May 4, 1963 – December 5, 2024
at the age of 61 years:
It is with profound sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Kenneth on December 5 at the age of 61. While his passing came far too soon, we take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with Kellie, the love of his life, whom he so tenderly cared for during her final years.
Ken was predeceased by Kellie, his cherished wife, as well as parents Alexander and Hazel, brother Donald, sister Jeanette, and nephew Darren.
He was a man of extraordinary devotion and selflessness. His unwavering care for Kellie during her final days was a testament to the depth of his character and the strength of their bond. A devoted husband, father, papa, and friend, his life was marked by kindness, quiet strength, and an unshakable dedication to family. Above all, his grandchildren were the light of his life, bringing him endless joy and pride.
He is survived by daughter Bekah (Cam), son James (Quinn), grandchildren Alec and Betty-Jo, sisters Diane (Ed) and Linda, and many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.
Thank you to Dr. Reid, Dr. Yared, and medical staff at SLGH for their compassionate care and support during Ken’s final moments. And special thanks to Dr. Currie and Dr. Lourens for caring for Ken throughout the years.
A service to honour and celebrate Ken will be planned in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your local food bank to honour Ken’s memory and his commitment to helping others.
Thank you everyone for their outpouring of love and condolences during this difficult time.
March 4, 1934 – December 4, 2024
at the age of 90 years:
Hendrick (Henk) Jans, born March 4, 1934 in Enschede, Netherlands, passed away on December 4, 2024 at the age of 90. Henk was a part of the Salmon Arm community since 1960. He worked hard at the family’s Jans Shuswap Poultry Farm business until 1982 and then opened his own gardening business, Twente Greenhouse.
He loved gardening, both flowers and vegetables. He would help other people with their farms when needed. He was proud to be part of this community.
He is predeceased by his parents, Pieter and Jenny Jans and his oldest sister, Rie Van Den Bos. He is survived by three brothers and four sisters along with many nieces and nephews and his best friend Mike Nunn and family. At Henk’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
September 14, 1929 – December 2, 2024
at the age of 95 years:
Ethel Norma Clarke passed away peacefully at 95 in White Lake, B.C., concluding a life of dedication to education, family, and personal growth. Born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan to Wilhelm and Carrie Epp, she was the eldest of four siblings: John, Shirley, and Verlynn. Her early years were marked by family moves through Saskatchewan, including Nipawin in 1934 and Carrot River in 1936, where she attended Charmfield School for nine years.
After graduating from Rosthern Junior College in June 1948, Ethel joined her parents in Aldergrove, B.C. and pursued teachers training in Vancouver. Her teaching career began in September 1949 in the hamlet of Cherryville, in the Okanagan Valley. This was more than just a professional start – it was where she met her first husband, Wilham Dillman. They married on August 23, 1951 and raised six children: Carrie (Hugo), Brenda (Owen), Douglas (Patricia), Donna, Deborah (Michael), and Cheryl. Tragically, her first husband Wilham passed away in August 1974 at the young age of 43.
Ethel’s teaching journey took her to schools in Vernon, Revelstoke, and Powell River, where she would ultimately retire after 35 dedicated years. In 1976, she furthered her own education, earning a Master of Education Degree from UBC.
In 1979, Ethel married Donald Clarke, adding three more adult children to her family: Graham (Dale) and Wendy plus another grandchild. Donald was her companion for 29 years until his passing in 2008.
Retirement did not slow Ethel down. She developed remarkable skills in quilting, creating beautiful quilts that became treasured family heirlooms. Her love for music led her to participate in multiple choirs, and she was an avid concert-goer. Ethel remained intellectually engaged, volunteering at Cloverdale Elementary School to help students struggling with reading. She was an unbeatable Scrabble player and completed Crossword puzzles daily with impressive skill.
Her passion for travel was evident in the numerous trips she took with Don, exploring Europe, the Caribbean, and various destinations via cruise ships. These adventures reflected her adventurous spirit and love of discovery.
At the time of her passing, Ethel was survived by five children, two step-children, 18 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Douglas, granddaughter Nicole, her parents, her siblings John and Shirley, and several in-laws.
A celebration of Ethel’s life will be held on May 17, 2025, at 11 am at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, B.C. (3471 Clearbrook Road), with internment to follow. Refreshments will be served after the service.
June 12, 1956 – November 30, 2024
at the age of 68 years
January 10, 1939 – November 29, 2024
at the age of 85 years
December 13, 1961 – November 28, 2024
at the age of 62 years:
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Rhonda Jane Thompson (née Bailey) announces her, passing on November 28, 2024, at the age of 62 years, just 15 days shy of her 63rd birthday. Rhonda was born on December 13, 1961, in Camrose, Alberta to beloved parents Reta and Dan Bailey.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Vincent Bailey, nieces Jessica Bailey and Lily Andrich, nephews Austin Bailey, Dan Moore, Zack Savage, and Tyler Bailey, as well as her sister-in-law Brenda Bailey. She grew up and received her elementary and high school education in Hinton, Alberta. She later moved to Stony Plain and made that her home.
Left to cherish Rhonda’ s memory are her siblings – Sandra Moore (Don), Karen Long, Dale Moore (Gerald), Rob Bailey (Mariette), and Melody Rougeau (John) – as well as her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and dear friends.
Rhonda found great joy in the tranquility of her lake home in Salmon Arm, BC, the adventure of traveling to distant places, and the pleasure of entertaining loved ones. Rhonda’ s zest for life, infectious laugh, and unwavering compassion and generosity for others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in the beautiful memories she leaves behind. Rhonda will forever remain a shining light in the lives of her family and friends.
Those so wishing, may make a donation in Rhonda’s name to the Yellowhead Emergency Shelter for Women Society, Box 6401, Hinton, Alberta, T7V 1X7.
