October 11, 1963 – December 18, 2025
at the age of 62 years:
Jeffrey Paul Bernard passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025. Born in Vancouver, BC, Jeff grew up in Kelowna, BC, and developed a lifelong love for sports, especially hockey, rugby, and skiing. His adventurous spirit and passion for the outdoors led him to spend most of his adult life in the beautiful Interior of British Columbia, living and working in the Salmon Arm and Sicamous area.
Jeff dedicated many years of his career to CP Rail, where he was respected for his hard work and commitment. Beyond his professional life, Jeff was known for his warm heart, sense of humor, and deep love for family and friends. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed the natural beauty of the province he called home.
Jeff is survived by his children, Jesse Bernard and Taneal Bernard; his beloved grandchildren, Daylen and Damon; his mother, Judy Key (née Bernard); his father, Paul Bernard (Jeanette); his sisters, Janice Bernard and Michelle Bernard (Thomas); his niece, Stephanie Walker (Joe); and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his grandparents and his nephew, Steven Allen
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later date in Salmon Arm, BC. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to March of Dimes Canada – BC Brain Injury Program.
Jeff will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his love of family, his passion for sports, and his appreciation for the beauty of British Columbia.
December 23, 1941 – December 17, 2025
at the age of 83 years:
It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Edward Winram.
Ken was born on December 23, 1941, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. At 18 months of age, he was adopted by Elsie and Marshall Winram, and later welcomed a brother, John, who was also adopted into the family.
Ken’s father was a Second World War veteran who, following the war, worked in Weights and Measures. This career required frequent relocations, and as a result, Ken grew up moving from city to city, never settling in one place for long. His mother was a teacher for the deaf mute, and education was an important part of Ken’s upbringing. Highly intelligent, Ken skipped several grades and completed his schooling at a remarkably young age.
Throughout his working life, Ken held a variety of jobs before arriving in Dawson Creek in 1964. There, he worked for Northland Utilities for one year before beginning a career with a surveying company. Ken found great satisfaction in this work, enjoying the fresh air and the natural beauty of the outdoors. Over more than 40 years, he surveyed much of the Peace Country and also contributed to major projects including the Bennett Dam in Hudson’s Hope and the Pine River plant expansion.
Dawson Creek is also where Ken met Ellen Cameron and her son, Kelly. Ken and Ellen married and welcomed their daughter, Lori, in 1968. The family made Dawson Creek their home until 2003, when Ken and Ellen retired and moved to Vernon, British Columbia.
Ken also enjoyed playing pool, camping and jamming with family and friends at various events.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Elsie and Marshall Winram, and by his brother, John. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Ellen, her son Kelly, their daughter Lori, along with many friends and relatives who will remember him for his intelligence, dedication, and quiet strength.
November 20, 1934 – December 17, 2025
at the age of 91 years:
Please note the passing of our mother, Mary Ann Gertrude Goerzen (nee Hooge), on Dec 17, 2025, in Salmon Arm, BC. Mary Ann was a healthy, vibrant woman who died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Martin David Goerzen, in March of 2017 and is survived by her children and their families:
Jonathan (Nannette) Goerzen (Campbell River, BC) and son: Ryan (Nicole) Goerzen (Jaynen, Cameron and Paityn),
Mary Lynn (Daniel) Retzlaff (Calgary, AB) and children: Joshua (Stacy) Pritchard (Alison and Natalie), Margaret Barry (Madisen and Kayden) and Reece (Chris) Zablocki,
Ronald (Jan) Goerzen (Calgary, AB) and sons: Scott (Georgia) Goerzen and Brian Goerzen,
Edward (Cynthia) Goerzen (Taylor, BC) and children: Robyn Meir (Keenen, Kaden, James and Claire) and Candace Meir (Jaden and Josh),
David Goerzen (Windsor, South Carolina, USA) and children: Jesse Goerzen, Chelsea Goerzen and Greg Anderson
Christine (Ricky) Fichter (Kamloops, BC) and children: Melissa (Brent) Szerze (Tayla and Keltie) and Matthew (Cassia) Fichter (Oliver).
Mom is also very much missed by her surviving sisters: Florence (Otto) Driedger (Regina, SK) and Phyllis Wiebe (Winnipeg, MB), and by her dear friend, Tom.
Mom was born in Roland, MB where she grew up on a farm with her parents, Jacob and Gertrude Hooge, and two sisters. She earned her B.Ed. degree in Winnipeg, taught in a number of public schools, pursued her master’s in education at U of Oregon, and retired in 1991 at Beaver Creek, YT. She went on to volunteer in various schools, churches and community groups in Kelowna, Ft. St. John, Merritt, and Salmon Arm, BC. She was a loving wife, mother and friend, known for her generous spirit, dependability, work ethic, Christian faith, community-mindedness, love of music, ready laugh and considerable handiwork skills.
Due to unpredictable weather at this time of year, we are postponing her Celebration of Life until 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the First Community (United) Church in Salmon Arm, BC. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send donations to First Community Church of Salmon Arm, BC or the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) of BC.
January 27, 1952 – December 16, 2025
at the age of 73 years
November 15, 1940 – December 16, 2025
at the age of 85 years
