WE WISH TO REMEMBER THE LEGACY EACH OF OUR MEMBERS LEAVES WITH US

CAMPBELL , Rita CAMPBELL: Rita.
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Rita on May 6, 2026. Rita was born on August 31st, 1944, in Westlock, Alberta. Rita was the 4th of 8 children to Camille and Clara Charest.


She grew up in Morinville, Alberta with her family until her last two years of schooling where she attended Gravelberg Convent. Upon graduation she moved to B.C. to join her family, where she met Ron, whom she married in June 1965.

Rita and Ron were active members of the Kelowna Yacht Club, and they spent weekends on their boat 'The Ronchee'. This is where they spent much time with family and friends, nieces and nephews enjoying seasonal events and celebrating life's milestones.

Rita was an avid golfer; she would be up at daybreak to ensure she would not miss her tee time with her sister and friends.

Rita had a passion for working in the banking industry (if there was a penny missing, she would find it!). She was a devoted employee and spent her entire career working for CIBC where she built lifelong friendships, she retired in 2001.

Rita and Ron never had children of their own, however they loved their nieces and nephews & grandnieces and grandnephews as their own. They spent much of her free time teaching them how to golf and sharing their love of boating. Rita loved to travel and was fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling including yearly trips to Mazatlán with Ron, until he passed away in 2011. Rita showed strength and courage as she worked through her grief and eventually resumed her travels with good friends and family.

Rita found her solace in St. Charles Garnier Church; she did several Mission cruises with the Vincentian Priests Father Bob and Father Dick Gielow.

She took pride in her volunteer work with St. Vincent De Paul Society. She loved her coffee duties and companionship after mass.

Rest in the arms of Jesus.
GRAF ALARIC, Beverlee (nee Beauchamp) Beverly Alaric

November 11, 1937 - April 18, 2026


Beverlee Graf Alaric (née Beauchamp), born November 11, 1937, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Beverlee was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Chloe Beauchamp; her husbands, Robert Henry, John Graf, and Murray Alaric; and her children, Courtenay Henry and Leianne Henry.

She is survived by her sons, Dwayne Henry (Gayle) and Timothy Henry (Martha), her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Beverlee is also lovingly remembered by the extended Henry, Graf, and Alaric families who were all deeply important to her. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family was truly the spark in her life.

Beverlee lived a life marked by both deep loss and profound love. Through it all, she kept her faith and remained remarkably strong, resilient, and full of grace. She had a unique ability to find joy in life’s journey, embracing each chapter with strength and optimism. Now, she is at peace, reunited with the family she loved so dearly.

Beverlee was born in Toronto in 1937 and grew up in Montreal, Quebec. She later met her first husband, Bob, in Manitoba, where they began a life filled with love that was blessed with their four children. From that first love, she developed a deep and lasting appreciation for family, strengthened by the close bonds she shared with the Henry family. She later met her second husband, John, in Saskatchewan, where she experienced a time of deep joy, faith, and companionship. Together they travelled, shared many meaningful experiences, and built a life grounded in love and spirituality. In Kelowna, Beverlee met her soulmate, Murray, their relationship brought her great love, companionship, and happiness. Together they shared many years filled with laughter and joy. Across each chapter of her life, Beverlee carried forward the love she found in each stage.

Beverlee lived with deep faith, strength, and grace, guided by kindness, love, and an unwavering devotion to those she cared for. She had a natural elegance about her—a true fashionista who took pride in presenting herself with class, style, and a sense of confidence that reflected who she was. She was also naturally curious and forward-thinking, often ahead of her time, embracing new ideas and technology with enthusiasm and a willingness to keep learning throughout her life. Beverlee had a gift for finding joy in everyday moments and sharing that joy with others. Her favourite saying, “Live, Love, Laugh,” was more than words—it was the way she chose to live, a reflection of the positivity, resilience, and love she brought into the world. She carried herself with confidence, compassion, and strength, and her presence was one that people were naturally drawn to. She will be deeply missed, but the love, laughter, and memories she shared will remain with all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on FRIDAY, May 1, 2026, at 4:00 pm (PDT), at Gallagher's Canyon Auditorium, 4350 Gallaghers Dr W, Kelowna, BC. Beverlee will be laid to rest with her family in Regina, Saskatchewan, in September.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors and nurses of 6 West and the Emergency Department at Kelowna General Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org.

