Ted was born in Chorzow, Poland to parents Gertruda and Stanislaw.

He emigrated to Canada in 1961 with his wife and eldest son and resided in Vancouver until they moved to Maple Ridge in 1977.

Ted was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He lived happily alongside his loving wife Anna of sixty five years and together they created a beautiful family of their own.

He leaves behind his wife Anna and their three children, and their spouses, George (Brita), Dorothy (Guy) and John (Sandra), 8 grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an uncle to Danuta, Zbyszek, Iwonna, Beata, Ken and Meg.

In 1957 he was appointed as Mayor of Lidzbark, Warminski, Poland where he met his future wife at a May Day Picnic Dance.

Ted loyally worked for HA Simons Engineering Company for 34 years and his position took him to places abroad to explore more of the world.

Ted was a remarkable, generous man that impacted many people’s lives. He had many interesting stories that he would share with family and friends about his life events during the war.

His love of learning and discussing politics and current events lasted throughout his life until the time he passed away.

During his retirement he spent most of his time with his family, travelling and visiting family in Europe, the Philippines and Canada.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Hawthorn Care Facility Assisted Living who cared so deeply for Ted.

You are forever loved and will be truly missed. Thank you for everything you’ve given us during your time here with us.

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Don Goosen at Abbotsford General Hospital, British Columbia after a short and courageous battle with AL Amyloidosis.

Diagnosed December 2021, Don fought this cruel and rare disease with courage, strength and optimism before God took him home at the age of 57.

Don will be lovingly remembered by his mother Hedie; his partner Susan; his children, Alexis, Ty and Amanda, Matt and Maddie; Susan’s children Connor and Christine, Samantha and Devinder; granddaughters Amira and Presley; siblings Jack and Peggy, Debbie and Mike, Heidi; many nieces and nephews; Don is predeceased by his father Jacob Goosen, who passed eleven months previous on March 17, 2021.

Don was born in Winnipeg Manitoba and grew up in a family of four children. At a young age, his propensity for drums was evident when as a baby, his mom made a makeshift drum set with kitchen items in the late hours to keep him amused. This talent evolved into a ‘gig’ as drummer for a band Crystal Bridge in his youth. They would practice in the basement where Don’s grandmother would listen and adore their version of The Rose as it reminded her of a church hymn. Don’s loving and affectionate heart showed early when in kindergarten Don told his teacher he forgot what his mother looked like so that he could be walked to his home across the street to give her a hug. He grew up spending family vacations in Ontario, B.C., Disney World and Las Vegas where his sister Debbie remembers as ‘the babysitter’, her easy going and very caring brother Don spending his time fine tuning his skills at arcade games and pinball. Don professed God blessed him with a full head of hair and at the age of 16 it is believed after attending a pool party that his wavy locks transformed to a mass of curls.

Don attended Red River College in Winnipeg before investing in a lengthy career in Loss Prevention Investigation. He worked for companies including The Hudson’s Bay Company, Manitoba Lotteries Corporation at Club Regent Casino, Indigo Books, Cabela’s and finally The Northwest Company in a position that brought him opportunities to travel to remote communities including Arctic Bay, Iqaluit and Guam.

Don lived in the Winnipeg area most of his life where he raised his children with his children’s mother Joanne. They owned a hobby farm close to Niverville where they raised chickens, goats, sheep, bunnies, alpacas and even a donkey. It was also a wonderful place to practice one of Don’s many loves; football. A lifelong Miami Dolphin fan, the farm was a perfect place to throw the football with his boys and invent the infamous play “Hooks to Septic”. In addition to “The Fish”, Don’s love of Seinfeld was infectious and his appreciation of fine watches was his timeless passion.

Don moved to Chilliwack, BC at the beginning of 2020 to be with the love of his life Susan. Divine Intervention led them together when they met the previous year. A true gentleman and romantic, he asked her father for her hand in marriage and proposed in front of her parents on bended knee shortly after. Susan’s family treasured and embraced Don with open arms including her two Labrador pups, Winston and Bailey. Visions of retirement in paradise were beginning to be realized when they traveled to Mexico and put a deposit on their dream condo in December shortly before Don’s health took a turn. They shared a love beyond the world and Don gave her a forever with their numbered days.

Don’s infectious and welcoming personality attracted a large number of friends along his journey including his childhood friend group “Full Book” who inspired Don’s contagious and over use of the word “Full”. Many who met Don immediately considered him like a brother. His wonderful sense of humour, overflowing generosity and loving kindness will long be remembered by his family and friends.

