October 16, 1925 – January 30, 2026
at the age of 100 years:
Joan Barz passed away on January 30th, 2026. She was born Dorothy Joan Bland in Burnaby, BC in her mom’s house on October 16th, 1925, a time when Model T Fords lined the streets. Growing up without a dad, she learned to look after herself at a very young age. During the depression her mom moved from town to town wherever there was work, when if you had potatoes and meat in the same meal, you were well off. Never being able to keep her balance riding a bicycle, she walked almost everywhere, all this gave her the grit and determination she was well known for.
In 1942 she ended up in Salmon Arm and got a job milking at the Tennant farm which is where the Fairgrounds by Blackburn Park is now. She married Art Barz in 1943 who had just returned from the Yukon and bought acreage on 30th Street SW. Together they started a chicken farm and built a good business until 1976 when their son Gordon took it over.
She easily got attached to animals of all kinds, especially the donkeys. By agreement she stayed in her own house on the farm until 2021 when she moved into and really enjoyed her life with all the residents and employees at Picadilly Terrace. Early in her retirement years she treasured camping and fishing trips to the Cariboo and spent many winters in Desert Springs California.
Joan up to her 100th year could tell you lots about the local people, places and events of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s without hesitation. Joan was predeceased by her husband Art Barz in 2011, her granddaughters Theresa and Lisa Spanier in 1968, son Gordon in 1980, daughter Shirley in 2005 and grandson David Hackett in 2006. She is survived by her daughter Eileen (Hank) Hackett of Kamloops and 7 grandchildren: Michael, Cory, Tom, Sheena, Stuart, Trevor and Jason.
She will be missed by many dear friends she has gathered over almost a century in Salmon Arm. There will be no service by request.
March 20, 1946 – January 30, 2026
at the age of 79 years
Gary passed away peacefully in Salmon Arm at the age of 79 after an extended, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. It is comforting to know that he left this world peacefully.
He was born, and raised, in Nakusp, BC to Bill and Joyce Jupp. Gary graduated from Nakusp high school in 1964. During those years, he became an excellent swimmer and boat rower often going out during storms on the Arrow Lakes to challenge his skills. After graduation he worked at the South Slocan sawmill. Several years later he graduated from the newly opened Castlegar College Forestry Technician Program. His new employer, the BC Forest Service, posted him to Invermere, B.C. There he met this girl, Rose Marie, from Saskatchewan, and the rest is history. They married in 1972 and only weeks later Gary was sent to Surrey, B.C. for more training. In the following years, the couple were posted to Fauquier (Needles), then Merritt, and the final stop at Salmon Arm. As a proud employee of the BC Forest Service for thirty-one years, he retired in 2001.
Gary enjoyed challenging activities like construction, mechanics and woodworking. After renovating two houses during his first postings, the couple built their home on a Salmon Arm acreage. Here they enjoyed country living and raising a family for seventeen years. In 1993 they purchased a lot at Mabel Lake and started to build a cabin; in October tragedy struck as they lost their only son to a vehicle accident.
Mabel Lake became Gary’s solace and refugee when not working in Salmon Arm. He found peace and comfort in the isolation and rhythm of the seasons there – collecting and splitting firewood, fire proofing the land around him, finish building the cabin and many quiet moments on the deck. Upon his retirement Mabel Lake became his unofficial home but he managed to come to Salmon Arm weekly to stock up on supplies and see family.
Gary loved the lake, the surrounding forest and most of all the campfires. Friends would drop by for visits and a cup of coffee. In the winters they would gather around in his cozy workshop with a fire ablaze for their working coffee break. Needless to say those coffee breaks were longer than fifteen minutes!
Once retired, but still looking for another challenge, Gary bought a lumber sawmill. The milling process was physically challenging and sometimes dangerous, but Gary always managed to achieve his goals safely. For both Gary and Rose Marie the milling work was deeply rewarding.
The first signs of his Parkinsons became visible in 2012. Gary faced the disease with great courage, stoicism and determination, fighting constantly and refusing to give in. The following years were difficult and full of relentless and disappointing health changes.
Gary excelled in everything he took on as his work ethic was strong, resulting in many accomplishments. He was very knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. He believed nothing but the best was good enough and lived life to that standard. He lived life with courage and often blazed a trail for others to follow. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for being who he was, a loving husband and father, one who accomplished his goals and was a great ‘coffee’ friend.
Gary leaves behind his wife, Rose Marie, daughter, Victoria (Brent) Skofteby, granddaughters Brynn and Kaiya Skofteby, and two sisters, Jennifer Jupp and Eleanor Taylor. His son, Douglas predeceased him in 1993.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences and memories of Gary can be shared through his obituary at www.fischersfuneral services.com
March 23, 1943 – January 23, 2026
at the age of 82 years
November 15, 1927 – January 25, 2026
at the age of 98 years:
Graveside Service – Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:00pm, St. Mary’s Anglican Church Cemetery, 1188 TransCanada Highway, Sorrento, BC
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Albert Stebbing on January 25, 2026. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Stebbing, whom he adored deeply.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his son Doug Stebbing of New Westminster, British Columbia, and his daughter Donna Durham and her husband Don of Blind Bay, British Columbia. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Jason Durham and his wife Corinne, and their daughters Jessica, Cali, and Leena; as well as Nicole Ferguson and her husband Brian, and their children Anthony, Susanne, and Payten.
Born in Kamloops, British Columbia, Jim spent much of his working life in Alberta, where he worked in the oil patch before building a long career in the aviation industry as an aircraft mechanic. After retiring to the Shuswap, Jim quickly realized retirement did not suit him for long. He returned to work as a Service Manager at Captain’s Corner in Salmon Arm, where he continued to do what he loved — staying busy and helping others.
Jim cherished life in the Shuswap and became a well-known and respected member of the Eagle Bay community. He proudly served on the Board of Directors for the Eagle Bay Volunteer Fire Department and held the role of Secretary, contributing his time, dedication, and leadership to the community he cared for so deeply.
Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His kindness, strong work ethic, and steady presence left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to share in his life. He is now at peace and in the loving hands of the Lord.
