It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to an incredible man—husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many—who passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

“Downtown” Don Tomm grew up in Barrhead, Alberta, on the family farm with his two brothers, Henry (Joyce) and Dave (Gerda); his sister, Doreen (Wayne); and his parents, Fred and Erna Tomm. He later moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where he met the love of his life, Elaine. They married when Don was 22 years old and spent the next 64½ years side by side.

Don and Elaine moved to Kamloops in 1970 to set down roots and raise their family: daughter Leanne (Andre—Tyson and Keira) and son Colin (Nicole—Lachlan and Bryn). They were a true team in life, enjoying time with family and friends while also working as business partners. Together, they opened Saveco Stores in downtown Kamloops, which later became Saveco Furniture. Don cherished his staff and built lasting friendships with many customers and salespeople over the years. A true “jack of all trades,” he had an incredible eye for detail and could build or fix anything with ease, finding joy in carpentry and woodworking almost as much as he loved the art of a sale.

An avid outdoorsman, Don enjoyed fishing, dirt biking, snowmobiling, racing stock cars, and playing softball with his Saveco beer league team. Above all, Don found his greatest joy in the friendships he developed throughout his life. He loved socializing and playing the guitar and accordion at gatherings, always quick with a joke or witty remark that brought smiles to everyone around him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hills of Peace Lutheran Church on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. All family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances—old and new—are welcome to join us. As per his wishes, Don will be cremated, and his ashes will be interred at Hillside Cemetery in Kamloops, BC.

Special thanks to all the amazing staff on Floor 8, Gaglardi Tower at Royal Inland Hospital, and the incredible angels at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice for their exceptional care of Dad (and us) during his last days, as well as to all of the doctors involved in his care over the last few years. Your dedication and compassion will never be forgotten.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84513810628?pwd=aasRm7xbfDgztJoQzwwPBYUR4dctlp.1

Memorial donations in Don’s name may be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice at 72 Whiteshield Crescent S., Kamloops, BC, V2E 2S9, or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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

In Loving Memory of Joyce Klara Wyse
September 8th, 1962 – January 8th, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Klara Wyse (Née Skalski)

Joyce left us for the “Pearly Gates” of Heaven on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at the age of 62.

Born On September 8th, 1962, in Kamloops BC, Joyce was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jadwiga Skalski.

She was a devoted wife to her loving husband, Lawrence Wyse (Larry), for 27 wonderful years of marriage. Together, Joyce and Larry built a life filled with love and laughter. They provided unconditional love and unwavering support for not only each other but their two children Jonathon (Jon) and Zachary (Zack)

Jon and Zack were the light of Joyce’s world. She was so very proud of them and was constantly a source of advice and support for the both of them.

Known for her charismatic and witty personality, Joyce was always willing to lend a helping hand or shoulder to lean on. Joyce was strong willed and determined. Her stubbornness was part of what made her such a powerful force for good in the lives of those around her.

Joyce held her Roman Catholic faith at the forefront of her moral compass. She found strength in prayer and would turn to Almighty God in times of both joy and hardship.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Larry, her sons Jon (Jessica) and Zack, her brothers John and Jerry, and her sister Patricia. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Jadwiga.

A Prayer Vigil will be held on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 at 8:00pm in the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

A Roman Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 24th, 2025 at 11:30am in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, followed by interment at Hillside Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Joyce’s life at a reception held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church Hall immediately following the service at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Joyce will forever be remembered for her deep love for her family, her strong Roman Catholic faith, and her steadfast kindness.
May she rest in the Everlasting Peace of Almighty God.

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

In Loving Memory of Dorothy (Dolly) Osaduik
September 20, 1936 – January 6, 2025 

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our sweet little Mom, Dolly, at 88 years of age. She left us peacefully in the early hours of January 6, 2025, to be with our dad, her loving husband, Tom, and all our loved ones gone before her in heaven. 

Mom was born in Timmins, Ontario, the third child to Nick and Joyce Pochay. She was such a sweet little thing she was like a doll, which earned her the nickname “Dolly,” for her entire life. She had an older sister, Pat, and brother, Barry, and when Mom was two years old, younger brother Danny came along. 

Her dad was an electrician for the mines, which brought them from Ontario to Wells, and then Remac (Reeves McDonald mine). It was in Remac where Mom and Dad met. It was love at first sight, and on November 2, 1953, they were married. 

They left briefly for Dad’s hometown of Estevan, SK, where Julie was born, but soon returned to Remac for work. Their family grew with the births of Bonnie and Lisa. Mom and Dad made lifelong friends in the mining community. One of Mom’s friends, Anne MacKave, remains in touch to this day. The community was close-knit, with young married couples supporting each other. Life was simple but fulfilling. 

Mom kept a tidy, clean house, ensured we had neat clothes, and carefully planned meals. Every two weeks, when Dad was paid, they’d drive to Trail for groceries. Sometimes we got to attend a matinee while they shopped. Mom was incredibly skilled at budgeting, stretching every dollar, and saving enough for summer holidays to visit family in Kamloops or Saskatchewan, and in 1962, Mom and Dad even attended the Seattle World’s Fair and, in later years, a memorable trip to the Hawaiian Islands. 