The family would like thank the staff of Chilliwack General Hospital’s 4th and 2nd floors and ICU as well as Abbotsford General Hospital’s ICU and CCU for their care and professional attention. As per Don’s wishes, a cremation has taken place. A private service and Celebration of Life is being held this summer near Don’s home in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders.

Derek Charles Benington passed away at the age of ninety-five in Port Moody, B.C. He was born  in Mafeking, South Africa to Charles William Crewdson Benington and Martha Petronella  Johanna De Klerk. He emigrated to Canada from South Africa in 2000 and was a resident of Port Moody.

He served in the South African Airforce, as a navigator/bomb-aimer, and was stationed in Egypt  and Italy during World War II. He graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1951 as  an Architect. He worked in private practise and became a partner in one of the largest  architectural firms in Johannesburg. Later he worked as Head Architect of Rand Mines  Company Ltd and finished his career as architect for the Physical Facilities Department of the  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in South Africa.

Derek married his sweetheart, Sheila Stacey on July 5, 1958. He was a faithful and devoted  husband throughout their almost 63 years of marriage. Together they raised their six children, in a loving home environment. Derek was adored by his children and made them all  feel valued and supported.

Predeceased by daughter Karen.

Survived by loving wife Sheila, children Lesley,  Brian, Alan, Roger and Diane,twenty-two grandchildren,  and seventeen great grandchildren.

Derek was a skilled carpenter, an artist, an excellent marksman, a man who loved birds, animals and the outdoors, and who made exercise a regular part of his routine. He was gentle,  kind, loyal, trustworthy, patient, and honest. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus  Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

Stan passed away on June 6, 2022, at the age of 79. He was born in North Battleford,
Saskatchewan, then moved to Surrey, B.C. with his mother Isabel and 7 siblings, when
he was six years old. Stan worked for 18 years at Canadian Vinegar in Burnaby, B.C. as
an Assistant Shipper & Receiver until the plant shut down. After that, he found a new
career as an Ice Cream Driver for Dickie Dees and worked there for 15 years. Stan
found great joy when watching his son play baseball at the Whalley Ball Park. He was
dedicated to his son and would be present for all of his games and tournaments locally
and as far as Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

In his younger years, Stan was an avid bowler and belonged to a team. Stan really
enjoyed playing pool. Some people might even call him a pool shark. He also liked
playing cards, especially poker. His main interest was playing the ponies in Cloverdale.
If you could not find him at home, just check the racetrack.

Predeceased by his son Willie and siblings Edgar (Barbara), Gordon, Jack (Mary),
Dorothy (Stan), Betty (Albert), Hazel (Johnny).

He will live on in the hearts of his daughters Bev (Michael), Brenda (Craig), daughter-in-
law Cathy, grandchildren, Devyn (Dillon), Eddie (Karly), Logan, Justin, Tina, and
Jessica (James), sister Ivy (Ben), sister-in-law Winnie, and many extended family
members and friends.

“We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain to walk and guide us
through our lives until we meet again.”

Passed out of this world on May 17, 2022, at McKenney Creek Hospice Residence in Maple Ridge, British Columbia at the age of 62. Georgina was born in London, England, but lived in Canada for the last 36 years. Canada was a place that Georgina fell in love with due to its abundance of natural beauty.

Georgina’s life was cut short far too soon, but those of us who remember the person she was know that the time she spent on this Earth will be far outlived by the imprint she has left on our hearts. Georgina was talented in many ways. She was a master gardener, an avid runner, and an incredible cook. Not a day went by where she didn’t show her love for her family, her friends, her children, and her grandson, Sebastian. To her, family was everything; Her reason for being, her greatest joy, and her highest achievement in life.

Predeceased by her parents, Roma Martha Luke née Scotland and Julius “Fortune” Luke, and siblings, Joyce Mary Coipel-Luke, and Anthony Stephen Luke. Survived by her children, Tiffany Ilia Dodds and Christopher Kyle Dodds; her grandson, Sebastian Benedict Theodore Dodds-Murray; her siblings, Haydn Bernard Eugene (Ela), Juliette Maria Stevens née Luke, Anita Emma Luke, Simon Morris, and Julia Fernel Luke, as well as, 9 nieces and 9 nephews.

With broken hearts we share that Kevyn passed from this world at the young age of 33.  Kevyn was born in Burnaby, B.C. to parents Colleen and Bruce Kirbyson.  For the first three years of Kevyn’s life, we knew that he was destined to be sports minded.  He had a hockey stick in his hands from the time he could walk.  He loved all sports and played soccer, lacrosse, ran track and field as well as hockey, but hockey was his passion.  Kevyn started playing hockey at the age of three for the Burnaby Winter Club.  He played there growing up, moved to Junior B, playing for the Ridge Meadow Flames, and was offered a position in the WHL for the Tricity Americans but chose to play Junior A for the Vernon Vipers, so he could be closer to his family and friends. Kevyn was a team player and was very social growing up and had many friends, including his lifelong friend, his younger brother Trevor.  They did everything together including getting into trouble.