Margaret Patricia Brunsden
April 22, 1950 - January 31, 2026

Margaret was born on April 22nd, 1950 in Mansfield Woodhouse, England and passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2026 in Kelowna, Canada.

Growing up as an RAF child, she moved around Europe with her family and ended up at a boarding School in Lincolnshire where she took sciences and participated in school musicals. She qualified as an engineer in 1971 (the only woman in the faculty) where she met her future husband, Steve. She worked as an engineering designer until having a family of her own. After her children were born, she went back to work teaching high school sciences.

Margaret shared her husband Steve’s hobbies of caving, sailing, and scouting. We're pretty sure she still holds the record for tying the fastest bowline behind her back.

Margaret moved to Kelowna with her family in 1992 where she joined the White Sails Sweet Adelines Chorus. This was to become a deep involvement that lasted for the next 30+ years. She made many amazing friends through the Chorus, and bought far too many matching outfits and false eyelashes.

In Canada, she continued her engineering career as a technical writer of avionics installation manuals. She cared deeply about everyone she worked with and showed it by correcting their grammar.

Her love of helping others and volunteering, at pretty much every event you can think of, was second only to her generosity.

She was predeceased by her parents Edith and Dixie Dean. She is survived by her husband Steve, children David (Celine) and Joanna (Dale), and her five grandchildren (Amelia, Finlay, Nathan, Rhys, and Elliott) whom she loved intensely. She is also survived by her sister Rosie (David), brother Tony (Sue) and cousin Ros (Alan).

There will be no service, but a Celebration of Life is being planned for the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice, as Margaret donated to ALL of them.

Link: https://www.castanet.net/obituaries/BRUNSDEN%2C_Margaret_Patricia/35948/

The Reverend Douglas Arnold Bruce Stanley
March 2, 1937 - January 15, 2026

The Reverend Douglas Arnold Bruce Stanley passed away peacefully at his home in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, whilst holding the hand of his loving wife. He was the beloved husband of Daphne Stanley and the proud and loving father to David (Romy), Peter (Tena) and Deborah (David), as well as a devoted grandfather to Carolyn, Chantal, Christopher, Lene and Marnie. Douglas took such delight in their company and pride in all their accomplishments.

Douglas lived every day of his nearly 89 years to the absolute fullest, and yet for his loving family, he is gone much too soon.

Doug, as he was affectionately known, had an exuberant zest for life and an unwavering faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ. He was an extraordinarily attentive and compassionate listener who took great pleasure in spending time and talking with people. He was genuinely interested in learning about others, and with his gentle warmth and selfless love, this inevitably led to his being surrounded by a diverse and devoted community of friends from all over the world. His passing has left a void in our hearts.

Born and raised in Toronto, Doug grew up working in the family florist shop, where he developed a passion for horticulture and gardening that he would cultivate for his entire life. Indeed, Doug and Daphne’s orchard and garden of flowers, vegetables, and fruits is an enduring testament to the love, care, and attention to detail that Doug gave to all things.

In 1962, having graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Theology, Doug began a journey on the path towards what would become his greatest passion of all - the teaching of the gospel of Christ. As a newly graduated Anglican Deacon, Rev. Douglas led parishes in some very remote Canadian locations such as Great Whale River and Fort Chimo, Nunavik and Tuktoyaktuk, North West Territories. On June 6, 1963, Doug married the love of his life, Daphne, whom he had met in Toronto. After Douglas completed a Masters in Theology at Wycliff College, Toronto, in 1970, Doug, Daphne and their three young children moved to Sault St. Marie, Ontario, where Rev. Douglas lead a parish in the adjacent township of Goulais River for 17 years and, in tandem, taught English and History at Sir James Dunn and then Lakeway Collegiate and Vocational schools, all while earning his degrees in Education, English, History, and Counselling. During this time, he also served as a Cub Scout leader as well as a counsellor for victims’ services and the local jail.

Even after his retirement from teaching, Rev. Douglas pursued his ecclesiastical passion. In British Columbia, he served as a priest in charge at Okanagan Falls for 14 years and was appointed by the Bishop as Honorary Assistant at St. Michael’s and All Angels Cathedral. He also served as Chaplain of the Air Force and volunteered as a counsellor at Teen Challenge. Over his many decades of ministering, counselling and teaching in various capacities, Doug’s empathy and ability to connect had a quiet but profound impact on so many people experiencing challenges and crises.

