Larry passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 10, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Larry Mazur started his career with the CNR when he was 17 years old, and worked in various locations throughout central Alberta. While stationed in Hanna, Alberta in 1964, he met his wife Donna Erickson and they married in 1965. Their daughter Yvonne was born in Hanna, AB in May of 1966 after which they moved to a position in Mirror, Alberta where their son Dean was born in 1967. Larry and his family moved to Kamloops in 1971 to assume the position of Train Dispatcher for the CNR and retired in Kamloops in April of 1996.

Larry was a member of the Canadian Association of Train Dispatchers, holding positions on the executive for many years, even after his retirement. He was a long-time member of the Kamloops Elks Lodge 44, where he held many chair positions and was also the Exalted Ruler.  He also became involved in the BC Provincial Elks and held many roles including that of Provincial President, after which he also became the Chairmen of the Judicial Committee where he remained active for many years.

Larry loved fishing, photography and spending time with his family, especially his grand kids, who meant the whole world to him.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Donna, children Yvonne (Tracy) Odber of Kamloops, British Columbia, and Dean (Leanne) Mazur of Calgary, Alberta; beloved grandchildren, Sophie Young (Brian Hunko) of Cold Lake, Alberta, Daniel Young of Kamloops, British Columbia, Larissa Mazur (Tysen Joki) of Calgary, Alberta and Sarah Mazur of Calgary; and siblings, Eugene (Irene) Mazur, Sylvia Mazur, Terrence (Donna) Mazur and Diane (Donald) Clisdell and their families. He was predeceased by his parents William and Anastasia “Nellie” Mazur of Edmonton, Alberta.

Prayers will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022 in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of All Saints 1044 8th St, Kamloops. The Funeral Service will take place at 12:00pm on Friday, December 16, 2022 in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of All Saints, with Father Chad Pawlyshyn officiating. Following the service, Larry will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Please consider a memorial donation in Larry’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society. Those wishing to attend virtually may do so at the following links,
Thursday Prayers: https://youtu.be/RXb0btUCKPc  Friday Funeral: https://youtu.be/61lZM0L1-qI

A special thanks to his partner in crime, Al Danielson, who was at Larry’s side nearly every day, as close as a brother (Al, you meant the world to Larry). Also, his caring and helpful neighbours Dave, Val and Missy, all the nurses in the IV therapy unit, especially Nicole, the Doctors and nurses in ER, all the lab nurses, technicians, Dr. Lauder and the palliative care team, Dr. Baker, Laura and Trisha.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

Dianne passed away December 3, 2022 at Royal Inland Hospital. She fought with all her might to recover however it seems our dear Lord wanted her in his arms to give her the rest so greatly deserved.

Dianne was born December 11, 1948 to the late Christopher and Rannveig Midford.

Dianne was the beloved mother to Kevin (Cindy) from Edmonton, AB and Trena (Dean) of Kamloops. She was a cherished Grandmother and Amma to Cameron (Sarah), Kyle, Landen, Wyatt (Harper) and Will (Pete) and great grandma/Amma to Callie, Isla, Luca and Hunter.

She is survived by her dear sister Donna and her husband Bob from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thank you, Aunt Donna, for all you did for mom. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Vernon, who now has his angel and true love back in his arms. Also predeceased by her brother Bill Midford, and her sister Charlene Midford.

Dianne had many struggles in life, being blind was one of them. She never let her disability interfere with achieving any goal she set her mind too. In fact, if she was ever told she wouldn’t or couldn’t do something, she made it her goal to prove that with hard work, determination and heart she could achieve anything she desired. Dianne and Vern moved to Kamloops in 1979 and made this their permanent home. They fell in love with the city and the people in it. They became part of the OLPH church and it was there that Dianne formed a bond with a great group of women from the parish. These friendships remained lifelong and she cherished each one. Some of those friendships are still in place with her dear friends Josie Van Elslander and Marilyn Van Dongen. Please know your friendships were one of our moms’ greatest blessings.

Dianne worked for many years running the kiosk in the Kamloops Law Courts building and here too she formed many friendships. She was also a kind heart that would lend an ear and words of comfort to many people she had never met before who were there for court proceedings. Many people will remember seeing her there working and knitting in between customers. People were amazed at her talented knitting skills and all projects she was able to make without being able to see. Many people were blessed over the years with hand made knitted gifts from Dianne. These gifts were extra special because of the love she put into each of them.

One of Dianne’s happiest places to be was in her backyard sitting in her swing knitting and listening to the birds and smelling all the beautiful flowers Vern would plant, especially for her. This was her paradise. It was always made extra special when she could enjoy this time with her family.