Kevyn met Rumi Miteva and married her on December 31^st, 2011.  They had their beautiful daughter on July 29, 2015, Elliana Miteva Kirbyson. Elliana and Rumi were the loves of his life. Rumi and Kevyn were unfortunately separated but remained friends until he passed.

Kevyn was a kind and loving soul and generous beyond words.  He would give his last dollar to help someone out. His favorite place was Disneyland where you could just be a kid, and everything was magical.

Predeceased by his grandmother Connie Kirbyson and Poppa Barrie Scott.

Survived by daughter Ellie, wife Rumi, parents Colleen and Bruce, brother Trevor (Beth), grandparents Arnold Kirbyson and Fay Scott, nieces Emily and Briella, Aunty Kathy, Aunty Joanne and many more aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The hardest part of Kevyn’s young life was losing his Poppa Barrie Scott whom he talked about non-stop until the day he passed.

For those of you who were privileged to know Kevyn beyond his struggles remember that he always wanted the best for everyone, and he loved his family and friends more than anything and would have done anything for them if he could.

We believe Kevyn is reunited in the loving arms of his Poppa now.

Kevyn’s favorite song growing up was the Rainbow Connection and we would like to leave you with this. Every time you see a rainbow remember these words:

“Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what’s on the other side.  Rainbows are visions but only illusions and rainbows have nothing to hide.  So we’ve been told and some choose to believe but I know they’re wrong wait and see.  Someday we’ll find it The Rainbow Connection, The lovers, the dreamers and me.”

We love you Kevyn and you will forever be missed.

Celebration of Life to honour Kevyn on Saturday, April 23 at 11:00 am at Eagle Ridge United Church, 2813 Glen Drive, Coquitlam, B.C.

Brandon was born in New Westminster to loving parents Kathy and Marty. Nicknamed Smiley, Brando, and McCutie. He was kind, caring, and loved so much. Brandon was a huge sports fan. The Vancouver Canucks, B.C. Lions and Seahawks were his favourite teams. A B.C. Lions season ticket holder at the age of twenty-two, a frequent listener to team 1040, calling in as “Brandon from da ridge” to comment and voice his opinion. His jersey collection was epic. Brandon lit up a room with his love of sports and it was inspiring for all who knew him.

Growing up Brandon played soccer, baseball, and football and could be found playing goalie in many street hockey games after school with his cousins and friends. He loved to play video games, often connecting with friends in a group competition online and he loved listening to music with MacMiller and Eminem being his favorite artists. Brandon was a little quirky and danced to the beat of his own drum, often sporting a spiderman costume in his younger days and as a young man one of his jerseys, Star Wars t-shirts, or his trademark floral shirts, fanny pack, and bucket hats. Brandon went to Terry Fox Highschool and graduated in 2012. During high school, he worked at Walmart and after graduation for A-1 Paul’s Trailer Repair as a parts driver moving up to parts manager. He enjoyed the connections he made in the parts industry and the people he worked with.

So many fun memories were made with his friends camping at the Squamish and Pemberton music festivals, with his grandparents and cousins camping at Alouette, fun trips to Mexico & Disneyworld, and with family and friends at the cabin in Tulameen. From his younger years of building sandcastles to boating, ATV rides, drinks at Chandler’s bar & the Burke, and crazy Tulameen Days, he gave us memories we will all cherish. A beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, just like a star he will shine bright in our hearts and memories forever.

Brandon is predeceased by his grandmother Jean McKewan; and Survived by loving mother Kathy, father Marty (passed away December 31, 2020), brother Connor, grandparents Patricia and William Squires, grandfather Clifford McKewan (passed away January 1, 2022), uncle Chris Squires (Jennifer), uncle Daren McKewan (Tracy Clark), aunt Tracy Hobkirk (Brett), aunt Sheila McKewan; cousins: Cody Squires, Jason Squires, Courtney McKewan, Scott McKewan, Blair Hobkirk, Deric Hobkirk and best friends, Dakota, Jared, and Wade.

Marty was born in Haney, Maple Ridge in 1963. He grew up in Port Coquitlam, graduating from Port Coquitlam High in 1980.

