Beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, Friend

The last  day of summer has come and gone and with it has taken our much loved Jane. 

A champion of animals and those less fortunate,  her love was global , was often handwritten in beautiful penmanship and mailed  through the post office. A letter might take days to write, always sent with love. If you were lucky enough to get a letter from Jane be sure to keep it in a special place. She would like that.

The middle child of 3, born in Prince Rupert  to Joyce Marie and Harold Willard Helgerson who met during the battle of Britain, she kept things simple. Love, respect, honour, compassion, understanding were foremost in her life. Jane was all the good in humanity and none of the worst. Jane met Alan in Williams Lake and they raised three children in Saskatchewan then in BC. Both Alan and youngest son John predeceased her and she was left with a sadness she no longer feels as we all know she is in their company. 

A life compounded by circumstance, sometimes cruel, her own travails did not diminish the love of her children she held so dear.  Her service, dedication and even advocacy for others was front and centre. Parallels to her mother are striking. Like her father, Jane had a huge heart and a life long affection for Coca Cola that was never tamed. 

Jennifer leaves son Jay (Thomas, Hannah) and daughter Alison(Allen) to carry forward her love into the future. Everyone could use a mother like this woman. An older sister and younger brother remember the good times, laughter and love that followed her around. We loved her so much we would laugh even when a joke was really not that funny. No less important than family were friends, of which there are many. You know who you are,  all treasured by her as Jane knew that true friendship is so hard to find. 

We thank Nichole Korol, her niece who did whatever she could to help out, Nicholas and Halle, great nephew and niece. Brother in law Ken would call often to check on Jennifer. Allen was always there to help when he could. Daughter Alison was more than just a daughter, they were best friends. Jay spent numerous joyful hours carrying out errands.

To the numerous Doctors and nurses who truly cared for her. God bless, you are angels without wings. Stay safe, we need you all.

Special thank you to Tracey Demers, her respiratory tech in Kamloops. A true professional, kind and caring. An old soul, as was Jane.

Jennifer would ask us all to be kind, especially to the less fortunate and always be good to animals. She would want us to do the right thing, whatever it may be. We all know inside us what that is. We feel her love and spirit all around. We do not say goodbye to such an incredible woman, we say we will catch up down the road, wherever it takes us.

If you wish, please make a donation in Jennifers name for the advocacy of all beasts great and small

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

Gilbert passed away peacefully at RIH on Saturday, September 18, 2021.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Connie (42 years), Children Annette (Don) Bromley, Gilbert Robson Jr., Marnie (Dwight) Sydora, and Brandon (Joyce) Robson. 14  grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Muriel Keller and sister-in-law Marian Hartley, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

Gilbert is predeceased by his daughter Leona Robson and grandson Jeffrey Robson.

Gilbert was born in New Westminster on January 4, 1946.  He worked as a Carman for CN Rail for 35 years. He met and married his wife Connie in 1979.

Gilbert is a member of the Kamloops Paddle wheelers Lions Club and the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 107 Chase).

No service by request.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of your choice in Gilbert’s name.

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mentor, our hero, our rock; Bill Gurney on September 9, 2021. Bill passed away at home surrounded by his loving family after an extremely courageous and lengthy battle with cancer.

Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon, his children: Lisa, Janis (Jay), Steven (Michelle), daughter in law, Denise, his devoted workforce and project helpers consisting of his grandsons: Willis, Jacob, Nathan, Matthew, Adam, and nephews: Cody, Dustin, Ty, as well as numerous other family members and friends who were all important and special to him.

Bill was the oldest of five boys born to W.H. and Olive Gurney. He will be deeply missed by his 3 surviving devoted brothers; Don, Jim and Bruce. Bill was born and raised in Kamloops, B.C. and graduated from the University of British Columbia. He began a teaching career in Kamloops in 1966 and was a positive influence in the lives of many during his 30 year career at NorKam Senior Secondary School. He was also involved for many years with Kamloops Minor Hockey and Youth Soccer at coaching, executive committee and “super fan” levels. He derived much enjoyment as a loyal Kamloops Blazer’s fan.

Bill was an avid historian and genealogist and loved to share his wealth of memories of earlier generations. He had many talents and interests, and accomplished much in his life, but he will be remembered most for his kind and cheerful heart, his compassionate nature, as well as his genuine interest in others.

Our hearts are broken, but we will “muddle on” without him enjoying our lifetime of wonderful memories. We will be forever grateful for his lasting legacy of our family cabin that he built from hand at his beloved North Barriere Lake.

