ELIZABETH LOUISE LAROSE (NÉE KEITH) 1924 — 2024

ELIZABETH LOUISE LAROSE (NÉE KEITH)

It is with love and fond memories that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Louise Larose, who left us on October 15, 2024, at the age of 100. Elizabeth was born in London, England, on April 16, 1924. In 1945, she came to Canada from England to join her husband, Kenneth Keith, settling in Edmonton, Alberta, where they raised five children: Kenneth “John” Keith, Gary Keith, Gwen Burgar, Lorne Keith, and Darryl Keith.

In 1973, Elizabeth moved to Kamloops, BC, where she became known for her dedication to volunteer work, her love of crafts, and her passion for dancing. In 1982, she married Peter Larose, with whom she enjoyed traveling, dancing, and spending time with family and friends until his passing in 2004. Elizabeth continued to dance up until her 100th birthday, with her partner of nine years, Robert Irvine, embracing life with enthusiasm and grace.

Elizabeth is lovingly remembered by her children, John (Peggy) Keith, Gwen (Cary) Burgar, and Lorne (Pam) Keith; her grandchildren, Micheal Keith, Cory Keith, Shelly Pedersen, David Maertz, Kerry Burgar, Jesse Keith, Jordan Keith, Michelle Hannah, Trish Martian, and Alex Campbell; her 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Peter Larose; her sons, Gary Keith and Darryl Keith; and her sisters, Joan Patterson and Freda Calhoun.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 6, at Hillside Cemetery in Kamloops, BC, where Elizabeth will be interred and laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Peter. Her family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating a remarkable life well-lived.

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

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WALLY (WALTER) MAYER 1928 — 2024

WALLY (WALTER) MAYER

Wally was born on June 28, 1928, in Borodino, Bessarabia (then part of Russia, now Ukraine). At just two years old, he could not grasp the courage and determination his parents, Dan and Olga, displayed in leaving their families and post-revolution Russia. Together with his older siblings, Art and Irma, they sought a better life in Alberta, Canada.

The family’s early years were challenging as they moved between small Alberta towns, working hard for modest means. With no support programs for new Canadians at the time, families, neighbors, and communities relied on one another for assistance. During the war years, all able Canadians were expected to contribute to the workforce. Wally completed the ninth grade, and when his parents and younger siblings—Paul and Frieda—left the Hanna area, he followed them to Chilliwack.

Wally embraced hard work and explored many careers. After less than two years at Buckerfields, he transitioned to construction as an apprentice with Atkins Bros, earning 60 cents per hour—nearly 50% of the carpenter wage of $1.25 he’d set his sights on. Following a layoff a year later, he left the Fraser Valley for Vancouver, where his brother Paul and Irma’s husband, Vic Henry, helped him find opportunities. He soon added “trimmer at a Port Moody planing mill” to his resume.

During this time, he found a new reason to visit his parents on weekends—Clara Kautz. They married on June 28, 1952, just a day before his 24th birthday.

The couple settled in Vancouver, where Clara worked, and three years later, Wally shifted from the mill to a career in real estate.

Motivated to reclaim his weekends, Wally joined Norval Industries, a window manufacturing company, not anticipating that his career would last 19 years. When the company purchased a woodworking shop in Kamloops, he applied, and in 1967, the couple relocated to Thompson Country. Within two years, he became the manager, making Kamloops their home.

Wally and Clara shared a strong bond and embraced hard work together. With just a handful of skilled tradespeople, they built the houses they lived in—two in Westsyde and one in Dallas.

They were beloved surrogates to many nieces and nephews and were popular visitors during family trips to the Coast.

In 1997, Wally and Clara transitioned from their Westsyde home to condominium living at Cottonwood Manor. Wally served for many years on the Board of Directors, where his helpful nature shone through. He offered maintenance repairs at no cost, accepting only small tokens to offset the cost of materials. He used the shared workshop to build items for neighbors and generously donated the proceeds to the North Shore Community Centre.

The couple cherished countless camping and fishing trips in their motorhome throughout Canada and Washington State. They often ventured far from home, enjoying regional casinos or traveling to and from Reno, Nevada.

A memorable six-week adventure to Alaska and a journey to the Maritimes made Wally “proud to be Canadian.” Closer to home, their visit to the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haida Gwaii) was equally inspiring.

Clara’s health declined, and she passed away on March 2, 2015, after 63 years of marriage. Though Wally missed his beloved partner dearly, he continued to live at Cottonwood Manor, remaining active and finding purpose in helping others. On nice days, he enjoyed visiting the local casino. Wally lived independently until the end, recently making Overlander Extended Care his final home.

Wally was the man we all aspire to be. He worked hard, served others, and was grateful for his country and community. His warm smile, optimistic outlook, and hearty laugh reflected his generous spirit. He required little for himself but appreciated good humor, country music, and a fine glass of wine.