However, it was not all work and no play for Doug Stanley. He immersed himself in a great many interests and hobbies: he built himself an extensive workshop where he loved to design and build furniture, toys and gifts for friends and family; he collected books and manuscripts and was an avid reader; he crafted his own wine with such commitment that even seasoned vintners commented on how wonderful it was; and of course, he was called to put pen to paper and recount his stories in his memoirs. For sport, Doug loved to play golf and, at the age of 40, he embarked on his inaugural downhill ski run, which sparked an avid and lifelong passion. Through Kelowna winters, Doug pursued this passion joyfully, carving down the slopes of Big White, where he was a season pass holder until he was 87.

Doug and Daphne’s love of travel, adventure and cruising the high seas took them far and wide throughout the world for decades, but their favourite destination, and one they returned to many times, was Australia and New Zealand.

For those of us who have had the good fortune to know and love Douglas Stanley, we will remember him for his infectious smile and overwhelming laughter, his deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and his unshakeable commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for engaging with and making others feel at ease. Although his presence no longer graces our lives, his spirit has made a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

Douglas will be deeply missed by his adoring wife, children, and grandchildren. We are so blessed and grateful to have had him in our lives. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the friends, neighbours, colleagues, and health care workers who cared so well for Douglas, particularly in the last months.

The family will receive friends at a funeral and celebration of life at St. Michael’s and All Angels Cathedral, 608 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 pm. The family requests that you RSVP if you plan to attend. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by YouTube at the time of the service (see below).

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Douglas’ memory to a charity of your choice.

To RSVP to attend the service, watch the service on YouTube, or send the family condolences, memories, or photos, please visit their obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/stanley-the-reverend-douglas-arnold-bruce/

KANE, Brian Will

Brian Will Kane
February 8, 1948 - December 18, 2025

With profound sadness, the family of Brian Will Kane announces that he passed away on December 18, 2025. He passed on his own terms in Kelowna, BC.

 

A Celebration of life will be held in 2026. A full obituary will be published at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Okanagan Food Bank, cofoodbank.com.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

Source Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kane-brian-will

TURTON, Richard Francis

Richard Turton
May 14, 1946 -December 15, 2025

Richard Francis Turton, lovingly known as Rick, passed away on December 15, 2025.

Born on May 14, 1946, in Kelowna, British Columbia, at Kelowna General Hospital, Richard was the son of Frank and Doris Turton.

Richard left behind a life well lived and richly experienced. Known for his charm, confidence, and appreciation for the finer things in life, Rick embraced living fully and always on his own terms. He had a natural charisma and a love for good company, lively conversation, and enjoyment in all that life had to offer. He especially enjoyed all things car related, time on the lake, his motorcycles, photography, entertaining guests, and most of all, time spent with family.

Rick worked hard and played hard. A serious and dedicated competitor, he made his mark in both car and sailboat racing. He was one of the founding members of the Knox Mountain Hill Climb and remained an avid competitor for many years. On the water, he was equally formidable, racing sailboats through the Kelowna Yacht Club with skill and determination.

Rick is remembered by family and friends for his generosity of spirit with his time, his sense of adventure, and the unforgettable mark he left on those who knew him.

Richard is survived by his children, Susanne Lee Turton, Richard Scott Turton (Gail Beaton), Calla Marie Evans (Sandi Evans), Oliver Angus Turton Mackenzie (Kathe Mackenzie); his grandchildren, Sophie and Beth Turton; his brother, Edward (Ted) Turton; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember him in their own meaningful ways.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving parents Frank and Doris Turton, brother Christopher Turton and sister Sally Wiens.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date.

Ruth Birgitte Jarrett
June 18, 1933 - December 7, 2025

Ruth Birgitte Jarrett (née Nicolaysen) died peacefully on December 7, 2025, an incredible Mum to Kirsti (Roy), Ingrid, Roland, Lisa (Terry); and a dedicated Grandma to Dylan, Sean, Emma, Amy, Megan, Kari, Liam, Hanna, Freya, and Elliot.

Ruth was born in Halden, Norway in 1933. She met Tony Jarrett in the summer of 1952, on a blind date, while he was working in Halden as a summer student. After their marriage in 1955, Ruth and Tony immigrated to B.C. They had 62 wonderful years of marriage together until Tony’s death in 2017.

