January 1, 1947 – June 14, 2025
at the age of 78 years:
In loving memory of Richard Wallace Kelly (Wally) who came into this world January 1st, 1947, and left us on June 14th, 2025. Born to Gertrude and Bob Kelly in Kings Clear, New Brunswick, Wally was the 7th son out of 13 children.
He was predeceased by brothers Fred, Ray, Howard, Lloyd, Everett and Doug and sisters Winnie and Marilyn.
Wally is survived by sisters Elaine and Debbie, brothers Roger (Susan) and Blaine (Brigitta), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Wally is also survived by his loving wife Catherine and his children Rick, Annemieka (Brent), Nathan and Ryan as well as seven grandchildren Brady, Owen, Chris, Nick, Gabe, Emerson and Beth.
No service by request. No flowers by request. In lieu of flowers donations to the Shuswap Lake General Hospital or BC Transplant society would be welcome.
June 21, 1947 – June 14, 2025
at the age of 77 years:
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Heather Funfer, beloved wife and mother, following a brief and valiant battle with cancer. Heather was 77, a week short of her 78th birthday and 58th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her husband Rudy; two children, Ted (Julie) Funfer and daughter Sherri Funfer; one fur baby, Queenie, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Born in Pembroke, Ontario, Heather’s family moved to the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, where she and Rudy grew up and met as teenagers. They both went on to work for BC Hydro, first in Mica Creek, and eventually settled in Revelstoke where Heather was Head Tour Guide at the Revelstoke Generating Station. After 27 wonderful, snow-filled years, they retired to Salmon Arm in 2010.
A very talented artist, Heather won awards for her oil paintings and Brazilian embroidery. She was a member of the Revelstoke Art Group, and later joined the Mt. Ida Painters and the Courtyard Gallery in Enderby.
Heather was known for her kindness and generosity, volunteering countless hours to many clubs and organizations she and Rudy were part of over the years, including Sicamous Belles and Buoys, Salmon Arm Squares, and the Revelstoke and Shuswap Vintage Car Clubs. She was devoted to her family and took great care to make birthdays and holidays special, including requests for her famous spaghetti sauce and “epic” butter tarts.
The Funfer Family would like to thank her doctors and the medical team of the Cancer Oncology Unit at Shuswap Lake General Hospital for their dedicated care and support.
Heather was dearly loved and is greatly missed. A special gathering to celebrate her life will be planned for a later date.
September 13, 1963 – June 13, 2025
at the age of 61 years
October 8, 1959 – June 13, 2025
at the age of 65 years
November 23, 1974 – June 10, 2025
at the age of 50 years:
Neil Steinwand, born on November 23, 1974, passed away on June 10, 2025, in Salmon Arm, BC. A fiercely independent individual, Neil cherished the freedom of exploring the world around him, whether it was through sports, music, travel, or trying new and flavorful foods.
Neil attended M.V. Beattie Elementary and A.L. Fortune Secondary School in Enderby, BC, before earning an Accounting Diploma from Thompson Rivers University and subsequently studying at Peace River Bible Institute. His passion for learning was paralleled by his love for sports, music, and the great outdoors. Neil was an avid biker and kayaker, and he never missed a chance to embark on a solo road trip, exploring new horizons.
Neil’s faith was evident thru his musical tastes, his library of reading materials, and the conversations he enjoyed with visitors during the last few years.
He is survived by his brother Kevin and his wife Carrie, as well as his nephews James and Andrew. Neil was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Heather Steinwand.
In keeping with his independent spirit, Neil requested no memorial services. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Eagle Valley Senior Citizens Housing Society, Autism BC, Shuswap Hospital Foundation, and JoeAnna’s House through the KGH Foundation. Neil’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the paths he explored.
September 1, 1933 – June 8, 2025
at the age of 91 years:
Stewart (Stu) Ross passed away peacefully in his Salmon Arm home on June 8, 2025.
Stu was born in Stalwart, Saskatchewan on September 1, 1933. He was the fourth youngest of 9 children. His mother Louise and father James immigrated from Scotland in 1927. He moved with his family to Imperial, Saskatchewan in 1942 at age 8.
He lost his father at the age of 11 and often talked about how his oldest sister Louise had to take care of him and his younger siblings.
He worked in a hardware store and a pool hall in his younger years. In 1957, he moved to Regina, Saskatchewan where he started working for Federated Co-op Lumber Operations.
He married his wife Carole in Regina, Saskatchewan on February 29, 1964 (a leap year and he often joked he only had an anniversary every 4 years!) He was transferred to various cities with his job including Calgary, Winnipeg and Saskatoon. His final transfer was to Salmon Arm, B.C. in 1971 where he worked as the sales manager for Federated Co-op Lumber Mill in Canoe, B.C.
He raised his 6 children in Salmon Arm and bought his “dream house” in 1972 on Lakeshore Rd. He lived in this house the rest of his life (53 years!)
He was hardworking, kind and adventurous.
He and his wife Carole were foster parents for 40 years and over 100 children were welcomed into their home. He had a nick name for every kid he knew. He was a great storyteller and knew how to deliver a funny joke with his dry sense of humor. He wrote in his own font that no one could replicate. He planted cherry trees in his backyard and eventually crafted his own red wine from the cherries and was so proud to share his product with his friends. He loved music, especially piano, and was a good dancer. He spent endless hours taking kids to hockey practices, tournaments and swim meets. He enjoyed cheering them on in their various sporting events.
He was quite athletic being awarded several trophies throughout his lifetime particularly in bowling, curling and golf. He set up a ping pong table in the basement and could beat everyone with his smashing backhand shot. He learned to downhill ski at age 40 and could water ski slalom. Every winter he took his kids skating on frozen Shuswap Lake and skiing on Silver Star Mountain.
He retired in 1992 after 35 years of service with Federated Co-op. Retirement did not slow him down. He was happy he could now golf everyday! He continued to work as a marshal at the Salmon Arm Golf Club and volunteered at Shuswap Lake General Hospital installing T.V.s in patients’ rooms. He had fun dropping into the Seniors Center to visit friends and play pool.
He enjoyed his beloved cabin on Shuswap Lake. He looked forward to the summer when family/relatives would gather for the annual reunion and he could barbeque his salmon and corn on the cob in the red Weber BBQ! He spent many hours at the cabin tending to the lawn, watching wildlife and sipping an ice-cold beer on the porch with the breeze off the lake.
He is survived by his wife Carole and their six children Dana (Melodie), Tracy (John), Shannon, Cory, Bradley and Marilyn, 4 grandchildren, his sister Marina and brother Dunc (Jan).
It was an incredible life journey with so many amazing memories that will be cherished forever. He will be greatly missed by his family.
As per his wishes there will be no service.
