George James Corke, 79, of Kamloops, BC, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

George was born in Kamloops on January 17, 1946, to George and Mary Corke. He had a long history of living and working with many friends in the Monte Lake and Kamloops areas. His carpentry career spanned decades and involved many significant projects in Kamloops, such as the Coliseum, Aberdeen Mall, and Nicola Towers. He later worked for the school board until retirement, enjoying his time in the shop. His handiwork extended into his personal life, resulting in many beautiful woodwork projects that he most often gifted.

Known for his quick humour and Irish charm, he always had a joke or one-liner at the ready; his blue eyes would widen mischievously, followed by a hearty chuckle. George also had a huge heart and was always quick to lend a hand to anyone in need.

His love extended to many, but the shining stars in his life were his grandchildren and great-grandchild. Classic cars, including his own 1972 convertible Mercedes, and car clubs and swap meets also drew his fond interest. He loved company, forever welcoming neighbours, friends, and family to his pool.

He also enjoyed travelling with his wife to places such as Hawaii and Mexico. Most notable, however, was their second desert home in Yuma, Arizona, where they were snowbirds for several years and nurtured many great friendships, some from Kamloops. There, he would ride his bike, wander around swap meets, chat and laugh with friends, and at day’s end, retreat to his special spot on the deck; a siesta, he said, was always well-earned. In his later life, meeting friends in town for coffee was something he cherished.

George was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Edith Babcock and Margaret Portelance; and his brother, David Corke. George is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Sharon Corke; his siblings, Donald (Shelley, deceased) Corke, Kathleen (Kerry) Bloom, Susan (Chris) Garner; his children George (Tanya) Corke, Murray (Nicole) Corke, and Marcy (Gerry) Corke; his stepchildren, Darren (Diane) Hall and Laurie Hall; and grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

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

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Timothy Sheldon Porter, who went to sleep just shy of his 65th birthday.

He was predeceased by his parents, Sheldon and Margery Porter; his life partner, Twyla Clifford; and his sister, Debbie Babcock.

Tim is survived by his children: Amanda Cawley (Kevin), Heather Dyer (Carson), Robin Pryde (Matt), Kristopher Pryde, and Robert Pryde (Jena). He is also survived by his sisters: Carol Schultie (Leigh), Sandra Enns (Rob), and Kim Porter (Moe); as well as many nieces, nephews, and 12 beloved grandchildren.

Tim was full of knowledge, which he loved to share, and had a passion for collecting things that “might be worth something one day,” like Kinder toys. He loved Chinese food, burritos, and baking with his grandchildren. He was often seen taking Luna, his beloved dog, for walks around Logan Lake and spoiled her as if she were one of his children. He also had a love for old cars, often saying, “They don’t make them like that anymore.”

In the last years of his life, Tim made many changes as he turned to Jehovah God for guidance and looked forward to the resurrection of his life partner, Twyla. Now, we look to the day when they will both be resurrected, along with all our loved ones (Acts 24:15).

While he will be deeply missed, he will never be forgotten.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 28th at 2pm at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 270 Leigh rd.

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

On March 2, 2025, Nettie peacefully went to be with Jesus, surrounded by her husband, George, her daughter, Chris, and her son-in-law, Dean.

Nettie is survived by her husband of 66 years, George; her two daughters, Chris (Dean) Redekop and Karren (Rocky) Chupa; her six grandchildren, Josh (Christa) Redekop, Chelsey (Jesse) Raine, Alex (Alan) Blais, Arryn (Hector) Nuila, Marshal Chupa and Hope Brown; and twelve great-grandchildren, Zeke, Zoey & Zaya Redekop, Summer Raine, Owen & Aria Blais, David, Jonathan, Benjamin & Levi Nuila, and Judah & Avani Brown.

Nettie was born in Altona, Manitoba on June 26, 1939.  She married George Duerksen on August 17, 1958 and they had two children, Chris and Karren.  In 1969 they moved to Abbotsford, BC and later to Kamloops, BC in 1974.

