GORDON DRINKWATER 1922 — 2025

GORDON DRINKWATER

Gordon was born September 25, 1922 in Kamloops to Jack & Elsie Drinkwater and peacefully departed this world on September 14, 2025, just shy of his 103rd birthday.

He is survived by his brother Ron, sister Eileen, his five children; Greg (Judy), Rick (Peggy), Dave (Bonnie), Patti (Mark) and Susan. He was blessed with many amazing grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Gord was predeceased by his wife Pat in 2014 and his brother Doug in 2018.

Dad was a passionate drummer and always had sticks and a practice pad close at hand. On the weekends his kids would help him get ready to go play dances. We ironed hankies, shined shoes and carried his drums to the car. Prior to the war years he played in the RMR Military Band, Kamloops Legion, Junior and Senior Symphonies. He also played dances with the Blue Bird Orchestra under Victor Arduini and played many years with the Kamloops Big Band, Kamloops Jazz band and numerous other musical groups.

On July 8,1940 he joined the permanent World War II army as a bandsman. In 1943 he spent eight brutal months in the Aleutian Islands on the Kiska Campaign. In 1944 he went overseas with the Irish Fusiliers band and ultimately ended up in the Canadian Army Band Pool in Aldershot, UK and was posted to several bands in Holland and Belgium from 1944 – 1945. He returned to Canada
in 1946.

In 1949 he met the love of his life and in 1950 they were married. Over the next 10 years they had five children. With skiing in the winter and a cabin at Shuswap in the summer, life was busy. Dad loved to sail and as with the innumerable cars he had over the decades, the same went for sailboats.

Dad was an appraiser for the BC Land Registry and; retired in 1980 after 33.5 years. Life stayed busy with world travel, skiing until the age of 82, fishing and spending time with his family whom he loved deeply. Dad was a man of great integrity and we will be missed by many.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the management and staff of Berwick On The Park for their constant care and support. Also, thank you to Interior Health and Nurse Next Door for their help which in turn made Dad’s life easier.

 

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

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LUCIANO “LUCH” DOLFO 1951 — 2025

LUCIANO “LUCH” DOLFO

May 18, 1951 – August 27, 2025

Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Luch Dolfo (Nono) passed away on August 27, 2025, at the age of 74 years.

Luch will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Kim; son, Don (Nicole); grandchildren, Abby and Noah; siblings, Renato (Charlene) Dolfo (Warner, BC), Lydia (Gary) Schiffo (Sparwood, BC); sister-in-law, Karen Young (Hinton, BC); and numerous other family members and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Guiseppe and Elisa Dolfo, and his brother, Sergio.

Luch spent his entire career at Lornex/HVC mine before retiring in 2011. Luch was a remarkably compassionate, devoted man who cherished his family deeply and was consistently available to offer support and love. His expertise was vast and unparalleled — he was always willing to share his knowledge with others.

Following retirement, Luch and Kim spent the next 14 years wintering in Palm Desert. Luch quickly settled into the warm winters, enjoying baseball, golf, and pickleball with his brother, Renato.
The Dolfo boys were famous for their dynamic bond, never having a dull moment together. He made numerous cherished friends who remember his outgoing personality.

He spent his summers in Kamloops playing pickleball at the Kamloops Pickleball Club — one of his most favorite things to do. He formed many lasting bonds with fellow members — his sharp wit and humour will be remembered.

Spending time with his family was his greatest pleasure. He took immense pride in his son, Don, and his most treasured moments were those spent engaging in conversations or working on projects together.

His grandchildren were the center of his universe. He adored them unconditionally and wanted nothing more than to make unforgettable moments with them every chance he could.

Luch, Dad, Nono — we will miss you so much and love you to the moon and back.

Luch’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to B.C. Organ Transplant, Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Yosheida and Dr. Scudamore for giving them six more precious years with him; Dr. Farrell for always being there. Thank you to the numerous angels who provided care for him at Kamloops Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Kamloops Hospice House.
No funeral service by request.