Marty’s family spent many summers boating and camping on Pitt Lake and spending winters snowmobiling at their cabin on Burke Mountain.  The exposure to these activities gave him the love of the outdoors and adventure.  He loved snow skiing, becoming an expert skier and eventually a member of the Grouse Mountain ski patrol for many years.  His love of boating, snowmobiling, camping, and spending time with friends were joys he loved and cherished over the years.

Marty was a dedicated young worker and was very proud of the jobs he had growing up.  Starting at a young age with a paper route he moved to a role at McDonald’s at 15, soon becoming a crew chief.  As he loved cooking, he moved into various restaurant roles until graduating from high school. After graduating, he moved into a job at Mitchell Press working in the bindery department.  Shortly after, at the age of 19, he bought his first house on Glen Drive in Port Coquitlam.  His school friend Kevin was his first roommate and was soon joined by his brother Daren.  Many fun memories were made with Kevin, Daren, and his close friend Daryl along with others over the years.

While working at Mitchell Press, Marty went to night school and in 1985 completed a 4-year apprenticeship in bookbinding.  Moving to Hemlock Printers in 1986 as a folder operator, he soon become the Bindery Supervisor for many years. In 2008, he was proud to take on the opportunity to teach the bindery curriculum of the Graphic Communications Technology Management course at BCIT.  Marty worked for Hemlock Printer’s for 30 years and was fortunate to work with his brother Daren, his brother-in-law Chris, his father-in-law Bill and his cousin Jeff.   Marty was passionate about his job and his co-workers and was loved and respected as the Bindery Supervisor at Hemlock and throughout the local printing industry.

Marty married his wife Kathy in 1991 and they were married for almost 30 years.   They had two boys, Brandon and Connor, and Marty was very involved in the boy’s activities from an early age.  Attending hockey games was a given, along with many years of coaching soccer and baseball games. He was the coach that loved to bring the team double bubbles and candy bags and if he was on the sidelines, he was always Brandon’s and Connor’s #1 fan cheering them on.

The dream of buying a cabin with his brother Daren became a reality in 1993.  Many happy memories were made at the cabin in Tulameen with family and friends.  Building the largest campfires in the back yard was a normal occurrence, scary at times but fun!!  From the ultimate sandcastles at the beach to boat rides with the most tubes and boogie boards he could pull, there was never a dull moment.  So many memorable snowmobile and ATV rides, he was a speed demon at heart, whether leaving you in a spray full of water, snow, or dust.

Marty was louder than life, quick-witted with a sense of humor.  He made his mark on the world with his family and friends, the printing industry, and with anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.  He will be missed by us all and will always be remembered.

Marty is predeceased by his mother Jean McKewan and his son Brandon McKewan.

Survived by loving wife Kathy, son Connor, father Clifford (passed away January 1, 2022), brother Daren (Tracy Clark), sister Tracy Hobkirk (Brett), brother-in-law Chris Squires (Jennifer), mother-in-law and father-in-law Patricia and Willliam Squires, niece and nephews:  Courtney McKewan, Scott McKewan, Blair Hobkirk, Deric Hobkirk, Cody Squires, and Jason Squires.

March 5, 2022, Joey D’Alfonso of Richmond and Osoyoos, B.C., passed away unexpectedly in Thailand at the age of 47. He was gentle, kind, outgoing, fun loving, and loyal. His decades long friendships speak for themselves. Joey enjoyed travelling that included Thailand, Europe, Mexico, and Brazil. However, he would have given up any trip to stay home and see the Canucks win the Cup. Fishing, golfing, skiing, camping, and the finer things in life with all his friends and family brought him great joy. Joey worked for B.C. Ferries for sixteen years as a deckhand and was a proud member of the B.C. Ferries Mustang Club. Predeceased by grandfathers, Duncan Stirling and Leonardo D’Alfonso; grandmother, Maria D’Alfonso; uncles, John D’Alfonso, James Roderick (Rod) Stirling, and Tony D’Alfonso and godfather, Bob Wasko.

Joey will be fondly remembered by his loving family including his mother, Jerralynn;

father Joe (Jorie); sister, Jennifer (David) Boyes; nieces, Claire and Emma

Boyes; grandmother and grandfather, Betty and Hans Baier as well as extended family and many friends. There will be two Events to honour Joey. April 8, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Richmond Country Club, 9100 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, B.C. April 24 at 2:00 pm at Spirit Ridge Conference Centre, Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, B.C. Donations are gratefully accepted in Joey’s memory to the B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation. HeartAndStroke.ca.

It is with immense heartbreak and sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beautiful Ruben on February 8th, 2022, at age 50.

Ruben’s arrival to the world was a joyous surprise and a gift from God to his parents and sister. While growing up in Venezuela, he always had a creative, independent spirit and was motivated to create the life he dreamed of for himself.