Nettie’s faith in Jesus was at the core of who she was.  She accepted Jesus as her Saviour as a teenager and grew in her relationship with the Lord over the years.  She loved music, especially the hymns and Gospel music and sang in choirs, trios, quartets and octets.  A self-taught pianist, she spent hours playing hymns, her hymnal always open on the music stand.

Nettie was a woman of prayer who loved her family deeply and knew the value of creating a home where everyone felt welcomed and loved. While her family rejoices in knowing she is with the Lord, they will miss her deeply.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, March 28 at 11:00am at the Kamloops Alliance Church, 200 Leigh Road, Kamloops, BC.

Special thanks to Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home for their care and love during Nettie’s final days, as well as Kamloops Funeral Home and Cremation Services for their help and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kamloops Hospice Association (Marjorie Willoughby Hospice) in Nettie’s name.

Condolences may be sent directly to George’s email:  gnd33@telus.net.

Gemma Therese Vidal (née Girard) of Kamloops, BC, passed away peacefully at Royal Inland Hospital on March 4, 2025, at the age of 90.

Gemma was born on September 24, 1934, in Edmonton, Alberta, to Wilford and Sadie Girard. She was predeceased by her husband, Cyrille, on September 19, 2017, as well as her parents.

She leaves to mourn her loss her sons, Leslie (Sheila) and David (Jody); granddaughter Jessica (Mike) Boucher; grandson Andrew (Cynthia) Vidal; great-grandchildren Remi, Luc, Billy, and Annabelle Boucher; and step-great -grandchildren, Jordan, Amiah and Rylee Brick; sister, Elizabeth (Dave) Antonchuk; sisters-in-law, Chathrina Girard and Bertine Lefebvre, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Gemma and Cyrille were married on February 27, 1954, and later adopted their two sons, Leslie and David. Some of Gemma’s fondest memories were of coaching minor hockey in Hinton for six years. She was also an avid camper and fisherwoman who loved sewing, knitting, oil painting, and crafting.

A Memorial Service will be Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11am in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 635 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gemma’s name may be made to the BC Lung Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

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

Louise “Lois” Margaret Collins (née Schumacker), 85, passed surrounded by her loved ones on February 20th, 2025, at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, British Columbia.

She was born in High River, Alberta on March 3rd, 1939, to Johnnie and Sarah Schumacker. As a child she often would perform odd ends like curling older women’s hair to earn enough money to attend the show halls to watch films.

At the age of 16, she married Iven Collins in the catholic church, and later together were blessed with four children: Lawna, (Iven) Kim, Rose, and Jacqueline. She spent the majority of her life very busy as a homemaker, but was windowed May 1997 with the passing of her husband, Iven. Later in October of the same year, she lost her youngest daughter, Jacqueline.

For all those who knew her she had a deep passion for gardening, and her backyard was a beautiful oasis she welcomed everyone into where she would grow many different types of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. She also loved fashion, and was often sporting elegant and boutique trends and loved to get all dolled up for special occasions especially to go dancing. Surprising to most, she also was excellent at tai chi and was incredibly strong for her small stature. She adored all animals, especially her current fur baby, Misty. She often frequented village of Chase Legion, and was a member for over 25 years. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh as well as her generosity and kindness and always loved having her whole family gather together in her home for Christmas and Thanksgiving.

She is survived by her long time partner, Lawerence Lamb, and his family; her siblings, Donna and Gene; her children, Lawna, (Iven) Kim and Marlene, and Rose; her grandchildren, Tyler, Cody, Amanda, Jennie, Sarah, Maria, and John; and two great grand daughters, Nora and Keeyanna. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Jack and Delena; her son in law, Lakis; and two children she lost, Shane, and a baby girl.

A grave side service is scheduled for the spring when the flowers begin to bloom as Lois would’ve wanted it. She will be buried in Chase, B.C, reunited and laid to rest with her daughter, Jacqueline. Instead of a somber gathering, she wanted to be celebrated by her loved ones with a fabulous party that included dancing.

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