They first arrived in the Cariboo, living in McCalister, Likely, McLeese Lake and many small places in between. They then moved to the mountains, making Revelstoke and Golden their home for a number of years. Next came Port Coquitlam, Kelowna, Kamloops, Vancouver, and a return to Kelowna in 1995 after Tony’s retirement. Throughout the places Ruth and Tony lived and travelled, which were many, they created and nurtured deep and long-lasting friendships.

For those who knew Ruth, they knew of her kind, calm, generous, creative spirit. Mum was also an avid reader and gardener, a good cook and quietly intelligent. She had a deep affinity for music, art, good food and family gatherings. Ruth expressed her creativity through knitting, spinning, weaving, and basketry. She had a good eye for colour and a strong sense of design. She began her journey into the fibre arts in Kelowna in the 1970s, and she was hooked! After that, Ruth joined guilds in all the places she lived and again when she and Tony retired to Kelowna. Guild members continued to inspire her, and she was always keen to try something new when it came to creating anything fibre.

Mum loved family, and she taught us by example to embrace and value both family and community. Mum welcomed everyone into her home with a warm embrace, and she loved to listen to what friends and family had to share. In the late 1970s Big White became another warm gathering place for family and friends where there always seemed to be enough, and the door was always open. With great appreciation, this legacy has been passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Mum shared a passion for tradition, and we are all grateful to have shared many a Norwegian breakfast, baking, and other countless home-cooked meals. Later in life, we could find Mum sitting by the fire, enjoying a small scotch or a sherry, often with a piece of good dark chocolate, reading an interesting book or magazine.

Mum was a big part of our lives, and she will be deeply missed by her family, as well as by the Hopkinsons and Hamiltons with whom she had a special and deep connection, and many others.

As the spring was Ruth’s favourite season, a Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026. More details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, and honouring Ruth’s love of music, please consider donations to the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

Link: https://www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jarrett-ruth-birgitte/

SMALLSHAW, David

David "Dave" Smallshaw
June 25, 1942 - November 16, 2025

David “Dave” Smallshaw passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 83.

Dave is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda; his granddaughter, Crystal Smallshaw; and his great-grandchildren, Nala and Jade, all of whom brought him tremendous joy. He was predeceased by his parents, Emma and Fred; brother Gary; son David; and parents-in-law Carl and Frieda Madsen.

Born in 1942 in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Dave grew up in the Okanagan and graduated from high school in Kelowna. He worked for BA Oil before he joined the RCAF in Lac St Denis, Quebec and before beginning a long and steady career with BC Tel, where his dependable nature served him well.

Dave was an avid reader of history, especially fond of authors Clive Cussler and Wilbur Smith. He found happiness outdoors; snowmobiling in the winter and enjoying time on his boat on Okanagan Lake the rest of the year. Over the course of their marriage, Dave and Linda opened their home and hearts to five rescue-dogs, each one leaving its own mark on their lives. Dave enjoyed the time he spent walking each dog on the Greenway.

He loved to drive, loved the rhythm of country music, and held a special fondness for Riverdance. Above all, Dave was steady, caring, and deeply devoted to the family he adored. In July 2024, he went to live at Spring Valley Care Centre due to his dementia. The staff there treated him with love and respect. Linda visited almost daily. Every night when she left, he would say, "I love you, and I miss you already".

Linda leaves him with his own words: “I love you, and I miss you already”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paws It Forward Dog Rescue, pawsitforward.org.

PERRY, Patrick Garth

PERRY, Patrick Garth "Pat
September 12, 1940 - October 5, 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Patrick "Pat" Garth Perry at 85, at the Central Okanagan Hospice House, Kelowna, on October 5, 2025. Pat was surrounded by family and friends in the days before his passing. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and good friend to many who cherished him.

Born in Kamloops, the son of Garth Hatchard and Peggy Evelyn (Eaton-Shore) Perry, growing up with fond memories of friends in Kamloops, and living in Kelowna for the last 38 years, Pat had an appreciation for hard work and resilience. He built a successful career as a farm equipment business owner and salesman. In his retirement, Pat enjoyed working at St. Hubertus Estate Winery and developed many close friendships through his work contacts.