As her challenges in life got harder, she moved into the Kamloops Seniors Village, so she could receive the care that she needed. She always, always, always told her family how wonderful the staff were there and how well they all treated her. She felt like they were part of her family. She enjoyed when they would allow her to be a little mischievous and even egg her on in doing so. She loved a good laugh and a good hug with you all. Our family thanks each and everyone of the staff at Kamloops senior’s village for the exceptional care you gave our mom. A special thank you to Dr. Wynn, for your kind and compassionate care. Dianne adored you and loved to get a hug from you each time she saw you. Brigette, you will forever be the “Thelma” to my mom’s “Louise”.

Our family would also like to thank Doctors, nurses and care-aids from RIH emergency room, PAR, ICU, and 6 South that provided care to our mom in the last week. I wish I could list each of your names individually.

Thank you to Kamloops funeral home for helping us with arrangements.

We will be holding a service and celebration of life in the spring and will notify everyone as the time comes nearer.

In honour of our mom, we ask that you spread love and be kind when the world is not so kind, lend a helping hand and lift others up.

From all your family Mom, we will miss you deeply but we now know you are at peace and free from pain. You no longer have to fight your daily challenges. You can now rest peacefully in the arms of Dad and the Lord.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

APRIL 16, 1949 – NOVEMBER 14, 2022

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Graham Lougher at his home in Kamloops after a heroic fight with blood and bone cancer. He was 73. He was preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind his sisters Julie and Cynthia (Ed) and several cousins in the U.S. and overseas.
He was born in Eureka, California on April 16, 1949 to Tom and Doris Lougher who had emigrated to the U.S. from Wales after WWll to join Tom’s two brothers.  In 1959, when he was ten, the family moved back to Wales.  They made one more move to Canada in 1967 and settled for good in Coquitlam, B.C.
After a few years at different jobs he joined the Coquitlam Fire Department in September 1973 and retired after 31 years in April 2004.  There he found his other family; and the friendships he made there, as well as those built through other pursuits and endeavours through the years, sustained him until the end.  Many of those friends, especially in Kamloops helped him and kept an eye on him during his last struggles.

He loved hunting, fishing and building things, keeping busy.  He had numerous second jobs or projects over his career as a firefighter, the biggest of which was his cabin at Adams Lake.   He bought it in 1995 and spent every spare minute he could fixing it up.  Quite rundown when he bought it, he spent many hours of hard work over the next 27 years rebuilding it.  “He turned a sow’s ear into a silk purse” his neighbour Rick said, “pouring tons of concrete that he mixed and troweled himself, ” and over the years building relationships with his “Adam’s Lake family”.  Graham was known to have every tool, nut, bolt, power tool and whatever gadget one might need. He was the “rent-all of the Bay”. If you needed it he had it and if he didn’t he would do his best to help with a solution. He was always very generous with his time, always ready to sit on the deck, have a beer and chat.  “He was part of the Adam’s Lake experience.”
Graham loved his cabin, it was where he was happiest, his favourite place on earth.  He would have lived there year-round if he could.  He would mark the days he spent there on a calendar, every day counted.  He would sit on his deck looking over the Bay, just thinking of new ideas and projects to keep his mind and body moving.
Our heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Cancer Clinic and Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.

A Memorial Service will be held sometime in the New Year.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Graham’s name to the B.C. Cancer Foundation or the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in Kamloops or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

Delbert Wayne Boettger, 89, of Kamloops, BC passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, after a 4-year battle with cancer. He was born in Didsbury, Alberta on July 2l, 1932 to his parents Gladys and Harry Boettger, and was one of seven children growing up on the farm.

Del joined the RCAF on February 8th 1954 and transferred to Montreal, Quebec where he met the love of his life Frances Boettger (nee Walsh). After the birth of their second child Delbert was transferred to France where he and his family lived during the Cold War. Their third child was born in France and after 4 years they returned to Canada residing in Calgary, Alberta for a year.

Del was transferred again to Toronto, Ontario where they lived for 10 years and where their last child was born. In 1974 Del accepted a transfer to Kamloops, BC and in 1976 he retired from the military. He drove the city bus for 2 decades until he retired in 1996.

Del loved people and never missed an opportunity to socialize, whether with family or friends, neighbours or someone walking down the road near his home. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved his family and would help them whenever he had the opportunity. He was a generous soul who would help a stranger if in need.

His interests include spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, golfing and puttering in the back yard and garden. Del had a love of food and enjoyed a good meal with friends and family.