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

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KATHLEEN ANNE “GAY” ROBINSON 1941 — 2025

KATHLEEN ANNE “GAY” ROBINSON

It is with deep sadness that the family of Kathleen Anne “Gay” Robinson announce her passing on September 1, 2025, at the age of 83 years—just one day before her 84th birthday.

Gay was born on September 2, 1941, in Pincher Creek, Alberta, where she enjoyed a happy childhood. After graduating from high school, she moved to Calgary, where she met her future husband, Glenn Robinson. They were married on May 16, 1964, and later moved to Kamloops
in the spring of 1968 to be closer to Glenn’s family and to raise their daughters, Karen and Cheryl. Gay worked at B.C. Hydro for 26 years before retiring in 1999.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Cheryl Stanley (Shaun Clark); her grandchildren, Kasia Kostiuk, Tegan Kostiuk, Madison Hildebrand (Adam), and Jake Stanley (Kyra); and her great-granddaughter, Hunter. She will also be deeply missed by her siblings
Shirley (George) Mowat, Jim (Eileen) Scott, B.J. (Bette Jean) Scott, and Tom (Bonnie) Scott, as well as by many nieces and nephews. Gay was predeceased by her beloved husband, Glenn, in 2007 and by her cherished daughter, Karen Kostiuk, in 2013.

In May 2015, Gay suffered a massive stroke and had been in extended care ever since.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff and caregivers at Overlander Long-Term Care (where she spent her first year) and Kamloops Seniors Village (where she lived for the past nine years). Your kindness, compassion, and devotion brought
comfort not only to Gay but to all of us. You truly are angels.

Special thanks are also extended to her dear friends, Mary Bentley and Brenda Thompson,
whose visits and outings brightened Gay’s days. Your support over the past decade has been
invaluable, and Cheryl is especially grateful for the love and companionship you shared.
A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Kamloops Hospice Association.

Mom, you were an inspiration to everyone whose life you touched with grace and generosity. The joy and laughter you brought us will never fade. One day we will be together again as a family, as it was meant to be. Though we miss you deeply, we find peace knowing you are reunited with Dad and Karen. Thank you for being such an extraordinary Mom and the best Grandma. We are so grateful that you were able to meet your great-granddaughter, Hunter, who brought you such joy. We will love you always, carry you in our hearts forever, and look forward to the day we meet again.

With love always,
Cheryl, your devoted daughter

 

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

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HEINZ WALTER KRATZ 1936 — 2025

HEINZ WALTER KRATZ

June 19, 1936 – August 14, 2025

Heinz Walter Kratz passed away peacefully in Kamloops on August 14, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Chemnitz, Germany (then called Karl-Marx-Stadt), he escaped East Germany as a child with his mother and siblings, settling in Bad Homburg.

A carpenter by trade, Heinz immigrated to Canada in 1958 through a government program encouraging skilled European tradespeople. He first made his home in Saskatoon before moving to Kamloops, where he raised his family and built his career.

Heinz is survived by his children CJ (Peter), Helen (Craig), Walter, and Krista, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. He was deeply loved by his family and took great joy in spending time with them and providing chocolate.

He will be greatly missed.

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

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SHIRLEY ANN GASPARIN 1961 — 2025

SHIRLEY ANN GASPARIN

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Gasparin, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, on August 24, 2025, at the age of 63.

Born and raised in Kamloops, BC, Shirley had a love for the outdoors that was unmatched. She found joy in hiking the trails, spending time with her beloved dog Aiken, and collecting rocks and stones on her adventures. Her passion for travel took her to new places around the world, where she delighted in experiencing the beauty and wonder each destination had to offer.

Shirley will be remembered most for her wonderful sense of humor, her adventurous spirit, and the love she shared so generously with her family and friends. Her laughter and light will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her son Brian and his wife Ashlee, along with their son Beckham; her daughter Brandon and her granddaughter Ashlynn. Shirley’s memory will also be cherished by extended family and friends whose lives she touched deeply.

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

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