His love of travel began early on when he joined the AFS Intercultural Program, which brought him to Canada as an exchange student to study and live with his “Canadian Family”. He then returned to Venezuela to complete a degree at UCV and met many lifelong friends. After some time, Ruben moved to Spain where he became a citizen and lived happily there for many years.

He always had a clear vision of what he wanted his life to look like and eventually decided to return to Canada, where he felt deeply connected to. He was a dedicated, hard worker and built a beautiful life in Vancouver alongside his loving partner of five years, Zdravko. They meticulously designed and created a home for themselves and his adored Mama Giglia to live.

Ruben was extremely passionate about travel and explored all corners of the world throughout his life. He was always planning each and every detail of the next big adventure.

He will be remembered for his amazing smile, humour, and above all, his devotion and love for his family and friends.

He will be deeply missed by his partner Zdravko, Mother Giglia, Sister Moraima and her husband Andres, Nephew Carlos and his wife and Grand Nephew as well as other extended family and dear friends worldwide. Ruben will join his father Domingo in heaven, who passed away many years ago.

Ruben was an incredible human being, loving son, partner, and loyal friend. Our memories of him will remain in our hearts to cherish always as he moves on to his next journey.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 18 at 10:00 am PDT at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, 555 Slocan St, Vancouver, B.C. For access to the Virtual Memorial Mass link and passcode, please email RubenMemorialRSVP@gmail.com. There will be a Celebration of Life to honour Ruben, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the AFS Intercultural Program, which he felt so connected to throughout his life.

En Español:

Con una tristeza enorme y una terrible pena en nuestro corazón comunicamos el inesperado fallecimiento de nuestro querido Rubén. Nos dejó el día 8 de febrero de 2022, a la edad de 50 años.

La llegada de Rubén al mundo fue una grata sorpresa y un regalo de Dios para sus padres y hermana.

Un niño bendecido por Dios a quien la vida siempre le sonrió.

Rubén se crio y creció en Venezuela y, desde muy joven, siempre tuvo un espíritu creativo e independiente, y estaba motivado a hacer realidad la vida que soñaba.

Su amor por viajar comenzó muy temprano cuando se unió al Programa Intercultural AFS, que lo llevó a Canadá como estudiante de intercambio para estudiar y vivir con la que llegó a ser su “familia canadiense”.

Después de su etapa en Canadá regresó a Venezuela y se graduó en la UCV donde conoció a muchos de sus grandes amigos.

Unos años después, Rubén se trasladó a España, donde se convirtió en ciudadano y vivió feliz durante muchos años, trabajando y construyendo amistades para toda la vida.

Él siempre tuvo una visión muy clara de lo que quería hacer en su vida y un tiempo después decidió regresar a Canadá, un lugar con el que se sentía muy conectado.

Él fue una persona muy entregada, trabajó muy duro y llegó a construir una vida muy hermosa en Vancouver junto con pareja y amor durante 5 años, Zdravko. Juntos diseñaron y crearon con mucho cariño un hogar donde vivir junto con su adorada madre, Giglia.

A lo largo de su vida, la gran pasión de Rubén siempre fue viajar y explorar todos los rincones del mundo.

Siempre estaba planeando todos y cada uno de los detalles de su siguiente gran aventura.

Todos los que le conocíamos le recordaremos por su sonrisa maravillosa, su sentido del humor y, sobre todo, su dedicación y amor por su familia y amigos.

Su pareja Zdravko, su madre Giglia, su hermana Moraima y su cuñado Andrés, su sobrino Carlos con su esposa y junto con su sobrino-nieto, demás familiares y sus queridos amigos en todo el mundo lo extrañarán profundamente. Rubén se reunirá en el Cielo con su padre Domingo, quien falleció hace muchos años.

Rubén fue un excelente ser humano, hijo y pareja amoroso y gran amigo. Nuestros recuerdos de él permanecerán siempre en nuestros corazones mientras él comienza su siguiente viaje.

Una misa en su recuerdo tendrá lugar el día 18 de febrero a las 10:00 AM PDT (2:00 PM hora de Venezuela) en la parroquia Our Lady of Sorrows, calle Slocan número 555, en Vancouver, BC.

Para acceder a la Misa Virtual, escriba a la siguiente dirección de e-mail para solicitar el enlace y código de acceso: RubenMemorialRSVP@gmail.com

Más adelante nos reuniremos para recordarlo y celebrar la vida.

En cuanto al envío de flores, por favor, considere en su lugar hacer una donación al Programa Intercultural AFS, programa con el que él se sintió muy conectado a lo largo de su vida