of Prince George, Chrysta (Dean) Vernon, and Grandson Joel of Kamloops.

She came from South Africa, was raised in an orphanage shortly after the untimely and sudden passing of her father. Whilst in the orphanage she suffered all manner of abuse, and had to endure the death of her youngest brother. But she never gave up hope that life would get better, and it did. She eventually left the orphanage and lived with her mother again, but her mother wasn’t easy to be around. This tested her continually every day, but she always looked forward to the day she could be her own woman, and that day came.

She met her husband, Angus- who, when first meeting her said he was looking forward to going to lunch with his future wife, she told him she would go with him, but she’d pay for herself. Not long after they were married, she looked forward to the moment she became a mother, and she did. She had three beautiful children, Aleta, Walter, and Rory. She was a tough mother, a habit she learned from hers, but over time she softened.

Eventually her family was forced to leave South Africa, when they touched ground in Canada, she hoped that life would get better, and it did. Her children grew and learned, and had experiences of their own and she looked forward to the day they became their own people, and they did.

Her daughter had her grandson, and it was love at first sight for both of them. He loved his grandma, and she loved him more than words could express. Her husband, Angus, suffered a heart attack that took his life, she hoped that with time his untimely death that his passing would get easier, and it did, over time. Later on, her daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she spent many nights telling her young grandson that she will survive and this too shall pass, and it did. She watched as her grandson grow and develop a beautiful relationship with her daughter in the process. Her oldest son grew to be self assured forging his way through life, and she was proud of him.

As a small family, times could be challenging, and they were. However, through all the hardships and struggles, saying that “this too will pass. And it did, meanwhile keeping us all grounded.

Then the news of her youngest son Rory was murdered suddenly, just 2.5 years ago. It broke her heart and she cried often, but she held out hope that one day she’d heal from the shock and pain, though it weakened her considerably, she adjusted to it, all the while believing that the situation would become livable. And it did.  She spoke of hoping that when the day came, for her to leave us and go wherever it is we go when we die, that she would see her son and husband again. And this is where her story ends, we don’t know if she did, but following in her footsteps, we hope.

A special thank you to the nursing staff on GT7 floor for keeping mom comfortable during her short stay in the hospital.

Hope is her legacy, and it lives on in us.

A private family gathering will be held.

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