Married to Helen Frances (Forster) Perry for 38 years, they enjoyed many sailing holidays, inviting friends and family to share in the experiences. His family and friends share many stories of sailing adventures with Pat at the helm, where he was happiest. An avid skier, he taught the generations behind him to love the mountains as well. Pat was so proud of his grandsons and, most recently, was blessed with two great-granddaughters, bringing him great joy.

We will all miss his dry humour, quick wit, and solid advice. A cowboy at heart, he had a soft spot for a good dog, a good horse, and wide open spaces, both on land and sea.

Though we mourn Pat's passing, we celebrate a life well lived, guided by principle and full of love.

Pat is survived by his loving wife Helen, daughter Dana (Brad Heyman); son Jason Wokna; grandson Kieran (Taylor) Heyman, their daughters Sloane and Lydia; grandson Rhys (Abbey) Heyman; stepchildren Stephanie and Dylan Jones (Jeri Yeo), daughters Mackenzie and Taylor; nieces Lisa Forster (Darren Lett), Shauna Forster (Andrew Rayes), Cindi and Melanie Sangster; neices Cindi and Melanie Sangster; brother-in-law David (Candy) Forster; nephew Darcy (Angie) Forster; brother-in-law Murray (Nora Angeles) Forster, nephew Nathan, and niece Seneca Forster. He was predeceased by his sister Pamela Sangster.

We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Michaud and Dr. Lyle, and the medical, nursing, and support staff at the Kelowna General Hospital Dialysis Unit, for their care and attention to Pat during his 8 years as a renal dialysis patient. Thanks also to Dr. Stefanie Leung for her care of Pat's many pulmonary issues in the last 8 years.

PELLAND, Mariette

Pelland, Mariette
February 14, 1944 - October 13, 2025

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the loss of Mariette Pelland, who passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at the age of 81.

Left to hold her dear to their hearts are daughters Karen (Brett) and Jennifer (Peter); grandchildren Troy, Trent, Linden, Theo, Jack, and Charlotte; and many more whose lives she touched.

She now goes to join those who passed before her, including her husband of 60 years, Barrie, and son Robert (Amanda).

Mariette moved to Canada from the Netherlands when she was 17, and she never lost touch with her roots. She often spoke Dutch with her family, keeping their shared culture and humour alive no matter how many years passed. Practical, honest and funny, Mariette was the kind of person who knew how to have a good time. She loved music and had a beautiful singing voice.

She met Barrie in McLennan, Alberta, where they began their life together and started their family. While Barrie pursued his studies to become a doctor, they balanced the demands of university and raising children — a testament to their teamwork and strong partnership. They shared a love of adventure and travel, visiting Europe often and spending time in Mexico every year. In 1996, they moved to Kelowna, where they enjoyed boating and sunning in the beautiful Okanagan. At social gatherings, Mariette was often the De facto DJ, always ready with a laugh and a song. She and Barrie shared not only love but genuine friendship, and together they built a full and vibrant life.

Mariette will be remembered for the love she had for her husband and children, her support for her family, and her boisterous spirit.

Family and friends will each honour her in their own ways. No formal service will be held.

Wendy Leah Leontowicz Obituary

Wendy Leah Leontowicz
Sept 2, 2025

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Wendy Leah Leontowicz, age 64 years, of Regina, SK on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 surrounded by her family. Daughter of Sophie and Paul Kowalchuk, she is survived by her husband Gary; children Jesse and Amanda (Mike); grandchild Piper; her siblings Debbie (Brian), Bonnie (Lorie), Kim (Kim), Ken (Cheryl), and Kevin (Jennifer), as well as an extensive family of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

She is remembered as a loving mother who valued family above all else – with her morning coffee on the patio being a close second. Her career was spent with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways since beginning as a summer student. She valued altruism – donating much to local community charities benefitting children and young families. She enjoyed golfing and Bunko nights with her ladies, camping at the family cabin at Kenosee Lake, skiing in the Rockies, travelling with her husband, and above all – doting on her family.

She is loved by many and will be missed dearly. Prayers will be held at the Regina Funeral Home, 4001 East Victoria Ave. on Friday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. followed by coffee and donuts. A Funeral Service will be held at St Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1747 Toronto St. on Saturday, September 13 at 11:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, then the family welcomes all who knew her to attend a light catering event at Regina Funeral Home for a social and remembrance of Wendy. Wendy has asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation to Hope's Home is preferred. 