For many years Del was very active and physically fit and was often mistaken for a much younger man than his age.

Del’s family and friends will miss him dearly and know that life will not be the same without him,

but are incredibly grateful to have had so many years with him.

Special thanks to the Trinity Hospice in his final days. They were truly a blessing. Additionally, we would like to thank all family and friends who stopped to visit dad in the hospital. Even in his last days he was happy to have people around him.

Del’s memory will be treasured by his wife Frances, daughter Anne-Marie (Mike) Letts of Kamloops, sons Bob (Cathy) Boettger of Williams Lake and John (Lesley) Boettger of Kamloops, grandchildren Jeff (Ellen) Boettger of Sundre AB, Ryan and Colin (Alysha) Hofstede of Kamloops, Thomas Boettger of Slave Lake AB, Kevin and Michael Boettger of Kamloops, great grandchildren Haylee Boettger, Hudsen Hofstede and Summer Hofstede. He was predeceased by son Jim Boettger, parents Harry and Gladys Boettger, sisters Betty (Clarence) Kolcun and Dolores Care, brothers Glen (Georgina) Boettger and Laverne (Myrna) Boettger and nephew Gordon Kolcun.

Prayers will be recited at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 635 Tranquille Road. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am On Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Father Rajesh Madtha OCD, Celebrant.

Memorial donations may be made in Del’s name to the Alzheimer’s Society or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

Maree was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend during her incredible 89 years of life. She passed away peacefully on November 12^th, 2022 in Kamloops surrounded by an abundance of love.

Maree will be lovingly remembered by her children Elaine (Peter), Tom (Peggy), Keray (Marianne), Steven (Barb) and Moray. Also, her grandchildren Cody (Jacquie) Phillips, Amy Phillips, Petra (Mark) Hoosein, Michael (Helen) Boronowski, Brian (Jessy) leVann, Michael Benoit (Angie), Stephanie Benoit, Lachlan Benoit, Devon (John) Graham, Jason (Leah) Benoit, Jarrod (Satricia) Benoit, Hannah (Nick) Benoit, Sophie (Ste-V) Benoit. Maree also has 19 great- grandchildren. Maree is survived by her brother Seymour (Aino) and sister Nancy (Walter). Maree was predeceased by her loving husband of 69 years, Leo, who passed away in 2020, her sister June, and siblings Myrtle, Coulter, Donald, Gail and David.

Maree was born in Etzikom Alberta into a very poor farming family. Eventually, due to her mother’s ill health and poverty inflicted on the farmers during the Depression, the authorities separated the family. At five years of age, Maree and her next oldest sister were placed in an orphanage and her other five siblings, placed in foster homes. It was not long after that Maree was adopted into the Bromham family from Edmonton, where she spent her childhood years. She was popular, a strong student and athlete thanks to the love and kindness from her adopted family. In 1985, after 47 years Maree was reunited with her biological family. Maree spent many years thereafter reacquainting herself with her new-found siblings that she had missed so dearly. She carried a lot of emotions from her early years but found a way to share her experiences through writing. Her story has been published in the Chicken Soup for the Canadian Soul and will remain one of her family’s most prized possessions for generations to come.

In her late teens, Maree’s adopted family moved from Edmonton to Victoria, and this is where she met Leo.  She was working as a practical nurse; Leo was in the Navy and it was love at first sight. In honoring the memory of Maree, one cannot overlook the importance her relationship with Leo played in her life. From the sweetness of their first dates in Victoria, they shared love, laughter and tears through a long and full life together.

After raising five dynamic and energetic children and getting them started on their own paths, Maree began to expand her own world by completing a diploma in Early Childhood Education. This diploma would come to provide a career through which Maree was to influence many young lives. Even into her final years, she regularly met students she had trained and children and families from her daycares. She always remembered their names and joyfully recalled stories of their experiences together. Maree shone in many facets of her private and public life including the years spent serving as a member and leader with the Williams Lake Lionesses.

Maree and Leo shared an adventuresome spirit and enjoyed travelling the world to visit their children and living in many BC communities. Their most cherished place was their home overlooking McLeese Lake. This was the home where her growing family gathered, grandchildren explored and formed fond memories of gardening, camping, fishing, crafts and cooking. Maree and Leo eventually settled down in Kamloops to be close to family. There was little time that passed when they were not surrounded by two to three generations of their family.  Maree and Leo’s greatest pride was their large and loving family.

There will be a gathering of the family and friends in June 2023 to celebrate the life and memory of both Leo and Maree.

The family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to the staff of The Hamlets at Westsyde “for their compassionate care of Maree.”

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577