“I saw behind me those who had gone, and before me, those who are to come. I looked back and saw my father, and his father, and all our fathers, and in front, to see my son, and his son, and the sons upon sons beyond.
And their eyes were my eyes.
As I felt, so they had felt, and were to feel, as then, as now, as tomorrow and forever. Then I was not afraid, for I was in a long line that had no beginning, and no end.” -Richard Llewellyn
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It is with great sadness and fond memories that we share the passing of Charles (Chuck) Douglass on Sept.8/21 at the Hillside facility in Kamloops , BC.
Chuck was born on January 9, 1948 in Saint John, NB to Charlie & Alice Douglass. Chuck grew up in the Stanley, Fredericton areas of NB & in Labrador City, Nfld. After high school Chuck moved west via Churchill Falls to work in Edmonton, AB. In the late 60’s he started a 30 year career with CN Rail, in Fox Creek, AB. From there he moved to Vancouver and ultimately to Kamloops. It was here that he met Penny and they married and settled for 45 years. Chuck retired early from CN, at age 50, having moved up to transportation engineering. Chuck was very loyal to CN & enjoyed the many friends he made there, and maintained many of the friendships until his passing. After retiring he moved to working for Brentwood Enterprises  – Hytracker for 12 years as their marketing manager. Chuck loved the challenge of sales and really put his knowledge & expertise from 30 yrs. at CN to valuable use. He thoroughly enjoyed making ‘cold calls’ and making new friends! He again, retired, at age 63.
When Chuck moved out West his dream to find light mountain powder snow for downhill skiing-a sport he had learned in Labrador City & apparently put more time into it than school!? Tod Mountain in Kamloops partially fulfilled this dream. Chuck & Penny bought a cabin at Tod Mtn. in 1978 with good friends the Blair’s, a cabin they kept until 2017. Alpine skiing was a passion of Chucks that fed through many heli skiing and CAT skiing trips as well as countless days at Tod -he had a seasons pass until 2016.
Chuck and Penny had two sons: Andrew and Simon. Much of Chuck’s energy and interest centered around activities initially involving the boys. Skiing was a big family activity and many a night were spent at “the mountain”. Many lasting friendships were made at Tod, often through, sharing a glass or two of Chucks wine.
Both boys were active in ski racing. Chuck was very involved with the Kamloops Alpine Ski club and later the Sun Peaks Racers, as a BC Alpine official & race organizer. Chuck loved the challenge and camaraderie of these events. He was also a long time volunteer with Scouts Canada-he maintained volunteer positions long after the kids had moved on. He loved involvement with many committees including StrataK18, the Kamloops Amateur Winemakers, Kamloops United Church and BC Alpine.
Chuck and Penny and the boys enjoyed many active, outdoors adventures including hiking, biking, backpacking, skiing & cycling along with adventures in the truck and camper. These were often with other families, the Genge’s and Cowden’s in particular.
Chuck generally loved and enjoyed people and also loved family. He took his position of “big brother”, to his three sisters, seriously. He kept close contact with them until he was hospitalized in May. He cherished his Maritime roots and kept close contact with several relatives there and visited frequently.
Parkinson’s  Disease waved it’s cruel wand over Chuck 24 years ago but he was not going to be defined by it! He maintained a high level of activity as long as he could with activities including fishing, golfing, wine making, cycling, gardening, pool, crib and bridge. With supportive friends Bob & Joan Cowden, he & Penny cycled Hwy. 101 from Lund, BC to the Mexican border in 4 two week trips. Many Chuck stories & memories from those trip,s . P.D. did not prevent him from traveling several times to Australia to visit close friends. Read More & Leave Condolences »

It is will deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Douglas Stanley Hammond on August 15, 2021 at the age of 70 years. Doug was born in Zeballos, BC on November 17, 1950. He moved with his family several times in his youth, settling in Kamloops in 1962. He spent the majority of his time with his family – his best friends were his two brothers, with whom he liked to share news of the day and opinions galore! He was particularly close with his older brother Byron and missed him dearly when he left us. Doug is survived by his brother Wayne Hammond (Marianne), and their children Erika Hammond (Blake), Kirsten Hammond, Maggie Suranko (Ben), Emma McLeod (Suka), and Scott McLeod. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Irene Hammond, and his brother Byron Hammond. Doug will also be missed by his aunts, uncles and cousins in the Okanagan Valley.

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