CIANCONE, Mario Robert Basilio

Mario Ciancone
April 26, 1941 - September 7, 2025

After a courageous 20-year battle with cancer, Mario Ciancone passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Mario was predeceased by his father, Alec Ciancone; mother, Laura Ciancone; and sisters, Gloria Ghini & Vilma Vujich.

Mario will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Berbie; their children, Mark Ciancone (Dorothy), Cydnee (Brad) Knorr, & Bart Ciancone; grandsons, Brycen Knorr & Jeran Knorr (Olivia), and granddaughters, Laura Ciancone (Connor) & Lia Ciancone (Pete); and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends.

Mario was born on April 26, 1941, in Kelowna, BC and was raised in the North end of Kelowna.

Mario's long-term career at Calona Wines began at the age of 15, working side by side with his dad. He worked at the Winery for 39 years and retired at the age of 54.

While working for the winery, Mario enjoyed being an entrepreneur. Mario owned a logging truck, rented out video games, built houses, was a Sprint Car promoter, built commercial buildings, and much more.

Mario loved sports - football, baseball, hockey, and fishing. In his earlier days he waterskied, played baseball, and played & coached hockey.

Mario and his good friends, Mel, Joe, Murray, Rex, Andy, Brian, Kenny, & Bert and many more friends met for over 50 years at the A&W on Gordon Drive, and later on, at the DQ. They would get together every morning, after work and sometimes after dinner to discuss a variety of topics - nothing too serious - politics, the stock market, gardening, the stock market, the weather, the stock market, etc. He loved his friends, and they were all very important to him.

Mario met the love of his life, Berbie, in 1961. Driving down Bernard Avenue, Mario spotted Berbie in her apartment window - and the rest is history. They were married for 63 years. Together they loved to travel the world, Mexico, Australia, Phoenix, California, Costa Rica, and many more wonderful places. Mario was known as the Italian who wore the European Men's style of a swimsuit. Tanned and fit, no one wore a Speedo like Mario. They also thoroughly enjoyed cruising to different areas around the globe. No matter where they travelled, Mario and Berbie made friends.

One of Mario's favourite traditions every year was to go Pig out in the Park in Spokane, Washington on Labour Day weekend. Mario, Berbie, Brad, Cydnee, Mark, Dorothy, and sometimes extended family and friends would head down to Spokane. So many weekends filled with music, food, and laughter. A recurring theme in Mario and Berbie's life.

And although they travelled extensively, they loved being at home with the family. Sunday night dinners and family get-togethers were the most important thing to Mario. Many times it included extended family and lots of friends. For many years on their farm, they would throw a Lobster feast and many BBQs. Mario and Berbie always knew how to throw a Party!

Mario loved to go for long drives with family and friends and enjoyed stopping at a small little hole-in-the-wall for lunch. It was always an adventure!

Mario also had a love and passion for gardening. Not only in his own backyard, but in many different backyards - wherever he could find a place to grow a vegetable garden. Mario always had an abundance of vegetables to share with family, friends, and neighbours. He grew the best tomatoes and peppers, and he was known for his great hot sauce.

Every year, Mario looked forward to getting the big pots out to make his famous pasta sauce - with many helping hands over the years. If you were on the assembly line and if you did something wrong, Mario was there to steer you in the right direction. It was always a 2-day event in late September and the family always looked forward to it.

Family was everything to Mario - his wife, children and grand children were his biggest accomplishment in life. He was loved by so many others that had crossed paths with him, no matter where he went in this world.

We will miss his great sense of humour, reminiscing about the past, discussions on politics and the state of the world, gardening together & making sauce together, long drives, and so many other adventures; but we are so glad we have memories upon memories of our time with Mario - husband, dad, Nonno, friend - memories that will last a lifetime

We would like to thank Mario's family doctor Dr. Thomson, oncologist, Dr. Finch, and the team at the Cancer Clinic for their great care over the years. Thank you, too, to the nurses and doctors who helped Mario during his final days.

DALBERTANSON, Raymond Joseph

Joe Albertanson
January 30, 1948 - September 19, 2025

Raymond Joseph Albertanson (Joe) was born January 30, 1948 in Wainwright Alberta and died peacefully Sept 19, 2025 at Kelowna General Hospital. He is predeceased by both his parents, Raymond Albertanson and Lois Bell Skinner; and his grandson Lucas Charles Albertanson.

