Born July 7, 1954 Victoria, BC – Died February 11, 2023 Kamloops, BC

The family of Lyle Andrew Shepard sadly regret to announce his passing on February 11, 2023, at the age of 68 years, surrounded by loved ones. Lyle, our dearly beloved brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, passed away after a very brief but courageous battle with ALS.

Lyle is survived by his sisters, Coleen (William) Bostock and Karen Bell, sister-in-law Ruth Shepard, nieces and nephews Mikaela Shepard, Corey Shepard, Brendon Shepard, Shauna Young, Patty Bell, Chris (Diana) Bostock, Clayton Bostock, and Matt (Coranna) Bostock. He was also great-uncle to Cooper Bostock, Daisy Bostock, and Weston Bostock.

Lyle was predeceased by his father and mother, Edgar and Dorothy Shepard, and his brother Gary Shepard.

Lyle was the most generous, considerate, loving son, brother and uncle anyone could ever wish for. He wouldn’t hesitate to drop everything to help a friend or family member. As a sibling, he was always ready to lend a hand, or even just an ear, when it was needed. He took a genuine interest in his nieces and nephews and was everyone’s “favourite uncle”. Lyle was a kind-hearted man, a music lover, a dreamer with a restless spirit, and such an amazing drummer.

Since his passing, we have been told so many times that he was, without a doubt, the best drummer in Kamloops. He lived for music, from the time he picked up a cornet at 8 years old, and then his first set of drumsticks as a young teen. He never looked back after acquiring his first set of drums. He played in England, the US, and Canada. His first serious gig was with the Great Canadian River Race in Naramata, starting when he was only 15 years old. Over the years he played with well-known bands like Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Jerry Doucette band, many other groups in the Vancouver area, as well as numerous Kamloops bands like Paisley Groove, of which he was a founding member. He also played with locals such as Henry Small, The Intruders, and The Promise, to name a few. Lyle had so many friends, especially within the music scene. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Ridgeview Lodge, Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Kelowna General Hospital for their kindness and care during Lyle’s brief illness.

Private service by request. Cremation arrangements in care of Kamloops Funeral Home. Donations to ALS Society of BC, in Lyle’s name, if desired, would be greatly appreciated.

ALS Society of British Columbia, 12228-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC V6V 2X7.

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

On 11 February 2023, freeman of the city, Clifford Gordon Branchflower passed away at the age of 91 with his family surrounding him.

Cliff was born January 29, 1932 in a small cottage hospital in Simpson, Saskatchewan. He was the youngest of nine children of Norman and Mary (Hunter) Branchflower, eight of which lived to maturity.

The area at the time was in the throes of the Great Depression and in the heart of the prairie “dust bowl.” In 1935, after being unable to harvest a crop for seven years, Cliff’s parents moved the family to Wainwright, Alberta, where they lived until 1943, and Cliff attended school in Wainwright. In that year the family relocated to the Ardrossan area east of Edmonton. After completing Grade 9 in a one-room school two miles from the family farm, Cliff attended Fort Saskatchewan High School, achieving Junior Matriculation in two years.

After working for the summer of 1949 as a lifeguard/steam room attendant at Miette Hot Springs near Jasper, Cliff became an apprentice at a weekly newspaper in Edson, moving the next year to Yellowknife NWT.  In 1950, he joined the Canadian Army and undertook training at Camp Borden, Ont., as an Officer Cadet. After coming to a mutual belief with Cliff that he was “unlikely to become an efficient officer,” the army released him, and he began work at a weekly paper in Streetsville Ont., a community later swallowed up by Mississauga.

After two years in Streetsville, Cliff returned to Edson, Alberta, where he met the love of his life, Ruth Smillie. The couple were married October 23, 1955, and spent several months in Kitimat. In 1956, they came to Kamloops, where Cliff spent the next 31 years in the composing room of the Kamloops Sentinel, which went out of business in 1987, and Ruth taught school for a few years before taking up a career as a music teacher out of their home.

Cliff began a career in public life when, in 1961, he became a trustee on the board of what was then School District 24. After 15 non-consecutive years as a trustee, five as board chairman, in 1980, he was elected to Kamloops City Council as an Alderman, serving eleven years in that capacity. In 1991, he was elected Mayor in a by-election following the death of Mayor Kenna Cartwright. He was re-elected Mayor in 1993 and 1996. After retiring from City Hall, Cliff and Ruth served an 18-month mission in Thailand for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after which the couple became full-time grandparents to their nine grandchildren.

