Recent Obituaries and Guest Books

Joan passed away peacefully in Prince George on May 19th 2013. Predeceased her by son Russell Peter Young in 2008 and survived by her husband Jerzy, son Robert Paul Young, daughter Angela Young, siblings Silvia Hitchmough and Leslie Burrows, grandchildren Colin, Kevin, and Justin, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Joan was born in Liverpool England and immigrated to Calgary in 1957. She worked for many years with the Provincial Government and the Victoria General Hospital. Joan will always be remembered laughing and enjoying her garden. We will forever cherish our mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great -grandmother, artist and friend. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer's Society would be greatly appreciated.

James Davidson (Dave) Bowman September 9, 1920 - May 19, 2013 Surrounded by his children, Dave went peacefully to be with his beloved wife, Bess. He brought music to PG for 60 years with his fiddle, and later his bagpipes, and volunteered countless hours to church and community. Dave's band Canadian Capers was famed for old-time dances, but his greatest joy was playing for seniors, hospitals, etc. Survived by children Heather Soldan (Allan), Beth Bressette (Don Redden), Jamie, and Dave (Cheryl), 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be at 2 pm, May 24, at Knox United Church. In lieu of flowers, Dave asked donations go to Knox United Church or PG Rotary Hospice.

JOHN BRAITHWAITE January 9, 1933 May 19, 2013 The family of John Braithwaite regretfully announce his death in the early hours of May 19th. John passed away peacefully with family by his side after a brief illness. John was predeceased by his parents John and Sarah Braithwaite; three sisters: Margaret Brain, Mary Harrison, Ann Nelson; brother-in-law Ernie Harrison; nephews: John Harrison, Victor Brain, and Gordon Brain. John is survived by his nieces: Margie Ciccone, Barbara Harrison, (Jerry), Judy Harrison, and Gina Nelson; nieces-in-law Jeannine Brain & Paulette Brain & nephew Len Nelson. John is also survived by great nephews & nieces, cousins in England and many life-long friends, in particular his dear supportive friends Rod & Lucy Weber and family of Fraser Lake. A celebration of John's life will be held in the Anglican Church in Fraser Lake on Saturday, June 1st 2013 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers please make any donations in memory of John to the St John's Hospital in Vanderhoof.

CHARLIE, Mary , 68, of Fort Ware (Kwadacha), passed away on May 20, 2013, at UHNBC in Prince George, B.C. Mary was born at Fox Lake on Dec. 15, 1944, to parents Francis and Amelia (McCook) Charlie. She is pre-deceased by both parents and several siblings. Surviving family includes her brother Felix Charlie, daughter Ruby Lynn Boya, nieces Verna, Jackie, Tina, Myrna; nephews Merle, Glen, Aaron, Kevin; and numerous extended family. Mary, our wonderful aunt, mother, grandmother, friend, we will always honor and remember you. You taught us Tsek'ene respect, values, and traditions. Forever in our hearts. Prayer service and viewing will be from 3:00 - 4:00 on Thursday, May 23, at Assman's Funeral Chapel. Services and interment will be held in Fort Ware on Saturday, May 25, at 1:00 p.m.

In Loving Memory of Jose Cabral De Melo Sept. 30, 1930 - May 19, 2013 Jose went to be with the Lord on May 19, 2013 at the Prince George Rotary Hospice House. Jose was born in Azores, Portugal and came to Canada in 1966. Jose was a very hard worker and an avid gardener. He worked at Skeena Forrest Sawmill (Terrace), Alcan (Kitimat), and North Central Plywood (Prince George). Jose is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Maria Leonor; sons; Al (Shelley), Nuno (Tina) daughters; Christine (Dionisis) Connie (Jeff), and grandchildren; Dallas (Chelsea), Dezera, Caleb, Lucas, Nathan, Isaiah, Sequoia, and great grandson Kale. Viewing and Prayers will be held at St. Mary's (1088 Gillett, Prince George, BC), on Thursday, May 23, 2013 for 7pm. A funeral service (under the direction of Lakewood Funeral Home) will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church (1088 Gillett, Prince George, BC) for 10 am on Friday, May 24, 2013. Thank-you to all the doctors; Dr. G. Wankling, Dr. C. Hennessy, Dr. M. Khalid, Dr. H. Stefanison and all the team, nurses and staff in ICU and IMU at U.H.N.B.C. A special thank-you to Dr. Key, all the nurses, care aids and volunteers at the Prince George Rotary Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prince George Rotary Hospice House.

Dave Hawes , 68 of Nanaimo, BC died of mesothelioma on April 10th, 2013. Dave is survived by his wife Jan, sons Greg (Cindy), Scot (Tara), Devin (Michele) and grandchildren Arielle, Selina, Shayla, Spencer and Angie.

Elizabeth Holmes Our mother passed away at the age 79. Elizabeth is survived by her children Martin Holmes, David Holmes (Karen), Lillian LeQuesne, Rod Andrews (Barb), Grandchildren and great Grandchildren. The first half of our mothers life was very difficult. Her introduction to work was at the age of 15 when her parents took her out of school to work in domestic servitude. Elizabeth worked her whole life up until March of this year when she became ill. It wasn't until 1974 that her life started to change for the better when she came to the Phoenix Transition House as a client. Elizabeth was hired by the Phoenix House and became the home co-ordinator, working for 39 years in many different capacities. At anytime she could be counselor, nurse, teacher, nutritionist, mother, grandmother and friend. Elizabeth gave her own time to attend events in the community, spoke publicly and sat in malls, colleges and at university answering questions on behalf of the Phoenix Society. In 2003 Elizabeth was honoured with the "Hazel White Award of Courage" which recognizes women whom are achievers in the community despite having to overcome adversity. In 2007 Elizabeth received an honour from the Phoenix Transition Society for her passion, dedication, and hard work ending violence against women and children. After her retirement she continued to work part time. Everyone at the Phoenix House looked forward to her Sunday dinners that were always made with love and all the "fixings". Thank you to Sharon, Karen and Suzanne. Special mention to Dr. Denise McLeod for being there for our mother, also the dignity, respect and care provided by everyone at UH of NBC. No service by request of our mother. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Phoenix Transition Society of P.G.

ISAAC - Mandy Joan passed away in Prince George on Saturday, May 18th, 2013 at the age of 35 years. She will be remembered by her sisters and their families. A viewing will be held on Friday, May 24th, 2013 at 7:00 pm from Assman's Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 25th, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Assman's Funeral Chapel. Interment Prince George Memorial Park Cemetery.

Helen Kotsch April 5, 1948 ~ May 20, 2013 Helen passed away on May 20, 2013 after a long and brave battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Helmar, children, Charlene (Randy), Kevin (Melinda) and her grandchildren, Darion, Aryana and Decklen who were the loves of her life. She is also survived by her siblings; Rosella, Bill (Gail), Joe, Brenda (Rick) as well as many other relatives and friends. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated. At Helen's request there will be no service.

LAGASSE: Marlene Doreen, passed away on May 15th, 2013 at the age of 68. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Leon, sister Ida, sister-in-law Diane (Willard) Strachan, sister-in-law Jeanette (Richard) Brophy, brother-in-law Mike Werstiuk, and numerous nieces and nephews. Marlene was predeceased by her parents Alfred and Anna Mehle, in-laws Victor and Grace Lagasse, sister-in-law Laura Werstiuk. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, in Marlene's memory would be greatly appreciated. A celebration of Marlene's life will take place at a later date.