Joe leaves behind his spouse of 23 years, Marilyn Gregory; his children, David Albertanson (Janice), Ken Albertanson (Lynn) and Sheila Albertanson (Marco); his grandchildren, Jeremy Albertanson, Katelynn Albertanson and Blaise Albertanson; his great granddaughter Lilith Maggiacomo; and his siblings, Kim Albertanson, Lynada Thompson (Ross) and Terry Albertanson. Joe also leaves behind extended family and many friends. He loved his family and his cat Shiloh, and his family held him dear.

Joe worked as a machinist until he retired in 2013. In retirement he continued to make things and could fix anything. He was always helping others.

Joe had a lifelong passion for flying model aircraft. He would build the planes, fly them, and occasionally (in his words) "look for the wreckage". He was an active member of the Summerland Flyers.

Joe loved sailing and was a longstanding member of the Kelowna Yacht Club. For many years, you could find him racing his sailboat on Wednesday nights, or teaching sailing classes.

Joe will be dearly missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, you could help a friend, or do a random act of kindness to brighten someone's' day, or make a donation to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.

Wolf Kreig
March 5, 1950 - August 8, 2025

Margaret Wort
May 17, 1930 – June 29, 2025

My mom was very organized. As I sat at my kitchen table with pen in hand to try and write an obituary for – I decided to flip through some of her papers to “get an idea” or two.

Lo and behold! I found the following: she wrote her own obituary in June 2020. One more gift from her!

Margaret passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with a good friend and her daughter at her side.

My earthly life has ended, but I have one more story to pass on. My parents, Josef and Elisabeth Follmer (born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire) came from Romania to Kelowna in 1929. I was born in 1930, and grew up with my big sister, Elizabeth. Our parents were caring and ambitious. They taught us the value of honest, hard work and we all enjoyed the success of our labour.

We all became landlords, worked for other orchardists until we owned 30 acres of apples. My sister was a Secretary Extraordinaire, who eventually served in the Canadian Embassy in Haiti. I preferred the medical field and worked for dentists, an optometrist, a podiatrist and a medical clinic. Later, I was able to help mastectomy patients through my award-winning Lingerie Salon. This work continued under the capable management of my daughter, Susan Eliza Mae, until 2022 - when we chose to sell.

During my younger years, I was active in my church choir, sodality, C.Y.A (Catholic Youth Association). Later, there was the thrift shop, C.W.L (Catholic Women’s League), and co-operating the Seton Centre for Seniors. In the community I was active in Kelowna Little theatre, Toastmasters, Business & Professional Women, Meals on Wheels, and Freedom’s Door.

My horizons were broadened in November 1979 when the Truong family of 11 arrived from Vietnam; Their successes have given me enormous pleasure. More recently, I met the Katib family - when Majid and Malik were cute little boys. It has been a joy to see them excel in school and grow into handsome young men.

Dan and Wanda’s sons, Henry and Richard, became my grandsons. Now, I have four grandsons. My daughter, Susan, is my pride and joy. She has been a very dedicated caregiver since my mobility has been compromised. I was able to enjoy the love and companionship of 3 rescued fur-babies. Susan’s love also included in taking care of the needs of these precious cats. The last one had her own mobility issues in the last year of her life – we were some team.

My sister and extended family have been in Haiti since 1955, and I have been blessed to visit there a few times. They have been to Kelowna many times.

I have been on a few cruises, bus tours, and visits to relations in Europe as well as the U.S.A. In 1967 I was adventurous enough to drive across Canada with Susan to Expo 67, in Montreal. Another favourite driving trip was to Florida and back to Kelowna (after a visit to my sister in Haiti)…. But there is no place better than home in Kelowna.

One last car ride for me – To be buried with my husband, Donald, who predeceased me in 1970. Together again forever.

She saw many changes in her beloved community of Kelowna! She was the next thing to an encyclopedia of knowledge and memories, of how things were and how they have changed. Her interest never waned in “What’s going on in Kelowna”. She was always keeping news clippings about the city and its history filled her days and nights.

She always said she was more alert at 2:00 am than 2:00 pm. Now her topsy-turvy world has ended, but her memory will live on with those who knew and loved her.

Source Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/wort-margaret