After Ruth’s death in 2021, Cliff spent his time visiting with his family and caring for his pet cat, Lucky.

Cliff will be remembered by his family as a man of integrity that was dedicated to serving his fellow men and women both publicly and privately. Never one to seek the limelight, he rendered assistance to those in need without wanting any credit for his good deeds. He was crystal clear in his devotion to the love of his life, Ruth, and since her passing has been eagerly awaiting their reunion in heaven. We take comfort in knowing that they are together again, and knowing that we will see them again as well.

Cliff is survived by his daughter Alison (Rick) Steffler and their two sons, Ty and Cole of Kamloops, by his son Wally (Shaunna) of Kamloops, their daughter Melissa of Lethbridge; daughter Kelsey (Brock) Olsen of Kamloops; son Ben (Brooke) of Saratoga Springs, Utah; daughter Riley of Lethbridge; daughter Denae (Tyler) Platts of Rexburg, Idaho; daughter Kara (Preston) Nicholas of Provo, Utah and daughter Hayley of Rexburg, Idaho. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Olivia and David Branchflower of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and Isaac and Makenna Olsen of Kamloops.  He is also survived by an older sister Cora, who will turn 101 in a few weeks.

Service will be held Saturday February 18, 11:00 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2165 Parkcrest Avenue.

Messages for the family can be left at the Kamloops Funeral Home website https://kamloopsfuneralhome.com/online-tributes/

August 6, 1929 – February 4, 2023

Brendan was born in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland and immigrated to Canada in 1953. He worked as an accountant in the insurance business. He spent 21 years in Montreal where he met his future wife Barbara, whom he wed in 1958.In 1974, he and his company moved to Toronto where he worked until his retirement in 1989. Brendan and Barbara moved to BC in 1990, settling in Williams Lake, Chase and finally, Kamloops.

Brendan will be forever remembered by his wife Barbara of 65 years of marriage, son Thomas (Jay), son Sean (Tracy), son Patrick (Sachia), and daughter Cheryl (Steve), seven grandson, three granddaughters and four great granddaughters. He was predeceased by his son Kevin, parents Thomas and Eleanor Hussey, seven brothers and seven sisters.

Viewing will take place at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2023 in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. The Funeral Mass will be recited at 11:00 am on Friday, February 17, 2023 in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 635 Tranquille Road. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery, 750 Notre Dame.

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

On Tuesday, February 7, Mary Lorine Lillico (nee McDougall), passed away peacefully in her sleep with her daughter by her side. She was eighty-five years old. Born to Elizabeth Bengert and Oliver McDougall on May 15, 1937, in Kelowna, BC. Mary had a long career working in healthcare. She is survived by her daughter Judy, and sons Gery (aka Ceic), Jim (Susan) and Donald, six grandchildren Jamie, Jenna, Joshua, Nikki, Megan & Lane, nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Oliver, Her husband Melvin Lillico, her sisters Barbara, Dorothy, Anita and her brothers Allen, Ben and Mac. Mary and Mel were known to be a fun-loving couple, making happy memories & exploring new places over the years, with their close friends Don and Noni Porrier. Mary was best known for her beautiful voice, quick-witted humor, fierce determination, and loving spirit. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for her loved ones.  Mary devoted her life to her family, camping, fishing & travelling.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Gemstone Care Centre for all their support. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to Myositis Canada  DONATE | myositiscanada .

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

June 5, 1982 – February 1, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Christopher Edward McCrea.  Christopher moved to Lac la Hache when he was 9 years old and graduated from Peter Skene Ogden secondary school.  He worked in Kelowna installing industrial kitchens before moving to Kamloops to attend Tru. Christopher then took a job in camp at fort Mac before moving back to 100 Mile House.  Christopher had two sons Aeon and Zaidin and he enjoyed making special birthday cakes for them as nothing was too difficult when it came to giving them special birthdays.  He also enjoyed teaching his boys how to get a hummingbird to land on their fingers.  He took great pride in any of his projects and loved working with his hands. Christopher is survived by his sons Aeon and Zaidin his mother and father Jeanette and Larry, sisters Stephanie (Derek), Kimberly (Josh), Laurilee  (Jim), brother Steven, aunty Irene, his neices and nephews Ardryn, Hayden, Parker, Corb, Dallas, Ashley and Tony.

Until we meet again love you.

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577