Wally leaves behind his brother Paul Mayer; sisters Anne Ford and Frieda Corradini (Elmar); brother-in-law Ed (Lynne); Clara’s nieces Coleen and Shelley; along with 20 nieces and nephews from the Mayer family descent, and dozens of great and great-great-nieces and nephews. He joins those who preceded him: parents Olga and Daniel Mayer, wife Clara, brother Art, and sister Irma.

He will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature.

Rest easy now.
We love you and will miss you.

The Mayer & Kautz families.

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

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JOHN YORK 1955 — 2024

JOHN YORK

In loving memory of John York, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, who passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 69. John leaves behind a legacy of compassion, knowledge, and friendship that will be cherished by all who knew him.

John was a devoted husband to Chone, a brother to Mike (Pauline), Julia (Richard), and Susan. He was a loving father to Tyla (Mike), Justin, and Jennifer. He was also a proud grandfather to Ashley, Dylan, Madisen, Nikki, and Noah, and a great-grandfather to Kaisha, Gage, and Izaura.

John is now reunited in eternal peace with his parents, Barbara and Les, his brother Peter, and his daughter Joanne. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at Kamloops Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

For those unable to attend the service in person, we invite you to join us online via livestream:
https://www.ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47
PIN: 1993

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

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KURT OWEN SCHADLICH 1944 — 2024

KURT OWEN SCHADLICH

Kurt Owen Schadlich, born to Kurt W. and Dora E. Schadlich on February 29, 1944, in Ashmont, Alberta, died on October 15, 2024, while in residence at Ponderosa Lodge, Kamloops, BC.

The family settled in Salmon Arm in 1956. Kurt grew up in the Sunnybrae area and enjoyed spending time camping, hunting, and fishing with his sons.

He is survived by his wife Darlene of 56 years, sons Clinton (Dawna) and Colin (Rachel), and six grandchildren: Dayton, Dayne, Drew, Rylie, Toryin, and Faith, as well as his sister Judy (Ken) Bothe. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Elsa Bailey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his home, 857 McConnell Cres, Kamloops, BC V2B 7Y4, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

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

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BEVERLEY LYNN BARRETT 1951 — 2024

BEVERLEY LYNN BARRETT

Devoted wife to Frank,  loving mother to Melanie and Jamie,  adoring grandmother to Kai, and close friend to many.  We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Beverley Lynn Barrett.

Born August 20th, 1951, in Hucknall, Nottingham, England, to Alfred and Margaret Foster, Bev grew up with her seven brothers and sisters, John, Paul, Mavis, Joy, Sharon, Diane and Noelle.

Bev and Frank met one evening at a disco (all the rage then) at Eastwood Miners Welfare. Bev, having just returned from France where she had worked as an au pair for a French couple that spoke only French. Bev soon became quite fluent in French which was her aim in the first place. She was dressed in the French style and the difference in style caused Frank to notice and zone in on her…..the rest is history. A marriage and two children followed in quick succession.

In 1976, Bev and Frank decided it was time for a huge adventure and emigrated to Alberta, sight unseen.  Bev was quickly unimpressed with the freezing cold climate and trailer park they arrived at, especially when noting the trailers were chained down the ground on all four corners. Found out the reason the following day that the trailer park was nicknamed Tornado flats by the locals. After a short stay in Grande Cache that Bev never wanted to talk about, plans were made to move further west to the warmer and sunnier climes of B.C.   While driving thru Kamloops and seeing the city lights on the hills, she decided this was the next home for the family.

Frank and Bev quickly made many friends in Kamloops, and Melanie and Jamie’s childhood was spent with happy memories traveling to the Okanagan in the summers for soccer tournaments, and spending time with family friends. The Brooks’ and Maduik’s were huge parts of their lives and became extended family.  The Barrett’s loved to entertain friends, and the home was a happy one with many gatherings at every holiday. Bev’s career took a few turns, first working in retail, then moving onto the Attorney General’s office, followed by the Restorative Justice Program at the RCMP.

Bev was a vibrant woman, who loved fashion, redecorating her house repeatedly (thanks to Frank’s handyman skills, her wish was his command!), gardening, gossip about the Royal Family, mussels and Rose wine from France.  In her retirement, Nice, France was her happy place, and she and Frank spent many winters there, creating special memories with Melanie, Jamie, Tara and Akuffo and Kai.  Bev also became an avid Zumba participant, sometimes showing off her skills after a glass of wine at family gatherings.

Bev will be dearly missed.

Please join the family to remember Bev at the Celebration of her life at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 20, 2024 in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. Reception to follow. For those unable to attend, the Service will be available via online link at: https://www.ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47  The PIN to view is: 1993

Flowers gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so, may make a memorial donation in Bev’s name https://www.rihfoundation.ca/donate-now-memorial/

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

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