Higgins, Lois Ann

Higgins, Lois Ann

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July 1, 1933 – June 23, 2025
at the age of 91 years:     

Lois Higgins (nee Ream) was born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1933.  She grew up on a farm that had been in her family for generations.  After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, she moved to the Philippines where her father was working.  Here she met and married Australian Harry Higgins.  They moved to BC and lived in several places before moving to Salmon Arm in 1968.

Lois was a travel agent for many years while Harry was a school administrator.  Their three children all graduated from Salmon Arm Secondary School.

Lois was very active in community affairs and was proud to be a founding member of the Shuswap Naturalist Club, Shuswap Theatre, Shuswap Day Care and the Shuswap District Arts Council.  She was on the steering committee and later a director of Shuswap Community Foundation and was its Grants Chair for fifteen years.  Other activities included being a member of the Okanagan College Advisory Committee and a board member of the Caravan Stage Company.  She was a devoted singer in the Revellers choir and Shuswap Singers and also loved her writing group, Octava, which met for over twenty years.  She also enjoyed both her Discussion Group and Book Club. Hiking, cross-country skiing and canoeing were important in Lois and Harry’s lives.  Prairie river canoe trips with family and friends were an annual event for many years before Harry died in 2016.

 In addition to her children, Robin (Wayne Lundeberg), David (Naseem Janmohamed) and Bill (Brenda Lee), Lois leaves her eight grandchildren Faelan and Freya Lundeberg, Shiraz, Rehan, Sophia, Jory and Travis Higgins and Jamie Bruce and her great-grandchildren Riaz, Roshan, Cecily and Felicity.

Lois died peacefully surrounded by loving family at Shuswap Lake General Hospital on June 23rd, 2025, after several days of spectacular care from the medical staff.  She will be greatly missed by many friends and family members whose lives she touched with her bright, creative mind and deep kindness. Her closing words come from one of her many poems:

“As the days go by, we all become more still.
The fabric of this ancient place absorbs us with its quiet grace.
We breathe and walk with soothed and healing souls
and understand, that it all begins with the river.”

Donations in Lois’ memory can be made to the Higgins Family Fund at the Shuswap Community Foundation, Box 624, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N7.  

Hazell, Gary William

Hazell, Gary William

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November 27, 1942 – June 22, 2025
at the age of 83 years:     

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 5 from 1-3pm at the United Church in Salmon Arm. Light snacks served. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or the SPCA.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary W. Hazell, a beloved husband, uncle, and friend, whose life was marked by adventure, service, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Gary was born on November 27, 1942, in Vancouver, BC, to Ray and Grace Hazell. He attended Vancouver Technical School and later BCIT, launching a successful career in electronic equipment sales—a field where his passion for technology, especially stereo equipment, made him a legend among family and friends.

In April 1966, Gary married Donna Carden in Vancouver. Together, they made their home in Port Coquitlam, where Gary and Donna’s love of entertaining made their house a favorite gathering spot. In the early 1980s, Gary and Donna moved to the Shuswap, purchasing a home on Shuswap Lake. Over the years, they lovingly renovated the property, transforming it into a cherished hub for parties, summer vacations, house boating and camping adventures. Gary and Donna did not have children, but their home was always full of love thanks to several cherished cocker spaniels over the years. Their last two beloved companions, Sandy and Topper, were especially dear to them and brought much joy to their lives.

Gary was driven by a self-reliant spirit and always eager to teach his nieces and nephews what he knew. He showed them how to water ski on Osoyoos Lake, snow ski at Big White, and drive a stick shift—lessons delivered with determination and a drive to share his skills.

After retiring, Gary and Donna moved into Salmon Arm, but Gary’s zest for life never waned. He enjoyed wintering in the southern US, embarked on an epic trip to Africa, and spent many happy hours on road trips in their Miata. Gary dedicated himself to extensive community service. A long-time member of the Salmon Arm Model Railway Club and the Salmon Arm Rotary Club, Gary was recognized for his outstanding contributions to his community and was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow for his distinguished service as a Rotarian.

Gary was predeceased by his father, Ray; his mother, Grace; father-in-law Wally Carden; mother-in-law Monica Carden; and his brother-in-law, Alf Schaffrick. He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna; sister-in-law, Jill Schaffrick; niece Sheri Hamilton (Vic) and their children, Sophie and Fynn; niece Sue Schaffrick and her son, Travis; nephews Steve Schaffrick and Scott Schaffrick (Joanne), and Scott and Joanne’s children, Jackson and Ryder; as well as close family friends Kim Radcliffe-Leroux (Scott) and their children, Tavis, Jaxson, and Lexi; and Pam Radcliffe (Thy). Special thanks to Lori Hawrys for her exceptional compassion and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 5 from 1-3pm at the United Church in Salmon Arm. Light snacks served. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or the SPCA.