In 1966, the family moved to Salmo until 1974 when they relocated to Kamloops briefly then to Powell River for a new job. By 1977, they settled back in Kamloops, where Dad worked at Highland Valley Copper, and Mom worked in retail at Saveco and The Bay, Mom and Dad loved their Friday night casino outings and bus tours. Bingo nights with her sister Pat were another favorite activity. She loved music and was an enthusiastic dancer. She couldn’t let you sit still when a good tune was playing. She loved fishing, knitting, crocheting, a good barbeque steak, occasional rum and Coke, and every once in a while, she’d puff and blow on a cigarette out on the deck. Mom had spunk and you didn’t have to wonder what was on her mind, because she was quite happy to tell you.  

Losing Dad in 2011, after 57 years of marriage, was devastating for Mom. Though she had the support of her family and her sister Pat, the loneliness was difficult. Over time, the loss planted the seeds of dementia. Despite these challenges, Mom continued to find joy in her family and traditions. In 2017, she went on an Alaskan cruise with her lifelong friend Anne. 

By 2019, signs of Alzheimer’s made it hard for Mom to live alone. She moved into assisted living at Chartwell, where she enjoyed her new apartment, activities, and meals. However, when COVID-19 restrictions began in 2020, her condition advanced, like it did for many others. The isolation was confusing and difficult for her. After a fall in April 2020, her daughter Bonnie took her home to care for her for five months. They had a wonderful time together, but safety concerns arose when Mom began wandering at night. In October 2020, she moved to Ridgeview Lodge, which became her home until her passing. She left us quietly in the early hours Jan 6 with her beloved Bonnie by her side. The family deeply appreciates the kind and loving caregivers there, especially Liberty, who shared a special bond with Mom and granddaughter Sierra’s weekly music therapy visits.

Mom is predeceased by her loving husband, Tom (May 30, 2011); her brother Danny Pochay Jan. 6, 2021 and her treasured only grandson, Colton Reeb (September 22, 2024). She is survived by her daughters Julie Kutschker, Lisa Osaduik, and Bonnie Gladu (Rick); her sister Patricia Johnston; her brother Barry Pochay (Jesse); her grandchildren Sierra Gladu, Kristen Melnyk, Hayley Lane, Angela Sisco, and Melissa Peitzsche; and many great-grandchildren. 

We find comfort in imagining Mom’s joy at reuniting with Dad, Colton, her parents, and her brother Danny, who passed on the same day, 4 years earlier.  

We want to thank Lawrence, Amanda, and all the wonderful people at Kamloops Funeral Home for providing compassionate and comfortable care for our family during this difficult time. Their kindness has meant so much to us. 

Dolly’s love, warmth, and traditions will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. 

Please join us to honor Dolly on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 11:30am at Kamloops Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. A viewing will be held previous to the service from 10:30 -11:15am. 

in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association. 

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

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Darell Vincent Peter McFayden on January 1, 2025, at the age of 89 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Karen McFayden, and his two daughters, Lani McFayden (Jack Roberge) and Laurette (Tim) Boose. Also, his three grandsons, Chris Boose (Jeremy), Stephen Michaud (Mike), Andy Boose (Amy), and great-grandson, Darell Boose.

He was predeceased by his father, Hector “Jack” MacFadyen; mother, Florence McFayden; sister, Marilyn McFayden; brothers, Dannie McFayden and Nicky McFayden; and sister, Patricia Stefanik.

Darell was born in Leslieville, Alberta, on August 11, 1935. Eventually, Darell and his family moved to British Columbia and resided in Kamloops. He met Karen Desjardin while they were both quite young. Darell was 15 years old when he met her, and Karen was 12. They started dating a couple of years later, fell in love, and were married on April 5, 1958. They moved to Savona, and after having their first daughter, Lani, they moved back to Kamloops. Three years later, they welcomed their second daughter, Laurette.

During Darell’s life, he worked as a logger alongside his brother Dannie, then at the sawmill in Savona. Later, he became a driver for Van Kam, worked at the BA gas station, and became a heavy-duty mechanic at Boose Truck and Diesel. He also worked as a heavy-duty field tech for John Deere and as a welder in another shop. During this time, he started his own business, Blue River Truck and Diesel, which opened in 1972 in Blue River. The business later moved to the Turbo in Merritt, then to the Kamloops Mohawk gas station’s service bays, and eventually to a small shop on 12th Street in North Kamloops. His next adventure was as a driver for Yellow Cab for eight years, a job he enjoyed for the opportunity to meet people. After that, he decided it was time to retire.

Darell loved to travel, often going on adventures with his wife, Karen, to visit relatives in Washington and other cities in British Columbia and Alberta. They traveled with their grandsons to air cadet and pipe band events, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Darell also loved attending BMX races to watch his grandson Andy compete. He enjoyed woodworking projects with his grandsons and building items for Karen. Darell was always there for his family when it came to fixing cars or solving auto problems. One of the highlights of his life was the birth of his great-grandson, who was named “Darell.” They affectionately called each other “Big Darell” and “Lil Darell,” and Little Darell loved calling him “Grandee.”

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Ridgeview Lodge for their support and for being a part of Darell’s life. Oh, how he loved to tease the workers there every chance he got.

As requested, there will be no funeral service for Darell.

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