McBride, Michael Carman

McBride, Michael Carman

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September 11, 1938 – January 17, 2023
at the age of 84 years:     

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Michael McBride on January 17, 2023, with family at his side. 

Mike is lovely remembered by his stepdaughter Dawn, step grandchildren Andrew, Lisa, Emma, Carl and Cole, nieces Nicole and Gail, nephew Bert, extended family and special friend Mike Currie.  Mike was preceded by his brother Hank, sister Sharon and stepson Ross. 

Mike was born in New Westminster and grew up on a farm in Mud Bay, BC. His family were pioneers in farming and fishing. Mike fished the West Coast for many years with his wife Shirley on their boat. Mike retired to the beautiful Shuswap where he built his dream house for his beloved Shirley of 36 years who sadly preceded him. 

Dawn would like to thank the wonderful nursing staff at Hillside Village for their dedication.

Mike was known for his quick wit and will be missed. 

Matthews, Wayne Fernie

Matthews, Wayne Fernie

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February 19, 1940 – January 17, 2023
at the age of 82 years:     

Wayne passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82.  He was born Feb 19, 1940 in Regina SK. 

At the age of 9, he moved with his mother and sister Valerie to Canoe, BC.  He later served his community as City Councillor for 12 years and was a business owner of Browning & Matthews Insurance.

Wayne was preceded by his parents Don & Phyllis Matthews of Canoe and is mourned by his wife of 60 years Brigitte; two daughters, Mandy Toner, Salmon Arm and Lisa Jensen (Jason), Clearwater; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

No service will be held at the request of the family.

Cooper, Mary Helen

Cooper, Mary Helen

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October 25, 1934 – January 16, 2023
at the age of 88 years:     

Mary Helen Cooper, a mother of 4 daughters, 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren passed away Jan 16, 2023 at age 88.

Family was most important to Mary, and she dedicated her time and energy unselfishly to providing a loving home with her husband Orville Leonard Cooper, whom she was married to for 63 years, until his passing on February 3, 2020 at age 87.  

The home was filled with the best homemade meals and baking. She spent endless hours in her garden and sewing matching clothes for her 4 girls.
 
In her later years, she was stricken with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia, but we could all see her glimpses of joy when she was visited by family, particularly the little great grandchildren whom she loved to watch play.

She is greatly missed, as not only was she a beautiful caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother, but a wonderful woman. To know her was to love her! We hope you’re “Dancing in the Sky.”

Gallant, Bernard “Bernie” Paul

Gallant, Bernard “Bernie” Paul

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July 3, 1926 – January 13, 2023
at the age of 96 years:

Please join us for an Acadian lunch to celebrate the life of Bernie on Saturday, May 27, 2023, 12pm, Notch Hill Hall, 1639 Notch Hill Road, Sorrento, BC

Bernie passed quietly at Bastion Place after a brief illness, on January 13 at age 96.

He was born in Moncton, New Brunswick on July 3, 1926.  He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Beryl (1998); his parents, Lévi and Loretta; his brothers Rudy (Flora), Eric (Annie) and Pierre (Honorine) and sister Stella (Henri).  Left to remember him fondly are sister-in-law Annie; brother-in-law Henri; his large extended family and many longtime friends.

Bernie joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1944 at the age of 18.  He worked as a surveyor with the Mapping and Charting Department of the Royal Canadian Engineers and rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

He travelled throughout the northern wilderness by dogsled and packhorse train during the postwar years when the defense of the North was a priority for the Canadian Military.  He surveyed and mapped areas of the country that had not been precisely charted until then.  He was awarded a Centennial Medal in 1967 for his contributions.

He and Beryl moved from Ottawa to BC in 1973.  It didn’t take long for Bernie to become actively involved in the Sorrento community.  He worked as a contractor building houses, he participated on the Sorrento Water Board and was a member of the Shuswap Volunteer Fire Department.  He was honoured as Citizen of the Year in 1989.

Bernie was never idle and he truly enjoyed being around people.  He loved spending time at Romyn’s farm in Notch Hill; hosting parties and preparing delicious food for his friends and neighbours.  In his retirement he learned to ride a motorcycle, fly an ultralight and he travelled across Canada in a converted school bus with his restored 1928 Ford Model A in the back.   

Even after suffering a stroke, he never lost his zest for life.  From the comfort and confines of his recliner, he still managed to give good advice, get his neighbours to attend to his needs like a well-disciplined military unit, enjoy a glass of rum with his friends on Friday nights and hand out jars of New Brunswick lobster to anyone who dropped by.  He still loved good food and had a twinkle in his eye until the end.

Sincere gratitude to all the Community Care Aides and neighbours who took such good care of Bernie for many years; allowing him to live in his home for as long as possible; to the staff at Bastion who gave him loving care and comfort in his last year and to Dr. Osmond for her genuine compassion.

Bernie was a proud Acadian, which showed in his joie de vivre, good times shared with friends and his deep connection with his family’s history.

À la prochaine, mon ami.

A celebration of Bernie’s life will take place at the Notch Hill Hall, 1639 Notch Hill Rd, Sorrento, at 11:00 a.m. on May 27, 2023.  Everyone is welcome. If you would like to honour Bernie’s memory, donations may be made to the Shuswap Branch of the BCSPCA.  Many an orphaned cat found love, comfort and safety in Bernie’s home.

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